As part of therapy, we frequently explore purpose, spirituality, and identity
These topics aren’t off-limits
Purpose
Constructing a life that’s meaningful and authentically you
• Exploring a new career or charting your path after college
• Being more than just the parent of your children
• Enriching life by volunteering or other forms of service
• Identifying your strengths and applying them to your life
• Making decisions based on your principles
• Making the world a better place
A purpose-driven life
We often get caught up in “shoulds” in life - the things that society/parents/friends say you should do.
You should be married. You should have children. You should be in a job that gives you all the satisfaction you need. You should own a house. You should be happy.
Creating a purpose-driven life involves stepping back from everybody else’s shoulds - and then being intentional and authentic about the life you’re creating.
Spirituality
How we relate to the divine/unknowable parts of life
• Finding comfort with your place in the universe
• Working though negative religious experiences or trauma
• Living your faith while butting heads with generational ideas about dressing right for church
• Exploring other religions or mystic traditions
• Affirming your faith and learning how to communicate that to your family
• Reconciling atheism with spirituality
Spirituality
Faith and spirituality are often treated like things that need to be completely private - but often they play a huge role in our lives.
To be clear, we aren’t religious counselors - but we can help you integrate spirituality within your life and your relationships. Sometimes that means focusing on communication with family who don’t share your beliefs - other times it means looking at spirituality as a source of strength.
Identity
How we see ourselves in the world - sometimes it changes suddenly
• Defining who you are after the kids have left home
• Questioning gender identity
• Immigrating to a new country
• Reconstructing your “single” self after divorce
• Coming out and/or exploring sexual orientation
• Processing how larger social structures (racist, sexism, homophobia) impact our ability to see our own worth
Supporting your authenticity
Often who we are - how we fundamentally see ourselves - is in conflict with who society tell us we’re supposed to be.
Therapy is a place where we can unpack and explore identity.
First, we’re going to believe you are who you are. Your honest self is respected here.
Second, you’re free to explore - to talk through your questions and test out what feels authentically you.
