Happy Independence Day!

The 4th of July in America represents many things to many people. Historically, the holiday represents the Second Continental Congress’ unanimous adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, a document announcing the colonies’ separation from Great Britain.

As a psychologist, I think about the constructs of “freedom” and “independence” from individual, psychological and behavioral perspectives. In my psychotherapy practice, I work with each client to determine their unique definitions and goals for personal freedom. These discussions can vary from client to client. Every person comes to psychotherapy with a unique history, family/cultural background, and pre-existing endogenous/exogenous strengths and limitations. Good psychotherapy includes a comprehensive initial assessment and case formulation to inform the treatment process and outcome targets. Good psychotherapy is individually tailored and personalized.

I appreciate Tyler Willis, LCSW infographic about what therapy boils down to.

The “within your control” green column also includes the private mental behavior of ATTENTION SHIFTING. We have relative control of where we PLACE our attention, though this is harder to do for for neurodivergent folks.

How can we be more effective at improving aspects of our lives that are within our control (green column)? Establishing a regular commitment to habits that strengthen impulse control/reflective parts of the brain.

Some activities that build these brain regions include mindfulness practice, yoga, nature experiences, exercise, self-compassion meditation, journaling, support groups, psychotherapy, learning new skills, seeking new/novel experiences, and establishing healthy sleep/eating/biorhythm habits.

On this Independence Day, I consider TRUE FREEDOM to be something we all can aspire to achieve within our own interior psyches and bodies. The more EVERYONE is committed to working on their own interior freedom, the healthier our families, communities, governments and societies will be.

“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.” – Viktor E. Frankl