Are you familiar with the benefits of flow states for mental health? If not, it’s time to consider how entering flow states can significantly improve your well-being. Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi first introduced the concept of flow states in the 1970s. He described them as moments of complete immersion in an activity where you lose track of time and self-consciousness. This intense focus not only enhances productivity but can also have a profound impact on your mental health.

My Experience with Flow at the Gym

Recently, while attending a Body Combat class—a combination of martial arts and music—I experienced the benefits of flow states firsthand. After a hectic few days filled with client meetings and a counseling conference, I was ready for my workout. During the class, I found myself getting fully absorbed in the rhythm of the music and movements, entering a flow state. As a result, I felt both physically and mentally refreshed after the session.

According to Csikszentmihalyi’s research, regularly experiencing flow can increase life satisfaction and reduce stress. This is because when we focus deeply on a task, we let go of distractions and anxieties, which greatly benefits our mental health.

The Connection Between Gaming and Flow

Moreover, flow states are often associated with gaming. Jane McGonigal, a researcher on gaming and mental health, has found that video games are structured to help players enter flow. By gradually improving skills and providing immediate feedback, games encourage focus and immersion. As a result, gamers learn valuable lessons about resilience and personal growth, which can be applied to real-world challenges.

Engaging in games not only offers entertainment but also shows how flow states can be achieved in various aspects of life. Therefore, practicing flow through gaming can help us be more “gameful” in dealing with everyday stressors.

How to Access Flow for Better Mental Health

If you’re wondering how to regularly access flow states, here are a few practical tips:

1. Challenge yourself: Flow happens when the difficulty of an activity matches your skill level. Choose tasks that are neither too easy nor too difficult.
2. Minimize distractions: In order to fully immerse yourself in an activity, eliminate distractions like phone notifications or unnecessary interruptions.
3. Set clear, achievable goals: Breaking tasks into manageable steps helps maintain focus and prevents feeling overwhelmed.

By implementing these strategies, you can begin to experience the benefits of flow states for mental health and improve your overall well-being.

Take the Next Step

The benefits of flow states for mental health are undeniable. When you regularly access flow, you not only reduce stress but also increase focus and improve life satisfaction. If you’d like to explore how to incorporate more flow states into your life, I’m here to help. Scheduling an introductory session can provide a space for us to assess your needs and develop a plan that suits you.

Contact Me

Feel free to reach out if you want to learn more about the benefits of flow states or if you’re seeking support for your mental health.

Wishing you a productive and fulfilling day,

Phil Walker

Provisional Member of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (PNZAC)

www.newbeginningstherapy.co.nz

philip@newbeginningstherapy.co.nz

64 21 058 3234

Book in your session here: https://newbeginningstherapy.co.nz/session-booking/
Find out more about my digital program here: https://newbeginningstherapy.co.nz/foundation-builder-1-0/
Find out more about counselling packages here: https://newbeginningstherapy.co.nz/package-page/

Anxiety is a common issue that many people seek therapeutic support for, and understanding how therapy helps anxiety can be crucial for those struggling. Anxiety can be very debilitating, affecting all aspects of life. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, I noticed an increase in clients dealing with anxiety. The restrictions on our usual freedoms, whether justified or not, often led to feelings of lost control. This sense of powerlessness is frequently linked to anxiety, and during that time, I found it important to remind people to focus on what they could control. The Serenity Prayer became particularly relevant, connecting well with the recovery process, especially within 12-step programs. This spiritual connection can significantly assist the journey to recovery.

Understanding Anxiety as Fear

Anxiety can often be understood as a form of fear. While you may resist this notion, thinking, “I’m not afraid,” anxiety often manifests itself in ways that feel separate and distinct from fear, becoming a disorder in itself.

Medication and Therapy: A Combined Approach

Anxiety can be treated with medications such as fluoxetine and citalopram, with many clients reporting positive results, particularly with the latter. These medications can take the edge off anxiety, allowing individuals to more effectively challenge and overcome it. This is where therapy plays a vital role—by generating courage.

The Complexity of Anxiety

It’s essential to approach anxiety with care. It’s not as simple as telling someone to be more courageous. Chronic anxiety, especially when triggered by life events, cannot be dismissed with such a simplistic view. Telling someone to “just be braver” can worsen their condition.

The Therapeutic Process: A Safe Space

In therapy, the first step is to create a safe space where clients can explore their emotions. Sometimes, revisiting past events, if the client feels ready, can provide a sense of validation. This process is often referred to as “the value of being there.” It’s critical for clients to feel that someone is with them in their turmoil.

