Talking Out Your Problem With A Therapist And With Your Journal
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 someone to talk to can make the process go more quickly. Discussing ideas with another person can bring out aspects that a single person would not think of. In Arizona, Scottsdale therapists can provide the novel viewpoint that is needed. In Phoenix counseling can be found in a variety of places.
There may be other times when you can work out things yourself or by unburdening to a loved one. If you choose to do this, you want to select the friend carefully. The best friend/advisor is thoughtful and unbiased and able to see 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 one of the values of a therapist. A therapist is trained to maintain objectivity and will help you to see both sides of the question.
No matter how you decide to work through your dilemma, 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 running record of your doings. A journal, on the other hand, 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 it myself. Eventually something of worth will come out of your pen. When that happens, you will be off to a good start. The fun of keeping a journal is that, at some point, you will read what you have written and find a gem of wisdom. In surprise, you will say, "Wow! I said that!?"
You can find a huge assortment of fancy journals in stores such as bookstores and card shops. These can cost a good amount of money. An elaborate journal may be nice, but it is not necessary. The best journal is a medium-sized spiral notebook from the dollar store. There is one last caution. Be sure 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 know your family is trustworthy, you might tell them it is there but sincerely request that they respect your privacy.
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.