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Do You Really Want to Change? Jan 2006 Newsletter |
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Do You Really Want to Change?We’ve all heard the statistics about the likelihood of keeping New Year’s resolutions. Instead of talking about the failure of the New Year’s promise, here is some information about how to make those changes stick. According to Change Theory, there are six steps to making a change. The first is Precontemplation, when you first notice some discomfort with an aspect in your life. The second is Contemplation. In this stage, the problem becomes something that takes up some mental space. Many people are in the contemplation stage for weight loss after the holidays. The ads on TV and extra pounds begin to focus our attention on this topic. Those who are serious about changing, might move into the Preparation and Planning stage where they would come up with a plan, like joining Weight Watchers or setting a goal. They might also tell someone so that they had some accountability. Now it is time for Action. This involves really taking the plan and doing it. Setting goals is helpful, so
that there is a target to work toward. Make sure that goals are specific, measurable and attainable, like 10 lbs by April 1. An unrealistic target can contribute to failure. Once a goal is reached, the next phase is Maintenance, where the change becomes more than an exercise but rather incorporated into the daily lifestyle. Finally, once this goal is achieved, proceed to the Termination phase to celebrate your victory. Weight was used a today’s example but this process can be useful in changing lifestyle habits as well. Think about what you would like to change in your life and set goals.
Leslie Morgan Steiner has written a book called The Mommy Wars, that is helpf ul for new parents who are concerned whether they are making the right choices for their children. Often, new moms come to my office feeling guilty about working vs. staying home. Additionally many stay at home moms worry feel guilty about taking time for themselves and finding the balance between parenting and not losing who they are. The book is a series of essays written by mothers (mostly upper middle class), primarily addressing the issue of to work outside the home or stay home. It is a good illustration of how many different ways there are to parent.
Providing counseling services from a Christian perspective in the Indianapolis area for more than 10 years.
I have worked with individuals and families for over 25 years, as a pastoral counselor, the founder of Brooke's Place for Grieving Young People, and a licensed therapist. Issues and concerns causing distress might best be resolved or reconciled through professional assistance. Common examples that clients seek my help may be relative to the death of a loved one, infertility, miscarriage, disease management, terminal illness, broken relationships, divorce, parent-child discord, empty nest, aging parents, job dissatisfaction, unexpected career loss, and faith values. I can support you best by creating a collaborative relationship so that you can discover your strengths and in so doing you can design solutions until hope emerges and you can embrace the future more confidently. As the founding director of Brookes Place, I can share what grievers of all ages (2-80+) have taught me. I have extensive experience in working with children, teens and young adults and can teach you proven ways to communicate with your peers or parents. I am a trained victims advocate and have provided trauma counseling locally and on the national level. I supported victims and survivors of the terrorist attack on the WTC and the United flight that plunged to earth in Pennsylvania on 9/11. My experience and training provides a caring and professional environment for you to explore your concerns.
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