Therapy for Introverts
Quiet is Powerful.
If you’re someone who likes to observe rather than taking the spotlight, prefers thoughtful writing over speaking to a group, and comes out of your shell slowly, you might identify as an introvert.
Being an introvert doesn’t always feel like a good thing in our loud and fast-paced world. Teachers might tell you to raise your hand and participate more. Classmates or coworkers might overpower you during group projects. Even family and friends might urge you to speak up or question you about why you’re being so quiet.
Here’s the thing though: being an introvert is actually a profound strength.
If you’re an introvert, you may be:
A highly observant person who notices things that others miss
Comfortable without constant socialization, easily finding satisfaction while reading or practicing a hobby alone
A non-reactive person who processes experiences in a way that is personal and patient
Cautious when expressing feelings or opinions to others, doing so thoughtfully and deliberately
Even though introversion comes with its own set of superpowers, introverts need support making sense of things sometimes. If you’re going through a difficult life experience, struggling with relationships, or facing emotional challenges, therapy may be helpful.
For those who aren’t sure about all of the talking involved in therapy, art therapy can be a good fit. Instead of sitting across the room from your therapist and answering a series of questions (which can be very uncomfortable for some introverts), you’ll have the chance to use drawing, collage images, modeling clay, and other art materials to show how you are feeling and what is going on in your life. You won’t have to worry about talking the whole session, because the art activities you do in session will help your therapist understand you.
Hungry for more introvert-affirmative info? Access Susan Cain’s amazing online introvert community, Quiet Revolution, here.