Psychotherapists often hear their clients accuse themselves of being weak or feeling like a failure for not dealing with their problems on their own. If only we could tell our mind what not to think, erase certain memories and instruct our bodies how to feel psychotherapy would not be needed. However, as you may have already seen in the comical Bob Newhart video “Stop It!” we cannot simply order our mind what not to think.
The process of psychotherapy allows us to get to know and explore our thoughts and emotions in a non-judgemental, safe environment. Gradually we learn to be less reactive and more tolerant towards our own experience whether it is exciting or difficult.