| Written by Katie Salvatore, MSW, LSW
“Every story has an ending, but in life, every ending is just a new beginning”. A quote from one of my personal favorite movies Uptown Girls. As we approach a new season, it’s a good time to reflect inward and recognize your thoughts, physical feelings, and emotions. Change can take form in a variety of ways such as seasonal changes, life transitions, or uncertainty and loss.
Endings tend to leave us with a mixed bag of emotions, sometimes positive and sometimes uncomfortable; However, recognizing the power of change to grow and steer yourself into the next chapter is a great way to bring comfort to tough transitions. So, how do you take control when change feels so out of your control?
- Self Care
This is essential to working through any kind of change! The great thing about self care is that you can cater it to your time and interests. Self care comes in many forms as it could be a relaxing spa day, starting that book or tv show you’ve been thinking about, getting outside for some sunlight, or simply making sure you set aside time for a hot shower and a meal after a long day! Self-care does not have to be an all day event (although that is nice!), it is simply taking some time to be mindful engaging in something that is for YOU.
2. Acknowledge Your Feelings
The rollercoaster of emotions that comes with change can be exhausting, so why make it harder by putting yourself down? Recognize what you are feeling and let it be. As humans we feel so many kinds of emotions in a day and they are all valid. Some people get the winter blues, some have summertime sadness, and that’s ok! Taking time to recognize change is difficult and there’s a multitude of emotions which come with it. A great way to acknowledge these feelings is to hone in on your creative side and utilize things such as art and journaling to better understand and work through emotions.
3.Utilize Supports
Sometimes life feels too heavy to carry on your own – this is where our supports and resources come into play. Asking for help is one of the healthiest choices you can make for yourself in difficult times, especially in navigating change. Some experiences and emotions are new territory and while your body adjusts to moving forward it is so beneficial to reach out to your family, friends, and other therapeutic supports/resources such as meeting with a therapist or joining a group therapy to process and support others with common emotions and experiences.
While change is inevitable, there will always be things within our control. Take change as a time to reset, grow, and learn strengths you never knew you had.
Katie’s experience involves working with individuals who are struggling with Anxiety, Depression, Co-occurring Substance Use Disorders, Personality Disorders, Behavioral Issues, and Parenting and Family issues. Katie utilizes a variety of therapeutic techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness Based Therapy, and art in her sessions. She believes in meeting the client where they are at and utilizing a strengths based approach.
In her free time, Katie enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and cat. She also enjoys film & tv, comedy, going to concerts and shows, and being at the beach.
EWC has locations in Manalapan and Shrewsbury, NJ, and accepts a variety of insurance plans. Ready to start your journey toward healing? Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
NEXT STEPS & RESOURCES
- Are you ready to take your first step? Reach out to us.
- Do you feel you may benefit from counseling during this time? Take the first step.
- Interested in online counseling? Learn more
- Interested in group counseling? Learn more
