Why Therapy Still Matters

I’ve been talking with lots of people recently about the serious economic issues we currently face in Michigan.  I’ve heard from many that they are worried about their jobs (or their partner’s job), their mortgages, their debt, or their savings.

It is natural to question whether you ought to seek or be in psychotherapy right now.  Is the expenditure of time and money worth it?  This is a serious question and deserves a serious response.

Therapy helps with many things, but one in particular is learning what is important to you, and how to make decisions that follow and support your values.

Could there be a more critical time to be making decisions based on values?  I think not.

Consider–your company is downsizing, you have a chance to take a buyout and look for another job.  Is it time to re-visit the idea of college?  Graduate school?  Moving to another state?  Selling or buying property?

How are those decisions made if not from one’s values?  For example, going back to school…what is the impact on your partner or children?  Moving to another state might sound like a wonderful solution to you, but what will it do to your family?  Are they deeply involved locally?  If changing locale is great for you, is it equally great for them?

What is your decision-making process?  What kind of a communicator are you?  Are you an extrovert (likely to think through decisions aloud with others) or an introvert (likely to consider possibilities quietly before involving others)?

Plato advised “know thyself”.

So that is why therapy still matters in this most challenging of times.  Therapy helps you know yourself.  Therapy provides a place where you can consider all options with someone who supports you but is not vested in any particular outcome.  Therapy is a safe, confidential, neutral time where you can explore your options before you make decisions.

Investing in you is still a good investment…no matter what the stock market is doing.

December 30th, 2008 - Posted in Health: Emotional, Physical, Mental, Spiritual, Work | | 1 Comments

Recession Depression

I read the phrase ‘recession depression‘ this week…what a great way to sum up what we’re feeling right now.  I’m not sure of the author/originator (if anyone knows, please contact me so I can give appropriate credit) but as a therapist, I feel it’s a warning signal.

Things are not going well for many people.  Worries about lost jobs, foreclosure, health, money…you name it, people are feeling it.

Here are several easy-to-implement ideas to reduce your own anxiety about the economy:

Turn off the television
I know this one is hard for many, but the repetitive news (bad) and advertising (tempting) should be avoided.  News junkies (like me) are focusing on local news…not only is it more uplifting, but it covers issues we can actually do something about.  If you are in the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area, check out the Ann Arbor Chronicle online.

Control your spending
I know, I know, dumb thing to say around the winter holiday season.  But I mean it.  Decide how much money you can spend for lattes, movies, and lunch and put it as cash into an envelope each week.  When it’s gone, it’s gone.  And while you’re at it, park your credit cards in a safe place–not your wallet.  They need to cool off for awhile.

Create community
This is the best time to get together with friends and family.  Potlucks can re-emerge as the ‘party of choice’.  An evening spent talking, playing cards, watching a movie, or playing board games after a shared meal can be fun, heartening, and re-energizing.  Never underestimate the power of community!

Happy holidays!

December 22nd, 2008 - Posted in Health: Emotional, Physical, Mental, Spiritual | | 0 Comments