Summer Therapy? 10 things to consider...

Summer is a time of blue skies, fun times and making memories.  Many feel it is also a time to take a break from the therapeutic process.  To each their own.  I support whatever each person feels is best for their therapeutic journey. 

But for some, I have noticed the re-entry into therapy in the fall can come with new issues, setbacks in therapeutic gains and sometimes increased symptoms. 

Here are some things to consider when deciding whether to take a break from therapy in the summer or to continue your therapeutic work through the summer:

1. Exploring Seasonal Challenges: Therapy can be helpful in addressing seasonal affective disorder or anxiety triggered by summer events.

2. Stress Management: Therapy can aid in coping with the added stressors of vacations, family gatherings, or work demands.

3. Investing in Long-Term Well-Being: Optimal mental health is maintained best when mental health is prioritized and part of a life style.

4. Enhancing Relationships: Therapy can offer new skills in navigating interpersonal dynamics during travel or family reunions.

5. Self-Reflection: Summer offers time for introspection and growth that can augmented with the guidance and expertise of a therapist. 

6. Preventing Relapse: Research supports a consistent therapeutic process helps in maintaining progress and preventing setbacks in mental health treatment.

7. Building Resilience: Therapy offers tools to navigate unexpected summer hurdles.

8. Addressing Body Image Issues: Coping with the pressure of swimsuit season and body image concerns can often trigger life changing work in therapy during the summer when challenges are often at their peak.

9. Planning for the Future: Therapy in the summer can assist in setting goals and intentions for the remainder of the year.

10. Maintaining Stability: Therapy provides a consistent anchor amidst the changing rhythms of summer to those with chronic or acute mental health challenges.

If you think one or more of these factors may apply to you, talk to your therapist and work together to decide on the best path for you.  Ultimately it is your decision but there may be some real benefits to continuing your therapeutic work through the summer. 

If you'd like more information about the content of this article, feel free to reach out to me at jfosterlpc@protonmail.com.

All articles are for informational purposes only.  Always consult with a licensed mental health professional if you feel you or someone close to you has experienced trauma.