Ashley Vaden Shares Her Experience With Getting Therapy
Therapy helps with personal growth.
In Season 2, Episode 3 (Part 2) of Shifting Our Shit Podcast, we discuss the idea that therapy is a powerful tool that can aid in personal growth and development. It provides individuals with the opportunity to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a safe and supportive environment. Through therapy, individuals can gain insight into themselves, understand their patterns of behavior, and make positive changes in their lives.
One of the key benefits of therapy is the ability to gain self-awareness. Many people go through life on autopilot, not fully understanding why they think, feel, or act the way they do. Therapy allows individuals to delve deeper into their thoughts and emotions, uncovering underlying beliefs and motivations. This self-awareness is essential for personal growth, as it provides a foundation for making meaningful changes in one’s life.
In therapy, individuals can also learn valuable coping skills and strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Therapists can teach techniques such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help individuals navigate difficult emotions and challenging situations. By learning and practicing these skills, individuals can develop resilience and improve their overall well-being.
Therapy provides a space for individuals to process and heal from past traumas or unresolved issues. Many people carry emotional baggage from their past that affects their present lives. Therapy offers a safe and non-judgmental environment to explore and address these issues. Through techniques like talk therapy, art therapy, or experiential therapy, individuals can work through their emotions and find healing and closure.
Another significant aspect of therapy is the opportunity for personal growth in relationships. Therapy can help individuals develop better communication skills, establish healthy boundaries, and navigate conflicts effectively. By understanding their own needs and emotions, individuals can improve their relationships with others, whether it be with romantic partners, family members, or friends.
Therapy also promotes self-acceptance and self-compassion. Many individuals struggle with self-esteem and self-worth, constantly comparing themselves to others or feeling inadequate. Through therapy, individuals can challenge negative self-talk, develop a more positive self-image, and cultivate self-compassion. This newfound self-acceptance allows individuals to embrace their strengths and weaknesses, leading to increased self-confidence and personal growth.
Emotions stem from unmet needs.
The statement “Emotions stem from unmet needs” is a powerful and insightful concept that can greatly impact our understanding of ourselves and our relationships. This idea suggests that our emotions are not random or arbitrary, but rather, they are a response to our unmet needs.
When we experience emotions such as anger, sadness, or fear, it is often because there is something within us that is not being fulfilled. These unmet needs can be physical, emotional, or psychological in nature. For example, if we feel angry, it may be because our need for respect or fairness is not being met. If we feel sad, it may be because our need for connection or love is not being fulfilled. And if we feel fearful, it may be because our need for safety or security is not being addressed.
Understanding that our emotions stem from unmet needs can be a transformative realization. It allows us to shift our focus from simply reacting to our emotions to exploring the underlying needs that are driving them. By identifying and addressing these needs, we can begin to find healthier and more constructive ways to meet them.
This concept also highlights the importance of self-awareness and self-compassion. When we recognize that our emotions are a signal that something is lacking in our lives, we can approach ourselves with kindness and understanding. Instead of judging or criticizing ourselves for feeling a certain way, we can acknowledge our emotions as valid and explore what they are trying to tell us about our needs.
In addition, this concept aligns with the principles of nonviolent communication, which emphasizes taking responsibility for our own feelings and needs. By recognizing that our emotions stem from unmet needs, we can communicate our needs more effectively and compassionately to others. This can lead to greater understanding, connection, and resolution in our relationships.
Overall, the idea that emotions stem from unmet needs is a powerful concept that can greatly enhance our self-awareness, personal growth, and relationships. By recognizing and addressing our needs, we can find healthier and more fulfilling ways to meet them. This understanding also allows us to approach ourselves and others with greater empathy, compassion, and understanding. Ultimately, it can lead to greater fulfillment, happiness, and harmony in our lives.
Eliminate unnecessary suffering, self-compassion.
In the podcast, Ashley discusses the concept of eliminating unnecessary suffering and promoting self-compassion. She emphasizes that while there may be unavoidable suffering in life, much of the suffering we experience is self-inflicted through shame, guilt, and self-judgment. Her purpose in therapy is to help individuals validate their feelings and experiences of suffering, while also guiding them in avoiding further self-inflicted suffering.
The idea of unnecessary suffering stems from the belief that when we struggle with anxiety or depression, we often add an element of shame and self-judgment to our experiences. This self-inflicted suffering arises from the way we relate to ourselves and others. Ashley’s goal is to help individuals acknowledge their suffering and validate their emotions, while also guiding them towards self-compassion and healthier ways of relating to themselves and others.
Overall, the concept of eliminating unnecessary suffering and promoting self-compassion is a powerful one. It encourages individuals to validate their emotions and experiences of suffering, while also guiding them towards self-compassion and healthier ways of relating to themselves and others. By addressing our needs and treating ourselves with kindness and empathy, we can break free from self-inflicted suffering and find greater fulfillment and happiness in our lives. This understanding also allows us to approach others with greater empathy, compassion, and understanding, leading to more harmonious and fulfilling relationships.
Make sure to listen to Season 2 Episode 3 (Part 2) to hear our interview with Ashley Vaden!
