By Bill Harrison MA, LCPC
Many people seek psychotherapy in the wake of a sudden upheaval in their lives – a death, a divorce or some other unforeseen change in their present circumstances. Others enter treatment because they are suffering from one or more mental or emotional ailments – depression, anxiety, relationship conflicts, unresolved trauma or other previously unrecognized issues. Therapy, as practiced here at The Claret Center, is a highly effective treatment modality for most of these types of problems. It’s also so much more than that.
Our therapists work collaboratively with our clients to identify their most immediate concerns and to set treatment goals that align with each individual’s needs, desires and values. When a client is experiencing psychic pain of any kind, we take steps to reduce their suffering as quickly and effectively as possible. But then what? Sometimes, that’s all a client asks of us as healers, and we honor their wishes.
Many times, however, individuals who begin therapy become increasingly aware that their presenting issues live at the tip of an emotional iceberg. These folks realize that, while a crisis in the present may have pushed them towards seeking help, their underlying difficulties have lain frozen below the surface, probably for a very long time.
This new self-understanding is the point at which the next, deeper phase of psychotherapy can begin. In fact, a lot of psychological research suggests that lasting transformation only happens when both client and therapist are willing to explore the root causes of patterns of thoughts, feelings and behaviors that lie outside our conscious awareness. Once you are able to get beyond crisis, you have the opportunity for intellectual, emotional and spiritual growth through therapy.
We invite you to embark on your journey of healing and growth, whether you’re in the midst of a particularly difficult time or not. The work isn’t easy, but it offers each person the potential for increased self-knowledge, more rewarding relationships, better emotional resilience and an overall improvement in well-being.
In addition, if you find yourself going through any kind of a crisis situation right now, we urge you to reach out for assistance as soon as possible.