Are you a lost cause?

Over the past twenty-plus years of conducting therapy, I have treated many people who thought this about themselves. Their families have also told me this about the client as well. I have treated people involved in the legal system facing severe charges, which could result in life sentences. I'm referring to people charged with murder, rape, arson, and any other form of felony charges one could only imagine. The clients also faced issues that most of us have dealt with at one time or another. I have seen and assisted people facing life-changing events and witnessed them change for the better. These are not my words but their words.

The formula for results in therapy can be broken down into a simple addition equation. (Motivation + conviction + the ability to identify, create, and administer tools or skills = progress.) now, before anyone says it, I will; you can make the formula as detailed as possible. You can expand it to encompass almost any aspect of humanity. However, for this topic, I'm going to use this equation.

These clients have the same strengths and weaknesses as most of us have. Compared to most of us, we have not faced life-altering events such as prison or the permanent changes that occur to the family unit, no matter what the outcome.

I know; I have just skimmed the surface of this subject. I acknowledge the complexity of humanity. I used the information to demonstrate that you are not a lost cause. If people who have faced and are facing such challenges can progress toward their identified goals, can you?