I Don’t Have Time

Colleague circles say the same things about clients wanting appointments. Something similar to, “They will come when they are ready to make the sacrifice to put themselves first.” I agree and I recognize putting yourself first is sometimes hard to do when you already feel you don’t have time.
There’s a tiny twinge of remorse, guilt, whatever it is, on me changing my schedule that will change my availability to folks who are ready for therapy. How do everyday people with jobs and commitments make time to see a therapist who doesn’t offer many evening and weekend appointments?

I don’t have all the answers but here’s a few points to consider.

1. Schedule time for yourself. Similar to scheduling your hair appointments and car maintenance in advance, you can contact a therapist to schedule time. Traditionally, the thought is therapy should be conducted every week, but many therapist have client-centered approaches and treatment is individualized. It is possible that your needs may not require weekly sessions. Meet for an initial appointment, discuss your limitations and be open to establishing a strategy with your therapist.
2. Consider being more preemptive in your treatment. Be courageous by being specific in your need for therapy. Have a list of areas that are of concern to maximize your treatment sessions.
3. Don’t allow time constraints to confine your need for help. Realistically look at your work schedule to identify ways to meet with a therapist. Are you afforded the ability to leave early or arrive later to work? Does your employer offer you to take leave for appointments? Can you make a therapy visit during lunchtime?

Before you give up with thinking you don’t have time for therapy, really look at your schedule to see how you can limit some other things for awhile. We do make time for the things we WANT to do, right?