Words matter. This is a truth I’ve come to appreciate deeply as a counsellor in Camden and the Southern Highlands, working with individuals and couples.
We all have an inner critic, that part of us so quick to judge and point out where we could do better. It can really get in the way, especially in individual therapy or couples therapy sessions. It creates doubt, it creates confusion and if left unchecked, it can dampen our mood or make us feel pretty lousy.
This inner critic is an element of the much-discussed ‘imposter syndrome’, the perception that we should not be where we are right now: professionally, emotionally, or even socially/in relationships.
An assortment of books symbolizing diverse therapeutic approaches used in individual and couples therapy in Camden and Southern Highlands
One of the most effective strategies I’ve shared with my individual therapy and couples therapy clients in Camden and Southern Highlands, is that words matter. They matter in the way we talk to ourselves, in the way we interact with others, and in the way we perceive our surroundings.
Let me tell you a little story about the power of words. Do you know where the word ‘grammar’ comes from? It’s rooted in the word ‘grimoire’, a medieval term used to describe a spell book. People once believed that if we collected words and put them in a specific order, we could cast spells or affect things around us. So if ‘grammar’ is essentially another word for ‘spell book’, it’s important to understand that the words we use matter. In fact, they might even be magical.
Changing the intensity of the words we use can have a profound effect. Instead of saying, “I’m so stupid”, try saying, “I made a mistake, and that’s totally okay”.
As a counsellor offering individual therapy and couples therapy in Camden and Southern Highlands, I’ve seen firsthand how changing our language can change our lives. It’s one of the ways we make sense of our world. The very thing we use to make things matter, matters.
Words matter. Your words matter. So, speak kindly to yourself. Your mental health will thank you.
Remember, if you’re seeking support in Camden, Southern Highlands, or anywhere else, don’t hesitate to reach out. Words matter, and it’s time we start using them for our benefit.