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The Role of the Therapist

The therapist upholds much in my relationship with recovery, which is a lifestyle. My therapist helps in diverse ways such as holding me accountable to my treatment plan, routine to maintain wellness, and self-commitments, or personal obligations. My therapist helps me combat self-stigma, encourages balance and routine as well as focus on wellness. In short, my therapist plays a significant role in my treatment team that consists of my psychiatric doctor, nurse, myself, and them, the therapist.

Whenever I have unanswered questions I take concerns to my therapist. My therapist finds resolutions pertaining to unanswered questions with my doctor, and general demands at the mental health center altogether. For example, when I had concerns paying for medication my therapist made a referral to the nurse to manage my needs. Also, my therapist can assist in scheduling appointments with the doctor whenever there is an emergency. Overall, the therapist plays a vital role in helping me stay accountable to treatment, keep distance from self-stigma, and to stay focused on a holistic outlook.

I appreciate sessions with my therapist, because they are resourceful, give straightforward input, and practice consistency. Holding onto negativity is easy. Therefore, being conscious of self-stigma is important to managing recovery. Limiting myself according to lack of awareness, and stereotypes of society weighs me down. I prefer to stay focused on my strengths, which my therapist helps reinforce in therapy, and to not let widespread fears dictate my outlook. I stay above self-stigma by reflecting my accomplishments, relationships with peers, and my faith in God. Moreover, my therapist reminds me of my many options to continue moving forward.

Part of my accountability to fulfilling demands of treatment is to manage a mood journal. My mood journal helps depict causes, and effects, of moods based on daily events, which I rate on a widespread color-based scale. My better days are the result of accomplishing my things to do list. While not-so-good days are typically plagued with unpredictable stress. Fortunately, my therapist and I review my mood journal, and corresponding events to determine triggers and warning signs leading up to my poorer days.

My holistic recipe includes my spirituality, support system, and personal responsibilities. In general, I aim to give God His time by praying, reading scriptures, and listening to uplifting music that focuses on Him. I feel more at peace whenever I worship and mediate regularly. I keep a handful of persons in my circle because they are my confidants, which requires trustworthiness. My personal responsibilities give way to making treatment a priority. My personal obligations are my livelihood; my son, our home, and self-care routine to balance life better. Therapy not only helps me manage my mood but also reinforces my self-commitments to enjoy recovery and life more.

Finally, my therapist holds many roles, which holds me accountable. My therapist gives me assignment to reflect on symptoms and such by recording a mood journal. My therapist reminds me of my strength that way I do not fall victim to self-stigma. Lastly, my therapist encourages holistic approaches that builds my wellness, and recovery based on my support system, spirituality, and routine for my personal livelihood.

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