Called for a counseling referral....

LucyPevensie

... ugh, I really didn't want to -- but that's tied into my newfound pessimism which is an offshoot of the constant anxiety I feel over the neverending familial stressors in my life! 

So I called.  Went through my company's EAP.  Talked to a nice "intake" person and will hear back from a case manager tomorrow. 

Can't hurt.  Might help.  Anything that helps me deal even a little better with my anxiety, and my crisis-riddled family, is a positive thing - right?

smilee

Good for you... and yes, anything that you do to help yourself is a positive.

I am a firm believer in counseling ( I am a little biased as I have a degree in counseling ), but I started seeing a therapist after my mom passed away ( and continued through all the IF crap) and it was among the best decisions I have ever made.

I hope that you find it helps.

Good luck.:) 

epphd

Yes, it's a very good thing!  Even people with perfectly happy, low stress lives can benefit from therapy.  Don't be surprised if you go and think "well that was useless."  I guarantee that a few days later - if not sooner - you'll realize how helpful it was.

(((hugs))) You have a lot going on. 

charmcitygirl

Absolutely!  Counseling really helped me deal with anxiety over Jacob, my dad nearly dying, etc.  It was quite cathartic and really helpful!

alison43

it is a good thing!!  i'm sure it was nerve-wracking taking the first step but it shows you are a super strong and smart woman!

rispergirl

Girl, I'd like to meet the person who couldn't benefit from some therapy sessions.  You are doing the right thing.  Take advantage of the help that's available to you.  You've dealt with a TON of difficult stuff over the past couple of years.  It will help to have someone listening who has no personal agenda or involvement.

roaringrock

can you hear me clapping my hands? hurray! what a great first step. you have way too much on your plate at the moment. a little guidance and a positive influence may work wonders. good for you for trying.

JillRock96

Good for you!  I am a big supporter of counseling/therapy (which is not surprising, since I counsel kids/adolescents).  Even if you don't find it helpful (which I hope you do!), I think it is great that you are giving it a try.

caityr

It helps so much. I go on an as-needed basis to deal with the same stuff. My husband's family is a never ending source of anxiety for me and b/c of my therapist I am able to deal. GL.

sept04brideinMD

Yes!  Good for you!  When Dh and I were first married I went to a counselor - if  you call her that - it was at the health dept, free and I always had to answer questions about abuse...anyway, I only went about 3 times, but she gave me the validation that I needed.  Yes, my life as I knew it was different than it had been, my anxieties were justified and there was light at the end of the tunnel.  She helped me see that my fears/anxiety/concerns were normal, and helped me get myself together to move on.  Those honestly were probably the most informative/helpful 4ish hours of my life - I use things she told me in other aspects of my life too...however, I can't think of one thing in particular that she said!

I hope talking to someone unrelated and totally unbiased will help

DavezWife

just when I think I admire you a ton, you go and do something wonderful to take care of yourself.

yea you. I'm proud of the mom and person you are, and strive to be.

for realz ya'll.

 

alchris

Counseling can only help!  Heck, I think counseling could benefit EACH of us.  It takes a strong woman to get help, and you've been through a TON.  I'm proud of you for taking this step!  Cheering you on, LucyP!

elliek05

The stuff you have going on with your family right now is a lot for any 10 people put together to handle. Having someone unbiased to offload to and to help you see clearly cannot be bad at all.