"Irrational" Thoughts

Over the years, I have worked with clients through a myriad of mental health journeys and desires. Ive witnessed how the often popularized one size fits all approach, fill in the blank worksheets, “just stop that thought” (very white and individual focused) approach to therapy really drops the ball when it comes to deeper internal healing.

In my experience, the beauty and internal-dazzle of therapy is the unique one-of-a-kind alchemy that happens between client and clinician, in a secure co-created container. No two sessions are the same for me, ever. One word that I internally fist fight with when I see it in media, pop-psychology posts, or in session is "IRRATIONAL.” Heres the thing, nothing and I mean nothing that floats to the top of your nervous system and morphs into a behavior/reaction/thought/fear is irrational. Irrational is defined as: “not logical or reasonable”

Everything and I mean everything that you say/do/respond/react makes sense given the context in which it manifests and initially took root. There is logic behind your unique patterns, relational rhythms, generational cycles—its 100% reasonable, to do the things that you have learned keep you feeling internally safe, regulated, and protected.

I would love to offer you one of my favorite therapeutic portals 🔮

I wonder what it would be like to (re)imagine your irrational thoughts/behavior/patterns as a once necessary + sustainable way of being and maneuvering the world, that you are now in curious speculation of. Keeping with that curiosity, does that thought/behavior/pattern still feel sustainable in the current season of your life/evolution?

Challenging (rational) Unsustainable or ‘Out of Season’ Patterns:

1. Tune in/Tap in to your body

   When I learn about a behavior pattern or loop that my clients find themselves continuously stuck in, my first step is to empower them with the internal tools/guidance to get curious. No pattern that we find ourselves repeating time and time again is random or happenstance.

   The first step is to observe and experience your body’s instinctual and natural cues. Get curious about the way your body feels just before that pattern manifests. Do your insides feel like a volcano? A stereo blasting at high volume? Like you are drowning? Going down a steep rollercoaster? Once you begin to learn your bodys response system, you are then equipped with a new layer of knowledge; a signifier that you can be emboldened to try a series of different reactions/thoughts/patterns..

2. Get Reflective

   Armed with the knowledge of the internal way your body feels before a pattern, allow yourself to sink into reflection. What story am I embodying/ telling myself? Who does this person or this dynamic remind me of? Am I physically unsafe? What emotion feels difficult to hold right now? Can I make space to hold it in my hands or my arms? How does it feel to hold this emotion right now? What memories trickle to the surface?

Trust me, the hows of the unique ways you are, make sense; and, but, yet it is okay to be in curious speculation of how it may no longer fit who you are, now.

take goooooood care!

c