Damarus notes that you may also want to change someone you love, such as a child orpartner.
Sometimes, you might find it difficult to love them unless they change.
Their behavior may confuse or frustrate you, and you may hope that they change their ways.
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But, is it actually possible to change yourself or those around you?
Can People Change?
However, research suggests that change may in fact be possible.
That said, its important to understand that change is not easy.
Therefore, it is possible but not guaranteed, especially if someone is not open to change.
Aimee Daramus, PsyD
Sometimes people are not emotionally ready to change.
Damarus also goes on to say that trying to force someone to change ismanipulation.
And if someone feels as though they are being manipulated, they are even less likely to change.
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Below, Daramus outlines some forms of therapy that can be helpful.
Thereafter, it promotes commitment to positive thoughts and behavior patterns, to help motivate change.
For instance, take a person who is trying to lose weight.
Accepting that this behavior is fueled by a negative feeling is the first part of their ACT process.
ACT can then help them recognize these unhealthy behaviors and promote healthier ones that are sustainable and safe.
This form of therapy is designed to engage people and help them build themotivationto change.
You may even want to change yourself if youdont like things about yourself.
Change can be difficult, but research shows us that change is possible.
Change is easier if you don’t have to go it alone.
Hudson NW, Fraley RC.Changing for the better?
Longitudinal associations between volitional personality change and psychological wellbeing.Pers Soc Psychol Bull.
