The human mind is the most powerful computer the world has ever seen. Millions of neurons constantly firing, emotions being mapped out in different parts of the brain… it’s a wonder we’ve only mapped about 20% of our brains. With something as amazing as our brain, complex situations are bound to arise with everything else. I got the chance to talk to Esther Jimenez, a therapist, about how we can better understand our brains, therapy-style.
Q: What do you think is the difference between self-care and actual therapy?
A: Self-care is any activity that we do in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. It refuels us & does not deplete from us. It’s also having clear boundaries to care for ourselves & others. Therapy can be a form of self-care.
Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is a way to help individuals with a broad variety of mental illnesses and emotional difficulties. It’s the treatment of a mental disorder by psychological rather than medical means- Talk(ing) It Out!
Q: What would you recommend for people who want to get into therapy but don’t know where to start?
A: Going to psychologytoday.com is a great starting point to find a therapist near you. Take time to find one who will be a good fit as it’s a relationship that will be ongoing for some- most people invest more time in shopping for shoes than they do a therapist.
Q: What are some tips you’d give for women to be at their healthiest mentally?
A: Learn to manage & reduce stress levels, doing things that you enjoy like exercising, painting, journaling, going out with friends, - boosting your self-esteem, eating healthy, getting enough sleep, talking things out & sharing, building resilience, and loving yourself.
Q: Tell me about your practice and how you got into it?
A: I got into it because coworkers were coming to me for advice about how to improve within their relationships or about ways to manage stress, or anxiety and such and I figured I should do it for a living since I enjoyed helping others ... and so, here I am!
Within my practice, I help people with an array of issues such as difficulties in relationships, depression, codependency, attachment issues, sexual problems, managing life transitions, and also do life coaching for those that seek that service.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A: “Never search your happiness in others. Search it in yourself and you will feel happy even when left alone.” I actually read this in a Buddhist teaching quote and I liked it.
