Let's talk Therapy By Susan Salaz

There is no better time than now to begin new habits and to pay attention to the needs of your psyche.

According to Google, mental health is having a moment. The world’s most popular search engine saw the phrase “how to maintain mental health” searched more times in 2021 than ever before. While cybersurfing offers a wealth of information at our fingertips and has opened the door to a culture where therapy isn’t such a surreptitious undertaking, it is no match for a trusted professional. Therapist Lynn Hynes, PhD, specializes in depression, anxiety and relationship counseling, among other issues, assisting individuals, couples and families through an integrative approach. “I welcome all people who wish to explore, discover and find their way to a more fulfilling, creative and peaceful life,” she says.

As another year begins to unfold, many are seeking a fresh start, and according to Dr. Hynes, building resilience on your own or in therapy is a good way to do that. Here she offers some inspiration for those wanting a new beginning in 2022.

• Believe in fresh starts.
Make this attitude a reality by adopting a fresh-start mindset. 

• See your resolutions as a growth process.
Make a list of the changes you want to see in your life, and know that you don’t have to do them all at once.

• Let go of past resentments.
Even if you’re in the habit of regularly letting go of negative emotions, an annual purge won’t hurt.

• Prepare for the year ahead.
Look to areas of your life that need preparation for the coming year. Now is a good time to think about modifying your living space or to do some financial planning. Creating a budget or getting your taxes started now will make the months ahead easier. 

• Choose a healthy lifestyle.
This shouldn’t be a one-time thing, but rather an ongoing attitude toward life. It’s all about balance and making decisions that you know are good for you.

• Forgive yourself first.
You might not realize it, but you’ve probably been too hard on yourself in the past. It’s time to let it go and let yourself off the hook. None of us are perfect.

• Apologize if you need to.
Admitting you were wrong can be hard, but living with regret or guilt is harder. Much of the time, all it takes is a simple, heartfelt “I’m sorry.”

• Be better to yourself.
We often make resolutions for other people, but it’s wise to make a promise to be better to yourself as well. This doesn’t mean to be indulgent, but to be psychically kinder to yourself.

• Keep your promises.
A resolution is a promise you’ve made to yourself, and that’s a good thing. Keeping promises you’ve made to those who count on you is even better. If (or when) you slip up, it’s important to remember that you’re only human and then have the courage to acknowledge those mistakes.

• Be the best version of yourself.
That’s YOU—not someone else.

Lynn Hynes, PhD, works as a Depth Psychologist in private practice in Broad Ripple. There is no better time than now to begin new habits and pay attention to the needs of your psyche.