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Do I have too many issues for counseling?"I have so many issues to address. I have a history of sexual abuse I\'m a breast cancer survivor and I am a lifetime insomniac. I have a long history of depression and I\'m beginning to have anxiety. I have low self esteem but I\'ve been happily married for almost years.\
I\'ve never had counseling about any of this. Do I have too many issues to address in counseling?" | "The short answer is: absolutely not! The longer answer is that it might take some time to process all of the issues, and it may feel quite ""muddy"" in the issues for a lot longer than is tolerable (which is why counseling may have been postponed to begin with for you.) It's important to be realistic when entering counseling of any sort, and that the therapist be realistic with you about what you might be able to expect working with that person (I use the words ""might be able to expect"" because therapy experiences can vary.) But that not having counseling about trauma that you have experienced much earlier in your life can play a significant role in the process and how long that process could take to unpack all that may have been buried over time.It might also be helpful in counseling to work with the therapist on figuring out where to begin, but to also manage the feelings of being overwhelmed that may make it hard to continue to show up and do the work required, week in and week out. It isn't easy work trying to process past pain that you experienced, and so consistent practice of self-care, including leaning on support systems outside of therapy, is key.", | "The way it goes is that all your issues are connected. Once you work on one issue it will have a positive effect on all areas. Slowly each issue is addressed and actually less issues will need to be addressed directly since resolving one helps your overall wellness. So no, you do not have too many issues. Don\'92t give up. Get help now and see how your life can change for the better.", |
Do I have too many issues for counseling?"I have so many issues to address. I have a history of sexual abuse I\'m a breast cancer survivor and I am a lifetime insomniac. I have a long history of depression and I\'m beginning to have anxiety. I have low self esteem but I\'ve been happily married for almost years.\
I\'ve never had counseling about any of this. Do I have too many issues to address in counseling?" | "The short answer is: absolutely not! The longer answer is that it might take some time to process all of the issues, and it may feel quite ""muddy"" in the issues for a lot longer than is tolerable (which is why counseling may have been postponed to begin with for you.) It's important to be realistic when entering counseling of any sort, and that the therapist be realistic with you about what you might be able to expect working with that person (I use the words ""might be able to expect"" because therapy experiences can vary.) But that not having counseling about trauma that you have experienced much earlier in your life can play a significant role in the process and how long that process could take to unpack all that may have been buried over time.It might also be helpful in counseling to work with the therapist on figuring out where to begin, but to also manage the feelings of being overwhelmed that may make it hard to continue to show up and do the work required, week in and week out. It isn't easy work trying to process past pain that you experienced, and so consistent practice of self-care, including leaning on support systems outside of therapy, is key.", | "I think this is a very common question that people who have never been to counseling before have. \'a0There is a lot of anxiety in going to counseling for the first time. \'a0This is normal. \'a0In answer to your \'a0question, the answer is an absolute NO! \'a0An important thing to remember about getting counseling is that it is a courageous first step towards hope and healing. \'a0Getting help is like training to run a marathon, it is not a sprint. \'a0You have shared a lot of issues that you are dealing with from your past, that are now negatively impacting your present, but I believe that in getting the right kind of help and support, none of them are impossible to overcome. \'a0Part of the therapeutic process is defining and prioritizing therapy goals. \'a0In collaboration with you, as a client, a therapist is there to help you with this process in determining what you would like to work on first. \'a0Not getting counseling, based on the history you have shared, has the potential to put you more at risk for mental and physical health issues. \'a0You are already seeing this happen as you begin to experience new symptoms, namely your anxiety. \'a0In therapy, you will gain understanding and insight, as well as learn skills and strategies to manage the symptoms you are experiencing.In conclusion, I would encourage you to reach out to a licensed counselor who has experience in treating trauma, grief/loss and will address shame. \'a0These are three areas that I have found that gets to \'a0the core issues that are contributing to your depression and anxiety. \'a0 I believe you can get the help you need to find hope and healing. \'a0Best of luck to you!", |
Do I have too many issues for counseling?"I have so many issues to address. I have a history of sexual abuse I\'m a breast cancer survivor and I am a lifetime insomniac. I have a long history of depression and I\'m beginning to have anxiety. I have low self esteem but I\'ve been happily married for almost years.\
I\'ve never had counseling about any of this. Do I have too many issues to address in counseling?" | "The short answer is: absolutely not! The longer answer is that it might take some time to process all of the issues, and it may feel quite ""muddy"" in the issues for a lot longer than is tolerable (which is why counseling may have been postponed to begin with for you.) It's important to be realistic when entering counseling of any sort, and that the therapist be realistic with you about what you might be able to expect working with that person (I use the words ""might be able to expect"" because therapy experiences can vary.) But that not having counseling about trauma that you have experienced much earlier in your life can play a significant role in the process and how long that process could take to unpack all that may have been buried over time.It might also be helpful in counseling to work with the therapist on figuring out where to begin, but to also manage the feelings of being overwhelmed that may make it hard to continue to show up and do the work required, week in and week out. It isn't easy work trying to process past pain that you experienced, and so consistent practice of self-care, including leaning on support systems outside of therapy, is key.", | "Hello, I'm so glad you decided to take the first step in opening a conversation first. Deciding to go to therapy can sometimes be difficult for some, but with the right therapist, healing is possible and obtainable, even with what you've described. To answer your question, no you do not have too many issues to go to counseling. \'a0You've been through a lot and have been strong and at times it's helpful to have someone else to help you through it.\'a0What I would say is to be sure and find a therapist who is experienced in sexual abuse and trauma overall. But you absolutely do not have too many issues for counseling. Please feel free to ask any other questions you may have regarding your situation and I hope you find the therapist you're looking for, there are many great ones out there. Many of the issues you're experiencing may be tied together from the trauma.\'a0Best Wishes.\'a0Laura Cassity, LMSW, LMAC", |
