Take It From Jeff Deminski: Therapy Isn’t Just for Big Crises
When we show up at work, it’s always the same thing. Co-workers greet you with, “How are you?”
“Good!”
Because we’re trained to not complain. We rarely talk about anything real, but few of us are truly "good."
Almost all of us are facing a challenge, struggling in some aspect of life, or grappling with something we don't like about ourselves. One person starts a new workout regime, complete with a gym membership, only to quit six weeks later (again) — and doesn’t understand why they can't stick with it. Someone else is constantly bothered that their car and home are unkempt, but they can't seem to make lasting changes. Still another blows up too often at their kids and feels guilty without finding a solution.
These things aren't crises; they might not even be the biggest "problem" in those people's lives. But they are issues that can be addressed in therapy, according to Angela Armendariz, LCSW and founder/owner of Aspire Counseling. Sometimes addressing smaller problems can go a long way toward improving overall happiness and satisfaction.
"We often miss the opportunity that therapy can bring when we are not in crisis," Armendariz said. "In reality, when life is 'humming along,' we’re often in the best headspace and have the emotional capacity to reflect on and explore what’s not fully working. That's where we often discover how to make meaningful and lasting change."
That hit home as I was talking with Armendariz and getting to know her. There are small mysteries about ourselves. The ‘why do I always do this?’ or the ‘when did I stop feeling that?’ moments, once explored, lead to the best times in your life. I know because I’m doing it.
Basically, if you want to feel your best, don’t wait until you’re at your worst to try therapy. There is a neurological explanation, too.
"When we’re regulated, our brain is able to stay out of survival mode, and our cortex, especially the prefrontal cortex, is able to stay online and can do what it’s meant to do - reason, reflect, and make sense of our experiences," Armendariz said. "That’s when we can really start connecting the dots, instead of just reacting to what’s in front of us."
Armendariz and Aspire Counseling make this beautifully easy. It’s all online, so you can fit it into your busy life. No driving to and from. No waiting in an uncomfortable waiting room. They have Saturday and Sunday hours. You can even do this from your car, waiting for your kid’s soccer practice to end.
Their team has more than a dozen mental health professionals committed to empowering, nonjudgmental approaches and developing a personalized treatment plan surrounding your goals and concerns. They work with kids, adults, couples, and families on everything from stress and burnout to grief, anger control, and ADHD.
Also, they take most insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid, something other therapists tend not to do.
If you're ready to tackle those smaller issues and live your best life, give Aspire Counseling a call at (856) 279-0020 or visit aspirecounseling.com.
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