For me, the worst thing about being a therapist is seeing people in pain who are not  yet willing or ready to make a change. This includes people who resonate with the following statements:

• I don’t think change is possible.
• I’ve had these symptoms so long, they must be permanent.
• Therapy can only take me so far.
• Therapy hasn’t fixed it before, so it can’t.
• I am my diagnosis.
• If I’m not sick/mentally ill/in pain, who am I?

These statements are all arguable because the right therapy, the right techniques and therapist for an individual can overcome all of that.

I love proving these statements false! I love when a client comes in who has tried several different types of therapy with a variety of therapists and then discovers me, we’re a good fit, and we work together to clear up the issue. They get better and they are both delighted and surprised. This is my favorite feeling.

And when I see people in pain, living with their symptoms, managing, getting by, doing what they have to, and still experiencing the symptoms, it breaks my heart. I came across the Lasting Impact Photo Campaign recently and it made me sad, not because there is a prevalence of sexual abuse, which is a thing we know, but because these persons have not overcome their trauma yet and are still experiencing the pain of that trauma. This is what breaks my heart. These persons are still victims, still living with, managing, trying, and hurting. I want to sit with them and say “There is a good fit for you. There is a right technique, right therapist, who you will connect with and overcome this. You can be rid of your symptoms forever. You can live again. You can be triumphant over that abuse that you suffered.”

Trauma is an inappropriately strong association is built between the activating stimulus and the body’s response. Good therapy breaks that association, permanently, without reliving the experience.

• Every time I ____, I then ____.
• Every time I sleep, I have nightmares.
• Every time I go to that location, I have a panic attack.
• Every time I see bearded men, I get nauseous.
• Every time it thunders, I cower.

Are you ready to explore what change could look like in your life? Are you ready to get closer to change? Are you ready for change? Let’s talk. Call me at 954-612-9553.

Autumn Hahn is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist practicing at Clear Mind Group in Weston, Florida. Call 954-612-9553 for a consultation. Follow Autumn on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+. Sign up for the e-newsletter HERE.