Why Therapy in the Summer is Good for You
Q&A with a Registered Social Worker
We spoke to Registered Social Worker Kate Brockbank about why therapy in the summer is good for you. Kate offers services for individual and family counselling. She works with kids, teens, and adults as they cope with stressful situations and difficult life events.
Q: Why may it be difficult for someone to want to access therapy in the summer?
A: Summer is a fun time, but that means our schedules shift, causing a break in a regular work or school routine.
Because of this, you may find yourself doing more family-oriented activities, taking care of things around your home, or enjoying the company of friends. This may make it difficult to find time to prioritize yourself and your solo hobbies, which leads to a lack of self-care. Additionally, with the nice weather more prominent and frequent, you may feel like there are no upfront problems or issues that you are facing, unlike in the winter months, where the sun sets early and outdoor time is limited.
Q: Why is it important to access therapy in the summer?
A: Accessing therapy in the summer allows you to prioritize self-care, commit to self-growth, and challenge yourself!
When mindful of our goals, we can put them into action when we feel lighter, unlike in the winter or more dreary months of the year.
People may face transitions that are difficult in the summer to cope with. For example, many teens attend therapy in the summer as they will be going to high school, and some kids may move over the summer and are upset that they are leaving their current neighbourhood. All these transitions come with emotions and potential challenges. When accessing therapy, you learn to build resilience and various coping skills to be self-reliant in the future.
Q: What can be done to prevent burnout in the summer?
A: Prioritizing self-care helps mitigate burnout at any time of the year. Although being with friends and family is fun, it is essential to rest, recharge and do things for us.
Another helpful way to prevent burnout is to create a list (in your head or even on paper) of what you are currently doing versus what you need to do to ensure you feel fulfilled and cared for mentally. Yes, it can be fun to see extended family for a BBQ on a Sunday afternoon or grab a drink with friends after work, but realistically, if you are not going to be 100% yourself, then that is your sign to take a breather and do something for yourself. Maybe you’ll go to that yoga class or walk around the block. Or perhaps self-care is going to the family BBQ but leaving your work phone at home to avoid checking emails and being online.
When we redefine what it means to be “good enough,” we must include what it means to be good enough for ourselves, not just other people. Taking the time necessary to fill your cup is essential to avoiding and preventing burnout.
Q: How can family/friends support those struggling with mental health in the summer?
A: First and foremost, being compassionate to those struggling at any time of the year is essential.
However, it is crucial to be mindful and acknowledge how those struggling will manage their time and energy throughout the summer. Keeping it simple and asking them how they are doing or if they need anything can go a long way. They may fear that they are the only ones stressed, so opening a conversation and normalizing all feelings is incredibly helpful. It also allows individuals to remember that they are not alone and have a support system outside therapy.
Summer can mean different things. For some, they may have moved into a new home or gotten married in the summer. For others, they lost someone close to them or got into an accident. Being mindful of life is still happening even though it's a happier time is key to understanding the behaviours of others.
It is also essential to recognize that people will want to interact in their own ways. Maybe someone saying no to your long weekend trip up North means no one can care for their pet while they are gone. Or if someone can’t make your birthday party, maybe they would prefer to celebrate one-on-one with you because they don’t know your friends too well. Boundaries like this aren’t meant to making people feel bad. They exist so that we can enjoy and feel good!
Q: At what point may you want to consider therapeutic support in the summer?
A: Although there are no right or wrong times to seek support from a therapist, there are a few signs to look out for that could be signs of poor mental health.
Firstly, if you are feeling overwhelmed with emotions or feel reactive towards situations, that may be a sign you are feeling stressed. Although these feelings are common, prolonged feelings may mean there is something more to it. Also, if you are avoiding normal activities or socialization, a therapist can support you by diving into why this is happening. This may also be associated with feelings of dread toward the future. Your mental health may be affected if anything limits your desire to do things.
Some individuals may already feel burnt out, which is something therapists can support with. If you are feeling the symptoms of burnout, reaching out for help is a good idea. With that, those who have trouble sleeping or actively getting rest may be dealing with stress, anxiety or depression-like concerns, which therapy can assist with.
Q: What can therapy do for you beyond the summer months?
A: Summer is a great time to get the ball rolling for our mental health and well-being. To begin, it allows us to maintain a routine. The best part is your therapist is here to help you create this.
Also, therapy allows you to prioritize self-growth and set goals. Since you are setting goals with someone else, you can hold yourself accountable and check in with yourself if things get off track. Therapy also gives you the mental space and time to speak about self-growth and goals. When you are in a safe space, you are more likely to feel comfortable sharing what this means. Being understood and validated is what your therapist is here for. They play an impartial role, so they can see you for who you are and work with you to support your needs.
Although therapy can seem daunting in the summer, therapists are here year-round to support you. Summer is a great time to kickstart that journey or pick up where you left off. You deserve to feel supported all year round.
Whatever it is, we’re here for you.
Life is uncertain. Jobs are stressful. Parenting is hard. Relationships take work. Families can be dysfunctional. And sometimes, love hurts. When you’re confronted by feelings, events, or issues that are making your life challenging, it’s okay to ask for some help.
