Personal Growth

Initiating Growth

Sometimes we choose growth and sometimes growth chooses us. Different seasons of life can present different opportunities and reasons to pursue personal growth. We may want to pursue our best selves at one point in our lives; yet at another time, be trying to grow in the face of uncontrollable challenges.

While the pursuit of personal growth may feel uncertain at times, it can also be freeing as we gain insight and wisdom about ourselves. Receiving support as we navigate the process can help us thrive.

understanding yourself

To travel a path of growth, mindfulness is often an important practice to include. Mindfulness can help us connect with our inner experiences (thoughts, emotions, sensations), increase awareness, recognize areas for change, and enable us to receive insight and wisdom as growth unfolds. Mindfulness supports a growth mindset - believing that we can improve our skills, change undesirable parts of ourselves, and find meaning in challenge.

Connecting to meaning

When we choose to pursue growth, there is hope that we will find greater satisfaction and contentment with life and within ourselves as a result of the process. Part of what can contribute to greater satisfaction and contentment is connecting to what matters to us - connecting to our values. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is evidence-based treatment that can support this process. When we are aware of and connected to our values, we can choose to act in a way that reflects those values. Living a life that represents what we care about most can set the stage for our greatest happiness and wellbeing.

being A friend to Yourself

As human beings, we fail, feel inadequate, and become frustrated with ourselves, perhaps especially during periods of growth. Self-compassion is often a powerful addition to therapy because it encourages self-kindness, warmth, and understanding as we face difficulties and learn about ourselves and the world. Self-compassion balances self-understanding with taking necessary action, to support you becoming the best version of yourself..

whole being growth

Honoring the mind-body connection and optimizing lifestyle factors can create the best environment for personal growth. This may mean aiming to improve areas such as sleep, social connection, or physical activity. It may also include connecting to sources of spirituality or faith.