Do I have too many issues for counseling?"I have so many issues to address. I have a history of sexual abuse I\'m a breast cancer survivor and I am a lifetime insomniac. I have a long history of depression and I\'m beginning to have anxiety. I have low self esteem but I\'ve been happily married for almost years.\
I\'ve never had counseling about any of this. Do I have too many issues to address in counseling?" | "The short answer is: absolutely not! The longer answer is that it might take some time to process all of the issues, and it may feel quite ""muddy"" in the issues for a lot longer than is tolerable (which is why counseling may have been postponed to begin with for you.) It's important to be realistic when entering counseling of any sort, and that the therapist be realistic with you about what you might be able to expect working with that person (I use the words ""might be able to expect"" because therapy experiences can vary.) But that not having counseling about trauma that you have experienced much earlier in your life can play a significant role in the process and how long that process could take to unpack all that may have been buried over time.It might also be helpful in counseling to work with the therapist on figuring out where to begin, but to also manage the feelings of being overwhelmed that may make it hard to continue to show up and do the work required, week in and week out. It isn't easy work trying to process past pain that you experienced, and so consistent practice of self-care, including leaning on support systems outside of therapy, is key.", | "Not at all my dear.\'a0Human beings are complex creatures, and in my opinion, our issues interconnect in a very nuanced web between our levels of being (for example, mind, body, and spirit). Everything you bring up affects all three. The truly beautiful thing about the human body is that when you begin to work on one, the others improve as well!I would encourage you to seek out a counselor who's style and approach speaks to you and start with whichever issue feels most pressing to you. A skilled therapist will flow with you at your own pace and make recommendations to other professionals (e.g., physicians, holistic practitioners, EMDR specialists for trauma etc) as needed to complement the psychotherapy work you're doing with him or her to help you find the total healing you seek.\'a0I wish you well on your journey!", |
Do I have too many issues for counseling?"I have so many issues to address. I have a history of sexual abuse I\'m a breast cancer survivor and I am a lifetime insomniac. I have a long history of depression and I\'m beginning to have anxiety. I have low self esteem but I\'ve been happily married for almost years.\
I\'ve never had counseling about any of this. Do I have too many issues to address in counseling?" | "The short answer is: absolutely not! The longer answer is that it might take some time to process all of the issues, and it may feel quite ""muddy"" in the issues for a lot longer than is tolerable (which is why counseling may have been postponed to begin with for you.) It's important to be realistic when entering counseling of any sort, and that the therapist be realistic with you about what you might be able to expect working with that person (I use the words ""might be able to expect"" because therapy experiences can vary.) But that not having counseling about trauma that you have experienced much earlier in your life can play a significant role in the process and how long that process could take to unpack all that may have been buried over time.It might also be helpful in counseling to work with the therapist on figuring out where to begin, but to also manage the feelings of being overwhelmed that may make it hard to continue to show up and do the work required, week in and week out. It isn't easy work trying to process past pain that you experienced, and so consistent practice of self-care, including leaning on support systems outside of therapy, is key.", | "Everyone has topics to discuss when they start therapy. \'a0 There is no correct number of topics.youSometimes people go to therapy for one specific area of their life. \'a0\'a0Not everyone has the time or interest to utilize therapy just when a significant topic arises in their life.Since you are one person, no matter how many or few topics you would like to address in therapy, all the topics relate to you.Possibly the result of your therapy will be more transformational than if you talked only on one topic. \'a0Lucky you, to be on the cusp of clearing and resolving many vulnerabilities at once. \'a0 You will feel brand new by the time you finish your therapy work!", |
Do I have too many issues for counseling?"I have so many issues to address. I have a history of sexual abuse I\'m a breast cancer survivor and I am a lifetime insomniac. I have a long history of depression and I\'m beginning to have anxiety. I have low self esteem but I\'ve been happily married for almost years.\
I\'ve never had counseling about any of this. Do I have too many issues to address in counseling?" | "Often times when an individual begins the counseling process it is revealed that there is more than one thing going on. When we think about how much is wrong, it can be overwhelming and we may not know where to even start. Counseling can provide guidance to help you to begin working toward healing in a way that is most helpful for you to reach your goals.", | "Usually people who struggle with depression also have symptoms of anxiety. These symptoms come about as a result of underlying causes. The obstacles you have been overcoming such as abuse, cancer and insomnia likely bring about similar feelings and emotions in you which affect your self-esteem. Counseling is meant to support people who have layers of difficulties. We see the difficulties as layers to an onion, peeling away the many layers.", |