The Strategist

What You May be Looking For in Therapy:

As someone who resonates with The Strategist profile, you are likely seeking a therapist who can help you break down complex challenges, create clear plans, and develop practical solutions. You might value structure, organization, and strategic thinking in therapy. You may look for a therapist who can help you understand the “big picture” while also guiding you through actionable steps to address specific concerns. A therapist who offers logical, thought-out advice and supports your need for thorough, well-considered plans may help you feel understood and empowered.

Therapeutic Modalities You Might Find Helpful:

Given your preference for structured, goal-oriented approaches, therapeutic modalities that focus on practical problem-solving, planning, and cognitive strategies may be especially beneficial. Some modalities that align well with your profile include:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT provides structured techniques to help you identify and reframe unproductive thoughts, develop coping strategies, and make clear, actionable plans for moving forward. It might work well for those who enjoy strategic thinking and problem-solving.

• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT): SFBT emphasizes creating solutions to current problems rather than focusing on past difficulties. It is a goal-directed approach that may help you identify the steps you can take to reach your desired outcome.

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): DBT provides a combination of cognitive and behavioral strategies, with a particular focus on managing intense emotions and developing interpersonal effectiveness. It includes clear steps for enhancing emotional regulation, which may appeal to those who appreciate structured guidance.

• Strategic Family Therapy: This approach may be ideal if you’re dealing with relational issues. It focuses on identifying and addressing patterns within relationships, providing specific strategies for changing those patterns in a way that may benefit the entire family system.

• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): MBCT is a structured therapeutic modality that combines mindfulness practices with cognitive behavioral strategies. It may help you understand your thought patterns and create strategic ways to manage difficult emotions without being overwhelmed by them.

Therapist’s Role:

Your ideal therapist may take on an organized, analytical role, helping you break down your concerns into manageable parts. They will likely provide you with structured tools and methods to approach challenges in a practical way. A Strategist therapist may guide you to think logically about your feelings, providing insight into how to approach issues step by step. They may help you assess your current situation, identify resources and strengths, and develop strategies for making progress toward your goals.

Potential Areas for Growth & Challenges to Consider:

• Balancing Thought with Action: As someone who enjoys developing strategies and analyzing situations, you might sometimes find yourself overthinking or overanalyzing. Therapy may help you strike a balance between strategic thinking and taking action, allowing you to move forward without getting stuck in planning.

• Overcoming Perfectionism: You may have high standards for yourself and others, which can sometimes lead to frustration or disappointment when things don’t go as planned. Learning to accept imperfection and flexibility in your strategies may help you move through challenges more effectively.

• Managing Emotional Awareness: The focus on logical problem-solving can sometimes leave emotional issues on the backburner. Therapy may help you recognize the importance of emotional responses and integrate them into your strategies for more holistic solutions.

• Avoiding Over-Reliance on Control: As a Strategist, you may prefer to have a clear plan in place, but life is often unpredictable. It may be helpful to practice embracing uncertainty and learning to adapt your strategies when necessary, rather than clinging too tightly to rigid plans.

What to Do Next Knowing Your Profile:

With this insight into your profile, you can begin identifying therapists who align with your preference for structured, solution-focused approaches. Consider the following:

• Communicate your need for structure and clarity: When meeting with a new therapist, express that you prefer clear goals, practical strategies, and organized approaches to therapy. This may help your therapist align with your way of thinking.

• Set clear, actionable goals: Think about what you want to achieve in therapy and create concrete objectives. Having measurable goals may help you stay focused and motivated throughout the process.

• Allow room for flexibility: While it’s helpful to have a plan, remember that flexibility could be a key component of growth. Work with your therapist to learn how to adjust your strategies when life doesn’t go according to plan.

• Incorporate both logic and emotional insight: Recognizing the importance of both cognitive and emotional factors in your therapy journey may help you build a well-rounded approach to growth.

Therapy can be an opportunity to not only create strategies but also to refine them as you grow. Understanding your Strategist profile may help you partner with a therapist who might help you move forward in an organized, thoughtful way while also encouraging the flexibility and emotional awareness that contribute to holistic change.

Other profiles you may also relate to:

• The Motivator
• The Challenger
• The Fixer
• The Explorer

Below are some of Pillars’ therapists who may fit your preferences.