About Counseling

Life is hard.

Sometimes there is loss – of a loved one or a job. Other times there’s stress or depression. Marriage isn’t as easy as we thought it would be (and neither is being a parent). Sometimes we are preoccupied by painful past experiences or worried about events that haven’t happened yet.

It takes work to navigate life’s ups and downs. But know this: you don’t have to do the work alone. Counseling can help people of all ages and states of life to be hopeful, healthy, and whole.

Who is counseling for?

Anyone for any reason. It is not uncommon for people to seek counseling after the death of a family member or friend (or pet), after a divorce or break-up, or after a traumatic experience. It’s normal for people to seek counseling to work through past pain (including pain inflicted in childhood), when anger or life’s challenges become difficult to manage, while there’s conflict in a marriage or other relationship, or because they’re feeling depressed or anxious. Counselors also frequently help clients make tough decisions, thrive through transitions, and achieve personal, emotional, professional, and spiritual growth.

How do you know when it’s time to ask for help?

When you feel stuck, trapped, and alone.
When you worry all the time and can’t find a solution to the problem.
When the emotional stress is affecting your sleep, eating, work, and relationships.
When nothing changes, and it isn’t getting any better.

Is asking for help worth it?

Yes! It isn’t always helpful to discuss struggles with friends, family members or co-workers. A licensed counselor is equipped to let you confidentially express and process any and all of your feelings and thoughts and to help you work through struggles and find solutions to problems.

What Can I Expect From My First Counseling Session?

Sometimes people are hesitant about seeking counseling. A common reason is fear of the unknown. I receive inquiry calls from people who have never been to counseling, and they ask what they can expect from our first meeting. Although sessions vary according to individual needs, I will ask questions about you and your life. Typical first session questions may include:

For what reasons are you seeking counseling?
What are your problems, symptoms, and concerns?
How long have you had these problems?
How have you been addressing the problems and concerns?
What has and has not helped you?
History (family of origin, health, relationships and work)
What would you like to accomplish through counseling?

I will listen to your problems, ask questions, help you prioritize your concerns, help clarify what the problems are, and help you identify possible solutions.

Transitions

Life is a process of beginnings and endings. In both life and nature, there are times when things move slowly and don’t seem to change very much. Then, suddenly things change quickly. Life transitions are as natural as the changing seasons. These transitions are challenging because they force us to let go of the familiar and face the future with a feeling of vulnerability. A life transition can be positive or negative, planned or unexpected. The following are several examples of transitions:

Aging
Death or loss of a loved one
Illness
Accidents
Divorce
Getting married
Graduating from high school and beginning college
Moving
Becoming a parent
Starting a new job
Job loss
Retirement

If you are facing a difficult transition, counseling may help you prepare for changes, adjust to unexpected situations, and to leave behind what was familiar to learn new ways of living.

Caregiver Depression

Few people are prepared for the responsibilities and tasks involved with caring for a loved one who is ill. Caring for a loved one who has Alzheimer’s Disease or other type of dementia has additional stressors and challenges. It is common for caregivers to feel overwhelmed with tasks and responsibilities. Caregivers can experience:

Stress
Guilt
Anger
Loneliness
Fear
Sadness
Anxiety
Frustration
Exhaustion
Insomnia
Isolation
Health problems

It is not uncommon for caregivers to experience depression. Sometimes it is necessary to speak with an experienced trained professional who can help. Counseling can be helpful and effective for caregiver depression. If you are feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, stressed and perhaps depressed as a caregiver, you are not alone. There is help available.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

There are many different therapeutic approaches in counseling or psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a very effective goal-oriented therapy used to help people with various issues. It is a useful tool that helps people manage stressful life situations. CBT also helps people increase understanding of their thought patterns and feelings and how thoughts and feelings impact behaviors. CBT is very effective for anxiety, worry, depression, negative thinking, addictions, phobias, anger management, grief and loss, managing emotions, and relationship issues. CBT helps people create and maintain health, exercise, and nutrition habits. It is also helpful with sleep problems, managing chronic pain, and coping with chronic medical illnesses. CBT can help people make necessary life changes and live healthier lives. If you are interested in learning more about cognitive behavioral therapy and scheduling an appointment for a consultation, please call, text, or email me.

Taking Action and Creating Change

It is not always easy to take the necessary action to create change. Many people fear change and avoid taking the steps to help themselves feel better. Change takes time and can be difficult. Don’t give up. Patience and persistence are necessary.

Sometimes it is difficult to create change alone, and it may be necessary to seek assistance through professional counseling. Counseling can help you envision changes you want to make, identify obstacles in your way, and help you take the necessary steps to facilitate change so you can live a healthier life.