How Therapy Helped Me Find Healing

Posted by Sara Carroll on December 28, 2022

As the new year approaches, many of us are reflecting on the challenges and struggles of the past year and looking for ways to move forward and find healing. For me, one of the most important tools in my journey towards healing has been therapy.

For some time, I resisted the idea of seeking help from a therapist. I thought that I should be able to handle my problems on my own, and I was afraid of being judged or misunderstood. And that is a common concern of individuals joining an Intensive or Coaching. But like many of the people who come to Evoke, I eventually realized that I was overwhelmed, lost, and stuck in patterns of negative thinking and behavior that were holding me back from living my best life.

It was a quote by Carl Jung that ultimately convinced me to seek out therapy. He said, "Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves." This statement resonated with me deeply because I had been struggling with feelings of anger and frustration towards others, and I knew that there was more to it than just their actions. I realized that these emotions were often a reflection of my own unhealed wounds and unresolved issues.

So, I took the brave step of seeking out a therapist who could help me work through my issues. It took “interviewing” a few therapists and coaches to find the right fit for me. And even then, it was intimidating to open up to a stranger about my vulnerabilities. But as I started to share my story and work through my challenges with the support and guidance of my therapist, I began to feel a sense of hope and progress that I had rarely experienced before.

Through therapy, I learned new ways of coping with my emotions and facing my problems head-on. I discovered the power of self-compassion and learned to be kinder to myself. I also gained valuable insights into the underlying causes of my struggles and was able to make positive changes in my life.

One of the most transformative aspects of therapy for me has been the opportunity to explore my inner world and gain a deeper understanding of myself. I have always been a thinker and a problem-solver, and I often tried to rationalize away my emotions or push them aside. But in therapy, I learned to explore my emotions in a safe and non-judgmental space. This has helped me to develop a greater sense of self-awareness and to become more in touch with my emotions and needs.

I have also learned the importance of setting boundaries and taking care of myself. Historically, I have prioritized others' needs over my own and often ended up feeling drained and resentful. But through therapy, I have learned to prioritize my own well-being and to say "no" when I need to. This has helped me to have healthier relationships and to feel more in control of my life.

We employees of Evoke Therapy Programs are encouraged to “do our own work” as a part of our employment. When you fly on an airplane, the flight attendant instructs you to “put your oxygen mask on first,” before helping others. Doing my own therapy is like putting on my oxygen mask first. Therapy has helped me to find a sense of peace and clarity that I never knew was possible. And it’s helped me to be a better family member, friend, colleague, and support for Evoke’s participants.

Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution and there are a multitude of therapeutic approaches available. But for those who are ready to explore their inner selves and make positive changes in their lives, it can be an invaluable tool. It takes courage to seek out help and to be vulnerable, but the rewards are well worth it.

So, as we enter the new year, I’m making a commitment to myself to prioritize my mental health and well-being. I invite you to do the same. Whether it's through an Evoke program such as Intensives or Coaching, self-care practices, or seeking support from loved ones, I encourage you to make the effort to find healing and create a better, brighter future for yourself.