Have you internalized your therapist?

Here are my therapeutic musings...

🧠 I’ve been thinking about how often I talk to my own therapist in my head. Before you judge me, it’s not as stalker-ish, or Baby Reindeer as it sounds.

A challenging situation occurs and I know exactly what Stacey would say.

And I think that’s one of the profound benefits of working with a coach or a therapist.

It’s not about creating a split personality or living with an imaginary friend, but about cultivating a compassionate, balanced voice that counters self-criticism and harmful narratives.

Speak to that person long enough in your head, and you start to have a different conversation with yourself.

📢 Ask yourself:

• "Do I have an inner voice that is nurturing and compassionate, or is it primarily critical?"

• "If my brain could have a hotline to someone supportive, balanced and wise who would it be?”

• "Can I identify moments when my internal dialogue mirrors the guidance of my therapist, coach or a wise friend?"

Photo by Elena Koycheva on Unsplash

💡The revelation: Therapy isn't just a weekly appointment.

Therapy is not just about the sessions themselves but also about what happens in between. The internalization of the therapist's voice can serve as an ongoing guide through life’s ups and downs.

If you’re in therapy or coaching and have found yourself already doing this, please know you’re not a weirdo. In fact, your psyche’s smarter than you realize.

For those who don't have a therapist, you can do this with a trusted friend or advisor, too. Practice this: 1) Notice the times your internal dialogue is critical or unhelpful. 2) Bring to mind this trusted individual and hear how they would challenge your thinking, and offer support.

After doing this for some time, their voice might actually become your own.

Thanks for being here,

PS. If you’re in London on 8th May and are interested in an evening discussing Reinventing Women’s Health, please join me and a host of leading experts, including psychologists, hormone specialists and functional doctors. Find out more and book your tickets here.