09/18/2020
Don't Ignore Your Pain - The Right Help Is Available
As the pandemic plods along and the election nears, tensions are higher than ever. We are all dealing with illness, death, economic and political uncertainty and even if these things aren't touching us personally, the tenor of the times is incredibly unsettling.
Tempers may be shorter, motivation to keep up self-care practices may be waning and fear and dread may be intensifying for you and your loved ones. You may be noticing that your unhealthy coping strategies (overeating, overworking, drinking/drugging, etc.) are harder to resist and in spite of the immediate relief this may provide, the negative consequences eventually arrive and it makes everything harder in the long run.
I have been running several support groups throughout the pandemic and find they are soooooo helpful to all who participate! Now more than ever the need for interpersonal sharing and connection should not be overlooked. The process of giving and getting support and having a regular weekly meeting to look forward to where you can be yourself, warts and all, is truly therapeutic.
I am also seeing the rise of tensions among my clients who are living in close quarters with adult children. Old issues may surface and trauma from the past that was never really acknowledged may emerge in unexpected ways. Family and Couples therapy can help us move beyond feelings of individual guilt and victimization to a more systemic understanding of how relationships work. Don't be afraid to reach out for help from a clinician on this.
Like most therapists, my practice is pretty full these days, but I do have space for a few additional clients. I'm also open to starting more groups. If you need help figuring out just what your needs are at this difficult time, please don't hesitate to email me at susan@therighthelp.com or go to www.therighthelp.com to learn more.
Psychotherapy Practice of Susan Epstein, LCSW
