The Balanced Life, Huntsville Alabama

“Joy to the World!” Every song on the radio, department store window, advertisement on television, and passerby on the street seem to be proclaiming “ ‘tis the season to be jolly!”

Here we are in 2021! We made it.  As many have written before me, 2020 was a year unlike any other.   We faced a global pandemic, a divisive election, and a myriad of social issues.  While these events were beyond our control on a personal level, it forced many to reflect on themselves and subsequently seek mental health treatment.

Recently a close family member of mine, who lives in another state, experienced a challenging time accessing mental health services and finding a counselor. 

Sometimes, it's just better to let someone who's experienced something powerful share that experience first hand rather than try to say it for them, so that's what I'm doing (with permission, of course) today for my blog post.

What is therapy REALLY like? In response to this question, I have the permission and privilege of sharing a blog written by a client who tells the story of her journey of contemplating attending therapy and what it has been like for her since she started. May you find this blog as helpful as I did. Special thanks to the person who allowed me to share this.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, an annual observance designed to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and encourage individuals to take action to improve their own mental wellbeing.

We have become a DYI (do it yourself) culture. In an effort to save more time and money, we often do our own home renovations, crafts, professional make-up application, etc.

A counselor friend of mine said she dubbed her client seating area as “the crying couch” and I’ve referred to the loveseat in my own office as that many times over.  One of the most vulnerable moments in therapy is when a person sheds tears while sharing their hurts, regrets, guilt, shame, and other emotions.

Have you ever wondered what your therapist REALLY thinks about you?  Or what they are writing on their little note pad during sessions?  I’m here today to reveal the secrets, although they aren’t really secrets. 

If you are feeling unsatisfied, hurt, can’t stop arguing, or generally feel misunderstood in your committed relationship, then it may be a sign it is time to seek couple therapy (also called marriage counseling).