Why Is Psychotherapy So Hard?
Psychotherapy is a challenging process, no matter the type of therapy or person undergoing the process. The reason why psychotherapy can be so challenging is that it requires you to rewire your brain to tolerate uncertainty, anxiety, and uncomfortable feelings and intrusive thoughts.
Rewiring the Brain
The brain is an incredibly powerful and complex organ that has the ability to rewire itself. This process is known as neuroplasticity and it allows us to learn new skills and habits, as well as unlearn old ones. In psychotherapy, you are essentially rewiring your brain to tolerate uncomfortable feelings and thoughts in order to make positive changes in your life.
Uncomfortable Feelings and Thoughts
The uncomfortable feelings and thoughts that come up in psychotherapy can range from mild to intense. You might experience fear, anxiety, guilt, shame, sadness, or anger. You might also experience intrusive thoughts, such as worries about the future or painful memories from the past. All of these can be extremely difficult to tolerate, which is why psychotherapy can be so hard.
Embracing the Challenge
It’s important to remind yourself why you want to do this challenging work. Psychotherapy can help you gain insight into yourself, develop healthier coping skills, and resolve past traumas. It can also help you to have more meaningful relationships and build a more fulfilling life.
Finding the Right Therapist
The process of psychotherapy can be made easier if you find the right therapist. This means finding someone who is qualified, experienced, and has the right approach for you. It’s important to make sure that the therapist is someone who you can trust and feel comfortable talking to.
Creating a Support System
In addition to finding a therapist, it’s important to create a strong support system for yourself. Having a strong support system can help you work through the challenges of psychotherapy and remind you of why you’re doing this hard work. This can include family and friends, online support groups, or other types of therapy.
Taking Care of Yourself
It’s also important to take care of yourself during the process of psychotherapy. This means making sure that you get enough sleep, eat healthy meals, exercise, and do activities that make you feel relaxed and happy. These activities can help to reduce stress and make the process of psychotherapy easier.
Conclusion
Psychotherapy can be a challenging process, but it can also be extremely rewarding. By rewiring your brain to tolerate uncomfortable feelings and thoughts, you can make positive changes in your life. It’s important to find the right therapist, create a strong support system, and take care of yourself during the process. With patience and commitment, you can work through the challenges of psychotherapy and make lasting changes.
