Having conducted psychotherapy for a number of years and life coaching for more of my life than not, I’ve narrowed down a straightforward rule by which I live my life. When shared with clients, I’m told the adage maintains value in their lives, as well.
Do more of that which serves your interests and goals, and less of that which doesn’t.
For instance, if a person is continually sleep-deprived, the results of which causes headaches and irritability, perhaps getting more sleep on a regular basis may better serve the individual’s desire for better performance when awake.
Likewise, if someone’s use or abuse of substances (e.g., alcohol) results in chaotic relationships, increased involvement with law enforcement, and aggression, it could be that less use of the substance would better serve the person’s ambition to behave in a healthier manner.
Similar to the plain graphic used for this blog entry, the more-less paradigm isn’t overly complex. Behaving in a way that is beneficial to our objectives often boils down to doing more helpful things than not.
I imagine someone saying, “Deric, maybe you’re oversimplifying mental health a little too much. After all, people are complex systems and your elementary approach is condescending.”
To this, I suggest that while one can overcomplicate the matter, doing more or less of that which better serves one’s interests and goals isn’t a terrible, horrible, or awful place to begin. Sometimes, the elegant solution is precisely what is called for in moments of chaos.
If you’re looking for a provider who works to help you understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life—and who works to help you better serve your interests and goals, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.
As a psychotherapist, I’m pleased to help people with an assortment of issues ranging from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters.
At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply helping you to feel better, I want to help you get better!
Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW
References:
Hollings, D. (2022, March 15). Disclaimer. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/post/disclaimer
Hollings, D. (n.d.). Hollings Therapy, LLC [Official website]. Hollings Therapy, LLC. Retrieved from https://www.hollingstherapy.com/