It’s important to slow down and regroup when things aren’t working for you – Scott Waltman

As the world evolves, numerous mental health problems have emerged as well. While there are numerous reasons behind these problems, the solution is one, and that is to focus on yourself and your mental health. When it comes to mental well-being therapy is crucial, but some individuals fear the thought of seeing a psychologist. If you are having trouble dealing with issues and need some counseling hear what Scott Waltman has to say.

For those who don’t know much about Waltman, here is a short introduction. Scott H Waltman has been a therapist for around 12 years and is the author of ‘Socratic Questioning for Therapists and Counselors: Learn How to Think and Intervene Like a Cognitive Behavior Therapist’. He is also a clinical psychologist, international trainer, and practice-based researcher. Having graduated from Pacific University in Oregon, Waltman went on to do a predoctoral internship at the Colorado mental health institute in Pueblo. This was followed by working at the University of Pennsylvania, where he was a cognitive behavioral therapy trainer. There, he worked under Dr. Aaron T Beck, the originator of cognitive therapy. This is not all! Scott Waltman is also board-certified in CBT by the American Board of Professional Psychology.

Even though Waltman is now a renowned name, there was a time he could not have imagined being a psychologist. “I have several lawyers in my family and was planning on being a part of the legal field,” Waltman shares. “While taking an introduction to psychology class as a part of my general education, I was completely mesmerized by the amount of relief people could experience when receiving high-quality, evidence-based psychotherapy,” he adds.

Seeing the impact of therapy, Scott Waltman craved to be involved in creating that kind of change for people who are suffering. And the rest is history. During his years of study, Waltman studied the mistakes therapists and psychologists often make while practicing. He further discovered that the main mistake made by all professionals was that they were too focused on making the patient see things from their point of view. Therefore, to change that approach, he started studying Socratic questioning – a method that encourages thoughtful dialogue between people. 

As far as Waltman’s book is concerned, it analyses the concept of Socratic questioning and how other therapists and counselors can implement it into their practice. Since Scott Waltman’s approach is more introspective and empathic, he is amongst the best in the business when it comes to assisting people to cope with everyday issues. He believes life does not always go as planned, and when that happens, it is necessary for everyone to slow down and regroup. “It’s essential to take a short break so you can catch your breath, but the trick is to keep it a short break,” Scott Waltman advises. “Don’t lose momentum, but focus on building a healthy routine of habits.”

Waltman is also of the view that motivation can be fleeting, and it does not make it easy to do things. “People are motivated to do things if they do things,” the expert reveals. “So when I feel unmotivated, the best way to find that motivation is to take action and create success. Success in itself is motivating.” He also advises avoiding turning to short-term strategies when the going gets tough. Evading a problem or a stressful situation is not the right approach to adopt just for short-term gain. “The situation only worsens in the face of avoidance,” he stresses.

Furthermore, Scott Waltman highlights that smartphones may be responsible for harming our mental health as social media drives comparison and makes one feel others have better lives. “We compare our worst moments to other people’s best moments,” Waltman says. “Smartphones also connect us to a global international 24-hour news cycle where we are exposed to every tragedy that occurs.”

In times of stress and anxiety, Scott Waltman shares certain tips that we can follow. This includes building a regular pattern of taking care of your physical health, such as getting regular sleep, exercising, and consuming a healthy diet. “You must also mentally take a step back so you can observe what stories your mind is feeding you,” he articulates. “Changing the way you talk to yourself can change your perspective.”

On a parting note, Scott Waltman recommends directing your energy and attention to things you can control. “Making peace and accepting things as they are can be the first step in identifying what you do and do not have control over, so you can be as effective as possible in life.,” he concludes.