Importance Of Therapy During Transition
The season is changing and the weather has noticeably become cooler and breezier, indicating fall is here. Many equate the seasonal shift to that of a transition in life and in mood. Some are ecstatic to say good-bye to the LA summer heat wave, while others may already be feeling nostalgic. With less than three months left in the calendar year, you may be finding yourself buckling down and taking inventory of how “successful” this 2012 has been. Did you accomplish all of your goals? Did you reach your financial potential, break even, or worse, put a dent in that credit card account? Have you solved your relationship woes? Did you follow through on your vow to integrate more peace in your life by taking yoga and meditation classes several times a week?
Whichever state of flux you are in decisions always need to be made. For some, that comes naturally, but for most, it can be downright unsettling and petrifying. Many who lose loved ones speak effortlessly on how day-to-day decision making becomes torturous. Whether loss is a part of your life, or not, we often times look to others with influence to help guide us in making those decisions. And here we are, less than three months left till the end of the year and many are panicking and feeling overwhelmed. You may have resolved your child’s classroom situation or whose family you’re going to spend the holidays with, only to find yourself needing to put out the next fire.
Therapy is not just a forum for dealing with severe depression, anxiety, acute stress, personality disorder, etc. Rather, many people can benefit from supportive and collaborative counseling when we’ve hit a wall or don’t know which direction to turn. Whatever may be blocking your energy, intuition, self-guidance and self-esteem can be found or re-activated through the therapy process. The real work in therapy relies on staying committed to yourself and the “process.” For those of you who go, how many times have you heard that? But so true, isn’t it?
I believe strongly in preventative approaches when it comes to mental/emotional/physical care. Instead of holding out for help until you are about to explode or your partner gives you an ultimatum, try seeking out support at the moment you start to feel “off” (e.g. early night wakings, panic attacks, knotted stomach, difficulty focusing and concentrating). The key is knowing not just when you need support, but who specifically to turn to for support.
***Dr. Francine Lederer, Clinical Psychologist, Therapist and Counselor, offering Counseling on Life Transitions for Care Givers, Older Adults, Individual and Group Therapy, along with Couples Therapy, Marriage Counseling, Relationship Counseling, Parenthood and Pregnancy, Grief Counseling and more. Located at 11340 W Olympic Blvd Suite #358, Los Angeles California.
