Three Reminders From Your Therapist in the New Year
While it is always a good time to think of ways to improve your wellness, New Year’s has become the most traditional time to mark the start of new intentions. Therapy sessions allow you to prioritize your mental wellness in the new year. Talking to a licensed therapist is a helpful way to reset, reflect, and process lessons from the previous year and your desires and goals for the year ahead.
Below are three reminders, no matter where you are in your therapeutic journey.
We are excited to hear about your goals any time of year:
The new year coincides with the change in seasons. If you live in a place that experiences a traditional winter season, this means colder days and less sunlight, which can alter how you feel. The increase in the release of melatonin this time of year means that you might experience more moodiness, anxiety, low energy, and food cravings. So, if you are not in the mood to set new goals or planning for the year ahead feels too overwhelming, that’s okay. Your therapist looks forward to discussing whatever you would like to explore.
Similarly, if there is something that you are excited about, we are happy to share in your excitement. We understand and are aware of all the heavy and heart-wrenching things happening all around us. Remember that humans are capable of experiencing multiple feelings at the same time. Therapy allows you to explore these feelings and thoughts without judgment.
We do not expect immediate change:
If the new year marks a new beginning for you, you might be looking forward to making positive changes. Therapy is an excellent time to reflect on the changes you hope to implement and discover sustainable ways to remain motivated.
As the weeks pass and you adjust to your pre-holiday routine, it’s not unusual for your enthusiasm to wane a bit. Your therapist wants to remind you that you are human. Together, we will explore your needs, obstacles, thoughts, and behaviors stopping you and create a plan for when you feel stuck.
As therapists, we want to help you achieve your goals and peace of mind without feeling guilt or shame. While we are excited to cheer you on, we want to know how you feel. You do not need to apologize if you did not do your “homework” or didn’t accomplish what you hoped to during our last session. Checking in on how you feel provides insight into what’s working and what’s not and allows us to reevaluate and make changes. All outcomes help you learn more about yourself.
We want to remind you that your goals have yet to expire. Revisiting an old topic or idea allows you to reexamine your thoughts and feelings and develop a deeper understanding of yourself.
We will encourage you to incorporate mindfulness into other aspects of your life:
We want to encourage you to fill your cup outside of sessions, and we understand that the term “self-care” can feel vague and a bit overwhelming. We want to remind you that practice makes progress, not perfection. Consider small sustainable changes you can make that will help you feel more grounded and relaxed. While you might want to complete a certification or a saving goal this year, we want to remind you that having fun is essential too.
Mindfulness outside of therapy sessions is not one-size-fits-all, and while meditation or physical activity might feel suitable for some, you may find that activities like dates with friends, spending time outdoors, listening to music, and saying no to opportunities that do not align with your goals or values may feel good for you. Tuning into your particular needs can lead to feeling calm, comforted and joyful.
