is therapy for you?
Some of the patterns of behavior and thought that provided protection in childhood from psychological pain or from injury and danger continue as reflexes in adulthood - even though they are no longer needed and may interfere with your accomplishments, relationships, and ability to enjoy life fully. By separating past from present, therapy opens up a wider range of choices and promotes spontaneity and aliveness.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do I feel depressed, bored, blah, empty, unhappy for extended periods of time?
- Do my fears inhibit my willingness or ability to participate in activities which are a normal part of life for others?
- Are my relationships with the important people in my life troubled or unsatisfying?
- Do I have difficulty forming or maintaining relationships?
- Do I find myself repeating patterns I have tried repeatedly to change?
- Do I sometimes describe myself as "my own worst enemy"?
- Do I know that I am holding myself back from achieving all that is possible for me?
- Do I have addictive patterns in my use of substances: (alcohol, drugs, food) or behaviors: (gambling, shopping, computer-use, sex)?
- Am I in a primary relationship with someone who is addicted?
- Does my life feel devoid of meaning and purpose?
This silkscreen by artist Wes Yamaka hangs in my office waiting room. It serves as both challenge and reminder to me and my clients of the mission we share in our encounters and in our lives outside the consulting room.