At some point in their lives, just about everyone has some type of personal problem or question that they need to work through. Sometimes a person can work out a problem alone, but often having a person to listen and clarify can make the process go more quickly. Discussing ideas with another person can bring out ideas that a single person would not think of. In Arizona, Scottsdale therapists can provide the fresh point of view that is needed. In Phoenix counseling is available from many sources.
There may be other times when you can work out things yourself or by talking with a close friend. If you choose to do this, you want to select the friend carefully. The best friend/advisor is thoughtful and unbiased and able to look at both sides of the question with objectivity. If you bare your heart to someone who can see only your side, you might as well just talk to yourself. A friend who sees only your side of the story will only reinforce your view of the situation when maybe you should take a different path. This is the most important trait of a therapist. A therapist is trained to maintain objectivity and will help you to look at the issue from every angle.
No matter how you choose to attack your problem, there is one tool that is useful in any situation. This tool is the journal. A journal provides a way for you to converse to yourself. A journal is not a diary. A diary is a daily record of your doings. A journal, in contrast, is a private place to record your thoughts, feelings, and ideas. You may or may not write in it every day; its purpose is to be there when you have something to say. It may take practice to get used to writing on paper your deepest, private thoughts, but, as with any other activity, practice will make it easier.
Another tactic that helps is to keep the words flowing even when your mind is a blank. Just put down every thought, even if it seems insipid and meaningless. See what I mean? I just did what I just suggested. Eventually something of worth will come out of your pen. When that happens, you will be off and running. The reward of keeping a journal is that, at some point, you will read what you have written and see a gem of wisdom. In surprise, you will say, "Wow! Where did that come from!?"
You can find a huge assortment of fancy journals in stores such as bookstores and card shops. These can cost more than you want to spend. A fancy book may be nice, but it is not necessary. The most convenient journal is a medium-sized spiral notebook from the dollar store. There is one last caution. You need to find a good hiding place for this journal because the temptation to read is all but irresistible to the person who stumbles across it. If you trust your family, you might tell them it is there but sincerely request that they respect your privacy. - 29881
There may be other times when you can work out things yourself or by talking with a close friend. If you choose to do this, you want to select the friend carefully. The best friend/advisor is thoughtful and unbiased and able to look at both sides of the question with objectivity. If you bare your heart to someone who can see only your side, you might as well just talk to yourself. A friend who sees only your side of the story will only reinforce your view of the situation when maybe you should take a different path. This is the most important trait of a therapist. A therapist is trained to maintain objectivity and will help you to look at the issue from every angle.
No matter how you choose to attack your problem, there is one tool that is useful in any situation. This tool is the journal. A journal provides a way for you to converse to yourself. A journal is not a diary. A diary is a daily record of your doings. A journal, in contrast, is a private place to record your thoughts, feelings, and ideas. You may or may not write in it every day; its purpose is to be there when you have something to say. It may take practice to get used to writing on paper your deepest, private thoughts, but, as with any other activity, practice will make it easier.
Another tactic that helps is to keep the words flowing even when your mind is a blank. Just put down every thought, even if it seems insipid and meaningless. See what I mean? I just did what I just suggested. Eventually something of worth will come out of your pen. When that happens, you will be off and running. The reward of keeping a journal is that, at some point, you will read what you have written and see a gem of wisdom. In surprise, you will say, "Wow! Where did that come from!?"
You can find a huge assortment of fancy journals in stores such as bookstores and card shops. These can cost more than you want to spend. A fancy book may be nice, but it is not necessary. The most convenient journal is a medium-sized spiral notebook from the dollar store. There is one last caution. You need to find a good hiding place for this journal because the temptation to read is all but irresistible to the person who stumbles across it. If you trust your family, you might tell them it is there but sincerely request that they respect your privacy. - 29881
About the Author:
Connor Sullivan recently studied new Scottsdale therapists while conducting research for an article. His new article will pay particular attention to Phoenix counseling practices and the results they achieve.
