The Buck Stops Here: Boundaries (The Professional Side)
I recently read a quote online that went something like this: I don’t set a boundary to offend you. I do it to manage the goals and priorities I have set for my life.
Reading this quote took me back many years to the beginning of grad school. One of my professors told us that our four year journey would be challenging. We would need to set boundaries with those we loved most, because we would not be able to physically keep doing what we had done prior to starting grad school. I remember him saying that we needed to communicate what we would and would not be doing in our relationships over the next four years. But more on this in the personal piece on boundaries…
If you are a human being reading this, there is very little chance there is not at least one relationship in your life that could benefit from better boundaries. Boundaries differ depending upon the type of relationship, but are always helpful whether you are spending time with your best friend or life partner or starting work under a new boss.
How good are you at setting boundaries? Are you aware of what your boundaries are? There are so many kinds of boundaries—personal, professional, emotional, physical, etc.—and it is important for your mental and emotional health to know where you stand on each of them. Moreover, it is vital to know how to effectively communicate your boundaries to others in calm, appropriate and helpful ways.
Do you feel taken advantage of in relationships? Do you go along with things because you don’t know how to voice your needs? Do you feel frustrated dealing with friends, family members or people you work with because they seem to always be overstepping boundaries?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, speaking with a seasoned Orlando mental health counselor can help you. Identifying and communicating wants and needs sounds so simple, but it is actually one of the more difficult life tasks—especially if you want to do it well. A skilled therapist helps you commence your journey of identifying and communicating clearer boundaries. When completed, this journey results in improved mental health and reduced feelings of stress and anxiety.
In session, she will help you carefully define your boundaries and learn positive communication skills to relay them to others. She may also recommend/provide training in assertiveness skills. If you want to reduce stress in your daily life, get the most out of your relationships and improve your overall mental health, please contact Life Enhancement Counseling Services today at 407-443-8862 to schedule an appointment with an experienced mental health counselor.