Self-determination. Have you heard this term? If not, you might have heard about self-determination in a different way, choice. But, what does the term really mean? If you Google self-determination it comes up with two choices, one is about a country’s statehood, the other (the one I want to discuss) states, “the process by which a person controls their own life.” But if you boil it down, it comes to choice. Choices you make in your life. Some people’s actions can seem dependent on someone else’s choices, actions, or words. If that sounds like you, you are not alone. Many people react to others actions in their relationships, oftentimes without even realizing it. Have you ever snapped at a significant other when they question something you’ve done, even if it is something small? Who hasn’t?! But! There is hope! You can take back control of that self-determination. What does self-determination mean for you, as a client? It means you drive the therapy. You bring what you want to discuss into therapy. What does your self-determination mean for me as a therapist? It means, I will guide the therapy process, but I don’t give advice, nor will I make your choices for you. I won’t give advice, nor make choices for you, because that robs you of your self-determination. Your self-determination is what makes you, you, and gives you ownership and responsibility (even if it means taking responsibility for negative consequences) over your choices and your life. I will help you through that process, and help you with the process of weighing pros and cons of the choices you have in your particular life. The better u know yourself, basically making sure you have your own identity outside of anyone or anything else, the better you can function in each relationship you do have! Whether that is with your spouse, your children, your coworkers, your boss, your neighbors, and the list goes on and on! Your self-determination is extremely important to me, and I will work with you to ensure you keep it throughout the therapeutic process. The choice is yours!

Kristen Swart, MSW, LSW is an individual, marital, family, and group counselor at Peace Counseling Group. We serve the communities of Carmel, Zionsville, Westfield, Indianapolis, Fishers, and Brownsburg Indiana.

Address: 9640 Commerce Drive
Suite 413 Carmel, IN 46032

Phone: 317.605.7015

Email:

nancy@peacecounselinggroup.com

Self-Determination

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