Winter is Often a Perfect Time to Heal

Winter is Often a Perfect Time to Heal

The hustle and bustle of the holidays are over, and not everyone welcomes the slower pace that January brings. Focus Integrative therapist, Missy Cohen, LCSW, explains why people seek out therapy services during the winter months and how she can offer support.

Q: What are some of the reasons people decide to reach out around this time?

A: There are many reasons why this time of year is so common. Often times, someone recently experienced grief or loss and getting through the holidays without their loved one is hard. On the other hand, someone who has experienced past trauma or struggled with family relationships may have been triggered during the time spent with them over the holidays. Additionally, the change in seasons with more cold weather and lack of sun can cause anything from “the winter blues” to clinical depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). People report feeling "blah" and feeling unmotivated to do the things they normally do.

Q: How do you decide what type of approach (or approaches) to take when it comes to these types of issues?

A: Everyone’s situation is unique, so it always depends on what their needs and goals are. The 3 main therapeutic modalities I use in my sessions are Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and *Acceptance and Integration Therapy (AAIT). AAIT is a cutting-edge approach for healing trauma and other issues that clients can actually use at home, which they really love.

Q: What is the importance of finding the right therapist when seeking help for our mental health?

A: It’s extremely important to find the right provider for therapy. I believe the relationship between client and therapist is a vital building block for healing. My highest priority is establishing a trusting bond so that change can begin.

 

Missy Cohen, LCSW, has over 25 years of experience working with families and individuals of all ages. Although she moved to the California coast, she has maintained her Tennessee license and continues to see clients virtually.

Missy is currently accepting new clients (ages 13 & up) through online sessions only.

*AAIT is founded and trademarked by Melanie McGee, LCSW.

 

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