The cost benefit analysis, a powerful, reflective but easy
tool to help one weigh up any conundrum in life.
Imagine
trying to decide whether to keep binge-watching your favourite series all night
or finally get some sleep like a responsible adult. Welcome to the magic (and
mild chaos) of cost-benefit analysis in therapy! This trusty tool helps you
list the sparkling perks and sneaky pitfalls of making a change—or sticking to
your old habits with the stubbornness of a cat refusing to get off the
keyboard.
Let’s say
you’re considering quitting your lifelong relationship with double-chocolate
chip cookies. On the benefit side: you’ll probably fit into those jeans from
2012, impress your dentist, and maybe discover what apples taste like. On the
cost side: you’ll face the heartbreak of empty cookie jars, possible side-eye
from your inner cookie monster, and awkward moments at parties when you say “No
thanks, I’m sweet enough.”
By
hilariously weighing these pros and cons, you’ll see your choices laid out
clearer than a therapist’s desk on tax day. Therapists use cost-benefit
analysis in approaches like CBT and motivational interviewing—not only to spark
self-reflection but to add a dash of humour to the serious business of personal
growth. Sometimes, all you need is to laugh at your dilemmas before you leap
into positive change!
I
frequently resort to the good old fashioned cost- benefit analysis and the
easiest way to conduct one is to set out a quick table something like this:
|
COST |
BENEFIT |
Take the time to thoroughly list all the possible costs associated with a particular situation, experience, or behaviour, alongside every benefit you might gain. Approaching this with complete honesty provides a clearer and more accurate picture, empowering you to make more confident and informed decisions. Really scrutinise whether the benefits do actually outweigh the costs or do the costs outweigh the benefits. This process also helps you gain greater control, clarity and awareness, as it positions you firmly at the centre of the situation. By understanding both the positives and negatives, you can more effectively establish healthy boundaries, ensuring you prioritise your own wellbeing and make choices that truly serve your best interests.
Healing Kind
Maria x
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