Psychology, counseling, and therapy students reach out, on occasion, to interview me about my job. Recently, one student asked what is my favorite part of my work, and she was surprised by my answer. And I was surprised by her surprise! What I told her is that people get better, relationships improve, and people create the lives they desire. That makes this work so worthwhile, and it happens more often than it doesn't. She inquired more, "Wow, I didn't really think people change. And that has concerned me about going into this work." Sure, I know change is difficult. It takes hard work and courage. It takes introspection and, often, exploring painful memories or situations. It takes learning new skills, ways of thinking, ways of behaving, trying them, and implementing what works for you. It takes time. It takes identifying and owning your part, which is powerful because in this understanding and ownership comes the power to change.
I also shared with the student that I believe it is possible to make a difference in families and with children by working with the adults in their lives. When the adults are emotionally healthy, the children will thrive. And it's even more profound than that...when the children thrive, they will grow up to have healthy relationships and their children can thrive. Change in one can be the domino to create a positive transgenerational transmission of emotions and behaviors. That is exciting! And it's real. One person, one couple changing how conflict is managed or growing in their tolerance for everyday anxiety or modeling the healthy and open expression of emotions, one, can change generations. It's super cool.
If you'd like to learn more about this work or how to improve your life or relationships, reach out today. I'd be honored to help as your therapist.
About the author: Dr. Melissa Hudson, LMFT-S is a couple's therapist and licensed marriage and family therapist supervisor in the DFW area since 2012. She offices near the Shops of Legacy in West Plano, conveniently located to serve the communities of The Colony, McKinney, Allen, and Frisco. She also specializes in working with those contending with depression and anxiety as well as a wide spectrum of other psychological concerns you can learn about here. Her passion is working with couples to rekindle love, desire, and relational stability. At this time, she is taking new clients and working remotely using Telehealth. She looks forward to getting back to her office, hopefully in the summer or early fall.