Challenging Anxiety: Systematic Desensitization

One effective method to challenge anxiety is through ‘Systematic Desensitization.’ This process involves confronting anxiety step by step. A classic example can be seen in the movie “Vertigo,” where the main character faces his fear of heights by practicing calm breathing while gradually climbing a ladder.

Similarly, clients combat anxiety by facing it head-on in a controlled, gradual manner. This involves practicing calmness while tackling anxiety-inducing situations, one step at a time. The movie “Dream Scenario” also illustrates this concept, showing a teacher using systematic desensitization with young people.

Avoiding Overwhelm: Graded Exposure

It’s important not to overwhelm clients by asking them to do too much too soon. This approach, often termed “graded exposure,” is supported by the use of ISMART goals. These goals should be inspirational, specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-framed. By first creating an empathic space and then building on these goals, progress can be made in a supportive and reassuring environment.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Anxiety

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is another effective tool for managing anxiety. It involves working through the faulty thoughts that contribute to anxiety. I find CBT particularly helpful, especially when it comes to examining overwhelming thoughts and emotions. By running these thoughts through a rational filter, we can gradually reduce their intensity.

Seeking Support

If you’re feeling anxious and need support, I’m here to help. An introductory session is a great starting point to assess your situation and build rapport. From there, we can develop a plan to move forward. A package of sessions, along with my digital program, can help anchor the goals we set each week and continue the progress even after our sessions conclude.

Reach Out

If you’d like to learn more about how therapy can help with anxiety or if you’re ready to book a session, feel free to reach out. I’m here to support you on your journey to overcoming anxiety.

Wishing you a lovely day

Phil Walker

Provisional Member of the New Zealand Association of Counsellors (PNZAC)

www.newbeginningstherapy.co.nz

philip@newbeginningstherapy.co.nz

64 21 058 3234

In today’s fast-paced world, counseling services must adapt to meet the diverse needs of clients. This is where my Counselling Digital Program comes into play. Designed to complement traditional counseling packages, this program leverages years of accumulated knowledge to address the common themes that often arise during counseling sessions.

Why I Developed the Counselling Digital Program

The Counselling Digital Program was born out of a need to address recurring themes observed in client sessions. Despite the uniqueness of each individual, many clients focus on improving their relationships—both with themselves and with others. Additionally, the quest for meaningful work often intertwines with these relationships. My digital program is tailored to tackle these essential aspects, offering structured guidance and practical tools.

Key Areas of Focus

1. Building a Strong Relationship with Yourself

The foundation of any meaningful relationship starts with self-awareness and self-care. The first section of the Counselling Digital Program guides clients through the process of building a solid relationship with themselves. Much like constructing a house, a strong foundation is crucial. This section includes a series of videos and a comprehensive worksheet to help clients assess their personal foundations. By setting ISMART goals (Inspirational, Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-framed), clients can track their progress and make necessary adjustments along the way.

2. Enhancing Relationships with Others

The second section of the Counselling Digital Program focuses on improving relationships with others. This part of the program provides insights into healthy and unhealthy communication styles, encouraging clients to reflect on their relationships. The same practical format of videos and worksheets helps clients take actionable steps toward improving their relationships, with a strong emphasis on communication.

Integrating the Counseling Digital Program with Traditional Counseling

Initially, I envisioned this program as a standalone tool. However, over time, I’ve found that it works best as an enhancement to traditional counseling packages. By combining the Counselling Digital Program with regular sessions, clients can bring up the issues they encounter while working through the program. The accompanying worksheets ensure that progress is tracked, and clients stay actively engaged in their personal development.

The Counselor-Coach Approach

As a qualified Counselor and Coach, I understand the importance of balancing reflective work with forward momentum. The counseling aspect of the program helps clients heal inner distress, while the coaching element focuses on setting and achieving new goals. This dual approach ensures that clients are not only okay with where they are but also motivated to move forward.

Additional Resources

The final section of the Counselling Digital Program includes book recommendations and my favorite counseling and coaching tips. These resources are designed to be easily implemented, with the option to track progress using the worksheets provided.

Special Offer

If you are currently enrolled in a counseling package with me, you can get the my program at a discounted rate of $149.99 (originally $199.99). For more details and to watch the video trailer, visit the Foundation Builder program page.

Take care, and feel free to reach out anytime.

Phil
021 058 3234
philip@newbeginningstherapy.co.nz

American Psychological Association (APA) – The Benefits of Telehealth for Mental Health

This article discusses the advantages of telehealth and digital programs in mental health care, aligning well with your focus on a counselling digital program.