| Date: 27 November 2008 |
Decisions, decisions, decisions – is it tough for you?
Decisions, decisions, decisions – is it tough for you?
Cheryl Massey MSc MSc MA BSc PGCE
Chartered Psychologist and Systemic Psychotherapist
There are times in our life when we feel decisions need to be made and these can appear enormous. We can be overwhelmed with these and begin to let such decisions take over our thinking time. As we begin to turn our focus on these areas we eventually of course become more anxious. Heightened anxiety in itself means that we can be even less effective in thinking clearly and making good decisions. So how can we begin to allow our thoughts to be rational and more helpful?
Recently I worked with a client who presented with feelings of being weighed down because he continually felt unable to make the RIGHT decisions. He appeared to constantly have a thinking battle with himself about the possible consequences of his next actions, always dreading making wrong choices. He talked of feeling anxious most of the time because of this, unable to take the focus off the decision making process and, ultimately, this left him feeling disempowered. He began to lessen his anxiety by avoiding; he avoided changing plans, moving forward, challenging others, risking new situations etc.
We worked together on his potential solution which was to avoid that which he found anxiety provoking. It became clear very quickly that his solution was in fact increasing his feelings of nervousness and disquiet, since an avoidant profile does little to empower! He enjoyed using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy [CBT] and home activities to help him identify his patterns and to begin to self monitor, thereby allowing his thinking structures to be challenged. As he took control of his negative thinking and became more purposeful, his confidence soared and he began to face his fears. He clearly saw decision making as only part of his thinking processes, thus was more able to effectively work through these ideas.
If this sounds a little like you, why not call for an initial discussion which is free? You can have the life you want and have it NOW – check out my website for more details.
Cheryl Massey
07974 261744
www.cherylmassey.co.uk
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