Monday, May 18, 2009

Working Through the Pain

Many people come to counseling because they are in emotional pain. Some feel their pain should be insignificant in comparing their problems to others. Emotional pain is significant and should not be compared to others. First, we often do not see our own issues clearly. Second, in thinking of the issue in relation to physical pain someone with a broken arm and someone with massive injuries both have pain and both need treatment.

It is hard to work through emotional pain and counseling will bring up the issues that caused the pain. This can be hard to face. Our natural reaction is to want to flee the pain. Many drop out of counseling before the process is complete due to this fact. Hang in there and work through the pain though it is difficult, this will bring lasting change and relief. Running from it and burying it will only cause it to resurface later on.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Depression and Anxiety

Many times with depression individuals feel that they should be able to "snap out of it" or "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" They may even have friends and family members making such statements. This can compound the guilt the person may feel for having the symptoms of depression. Now they also feel guilty for not being able to "snap out of it".

Symptoms of depression can include sleep disturbance (either too much or too little), poor appetite or over eating, fatigue/ low energy, difficulty making decisions and concentrating, and feelings of hopelessness and despair. While this is not a comprehensive list experiencing several of these symptoms over a long period of time can indicate major depression, however, don't mistake one or two of these symptoms over a few days as major depression. This can be a normal down day that we all experience from time to time.

Major depression is best handled through getting treatment. For some counseling may do enough to help with the symptoms of depression. Others will need medication in addition to counseling. (Medication without counseling is not as effective). I recommend trying counseling first for individuals with depression. If symptoms continue consider trying medication. Many primary care practitioners will prescribe an antidepressant. They can make the referral for further help from a psychiatrist if it become necessary. For most individuals it will not go this far. If you are experiencing depression please seek help. You can feel better again.

Friday, May 1, 2009

The Length of Therapy

Many that are new to the process of therapy may wonder how long will I need to be in therapy. This will be based on the individual. Even for those seeking self improvement and not dealing with issues such as major trauma I recommend at least ten sessions. This gives a chance for the therapist and client to build a good working relationship and for progress to be seen. These ten sessions may be all that is needed for lighter issues.

In the case of deeper issues more sessions will be needed. In these cases base staying in therapy on the benefits and progress being made vs. a specific number of sessions. Keep in mind the progress is not likely to be overnight either and will take time. If you do not feel progress is being made speak to your counselor about this rather than dropping out. The counselor may be able to clarify progress and direction for you or a mutual agreement to refer you to another counselor may be reached. In this way clients can still remain in therapy and get help rather than drop out and let their problems resurface later. Keep in mind the average person drops out of therapy two times before sticking with the process on average the third time.