Every January 1, people attempt to make changes in their lives. For some, they try to quit smoking, drinking or overeating. For others, they decide to set new work or life goals.
But how does change happen? Certainly, it starts with a resolution- a decision to address an issue. Added to this may be the motivation and determination to make changes.
Few people are successful over the course of the year. Why is that? The problem is that making changes requires insight into why the behaviors are in place in the first place. Why do I choose chocolate when I can eat a beautiful piece of fresh fruit? What does smoking provide for me? What are the blocks IN ME to achieving these goals that I envision?

In order to change behaviors, an individual needs to understand thoughts and feelings related to the behavior. In therapy, we seek to understand the interplay of thoughts (beliefs, images, and memories), moods, behaviors, physical reactions, and current environment. Understanding how these five parts of our lives interact can help us understand our own change process. It is difficult to make successful changes in our lives alone. A therapist can come alongside in the process as coach, consultant, and instructor.

-Larcy