Sometimes individuals have been feeling “out of sorts” for more than a few weeks, but aren’t sure what is bothering them. They may be worrying more, sleeping less, and finding themselves more irritable. Relationships seem more problematic and less satisfying.
Therapy can help.
Sometimes individuals find they are feeling sad a great deal of the time. They may be crying, seemingly for no reason. Often they feel hopeless and helpless. They are eating too little, drinking too much, and abusing drugs. It’s an effort to get out of bed in the morning. Other people in their life seem concerned about them, but they seem to lack the energy or motivation to do anything about it.
Therapy can help.
Sometimes a couple keeps having the same fight over and over again with the same unsatisfying results. Each partner feels everything would be okay if only the other person would change their behavior and understand the “right way” to say or do things. Fights escalate. Each person gets more and more entrenched in their position. The things that initially attracted them now repel them and drive them crazy.
Therapy can help.
In each of these different situations, individuals may or not be aware of some of the underlying reasons, feelings, history, or dynamics of the problem. And even if there is some insight, it hasn’t been helping in improving the mood or situation of those involved. They are stuck in an unhealthy, unsatisfying state of mind or life circumstance.
My approach to therapy is to first clearly identify the problem in a safe, non- judgmental environment. Often the stated problem is not the “real" or only problem. After a thorough assessment, treatment recommendations will be shared with the client to reach their stated goals. Recognizing dysfunctional patterns, making connections between feelings and behavior, and becoming more mindful of choices a person makes are essential ingredients for a successful therapeutic outcome. Acquiring new tools and ways of handling difficult feelings and situations in a safe environment and changing faulty thinking patterns is what brings about growth and problem resolution.
