There are so many individuals who outwardly appear to have it all together. They are smart, successful, experienced in their field and often the focus of envy. But through deeper and honest conversation, it becomes obvious that things are not always as perfect as they seem. Business owners, executives, doctors, managers and other professionals are often struggling with internal issues like depression and anxiety, and feel their professional status prevents them from talking about it. But more and more people are discovering that a healthy mind is your best investment and professional therapy is the path to get there. Here are my top 6 ways professionals benefit from therapy:
1. Work : Life Balance – All work and no play…well, you know the rest. To be successful, your career makes extraordinary demands of your time and energy, leaving little time for family and fun. And many professionals feel they have no choice, but later in life regret they missed the mark in prioritizing what is important for a happy life. Neglecting your personal life and interests can negatively impact your well-being, relationships, and even your career. Through therapy, you can discover how to effectively prioritize and manage your time, become more well-rounded, and succeed not just in business but in life as well.
2. Coping Strategies – No one gets through life unscathed. Professionals are no different. I like to tell clients that life is like a series of problems you are being challenged to solve. Expecting challenges will occur and having a tool box of skills to manage them will allow you to build confidence, efficiency, and effectiveness. Pretty soon you will face life with a “Bring It On” attitude.
3. Learn the Power of Your Thoughts – Never underestimate the power of your self-talk. What we think truly has the power to become our reality. I can’t tell you how many times clients experience an “A-HA!” moment when they discover the skill of empowered thought. In therapy you become aware of your thought patterns, develop inner dialogues that offer more effective ways to think, and then enjoy the experience of empowerment and wisdom as a result.
4. Inner Locus of Control – People usually fall into two categories: those who believe they have control over their own destiny, and those who believe they are at the whim of the universe around them. Understanding how you can control your life circumstances, despite the many things you cannot control, will revolutionize how you approach life.
5. Learn About Your “Thing”: Everyone has a thing, or individual characteristic, that has the potential to create barriers in life. Maybe you are shy, or a worrier, or an attention-seeker. If you let it, failing to acknowledge and manage your “thing” can get in the way of what you want to achieve socially, professionally and in relationships. I frequently talk matter-of-factly to each of my four kids about their “thing”, a lesson I feel is just as important as math or how to read. Developing self-awareness empowers them to avoid getting in their own way. It’s never too late to discover your “thing” and neutralize its impact on your life.
6. Create Life Enhancing Relationships – Successful professionals frequently struggle in their personal relationships. Whether friendships, family, or romantic partnerships, relationships take commitment, time and energy to foster and care for. When relationships are unhealthy, they create unbearable stress and even trauma, distracting us away from the kind of life we want. Understanding how to develop strong relationships and address unhealthy ones can be one of the most impactful ways to live a more satisfying and successful life.
A consultation session at The Connected Owl is a great way to learn more about how therapy can specifically help you become more successful in your job and life.
Leave a Reply