New Year, New You is the promise we often make to ourselves the day after the festivities. The feeling of freshness and possibilities, of endless choices, chances and experiences to be had, all snowballing into a fresh new planner, (or perhaps recycled/repurposed your eco-friendly darling) briming with the hope that this year will be our year to finish that book, move our bodies more, get that new career, and visit Peru.

January 2023 is the perfect moment to utilize all of this momentum to home in on the one most important factor to achieving any of your new year resolutions.

Your mind.

Your mental health can either hinder or help you on your way to achieving any of the aforementioned goals you set for yourself. As much as we would like to ride this wave of endless opportunity that seems to disco around us as the glittering ball drops in Time Square. Life happens. Hiccups, and roadblocks, and unexpected difficulties get in the way of our goals. Hence the …? At the end of New Year, New You. It is difficult to change habits or achieve new goals if the same issues of the past have been haunting and following you year after year. Having the support, you need throughout the year can not only improve your mental state but help support you through the natural ups and downs of any goal you set for yourself.  

If you’re curious to learn why people attend therapy, or therapy-curious for yourself. Here are a few reasons of why people start their therapy journey in the New Year.

1.     Your goal is to foster Relationships and relating can be hard

Your goal is to increase and foster new and existing relationships, but you find yourself in the same dynamics and patterns that are sometimes unhealthy, harmful or even toxic. Even when you meet someone you wish to develop a deeper relationship with, something gets in the way that makes the experience feel frightening or even downright unbearable. From dating to simply having small talk, therapy can help recognize and name these relational patterns, recognize your triggers and anxieties related to being social, and develop practical skills the way you communicate and connect with others.  

2.     Your goal is to be “Happier”, but that low “funk” won’t let go of its hold on you

This will be the year that you finally bring the “funk” under control. You feel lonely and isolated, and with a persistently low mood that you can’t seem to shake. Depression is an experience many undergo and sometimes it can be hard to figure out what are the next steps to take. Therapy can help support you through the difficult emotions and develop resources and plans to help carry and support you through your low points and help increase the happier ones along the way.

3.     Your goal is to “Relax more” but you can’t stop worrying

You want to chill out, relax, take a load off, but that just is not you. You want it to be, but the worry, stress and nagging feeling of dread that follows you gets in the way of even enjoying the smallest things. If you find yourself worrying more than you do enjoying the things you worry about and for, therapy can help identify what lies beneath those worries, and develop and implement strategies to manage and reduce your anxiety.

4.     Your goal is to “figure it out” but it’s been 2 years and it’s not figuring itself out! (How rude of “it” honestly).

You have a good job, a loving relationship, stability, and life objectively looks like nothing is wrong. However, you may feel a restlessness, and wonder if there’s something more you can be doing. Therapy can help support you as you explore your path to finding more meaning or purpose in your life, to help move forward through stagnation and finding peace in enjoying the fruits of your labors.

Whether your goals seem large or small, therapy can be a wonderful tool and experience for providing you with the resources to go through 2023 with the confidence, happiness, and joy you deserve.

Still have questions or need more info? Check out our posts:

Nervous to Start Therapy? 9 Reasons you may feel Reluctant to Starting Therapy

Why You Feel Therapy isn’t Worth the Investment.

What to Ask Yourself Before Starting Therapy

Happy New Year!

Irene