Here are a few examples of how therapy can help and what some of my clients have experienced:
“I had been told my whole life “Toughen up!” and “Suck it up!” and all that did was make me feel so ashamed about my struggles that I became an expert at hiding my pain and sadness. Through therapy I learned how this belief just kept me suffering in silence and isolation for years. Now I’m working on learning how to change this belief and learn how to express my emotions in healthy ways. Although it’s been scary and difficult, I find myself so much more at peace, and my relationships are improving too.”
“I had struggled with my addiction for years and been able to hide it (at least some of the time) from most people. But earlier this year, I almost lost my relationship when she said she had finally had enough. I knew I needed to change but I didn’t know how. Therapy helped me see how I was using the addiction to numb my pain and together we created a practical and specific plan to help me get free from my addiction and also to work on the deeper heart issues that were fueling it.”
“My whole life I’ve had it rough, and I guess all “the stuff” that’s happened to me has been taking it’s toll. I find myself distrusting of people, always having my guard up, feeling anxious and unsafe in daily situations, and at night struggling to go to sleep and dealing with nightmares when I do. I had heard people talk about “trauma” in movies and stuff but I didn’t realize how badly what I’ve gone through had affected me until I started therapy. I have spent the last few months learning about how trauma affects people, and how I can take back control of my mental, physical, and emotional responses and regain control of my life.”
“I had spent years in various ministry positions in America and in overseas missions and now I am transitioning to a “secular” role. I have been meeting with my therapist for a while now and it has helped me to recognize and grieve what I’ve lost, appreciate and respond well to the culture shock, and think and pray through how God’s call is still “Follow Me” even through such drastically changing circumstances. Having a therapist with personal experience in ministry and missions’ work was instrumental in understanding what I was going through and how to transition well with my mental, emotional, and spiritual health intact.”