What do the Counselors say?
New Years Resolutions, good or bad?
Robin Bieber, MA, LMFT: Large scale resolutions that focus on our perceived shortcomings can lead to negative self judgement that could trigger feelings of failure and inadequacy. If we set unrealistic goals to change ourselves and our plans fail to realize we may experience feelings of hopelessness. When we set small realistic goals and remain flexible when can experience a better understanding of ourselves and realize our accomplishments.
What do you tell clients to set themselves up for a positive and happy New Year?
Practice gratitude for who we are and the people in our life that care about us. Instead of New Year’s resolutions perhaps develop a new skill and focus on what can be achieved.
Cornelia Morris, PhD, LADC: New Year Resolution by Dr. Morris: One size doesn’t fit all. New Year is about make and break. There are many different reasons to make New Year Resolution: psychological reasons, practical barriers and behavioral approaches. There is no guarantee to making and keeping New Year Resolution. New Year Resolution can be good for your mental health when you’re motivated to set realistic and specific goals for yourself.
What do you tell clients to set themselves up for a positive and happy New Year?
New Year’s resolutions are usually goals statements of practical objectives that you want to achieve. I usually tell client to be conscious of their goals which is the beginning of change, and any opportunity that motivates them to implement these changes, is a chance, to look forward to a positive and happy New Year.
Jeroy Smith, MS, LPC: They can be, if you are committed to having a system of goal creating, because most people lose motivation.
What do you tell clients to set themselves up for a positive and happy New Year?
You need to have discipline because the motivation is going to wear off, so the motivation and discipline are key.
Dana Lombardo, Counseling Center Intern: I would say yes, they’re good for your mental health. It allows you to reflect on your own life and make changes to better yourself.
What do you tell clients to set themselves up for a positive and happy New Year?
I would re-visit client’s goals and ask what they would like to work on personally for themselves as individuals, and or as a family. What may work for them may not work for others so to think about personal interests, and what helps them to be a better person to take care of themselves first, and others close to them.
Stacy-Ann Annor Antwi, Counseling Center Intern: Yes, New Years Resolutions are optimistic and serve as a good way to be proactive about one’s future. They also help to bring clarity and direction to one’s goals.
What do you tell clients to set themselves up for a positive and happy New Year?
Set realistic attainable goals. Perhaps instead of setting a big goal maybe dividing that goal into smaller more attainable goals that can encourage you to do the smaller steps. Ex: Someone who wants to quit smoking as the larger goal can break that goal into smaller steps like:
- Inform my PCP.
- Seek out a counselor for professional advice.
- Share my goal with a friend or someone trustworthy for accountability.
- Researching local smoking sensation groups near me.
- Join a smoking cessation support group and attend first meeting by end of January.
- Commit to monthly meeting with Cessation Support Group.
Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share via Email
