5 Reasons to Start Therapy this Summer
Amidst the sunshine and travel, summertime in Chicago has a stereotype of being jam-packed with things to do. There can be social or self-inflicted pressure to keep up with all the activity that comes when June arrives. In my experience, clients either feel extremely overwhelmed and have difficulty setting boundaries or there is a sense of sadness that they don’t have enough plans and tend to feel more depressive symptoms in summertime. If you experience either feeling (or anything in-between), starting therapy this summer might be a great option for you! Read below see five reasons therapy can benefit you this summer.
Enhance your coping skills
Summer is filled with fun & sun. People tend to feel happier in the summer and are capable of recognizing things to be grateful for. This positive outlook makes it a lot easier to accomplish your goals because you have the momentum. Take advantage of the motivation you have this summer to enhance your coping skills with a professional. Perhaps you want to be proactive in learning to combat your anxious thoughts, or your communication skills could use some tweaking. Therapy is a great place to discover your needs and learn healthy coping mechanisms in a safe environment.
Learn about boundaries
Due to the uptick in activities and events, lots of clients spread themselves too thin in the summer months and end up feeling drained by September. To prevent this from happening, it is important to learn about boundary-setting. Boundaries are self-care and are designed for you - not anyone else! In order to continue feeling fulfilled throughout the summer, it is essential that you know how to communicate your physical, financial or emotional boundaries to others as well as understand them yourself!
Establish a connection
We all know that check-ups with medical professionals are important to our self-care and overall health. We prioritize going to the dentist, doctor, or dermatologist, but our mental health can sometimes fall to the wayside. Utilize the ease of summer and establish a connection with a mental health professional. Not only can this serve you over the season, but it creates a relationship for you to rely on so that you’re not waiting until a crisis occurs and scrambling to reach out for help. Do yourself a favor and initiate this check-up for your mental well-being!
Prepare for seasonal transitions or life transitions
Instead of dreading the infamous winter in Chicago, you can equip yourself with knowledge, skills, and tools to prepare during the summer. Whether it's the start of the school year, a new job, a new relationship, a new city, or maybe just a new season, transitions can be difficult. It is important that you ready yourself for change - and summer is the perfect time to do so! We all know how quickly time passes, so before gray skies and freezing temperatures, reach out and start your journey!
Self-discovery
Summer is even more fun when we feel supported. Take this time to get to know yourself better through therapy. Our SGTG therapists can guide you to discovering your true self and identity. Connecting with yourself offers a sense of confidence, freedom, and harmony. Your internal system enjoys being tended to, and what better time to do this than when we have sunshine?!
Maddie Persanyi, LCPC
About the Author
Maddie Persanyi, LCPC is a clinical therapist specializing in anxiety, relationship issues, self-esteem, life transition, and trauma. She incorporates IFS, CBT, and strength-based therapy into her treatment. Read more about Maddie here.