THE PAST – How does it help?
THE PAST INFORMS THE PRESENT
When we consider our early past relationships, childhood, and life experiences it can sometimes help us to understand our current ways of thinking, feeling, relating and behaving. Sometimes events in the past which have not been worked through sufficiently or at all, can negatively influence us in the present. It is not only the event which may cause problems but more often the way we have dealt with the event, or the unhelpful responses we have had, or the support we have not had which causes us ongoing difficulties.
LEARNING FROM THE PAST
We all have needs throughout our lives, and our emotions help alert us to what is needed, and to get our needs met. From childhood we also learn to think in certain ways which fit for others eg carers and parents etc.. but they may not fit for us, this can cause inner conflict, and can interrupt us getting what we need. So it is important to check our beliefs and behaviours to see where they have come from, and to LEARN our own truth.
COUNSELLING THE PAST HELPS THE PRESENT
Counselling and psychotherapy should offer a safe place to explore these issues, and it is often found in therapy that difficulties such as depression, anxiety, low self esteem, etc improve as unmet needs, unprocessed and denied feelings, and negative/distorted thinking are addressed.