Seeking Growth

I'm feeling stuck today. I have some changes that I'd like to make, yet can't quite get there. Of course, then, I begin to analyze this. Predictably, a workplace hazard for a psychotherapist. I used to work at a clinic where there were two substance abuse counselors that I interacted with daily. Not having done any coursework or practice in substance abuse treatment, I was intrigued by what theories and interventions they used in their practice. One particular model that they used regularly, was James Prochaska's Stages of Change model. I've outlined the model for you below: Pre-Contemplation - the individual does not exhibit the specified behavior, and has not considered adopting the behavior. Contemplation - the individual is considering adopting the behavior, but has not dedicated any effort towards enacting it or preparing to enact it. Preparation - the individual has started to gather information on the behavior, with a view towards enacting it. Action - th...

I recently saw one of my daughter's friend's homes listed for sale. I knew that they were considering moving to California, since they have family there. I asked my daughter if she knew the friend was moving, and she said, "Yeah, Maddie said that her mom gets sad in the winter so they are moving somewhere warm". It made me think about how growing up in Wisconsin, I always accepted that I would feel fatigued for much of the winter. I've always been an active cross-country and downhill skier, so it's not that I hate the cold, but I do know that I feel different in the winter than I do in the summer. When I was in graduate school, I did a research paper on Seasonal Affective Disorder. I think we're often most intrigued with researching things that we've experienced firsthand. I learned through my research about the effect of sunshine , or lack thereof playing a critical role in seasonal depression. The most effective treatment, according to my research...

I have been working on cleaning, organizing and purging, all popular activities for the New Year. I think we all begin the new year with expectations for change and growth, hence the "resolutions" that typically happen. When going through some old papers a few days ago, I came across a scrap of paper with a quote I'd written on it. I love meaningful quotes; I'm always collecting them to use with my clients or as personal motivation. I don't remember where I found this one, but it's written as follows, "Change is the right combination of discomfort and hope". Isn't that true? We need to be in a place of pain in order to be motivated to make change, and without some hope for success, or alleviation of pain, why would we even try? Think about the changes you want to make in your life. What's your plan? Who can support you? Even the most complicated changes can be broken down into manageable steps toward success.