Less Talk, More Action!
“Psychotherapy (sometimes called talk therapy) refers to a variety of treatments that aim to help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.” (NIMH) The idea is that talking to someone, especially an unbiased third party, can be very helpful in managing grief or depression, improving self-esteem, or simply to vent about current issues. Sometimes, by talking, one can come to realizations that otherwise wouldn’t have come to light. Psychotherapy, a.k.a. counseling, is critical when it comes to healing and managing thoughts and emotions. However, there is often another step that is important to consider: Take action.
When there are struggles with a partner, a child, a coworker, a relative or even with a job, psychotherapy is an excellent starting place for identifying the problems and the emotions that come along with them. This can be a huge step on the path of healing. However, sometimes changes might need to be made. Action may need to be taken.
For example, in couples’ counseling, maybe a problem with insecurity becomes identified. The insecurity will not go away only by talking about it. The spouse may need to be more transparent, give compliments, and learn to ask questions to make sure the partner’s insecurity is improving and in a good place. This action may be needed throughout the duration of the relationship. Hopefully, over time, the insecurity will improve and because of this change, the two people involved will have grown and become better people because of it.
Perhaps a person is unhappy at their place of work. They can’t trust their coworkers. The work they do is too stressful or unfulfilling. Although these problems can be identified through therapy and can bring a sense of relief by discussing it, more action may need to be taken. Discussing options with a therapist would be a good start. Is changing jobs an option? Can the person change how they interact with coworkers to make it a more safe or enjoyable workplace? Once options are carefully weighed, the person may be encouraged to make some final decisions and proceed with making changes.
Sometimes parenting techniques require evaluation and change. If a child is acting out, counseling is helpful to determine the cause. Talking it out with a therapist is very beneficial. Discovering the root of the issue is a great start. By identifying this cause, it becomes clearer how to make changes when it comes to reacting to these behaviors. The idea is to go home and change how issues are recognized and handled. Maybe the child needs help with identifying needs or emotions. Maybe he needs quiet time to help him settle. Action following therapy is a critical step.
The phrase, “Less talk. More action,” comes to mind. For some, it is a daily life mantra. Therapy allows you to learn more about yourself, your past, and the origination of your feelings and troubles. Sometimes this can take a long time to fully understand- and the talk portion of therapy can last a long time. When you and your therapist reach a peak of self understanding and acceptance, you can begin to make changes to issues of concern.
Changes may be internal. Maybe it comes in the form of self-talk or managing emotions differently. Or changes may be more concrete such as relocating, ending a relationship, or going back to school for a career change.
Therefore, when it comes to getting the most out of therapy, be prepared to follow through with making changes. A big part of self-growth is evolving into happier and healthier humans and this often requires taking action to make it happen.
Kyndal Sims
Birch Psychology
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/psychotherapies#:~:text=Psychotherapy%20(sometimes%20called%20talk%20therapy,patients%20in%20a%20group%20setting.