Start Therapy This Summer: 12 Reasons Why It’s the Best Time
By: Tesa Emmart
Summer often conjures images of vacations, relaxation, and a break from routine. It’s a time when many people feel therapy can wait until the fall. However, starting therapy in the summer can be particularly beneficial, especially for moms, postpartum individuals, and children.
Here are 11 compelling reasons why summer is an ideal time to initiate therapy services:
1. Flexible Schedules
With school out and many people taking vacations, summer schedules can be more flexible. This flexibility makes it easier to fit therapy sessions into your routine without the usual time constraints.
2. Reduced Stress from School Pressures
For children, summer means a break from academic pressures, making it an excellent time to address any emotional or behavioral issues without the added stress of school. This can lead to more effective therapy sessions and quicker progress.
3. Opportunity for Family Involvement
Summer offers more opportunities for family activities and involvement. Family therapy can be more easily coordinated, and parents can be more actively involved in their children’s therapeutic process.
4. Transition Preparation
Summer is a time of transition, whether it’s preparing for a new school year, adjusting to a new baby, or adapting to a new routine. And as we know, transitions are inherently dysregulating to our nervous systems! Therapy can provide the support needed to navigate these transitions smoothly.
5. Focus on Self-Care
Summer is often seen as a time for self-care and rejuvenation. Starting therapy can be a crucial part of this self-care routine, helping to address any underlying issues that may hinder your overall well-being.
6. Addressing Seasonal Challenges
While summer is a time of joy for many, it can also bring its own set of challenges, such as feelings of isolation, body image concerns, or the stress of managing children’s activities. Therapy can help address these issues head-on.
7. Building Resilience
Therapy can help build resilience and coping skills, preparing you and your family to handle the upcoming school year or any other life changes with greater ease and confidence.
8. Postpartum Support
For new moms, summer can be a challenging time with the added responsibilities and expectations. Therapy provides a supportive space to navigate postpartum emotions, adjust to new roles, and find a sense of balance.
9. Enhanced Focus on Goals
With fewer distractions and commitments, summer allows for a greater focus on personal and therapeutic goals. This can lead to more concentrated efforts and significant progress in therapy.
10. Improved Availability of Therapists
Therapists often have more availability during the summer months, making it easier to find appointment times that work for you. This increased availability can lead to more consistent sessions and quicker progress.
11. A Head Start for the Fall
Starting therapy in the summer gives you a head start before the busyness of fall kicks in. By the time the new season arrives, you’ll already have established a therapeutic routine and made strides in your mental health journey.
12. More Free Time Can Lead to Increased Emotional Awareness
During the summer, a less structured schedule can sometimes allow us to experience a wider range of emotions. The longer days and increased downtime can heighten our emotional awareness, making it an ideal time to begin therapy.
If you’re considering therapy for yourself, your children, or your family, don’t wait until the fall. Take advantage of the unique opportunities that summer offers and begin your journey towards better mental health and well-being today.
Contact us to schedule your first session and start experiencing the benefits of summer therapy!