Shifting Preferences in Mental Health Care: A Focus on Action-Oriented Therapy
In recent years, therapy has undergone significant changes, particularly among high-performing individuals such as CEOs, professional athletes, tech entrepreneurs, and busy couples. The increasing demand for results-oriented therapy reflects a broader societal shift from long-term, introspective treatment models to approaches that emphasize practical, actionable steps for real-world progress.
This change is particularly relevant for individuals who are juggling high-stakes careers and complex personal lives. As traditional therapy has often been associated with lengthy introspection and deep emotional exploration, many people are now seeking quicker, more tangible results that align with their busy schedules and immediate goals. The shift is a response to the growing need for therapeutic approaches that combine meaningful insights with practical, actionable steps.
Onward Psychological Services: A Model for Action and Insight
Lindsey Carnick, founder of Onward Psychological Services, is at the forefront of this evolving trend. Her approach emphasizes actionable insights, helping clients gain clarity about their behavioral patterns while taking concrete steps toward change. Known for her pragmatic and down-to-earth style, Carnick blends humor, empathy, and evidence-based strategies to help clients overcome the barriers that keep them stuck in unproductive cycles.
Carnick’s practice focuses on individuals and couples who are ready to make meaningful changes in their personal and professional lives. Clients, particularly those from high-performing backgrounds, appreciate the combination of insight and practical advice that Carnick’s therapy offers. Her philosophy, “Get in, get out, get on with your life,” resonates with people who are looking to address and overcome self-defeating behaviors without getting bogged down by lengthy analysis.
As Carnick notes, “Insight is great, but it’s the ability to translate that insight into real, actionable steps that drives change. Therapy shouldn’t just be about understanding patterns; it should empower clients to act on that understanding to make tangible improvements.”
Action-Oriented Therapy: The Right Fit for High-Performing Individuals
The demand for this results-driven approach is particularly high among professionals who have limited time and seek immediate solutions. High-performing individuals often deal with unique challenges—such as managing high-pressure roles, maintaining healthy relationships, and balancing personal well-being—that require a tailored, action-based approach to therapy.
Therapists like Carnick are seeing growing numbers of clients from diverse fields, including techpreneurs, professional athletes, physicians, and working parents, all of whom value a direct and focused therapeutic experience. These clients typically seek therapy that allows them to move forward in their careers and relationships without spending excessive time on emotional processing or indecision.
“People want to move forward, not get stuck delving into the past,” says Carnick. “While understanding why we behave the way we do is important, it’s equally crucial to take steps toward changing those behaviors.”
The Future of Therapy: Combining Insight with Action
The move toward action-oriented therapy reflects broader trends in the mental health field, where therapy models are evolving to meet the needs of individuals who are looking for practical solutions and tangible progress. This shift is also indicative of a broader societal focus on efficiency, results, and personal growth. More than ever, therapy is becoming about doing—taking steps to overcome barriers and improve one’s life in real-time.
As mental health care continues to evolve, practices like Onward Psychological Services offer a glimpse into the future of therapy. By prioritizing both insight and action, therapists can help clients gain a deeper understanding of their challenges while also equipping them with the tools to move forward in meaningful ways.
About Onward Psychological Services
Onward Psychological Services, founded by Lindsey Carnick, provides therapy for individuals and couples who are ready to break free from self-defeating patterns and create meaningful change in their lives. With a focus on actionable insights and practical steps, Onward Psychological Services helps clients improve their relationships, careers, and overall well-being.