4 Ways Psychologists Help Change Perspectives On Difficult Situations
Psychologist Brief
4 Ways Psychologists Help Change Perspectives On Difficult Situations
Navigating life's hurdles can often feel like a solitary journey, but it doesn't have to be. This article taps into the wisdom of seasoned psychologists who share practical strategies for reframing challenges and empowering oneself. Discover transformative ways to challenge the inner critic, take charge of controllable actions, and turn mistakes into growth opportunities.
- Challenge Your Inner Critic
- Empower Clients to Carry Their Weight
- Focus on Controllable Actions
- Reframe Mistakes as Growth Opportunities
Challenge Your Inner Critic
One piece of advice that completely shifted my perspective came from a psychologist who told me, **"You don't have to believe every thought you have."** At the time, I was dealing with intense self-doubt after a major personal failure. I felt like I wasn't good enough, and my mind was constantly reinforcing that belief.
My psychologist helped me see that just because a thought *feels* true doesn't mean it *is* true. She introduced me to cognitive reframing, teaching me to challenge my inner critic instead of accepting it as reality. Instead of thinking, "I failed, so I'm a failure," I learned to reframe it as, "I failed, but that doesn't define me."
This small shift made a huge impact. I started recognizing how many of my thoughts were just fear, not facts. Over time, I built confidence and resilience, learning to separate myself from the negativity in my own head. That advice still helps me to this day.
Empower Clients to Carry Their Weight
One piece of advice that really shifted my perspective came from a senior psychologist during a particularly tough case early in my career. The situation involved working with a client whose family was highly critical, and their lack of understanding about mental health added to the complexity. I was struggling to stay grounded and not take on too much of the emotional burden.
My senior told me, 'As a psychologist, your role isn't to carry the weight of your clients' struggles but to help them find the strength to carry it themselves.' This advice was eye-opening because it reminded me that my job was to empower the client, not take on their emotional load. It helped me refocus on creating a space for the client to develop their own agency and self-esteem, while also recognizing the importance of setting boundaries to protect my own emotional well-being. It allowed me to feel less overwhelmed and more centered in my work, knowing that I was facilitating their healing rather than being consumed by it.
Focus on Controllable Actions
Good day,
What's one piece of advice a psychologist gave you that helped you change your perspective on a difficult situation?
I am Dr. Gregory Gasic, Neuroscientist, Scientific Consultant, and Co-founder of VMeDx. One piece of advice a psychologist once shared with me that profoundly changed my perspective was to focus on what you can control and reframe challenges as opportunities for growth. This advice came when managing a complex research project with numerous unforeseen obstacles, leaving me frustrated and overwhelmed.
The psychologist explained that while I couldn't eliminate every challenge, I could control my response. By shifting my mindset, I saw each setback as a chance to learn, innovate, and strengthen my problem-solving skills. For example, delays in a project timeline forced me to rethink workflows, ultimately leading to more efficient solutions and better team collaboration.
This reframing reduced my stress and helped me approach challenges with curiosity and adaptability, which has since become integral to my work in research and leadership. This perspective has taught me that difficult situations often hold valuable lessons, and by focusing on actionable steps, I can turn obstacles into opportunities for meaningful progress.
What was the situation, and how did their advice help?
During a complex research project I was leading, unexpected delays, equipment failures, and scheduling conflicts created significant challenges, leaving me overwhelmed by factors beyond my control. The psychologist's advice to focus on what I could control and view challenges as opportunities for growth shifted my perspective. Instead of fixing setbacks, I concentrated on actionable solutions, such as refining data analysis techniques during equipment downtime and improving team communication to streamline workflows.
This proactive mindset not only helped us meet key project objectives but also enhanced the quality of the work by fostering collaboration and innovation. The experience taught me resilience and adaptability are essential for navigating complex challenges and turning obstacles into opportunities for meaningful progress and long-term improvement.
Reframe Mistakes as Growth Opportunities
Good day,
The one piece of advice that a psychologist gave me that changed my perspective was to focus on what I can control and let go of what I can't control. It was a moment where I was being challenged and where external elements that had nothing to do with my work, my job were limiting me and I could do nothing. The psychologist advised me to shift my mindset to focus on what I do and don't do rather than worry about what's out of my control.
This advice allowed me to go from a place of panic into a place of empowerment, a space to look at practical next steps that are within my control to take. I felt a lot of comfort in having regained a little control over my life and started to have a better outlook for my morale and my mental health in general by taking baby steps. Another great piece of advice I got from a psychologist was to turn my negative thinking into potential growth opportunities. My entire career flashed before my eyes. The psychologist said I should stop putting up barriers around me. From now on, rather than seeing challenges as obstacles, I can see them as learning experiences.
This advice helped me reframe how I think of mistakes, no longer as failures, but as opportunities for growth. This shift made me feel more resilient and less afraid of doing things wrong, which in turn gave me the confidence to take on difficult tasks with less anxiety. Changing my mindset was huge and such a game changer for my life personally and professionally.
