In my private therapy practice when a new client and I start working together, we begin with a 90-minute first session and we go through the intake form together. On my intake form I ask questions like: What are a few strengths that you embody? How would a friend describe you? What is your self-care like? What helps you during hard times?
Note: those are all great journal prompts if you want to explore them through some solo writing!
When I think of the question: What helps you during hard times? I also think, what about when all the things on the list don’t work? Sometimes what we normally find helpful during hard times doesn’t work, and what then? Do you want to know what I tell my clients when they ask me that? I say, do things anyway. Watch TV anyway, go to the gym anyway, eat your vegetables anyway, get out of bed anyway, text your friend back anyway, go for a walk anyway, listen to the happy playlist you made anyway, drink water anyway, just do things anyway. What once felt good d…
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