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October 2009 New: Clinical Psychology Associates Feedback Form CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY ASSOCIATES FEEDBACK FORMS NOW ONLINE! In our efforts to greater serve you, we have extended our means for you to provide feedback regarding our clinic and services. If you would like to provide feedback, please go to www.clinical-psychology-associates/contactus.htm, and then click the link under "Satisfaction Survey." Fast Help! Why is Change So Difficult? Change is a concept that is often feared and avoided by many. Oftentimes, people wonder why it is so difficult to make positive changes. Change comes easier to some than to others. For example, change might be easier for an optimistic ("glass half full") person than a pessimistic ("glass half empty") person. The pessimistic person might be able to come up with a whole thesis as to why they should not or cannot make a necessary change. Non-flexible or negative thinking patterns are oftentimes at the root of resistance to change. However, change is not impossible. By changing one's mindset, one can become open to the possibilities that change can create. A common argument used by many to avoid change is the time needed to institute the change. Take exercise for example. You have probably heard people say "I'd like to begin exercising or get to the gym, but I just don't have enough time in the day." While it may be true that the person has a tight schedule, it is important to prioritize and create time for the activity. Taking time out for exercise gives one increased energy and renewed vitality, which in turn creates the feeling of the equivalent of more hours in a day. A deeper fear may be that other aspects of your life will change as a result of making one change or that you want to change many things about your life but feel you can't or don't have the strength. Don't worry. Worry will only prevent you from taking the first step. You don't have to do it all at once. You can think of change as a domino effect. Begin by creating change in one aspect of your life. You will notice that this might create further changes as a result. Take the example of exercise. When one begins an exercise regime, he/she might then decide as a result that he or she would like to begin to eat healthier and the person will gradually introduce a healthy diet into his or her life. In this example one healthy choice influences another and it happens over time. The beauty of this is that you not only enjoy the process, but when you look back at all of the changes you have made, you will gain a greater appreciation of the journey. If you fear that others around you will resist you or be threatened by the changes you've made, don't let that stop you. Find people who share common goals, outlooks, interests and allow them to be your support system. Be patient with others as you make life changes so that they may change along with you. Remember, as you change, it is not only for your self-improvement, but you can see how it positively influences others around you. Remember that "change is the only constant." Resistance to change only blocks one's ability to go with the flow of life and enjoy life fully. Change can be a conscious decision (being aware and being proactive and determined to make changes), and sometimes it can come as a surprise from the outside if one has been resistant to change. By being open to new possibilities and opening our minds to change, we expand our horizons and realize how resilient we are and what endless possibilities have always been within our reach.Most of us have been taught since childhood, that to get ahead, we must work hard. You may recall such sayings as "no pain, go gain," or "the early bird catches the worm." Hard work is not a bad thing in itself. However, it can become unproductive when life becomes an endless struggle. When this happens, it is hard to retain a positive outlook and expect life to get easier or to sometimes be able to enjoy the fruits of one's labor due to an endless pursuit of "I'll enjoy life, when ..." Sometimes, people find themselves struggling only to pay the bills. Some unsatisfied people work in jobs they have had all of their life and never got the chance to explore careers that would better suit them based on their talents, skills, and values. When this is the case, this makes a person unhappy, dreading getting out of bed to go to work in the morning, or finding themselves resentful at a boss, themselves or life in general. Some people may feel they have lost their creativity and don't feel in touch with themselves or with life. Maybe your current job or career doesn't allow you to take advantage of all of your skills and talents. Perhaps it doesn't align with your values. As our economy currently stands, it is difficult to change jobs or find new employment. However, if you are feeling unsettled in your job or aspects of your job, you may wish to create a different or more positive outlook. For example, ask yourself in what ways your job fulfills you (finding gratitude), or if there are ways that you can streamline your duties or responsibilities (increasing productivity), or reaching out to get to know a fellow team member or assisting them (appreciating others and yourself). Anything you can do to notice a positive difference can improve your outlook on your current circumstances. If you feel it difficult to create a fresh perspective in your current job, you may also wish to consider becoming involved with an organization or donate to a cause that aligns with your beliefs and values. If you are unsure of what to become involved with, write down what you value as well as your positive attributes. What makes you feel good about yourself? List those positive traits that a former teacher, a parent, or a friend have complimented you on over the years. You may consider taking up a new or old hobby that brings you joy, or volunteering for a cause that you believe in or even using your talents to build or create something for a friend, family member, neighbor, or someone in need. Once you feel that you have made a difference in the lives of others, you may feel a sense of hope or purpose and feel better about yourself as a result. You might also experience a fresh outlook on your current job or career and find yourself feeling more productive or optimistic, looking for new ways to use your skills and talents, or even opening up to the positive aspects of your job or yourself that you may have previously overlooked. As this new appreciation blossoms, you begin to adopt and "attitude of gratitude" and life feels less like a struggle. Psychology News In Brief Finding ways to be thankful can help people who have a negative outlook to increase feelings of well-being.
Researchers from York University (Myriam Mongrain PhD and Susan Sergeant) asked participants for one week to daily
list five things for which they are grateful. The findings showed by doing this and listening to uplifting music,
that symptoms of depression were reduced. (From Monitor on Psychology, October 2009). "What are the good things in your life? Write down all of the life choices or gifts that you are
grateful for and want to celebrate today." "As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same." "Love the moment, and the energy of that moment will spread beyond all boundaries." Programs to Help You In addition to the traditional counseling services we provide, Clinical Psychology Associates also offers the following: · Depression Screening For information regarding any of these programs or to schedule a confidential consultation, please contact our programs coordinator, Chris Lerner, LCSW, at lernerc@hotmail.com or 262-251-1112, ext 8. For a full listing of the services we offer, please go to http://www.clinical-psychology-associates.com/services.htm FREE CONSULTATIONS THERAPIST BLOG About Clinical Psychology Associates Clinical Psychology Associates is a state-certified outpatient
counseling center providing a high level of care to its clients
for over 25 years. To read previous editions of this newsletter, please visit our archived newsletter section on our website at: http://www.clinical-psychology-associates.com/newsletter.htm Written by Gary Breuer, MA, LPC |
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Clinical
Psychology Associates State Certified Clinic 262.251.1112 |