Too busy for therapy?

Too busy for therapy?

It seems there is never a convenient time to attend to the things that matter most.  For many of us, every moment of our day, and seemingly every day of the week is already accounted for.  Your friends may talk about the life changing benefits of working with their therapist. You promise yourself that once work slows down or the children are all in school, then you’ll make more time for yourself.  You may have good intentions around finding the perfect therapist and starting therapy, but the reality of fitting one more thing into your calendar can feel daunting.

Does that mean therapy is completely out of the question for you? 

Maybe not.

Why add therapy into your already busy schedule?

What many of us fail to recognize is that a large part of the stress we feel is simply a symptom of neglected and unresolved issues we pack around year after year.  Not having the time to address these issues can leave you stuck in a perpetual pattern of never having time. You may have learned that your needs don’t matter.  Maybe you struggle to say no.  Perhaps your attempt to make everyone happy, leaves you drained, empty, and ultimately unhappy.

Additionally, life has a way of showing us that work doesn’t really slow down, and although our family or living situation might change, new demands quickly fill our time.  You are the only one that has the power to change what you may believe you are powerless to do.  Self-care becomes that elusive luxury you hear your friends talk about, but just not obtainable for you. They speak of taking a vacation, joining the gym, pursuing a beloved hobby, maybe even getting a massage. And, if they are really good friends, they encourage you to make real change in your life such as seeking support, working through past hurts, and possibly following through with therapy.  We each  have our own unique issues we’re dealing with, and can benefit from support and the help of a professional perspective in navigating that path. 

I have always lived a busy and hectic life. Is therapy really worth it?

Life can feel like a bit of a mouse wheel, where there is not much time in your schedule for anything other than what is absolutely necessary. If you’ve learned that this is the only way to survive, you are most likely depleted both emotionally and physically.  When your schedule doesn’t allow for rest, rejuvenation, or healthy connections, you are actually limiting your ability to do so much more. Mental and physical exhaustion can impact:

• Sleep
• Managing emotions
• Physical health  
• Stress levels 

All of which can be addressed in therapy.

In therapy you can place all obligations aside, and take time to explore what you’re feeling, and understand where it’s coming from. Therapy is a safe place to learn healthy responses and even heal from old hurts.  And, you get support to help you power through, even with a busy schedule.