One of the first questions a Therapist asks the client in Therapy is "What would you like to accomplish in treatment?" Surprisingly, this is a difficult to answer for many. Of course, people want to feel better and reduce symptoms of anxiety or depression. However, a deeper question is "If you didn't have anxiety or depression, how would your life be different? What would you do differently with your life?" Mental Health treatment used to be stuck in a disease-oriented model, focusing excessively on symptoms and ignoring the whole person. Fortunately, the trend has begun to shift in recent years to embrace a positive psychology approach. Rather than focus solely on symptom alleviation, many types of therapy today help people feel better by connecting the individual with their core values that have been neglected or forgotten due to being overwhelmed by mental illness. In one type of therapy called "Acceptance and Commitment Therapy," people discover that they are depressed or anxious because they are not engaged in behaviors that are consistent with their values. Values such as integrity, relationships, spirituality, community, work, recreation, and physical health help give our life purpose and meaning. The loss of a "value-based life" makes the road to recovery difficult, especially without a moral compass to guide you through hard times and give you inner strength.
Fortunately, you never lose your value system (although priorities may change over time). Reconnecting with your core values helps motivate you, and gives you courage and commitment to take small steps to reestablish the things you love. How has connecting with your values helped you overcome stress and adversity?
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AuthorDr. Sage Schuitevoerder is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in San Diego who offers Psychological Assessments & Individual Counseling. For more information, click here. Categories
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May 2014
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