Behavioral Economics of Therapy Intensity

2 minutes Written by Erik Lerdal

So this is a little weird I know, but after reading “ACT made simple” and it’s focus on not running away from or avoiding negative emotions, I thought hey, individuals and not just firms or governments could benefit from a Keynesian counter-cyclical approach not just with income and resources but energy and luxuries as well. The pandemic made it even more salient, so hear me out- when times are good, money’s rolling in, free time actually exists, your mental health is in good shape, that’s the time for change, challenges, learning new stuff, austerity, savings, pushing yourself and deprivation.

Don’t get soft when it’s easy, you’ll appreciate having that extra cash, time, and fun stuff to take the edge off when times get rough without feeling guilty (or at least as bad), plus you will be more resilient than if you went easy on yourself during good times. Having tools to boost your morale during tough times will have much deeper effects if you weren’t pressing that lever too much during good times as well, and that confidence and good mood will help those you care about too. Going with the flow is easier if you made a life vest when the waters were still and you had the time. This was written for all of those Keynesian Radical Behaviorists out there, I’m sure there’s gotta be a few (or maybe I’m just suffering from existential isolation?). 

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Written by Erik Lerdal

Erik Lerdal is a therapist in California, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Vermont who specializes in individual therapy.