A GUIDE FOR THOSE WHO ARE BEGINNING THEIR HEALING JOURNEY

As we all may know, the last 2 years have been full of mixed emotions. Through the midst of facing a global pandemic, you may have noticed a constant need to shift and adapt to the new norm. As a therapist and human, some themes I recognized with the spread of COVID-19, Delta Variant, and Omicron have been an increase of anxiety, trauma, PTSD symptoms, among other mental health conditions. I would like to share few things prior beginning your healing journey. First things first, this process may look different for everyone. Healing is not a one-size-fits-all. Secondly, healing is not a linear process, but rather, much like an upward spiral. Lastly, I am proud of YOU for taking this brave step. I hope that after reading this blog you gain a better understanding of the array of benefits therapy can offer to you.

Some Benefits of Therapy May include:

· Develop Coping Skills

Through this process, you will learn what works for you. With the support from a therapist, you will be able to identify coping skills that tailor to your needs. For example, grounding techniques, relaxation techniques, mindfulness, among others.

· Gain Self-Awareness

Therapy is a safe space for self-discovery, exploration, understanding, and healing. You will be able to learn and identify pattens that show up in your relationships, gain better understanding on how your nervous system responds to your environment, and improve emotional intelligence.

· Identify Maladaptive Patterns

Therapy can offer you a space to explore the “why’s.” Many people do not realize the extent to which their families were dysfunctional because unhealthy patterns are seen as the “norm” within the family system. Therefore, you may catch yourself engaging in behaviors that were modeled to you because it’s familiar. If you are noticing unhealthy patterns that are not beneficial for your well-being, you can break the cycle by understanding multigenerational dynamics.

· Better Relationships

Unhealthy relationships can negatively impact your mental, physiological, and emotional well-being. Many folks seek therapy because they want to improve and heal from relationships whether this may be an intimate relationship, friendship, strained mother and/ or father relationships. We as humans are wired through human connection and it is essential for us to build strong support systems and community.

· Improve Interpersonal Skills

One big aspect of sustaining and maintaining relationships is learning to communicate your feelings to the best of your ability. If you struggle with

communication and/or avoid conflict at all cost, this is an area that you can improve in therapy. The therapeutic space can be very engaging and interactive that you will have the opportunity to role play scenarios with a therapist utilizing effective communication skills.

· Ability to Set Boundaries

If you struggle with holding and honoring your boundaries, you are not alone. Many of us (including myself) were not taught healthy boundary setting. Possibly boundaries were not modeled at home and you were conditioned to people-please. This is another area that you can work on with a therapist. Leaning to set and honor your boundaries may take practice, be gentle to yourself through this journey.

· + MORE

Recognizing and breaking cycles can require vulnerability, commitment, and hard work. The results of breaking patterns can include interdependence, inner peace, healing, healthy relationships, and much more.

So, it is safe to say that therapy offers a broad array of benefits for all of us, whatever our circumstances, conditions, and concerns. Mental health does not discriminate. It can affect anyone regardless of their age, race/ ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. Taking care of your mental, physiological and emotional well-being is vital because it affects the way you think, behave and act in your everyday lives.

Sending you all my best wishes on your healing journey. Holding space for those who are beginning their healing journey in 2022. YOU GOT THIS!

Very best,

Jacqueline Garcia, LCSW