As days grow longer and life begins to slow down, summer offers more than just sunshine and vacation vibes—it’s an ideal season to invest in your mental health! Whether you’re a student about to start summer break, a parent juggling myriad responsibilities, or an older adult navigating life transitions, starting therapy in the summer can provide unique benefits that set the stage for meaningful growth and renewal.
1. A Seasonal Reset
Summer provides a natural break in routines, a time for schedules to reset and become more fluid. Students are out of school, work tends to ease up, and many people take time off for vacations. This slower pace of the summer makes it easier to reflect, reset, and begin new habits. Starting therapy during this time can help you explore your thoughts and emotions without the added pressure of a packed calendar.
2. Flexible Schedules
Clinicians and clients alike often have greater availability in the summer. Whether it’s fitting in morning sessions before camp drop-off, afternoon appointments after work, or hopping on for a virtual session on the deck, summer can make it easier to consistently attend therapy—an important factor in making real progress.
3. Support for Seasonal Changes in Mood
For some, the summer sun brings relief from seasonal depression, but for others, it can bring about feelings of loneliness, anxiety, or body image concerns. Kids may feel disconnected without school structure, and parents may feel overwhelmed balancing work and childcare. Therapy can offer coping tools and support through these seasonal emotional shifts.
4. Overall Wellness Journey
Longer days and more sunlight can boost mood and energy levels due to increased exposure to natural light (linked to improved serotonin levels), which might make it easier to take the first step toward mental health work. It’s often easier to incorporate other wellness activities (exercise, time in nature, socializing, self-care) into your routine when the weather is nicer, which would complement the therapeutic process and set you up for success in the months to come (see number 5!).
5. Prep for More Stressful Seasons Ahead
Starting therapy in summer gives you a chance to build coping tools and resilience before busier and potentially more stressful months of the year. Students of all ages who begin therapy during the break often adjust better to the new school year. Adults who start addressing challenges now may feel more grounded and prepared for end-of-year stressors, holiday expectations, and winter blues.
Start Something New This Summer!
Therapy isn’t just for moments of crisis—it’s a tool for building resilience, insight, and emotional well-being. Don’t wait until you feel like you’ve hit rock bottom to take care of your mental and emotional wellbeing. And there’s no better time to begin than summer, when there’s space to reflect, regroup, and recharge. Whether you’re 8, 38, or 78, starting therapy now can lead to a healthier, more connected version of yourself.
Thinking about giving therapy a try this summer? Reach out to us at info@renewyoucounseling.org or give us a call at (484) 205-9827.