Sometimes life circumstances become very difficult in a way that is not going to quickly resolve itself. I'm thinking of situations like losing your health and with it the ability to do things that have been important to you, or a relative becoming incapacitated in a way that deeply changes their personality or way of being in the world, like dementia.
At times like this, emotions and thoughts can become overwhelming. It is easy to get lost in the depth and breadth of the misery that can arise, and to lose hope of feeling any differently, when the adversity you face is itself not going to get better.
It is not easy to face in to the reality of changes we did not wish for that change life for the worse. It’s difficult to be with uncertainty, and to know that there are things that are far beyond your control.
In these situations the role of therapy is to make space to help you process what has happened and what is happening. There will not be quick answers or solutions to difficulties, after all we have no magic wands. Rather a depth of compassion and companionship, and a gentle, gradual coming to terms with the testing circumstances. The journey forwards for each person is unique and bespoke.
Being willing to sit with deep discomfort of your feelings, a psychotherapist can hold for you a passionate belief in your ability to endure and heal. Therapy may help you turn towards yourself, towards the support you may have access to, and towards the gifts that life can still bring. With time, your relationship to events, and to yourself and others can soften and change, and this can bring new possibilities and depth.
If you are experiencing adversity that is affecting you and those around you, reach out and access therapeutic support to help you. Your GP may well be able to signpost you to appropriate services, and private practitioners like me are also there for you.
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