Summer is a Great Time to Start Therapy
Kelly Anderson, PhD
Summer is often associated with relaxation, fun, and carefree living. However, it can also be a stressful time for many people. Whether it’s due to changes in routine, social pressures, or financial stress, summer can bring its own unique set of challenges. That’s why summer can be a great time to start therapy.
Here are just a few reasons why:
More Free Time
Summer often means a more flexible schedule. Whether you’re taking a break from school or enjoying a slower work pace, many find they have more free time during these months. Even if you're juggling kids' summer activities or working in a busy industry, the average person reports a more relaxed schedule in summer. This flexibility makes it easier to fit in therapy sessions without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Plus, with telehealth options readily available, you can seamlessly integrate therapy into your life. More free time also means more mental space for self-reflection and personal growth.
Reduced Stress
Summer can be a less stressful time for some people, which can make it easier to focus on personal issues and goals. The break from the usual hustle and bustle can make individuals more open and receptive to therapy. A change of pace and scenery can be incredibly refreshing and rejuvenating, helping to clear your mind and refocus your priorities.
Better Weather
The summer weather itself can be therapeutic. Sunshine and warmer temperatures encourage outdoor activities, boosting your mood and overall well-being. Additionally, outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and biking can be incorporated into therapy homework providing a unique and enjoyable therapeutic focus. Approaching changes, including those that come through therapy, when you’re already feeling better can create an even larger positive effect on mood. Spending time in nature, whether a walk in the park, a beach day, or a hike, has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. These activities can complement your therapy by providing a natural mood boost and encouraging a healthy, active lifestyle.
Increased Social Opportunities
Summer often brings more opportunities for social interaction, from family gatherings to community events. While this can sometimes be overwhelming, it also provides a great context for practicing social skills and working on any social anxieties or issues you might be facing. Therapy can help you navigate these interactions more confidently and effectively. If you’re learning interpersonal effectiveness skills or how to manage social anxiety, support from a therapist, while you have these increased social opportunities, can be pivotal.
Therapists Usually Have More Openings
While many industries thrive during summer, in the therapy world, summers tend to be a bit slower. College students return home for summer and take therapy breaks, families take vacations, and the better weather and overall summer vibes reduce levels of depression and anxiety. While a couple of months ago finding a therapist who was open to new clients was nearly impossible, during summer there tends to be much more availability.
Preparation for Fall
Starting therapy in the summer can provide a good foundation for continued progress in the fall. Summer can be a time of reflection and planning. With the year halfway through, it’s a perfect moment to assess your goals and progress. Therapy can support this process by helping you set realistic goals, address any roadblocks, and develop strategies for personal growth. By addressing personal issues and building coping skills over the summer, individuals may be better equipped to handle the stress of the upcoming fall season. Additionally, starting therapy in the summer can help individuals establish a routine and make therapy a priority in their lives.
By starting therapy in the summer, you’re leveraging the season's unique advantages to boost your mental health. The combination of more free time, reduced stress, better weather, and increased social opportunities makes it an ideal time for self-improvement and growth.