In a “late stage capitalist” world that often emphasizes quick fixes and biomedical solutions, the idea of talking through your problems with a therapist might seem unfamiliar or even ineffective to some. We’re conditioned to believe through the infrastructure of capitalism that when faced with emotional or psychological challenges, the solution lies in a diagnosis and medication. However, the reality is far more nuanced. Talking therapy, also known as psychotherapy or counseling, can be an incredibly powerful tool for personal growth and healing. In this blog, we’ll delve into the concept of “working through” a problem in therapy and explore how the process of talking can raise insight, reduce distress, and provide valuable time for reflection.
Shifting from Biomedical to Holistic Healing
The biomedical model of illness has undoubtedly made significant contributions to the field of medicine. It has led to life-saving discoveries and advanced treatments for various physical ailments. However, when it comes to understanding and addressing psychological and emotional challenges, this model falls short. Mental and emotional well-being is a complex interplay of thoughts, feelings, experiences, and relationships, and it cannot be neatly reduced to a diagnosis and prescription.
Therapy, on the other hand, can take a holistic approach to mental health. It acknowledges that our thoughts and emotions are interconnected with our life experiences, relationships, and personal histories. Instead of medicating away symptoms, therapy seeks to understand the root causes of distress and discomfort. By providing a safe and confidential space for dialogue, it encourages you to explore their inner world and work through their challenges.
Working through a Problem
One of the central concepts in therapy is the idea of “working through” a problem; therapy is a process that unfolds over time, and this process works by generating certain qualities of an instinctual healing process:
Creating a Safe Space: Therapy sessions are conducted in a safe and non-judgemental environment. This allows individuals to open up about their thoughts and emotions without fear of criticism or stigma. It’s a space where vulnerability is embraced. While the term “safe space” might seem misleading at first, it encapsulates a crucial aspect of the therapeutic process. It’s important to understand that therapy isn’t always a comfortable or pleasant experience. In fact, it often involves delving into deep-seated emotions, revisiting past traumas, and confronting uncomfortable truths.
So, when we talk about a “safe space” in therapy, we aren’t referring to a space where discomfort is entirely absent. Rather, it means that within this framework, there’s a commitment to your emotional well-being and a readiness to navigate the uncomfortable and challenging terrain together. It’s a space where difficult emotions can be worked through and resolved as and when they surface, guided by a skilled therapist who can help you find your way through even the most unsettling emotional landscapes. This safety doesn’t eliminate discomfort but ensures that you’re not alone in facing it, and it’s precisely within this shared journey that profound healing and growth can occur.
Gains: By engaging in therapy you start to acquire several different aspects of understanding about yourself and the situations. For instance: Gaining Insight – Talking about your experiences and feelings can lead to valuable insights. As you articulate your thoughts, emotions, and experiences, you may start to connect dots and gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your challenges; Gaining Emotional Release – Verbalising your feelings can be cathartic. It provides a healthy outlet for pent-up emotions and reduces emotional distress. It’s a bit like taking the pressure off a boiling kettle; Gaining more Problem-Solving skills – Therapy is not just about talking, it’s also about finding solutions. Therapists can also use various techniques and approaches to help clients develop coping strategies, problem-solving skills, and healthier ways of thinking.
50 minutes to talk, 10000 minutes to reflect: time outside of the session
Therapy sessions offer ample time for reflection. This allows you to process your thoughts and emotions at your own pace, leading to lasting change. Indeed, the therapeutic process extends beyond the 50-minute session that you may have with your therapist each week. This “time for reflection” outside of the session is an integral and often underestimated aspect of therapy. Here’s why that time before you speak again is so important:
1. Integration of Insight: In therapy, you gain valuable insights about your thoughts, feelings, behaviours, and past experiences. The time between sessions allows you to integrate and process these insights into your daily life. This integration is where real change occurs.
2. Practice and Application: Therapy often involves learning new coping strategies, communication skills, or ways of thinking. The time between sessions provides you with an opportunity to practice and apply these skills in real-life situations, gradually making them a part of your repertoire.
3. Emotional Digestion: Intense emotions and revelations can emerge during therapy sessions. The space outside of the session allows you to digest and make sense of these emotions at your own pace, reducing the risk of feeling overwhelmed.
4. Self-Reflection: You can engage in self-reflection during your downtime, pondering the topics discussed in therapy, exploring your feelings, and connecting the dots between different aspects of your life. This self-reflection fosters self-awareness.
5. Problem-Solving: You will often bring real-life problems to therapy. Between sessions, you can brainstorm solutions and develop action plans based on the guidance and insights gained during therapy
6. Behavioural Changes: If therapy involves behavioural changes, you have the opportunity to track your progress and setbacks, identifying patterns and making adjustments between sessions.
7. Unscheduled Breakthroughs: Sometimes, profound insights or breakthroughs occur unexpectedly between sessions. These moments can be incredibly meaningful and are an essential part of the therapeutic process.It’s essential to recognise that therapy isn’t confined to the therapy room; it extends into your daily life. The therapeutic work that happens outside of sessions is just as significant as what happens within them. It’s a time for self-discovery, self-improvement, and the gradual transformation of your inner world. Ultimately, the combination of insights gained during sessions and the work done between sessions can lead to profound and lasting personal growth and healing.
Conclusion
In the evolving landscape of therapy, it’s crucial to remember that therapists are people too. They are not infallible experts but rather individuals who bring their own humanity, vulnerabilities, and imperfections to the therapeutic relationship. The effectiveness of a therapist often lies in their openness and trust in this fundamental truth. In relinquishing the idea of absolute power over the client, therapists create a space where both parties can engage in a genuine, collaborative, and empathetic dialogue. It’s within this shared vulnerability that healing and growth truly flourish, proving that the power of therapy rests not in perfection, but in authenticity and connection.
The journey of self-discovery and healing through therapy may not be as fast as taking a pill, but its long-lasting benefits are immeasurable. By providing a space fomr open dialogue, fostering insight, reducing emotional distress, and promoting reflection, talking therapy offers a profound way to work through problems and enhance overall well-being. It’s a testament to the power of human connection and the inner strength that lies within each of us.
Now, the biomedical model doesn’t need to be thrown out or ignored, rather it can greatly compliment talking therapies. While medication can be essential in managing certain mental health conditions, it often works best when combined with therapy. Therapy addresses the underlying causes of distress and equips individuals with the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges more effectively. So, if you’re unsure about how talking therapy can help, consider giving it a try; you might be surprised by the transformative impact it can have on your life.
Daniel James Psychology 