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I’ve been thinking about this famous analogy about recovery being a riverbed. (Taken from both D.Siegel and Kawa model) and I wanted to offer my take using both these ideas.
The journey to mental health recovery is often depicted as a straight, upward path leading to a bright, sunny destination. However, this idealised image doesn't capture the complex and winding reality. More accurately, recovery is like navigating a riverbed, filled with unexpected bends, rapids, shallows, boulders, and rock pools, each a unique challenge to overcome.
Bends: representing life's twists and turns, the unexpected events that can derail our progress. A sudden loss, a setback in treatment, or a relapse can feel like a detour, leading us away from our intended path.
Rapids: symbolising periods of intense emotional turmoil or physical discomfort. During these times, it can feel like we're being swept away, losing control.
Shallows: representing moments of vulnerability and uncertainty. We may feel exposed and inadequate, unsure of our ability to cope.
Boulders: representing significant obstacles that block our way. These might be deep-seated traumas, unhealthy relationships, or addiction. Overcoming these boulders often requires immense courage and perseverance.
Rock Pools: symbolising moments of calm and reflection. In these quiet pools, we can pause, catch our breath, and gather our strength before continuing our journey.
Just as a river navigates these challenges to reach its destination, so too can we. This example helped me see that it’s important to acknowledge, setbacks are a normal part of the recovery. By understanding the nature of our journey, we can better equip ourselves to face the obstacles and emerge stronger on the other side.
I like this analogy as it takes me back to the old saying “it’s the journey not the destination. I’m sure you’re all with me on this, but I often get so caught up on the goal, the finish line, the destination that I forget to stop, take a look at the view.
Therapy: a compass on the healing journey:
Therapy can serve as a valuable compass, guiding you through your personal yet, complex riverbed journey. It provides a safe and supportive space for self-discovery, exploration, and growth. Here's how therapy can support you on your healing journey:
1. Providing a safe space: creating a warm, welcoming space, where you can explore and express your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. Allowing you to feel, seen, heard, understood, and validated.
2. Facilitating self-discovery: therapy can help you uncover your ‘boulders;’ the underlying causes of your pain, trauma, or challenges. By exploring your past experiences, beliefs, and patterns of behaviour, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your coping mechanisms.
3. Developing coping skills: therapy can teach you alternative, healthier coping strategies to manage your ‘boulders’. These skills can help you navigate difficult emotions, build resilience, and improve your overall well-being.
4. Challenging negative thought patterns: cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is a very helpful approach to help you identify and challenge negative thought patterns. By replacing unhelpful beliefs with more positive and realistic ones, you can improve your view and overall mood.
5. Promoting personal growth: therapy can support you in setting goals, developing new skills, and working towards personal growth. By addressing underlying issues and building self-esteem, you can become more confident, resilient. You can live a life you love.
6. Offering support and guidance: Therapy provides a listening ear, offers guidance (if desired), and support you throughout your healing journey. It can help you navigate challenges, develop a sense of hope, and find meaning in your experiences.
Ultimately, therapy can be a powerful tool for healing and personal growth. By providing a safe and supportive environment, therapists can help you uncover your strengths, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation.
If you are interested in beginning this journey down the riverbed, an reconnecting with yourself, contact me today to arrange a free consultation.and discovering yourself, contact me today to arrange a free consultation.
