Treating Anxiety Begins with Looking Inward: How Introspective Counseling Can Help
Stress is a normal part of life. But anxiety does not have to be. The trouble emerges when we lose sight of how best to manage stress. Thanks to social media and smartphone culture, we all spend less time looking inward.
We seek validation from external sources. By definition, this means our self-esteem is up for grabs. We compare ourselves to others—or, at least, the image others present to the world.
Meanwhile, our anxiety goes unaddressed. In the age of Covid, our anxiety is also probably increasing. But what if things didn’t have to be this way? Introspective Counseling can help. Read on to learn how.
Anxiety and You
We all feel anxious at times. Anxiety, however, is a mental health condition. In the U.S., anxiety is the most common mental illness of all. So, for starters, you are not alone. That may offer some solace but it doesn’t prevent the need for change.
Anxiety disorders come in many forms. Generally, though, they present with some common signs, e.g.
● Feeling overwhelmed by daily life
● Doubting and second-guessing yourself
● Inability to make decisions
● Focusing more on the needs of others
● Always wondering if others are judging you or upset with you
● Fear of being embarrassed or humiliated
● Believing you need to be perfect
What is Introspective Counseling?
Imagine Introspective Counseling as a blend. Using some coaching and some talk therapy in one-on-one sessions, your counselor helps you explore your inner world. You have time to slow down and refocus your attention on yourself.
Obviously, this approach relies heavily on introspection. You rediscover your connection to the thoughts and feelings happening inside you. Your inner state very much affects how you see the outside world. In this case, introspection can put you in touch with the factors that create so much anxiety in your life.
Looking inward allows you to recognize and ultimately prevent unhealthy patterns. Everyone needs time to pay attention to what’s going on in their minds and bodies. Introspective Counseling is where and how this essential soul-searching is made possible.
How Introspective Counseling Can Help Your Anxiety
When anxiety becomes the norm in your life, you may not know where to start in changing that. You know this is unsustainable. You need support and you’re tired of feeling so limited and scared.
Also, you may have specific events in your life that you know you need to process. Introspective Counseling is designed to facilitate such self-examination. It helps your anxiety by:
Putting the Focus on Your Mental Well-Being
Anyone with anxiety will talk about a sense of being overwhelmed. You spend your days putting out fires (for yourself and others). But when will you dig deeper and explore some underlying issues? During Introspective Counseling sessions, the focus is on you and what’s going on in your inner world.Encouraging You to Look Inward
It can be daunting to look within. You may not initially like what you find. With the help of a skilled counselor, you will make peace with this process. You’ll recognize the value of not letting external factors shape your life and ruin your happiness.
Guiding You to Challenge Habits and Patterns
You may not want to admit it, but you could be sabotaging yourself. Your clarity, your happiness, and your peace of mind could be stuck because of your long-term patterns. It’s so beneficial to have help in identifying where you can change and be more self-loving.
I’d love to help you learn how to look inward to create the changes you seek. Let’s connect and talk about the possibilities for healing.
