"I tried therapy.
It didn't take.
" If you've never seen these words, then you've just revealed yourself as a non-reader of advice columns like Dear Abby or Annie's Mailbox.
The speaker then goes on to explain that either their case is hopeless or the therapists in their area are no good.
In their opinion, of course.
Therapy is a course of treatment designed to improve a physical or mental condition that the person doesn't want.
The condition might be anything from an undesired behavior (like smoking) to an undesired mental state (like anxiety) to back pain.
Regardless, there's one key element that makes it all work.
Change.
Healing, the desired result, is a change.
With that in mind, we'll explore 3 key tips to support you, the patient, in creating healthy change in a therapeutic environment.
1.
Affirm your willingness to change.
A person can only change himself.
This often comes up in therapy when a person arrives with the goal of changing another person - like their boss or spouse.
The therapist then explains that therapy is designed for the person who is present.
You may already understand this.
"Yes," you say.
"I can only change myself.
I know that already.
" Great.
Now take it to the next level.
Do you expect the therapist to change you? If so, your expectation is unrealistic.
Your therapist may teach, treat, or inspire.
And yet the change happens over on your end.
2.
Be ready to take action.
Healing is, by definition, an active process.
Yet sometimes people expect their desired result to somehow "just happen.
" Again, this is unrealistic.
Regardless of how the condition came about, there are certain predictable activities that can be expected to improve it.
Let's be very clear.
The solution to your problem may be influenced by different factors from those that caused it.
Your back pain may have started when you slipped on the ice.
Yet the solution may involve lifestyle changes designed to reduce stress.
Where's the connection? You were like a time bomb waiting to go off.
You hadn't been eating right, sleeping enough, or exercising.
Your nervous system is too highly excited to generate a healing reaction.
It's that simple.
If you're not clear on the steps you can take to support your healing process, then this is a great question to ask your therapist at the beginning of your next visit.
3.
Balance healing commitment with a willingness to explore.
This one's a little tricky, yet it's critical to your success.
Your challenge may be to hang in there just a little longer while the process unfolds.
Or your journey may involve blending several different modalities and practitioners:

• Massage therapy and chiropractic may work better together than either would do alone.
  
• Forgiving a perceived wrong or slight may enhance the function of your immune system.
  
• The therapist who was perfect in the depths of your despair may not do well with the straight talk that would speed up your process as you get healthier.
  

As you move through your therapy process, you will be in an increasingly better position to assess your progress.
While it's true that you are the expert on your own life, there's always objectivity to be gained from consulting an impartial third party.
If you feel "stuck" in a healing process, don't give up.
Consider the three tips we've explored today.