An introvert is a person who feels most comfortable by themselves or with a small group of trusted people. They may become easily overwhelmed or exhausted by big or lengthy social interactions. Introverts are usually reserved, quiet, and tend to find more value in meaningful conversations than in small talk. If you’re an introvert, you may struggle to navigate a world that’s largely extroverted. You might find yourself periodically saying, “I don’t fit in here” or “I’m just not comfortable here.”
For introverts, attending birthday parties, work conferences, and other large events may require enormous effort. If you’re an introvert who feels self-conscious because you prefer to be alone, please remember there’s nothing wrong with you! Personality diversity is part of what makes this world such a rich and interesting place. Introverts can be very effective, respected leaders, friends, and family members. Here’s how therapy can help introverts learn to thrive in an extroverted world.
1. Understanding Introversion
Introverts sometimes get an unfair reputation for being standoffish and hard to get to know. It’s not that introverts don’t enjoy or value others, but their energy levels get easily drained by large, demanding crowds. However, they can be very warm and engaging to those within their close circle.
Introverts are sometimes hard on themselves and wish they could be more like their extroverted friends and family members. However, by simply coming to understand themselves better, they can learn how to thrive just as they are.
Skilled therapists can help introverts learn why they think and act the way they do. They can also teach coping skills for managing stress levels in large crowds. If you’re struggling to find value in your introverted nature, consider reaching out to a compassionate therapist. There are plenty of affordable online therapy options out there. They give you the opportunity to talk to a therapist from the comfort and seclusion of your own home.
2. Setting Boundaries
Introverts often feel like they have to endure uncomfortable situations to make others happy. However, it’s important for them to learn how to recognize their limitations and set boundaries accordingly. It’s good to periodically push yourself outside of your comfort zone, but constantly putting yourself in uncomfortable situations can harm your mental health.
Most introverts have an invisible social battery that runs out after a certain period of time. Once this battery runs out, the introvert may feel increasingly anxious, overwhelmed, or irritated in social situations.
It’s important to learn your personal social battery limits and keep them in mind when planning which events you’ll attend and for how long. Remember, you make much better company when you’re in a happy, contented state rather than when you’re agitated or overstimulated. A therapist can help you understand your limits and set healthy boundaries to avoid overwhelm and protect your energy.
3. Learning to Identify Strengths
Introverts often focus on their weaknesses and the things they’d like to change about themselves. Tragically, they tend to underestimate their unique strengths and thus fall short of their potential. Introverts often feel and think more deeply than their extroverted counterparts. They might not be the center of attention in large groups, but you can guarantee their internal wheels are turning. When they do speak, you can bet that whatever they say is worth listening to.
Introverts often make great leaders because they tend to carefully think about what others are saying before crafting a thoughtful response. This can make them more respected and endearing to their subordinates. Introverts also tend to be less combative than those with stronger personalities, giving them the ability to work well with a wide variety of people. If you’re an introvert who tends to focus on your weaknesses, a therapist can help you identify and improve your strengths.
4. Communicating Effectively
Some introverted people have trouble conversing confidently in social situations. They may need periods of silence to think through what they want to say before they say it. Unfortunately, in our extrovert-oriented society, taking time to thoughtfully think out responses isn’t always socially permissible. Extroverts may not know what to do when they experience “awkward” conversation pauses while speaking with an introvert. On the other hand, introverts may feel anxious and uncomfortable if they’re pressured to respond before they’re ready.
A therapist can offer advice on how to buy time during a conversation and organize your thoughts without losing the other person’s interest. They can teach you how to speak spontaneously while letting go of the burden of formulating the “perfect” response in your head.
They can also teach you how to diplomatically exit a conversation without coming across as impatient or disengaged. With therapy, even the most withdrawn, self-conscious introvert can learn how to develop greater confidence in their conversational skills.
Conclusion
Being an introvert doesn’t have to hold you back in any way. You have unique gifts and personality traits that give you the potential to become a trusted friend, respected leader, and passionate achiever. If you need help viewing your introversion as a gift rather than a curse, consider seeing a therapist. Regular therapy can help you understand your introversion, set boundaries, communicate effectively, and ultimately thrive in an extroverted world.
