Individual Therapy
When did life get so rough?
There are expectations everywhere you turn – how to be the perfect person, employee, parent, entrepreneur.
Somehow, you are expected to focus on your health, your relationships, and your side hustle. All while you keep the home looking like it came out of a magazine, climb the career ladder, look like a model, and manage your finances. The kids must act and look like they have had nothing but the perfect upbringing – and you paste that smile on your face without complaining.
This is exhausting.
You have been successful and have accomplishments. Now, life just feels overwhelming, and you can’t seem to get back on track.
You can’t remember the last time you felt “up,” and you are overwhelmed by life’s “downs” – the bad news, the unexpected changes in life, and the basic obligations are weighing you down.
You used to handle whatever changes life sent your way…
… but they seem to come so fast now. You barely get through one before another one seems to show up, and you are ready to scream at the top of your lungs (or maybe you already have).
The older you get, the easier some things are, but many things have gotten tougher. You didn’t think it would be this way, and you are so disappointed. You are disappointed in others, in yourself… in life.
You take care of everyone else and neglect your own needs. After all the responsibilities are handled at the end of the day, there isn’t time for you. You are dying inside. You don’t even know who you are anymore.
This is nothing you enjoy anymore, and it sometimes seems pointless. You can’t remember the last time you really laughed.
Maybe some of the past is creeping back. You thought you dealt with it and moved past it, but here it is again – those thoughts and emotions from so long ago. Robbing you of your today.
Your stress is high, and your mood is all over the place. You are sad, angry, frustrated, disappointed, anxious – maybe, even panicked. Even if you haven’t cried yet, you want to.
Your confidence is at an all-time low…
… and you are doubting your ability to recover.
You want a better life and aren’t sure where to start.
You’ve tried everything you know – avoiding your pain with distractions, putting yourself down hoping that will motivate you to do better, exercise, reading articles or books, using alcohol or CBD to numb the emotions. Still, it only works for a little while.
The emotions and thoughts come back… stronger.
You tried talking to friends and family, but it never seems to solve the problem. Besides, you feel you are burdening them.
You can’t sleep, concentrate, focus, or enjoy anything anymore.
You know you have a strength inside of you to overcome this – if only you could find it. You’ve gotten through stuff before. Why is this bothering you? Why now?
Maybe it is time for a change in strategy.
Despite the questions, self-doubt, and uncertainty, you know you have had enough of the pain and confusion. You have a vision for what you want your life to look like and who you want to be. You’re tired of hiding your genuine feelings.
You just want somebody to listen – really listen.
It will take some time for us to get to know each other…
But people start to become relaxed and comfortable in sessions pretty quickly once they experience how good it feels to be genuinely heard – to be listened to without being judged for their thoughts, opinions, or feelings.
Our first session will be mostly information gathering for me. Yes, I will ask questions about your childhood, but this isn’t about blaming your parents for everything. This will help me understand your background and worldview better; we might uncover some patterns you learned at an early age, which are impeding you. You only tell me what you feel comfortable with – but, the more forthcoming you can be, the quicker you can start to see results.
I will want to know what you are struggling with and what your goals are for therapy.
Your goals, not my agenda, will determine our course.
You are in charge. You may have a specific topic you want to talk about, or you might not know what to talk about, and either way is okay. I will keep your goals in mind as we work together and provide clues and ideas as you understand what is bothering you.
I will have some ideas for how you can get where you want to go, but we won’t focus on anything unless you want to. It is my job to point out patterns I see, including avoiding certain topics that could make a difference in your life, but we still go at your pace again.
Please know that our time together will be work, and it can feel like work. Also, know that it will be worth it. We will discuss some serious topics happening in your life, but it can also be more light-hearted at times; it won’t be “doom and gloom” all the time, or you are just talking constantly about “problems.”
We might laugh together in session.
Does that surprise you? Laughter is very healing, and we might laugh about how silly life can be. You might even laugh at yourself when you make connections and have insights into your behaviors.
We might be silent in sessions at times.
You will take in information as you make sense of your life, and I will give you time and quiet to reflect if you need it.
We might celebrate your wins together.
You will have insights into your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while in therapy, and I will probably see/hear your wins before you do. I will point out your progress to you if I notice it before you do.
Clients tell me that I am approachable, caring, and compassionate… and that they feel respected, understood, safe, and hopeful when they’re in session with me. They would also tell you I can be direct at times. Just know that this comes from a place of genuine caring and empathy… and a passion for helping you reach your own goals.
You can uncover, discover, and thrive… and you don’t have to do it alone.
If you feel uncertain about starting therapy… that is 100% normal. After all, you will talk to a stranger about your concerns. You might also have some self-judgment about how you should be able to handle your problems – maybe even thinking that you’re “weak” for seeking therapy.
I am here to gently and kindly tell you that is all BS. The most successful people in the world don’t get to where they are all alone, so why should you?
Don’t let those thoughts keep you from getting the support you deserve.
You can reach out by phone, email, or the contact form below for a free 15-minute conversation to see if we are a good fit to work with each other. I’ll ask you some questions, tell you about me and how I work, and, if you want me as your therapist, we will schedule your first session. If we are not a good fit… no problem. I can offer referrals for other therapists I think might be able to help you.
Contact me today, and let’s get started: (720) 466-5667!