We all know that we can't control the people around us, just like we can't control the thoughts that enter our minds. But we can choose how we navigate, interact with, and manage our thoughts.     When we're feeling negative, stressed, or just not present, it might be a sign that we need to make changes in our lives.      And sometimes, our gut tells us we need a little help managing our thoughts and actions.      That's where therapy can enter the scene, as it can be a game changer to have an ally in our corner who can help us navigate life's challenges so we can make progress in those areas we might be struggling with for a more harmonious life.      ​​But making the financial commitment to therapy and then finding the right person to understand who you are and what you are facing in your life can be a challenge.     It can be helpful to hear from someone who has taken the plunge, persevered with it, and is willing to share their experience.     Today I'm sharing the behind-the-scenes and the lessons I've learned after a year of therapy. I'll walk you through my three tips for finding the right therapist, including the questions to ask and the importance of "dating around" until you find the right fit FOR YOU.      I'll share some of the tools my therapist and I have used in our time together that might be helpful as you work to get to the root of things you're struggling with, as well as the visible reminders I use that help me stay focused.      I'll walk you through Brené Brown's valuable resource, the "List of Values," which can assist you in determining and utilizing your two fundamental values as a filter for making decisions.     Listen in to discover the importance of practicing self-compassion. I'll share an exercise from the book "The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself" by Kristen Neff that involves mindfulness and physical touch (hand on heart) to calm emotions and reactions.     Finally, I'll introduce you to the concept of "three doorways" in self-compassion as a tool for dealing with difficult emotions to get you out of your head and back into the moment.      Listen in for some encouragement on finding the right support for your mental health, which can profoundly affect your journey toward a happier and more balanced life.     FREE DOWNLOAD → The 5 Unskippable Steps To No Food Rules:  https://nofoodrules.co/5unskippablestepsfreeguide    Follow Colleen On: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/no.food.rules/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ColleenChristensen/  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@no.food.rules?lang=en    Resources Discussed:  Find a Therapist, Psychologist, Counselor - Psychology Today  Dare to Lead | List of Values - Brené Brown Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself