Outpatient Therapy for Depression
Depression affects more than 264 million people, and it is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Depression extends beyond just mere sadness; depression is a medical condition that can impact one’s mood, relationships, physical health, and emotional well-being. When left untreated, depression can lead to suicide, which accounts for 129 deaths in America each day.
Fortunately, depression is treatable. Outpatient therapy for depression supports individuals to navigate, understand, and better cope with their symptoms. Additionally, therapy provides a supportive environment for people to feel safe and validated in their struggles.
What Is Outpatient Therapy For Depression?
Mental health treatment usually falls into the following categories of inpatient, intensive outpatient, and outpatient therapy.
Inpatient therapy for depression is the highest level of mental health care. Inpatient treatment offers 24/7 structure and support. Clients live in a monitored facility, and they receive consistent supervision. A typical day of treatment may include individual therapy, group therapy, and appointments with case managers, psychiatrists, and doctors. This treatment is normally recommended for individuals who are in acute distress and who may be a danger to themselves or others.
Intensive outpatient therapy for depression is not as structured as inpatient care because clients do not live on-site. Instead, they may attend treatment around their work or school schedules. That said, they still may receive several hours of clinical support each day. Clients may transition to intensive outpatient therapy after completing inpatient care.
Finally, outpatient therapy for depression is the least restrictive form of care. It may be used as a transitional treatment after completing inpatient or intensive outpatient care. However, it may also be the first method of treatment for clients with mild or moderate depression. Outpatient therapy treatment for depression usually entails meeting with a therapist once or twice a week.
Therapy Goals and Therapy Activities For Adults With Depression
Outpatient therapy for depression often starts with assessing and screening for crisis issues. If an individual is in imminent danger of harming oneself or others, these urges must be addressed immediately.
After this screening, therapists usually work with clients to understand the role depression has on the individual’s overall functioning quality of life. Therapists may collaborate with their clients to process the emotions surrounding the depression. It’s not uncommon for clients to feel immense guilt, shame, anger, sadness, or fear over their symptoms. Therapy provides a safe place for exploring and processing these feelings.
Outpatient therapy for depression may also include learning new ways to manage your distress. It may entail coming to terms with pains and traumas from your past. Finally, it may require discussing and implementing changes in the way you live your life.
While specific goals may vary from individual to individual, typical goals in outpatient therapy for depression include:
- Increasing self-awareness into unconscious patterns and defense mechanisms
- Strengthening self-esteem
- Building and using a healthy support system
- Prioritizing self-care and self-compassion
- Addressing other co-occurring issues (trauma, substance use, anxiety)
Therapy can sometimes feel worse before it feels better. Confronting your feelings and exploring your patterns can be painful. With that in mind, this insight often paves the path towards a sustainable recovery.
Final Thoughts
Depression can feel chaotic and unforgiving. It can sabotage your relationships, jeopardize your happiness, and affect your performance in all areas of life. However, outpatient therapy for depression can provide you with the relief, support, and guidance you need to cope with your mental health.
Don’t prolong getting the help you need. Seeking outpatient therapy for depression may be the best decision you make. Contact us today to get started on your journey towards wellness.
Psychotherapy and Counseling for Depression
Research shows that nearly 1 in 12 Americans has struggled with depression at some point in their lives. Depression does not discriminate who it affects. In its mildest forms, it may cause heightened feelings of insecurity, stress, and general agitation. However, severe depression can result in significant impediments in one’s overall quality of life.
Psychotherapy and counseling for depression can help you manage your condition productively and effectively. Such mental health treatment provides you with both the insight and practical tools for improving your well-being. Read on for more information about psychotherapy and counseling for depression.
Depression and Counseling: When Is It Time To Seek Help?
Are you questioning if the relationship between depression and counseling will help you?
While there isn’t a perfect time to seek help, the following depressive symptoms may suggest that treatment could be beneficial:
- Feeling sad for most or all of the day
- Feeling worthless or hopeless about the future
- Experiencing severe changes in appetite
- Having problems with sleep
- Feeling more agitated or irritable than usual
- Struggling with suicidal thoughts or self-injurious behavior
- Experiencing unexplained body aches and pains
- Feeling fatigued throughout the day
If you struggle with some or all of these symptoms, you might be struggling with clinical depression. If you’ve tried coping or treating these issues on your own but haven’t found success, it’s probably best to seek professional support.
Like most mental health conditions, depression can evolve and progress with time. You do not need to prolong your suffering. No matter how long you’ve been struggling, depression and counseling can help you find much-needed relief and comfort.
What Depression Counseling Techniques Will You Learn?
Depression and counseling isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula, and therapists can approach depression treatment differently.
In therapy, you might learn more about how your past experiences impact your current self. You may confront subconscious defenses or feelings associated with your depression. In doing this work, you will invariably learn new ways of perceiving and coping with your life circumstances.
When taking depression and counseling into consideration, you should consider the following factors:
- The severity of depression (i.e., presence of suicidal thoughts)
- The presence of co-occurring issues (substance use, eating disorders, etc.)
- The impact of depression on other areas of life (relationships, work, financial situation)
- A history of trauma
- Prior experiences with depression and counseling
These factors will help your therapist create appropriate counseling goals for depression. If you are struggling with other issues, these factors will also shape your overall treatment plan.
Counseling Anxiety and Depression
Many people struggle with symptoms of both anxiety and depression. Failing to address these symptoms can lead to unnecessary suffering. It can also lead to more problems in essential areas of your life (i.e., your physical health, interpersonal relationships, career).
Lumos Counseling PC specializes in depression and counseling. Whether it’s your first therapy session or your hundredth, your depression doesn’t have to define your self-esteem or happiness anymore. You can learn how to live a meaningful and fulfilling life regardless of your condition.
Contact Lumos PC today to get started on your journey towards wellness!
Your Guide to Anxiety Treatment
Are you tired of the racing thoughts and constant fear? Are you experiencing panic attacks or nightmares regularly? Do you feel like your anxiety continues to jeopardize the quality of your life?
You don’t have to keep suffering in painful silence. Anxiety treatment in NJ can help reduce the distress you experience every day. Seeking help can allow you to learn new ways to cope with your symptoms. It can also help you find a greater sense of peace as you move through life.
Understanding Anxiety
Anxiety affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and demographics. Likewise, anxiety disorders affect over 18 percent of the population, making them the most common mental illnesses in the country.
While anxiety cannot be treated, it can be managed. Many people learn to cope with their condition and live meaningful lives despite their circumstances. Anxiety treatment in NJ can provide practical solutions to find the relief you need.
Anxiety Treatment in NJ: What To Expect
Although anxiety affects each person differently, and your treatment will vary depending on the severity of your condition, individual goals, and history of treatment experiences. At the beginning of your process, you provide relevant background information about yourself and your condition. You also collaborate with your therapist to create realistic goals for growth and change.
Anxiety treatment in NJ typically consists of learning new ways to think and behave. When you learn how to cope with stress in a healthier manner, you tend to experience less anxiety overall. You also learn how to find a greater acceptance in the struggles that you face.
Anxiety treatment in NJ may include:
- Exploring the roots of your fears
- Tracking your moods and feelings
- Practicing healthier stress management skills
- Integrating holistic measures (such as yoga, exercise, and meditation)
- Learning how to build a positive support system
Treating anxiety takes time, effort, and conscious intention. The change does not happen overnight, but you should expect to experience relief soon after starting your work. Your therapist will provide you with guidance and feedback for healthy coping. However, it is ultimately up to you to put those suggestions into action.
Anxiety Support Groups in NJ
Anxiety treatment in NJ can include both individual and group therapy. Support groups provide unique fellowship and camaraderie for individuals struggling with similar issues. You listen to others and also share your own experiences.
At first, attending and participating in these groups may feel overwhelming and daunting. After all, it may seem strange or even shameful to disclose your intimate feelings in a room full of strangers. That said, over time, groups can provide a powerful outlet for people with anxiety. You will learn that it can be safe (and even welcomed) to share your struggles.
Finding An Anxiety Specialist In New Jersey
There are many therapists in NJ for anxiety. However, Lumos Counseling provides a collaborative approach for you to treat your condition while receiving unconditional support and compassion along the way.
Are you ready to take the next step in getting anxiety treatment in NJ? Looking for a qualified anxiety specialist in NJ? Contact Lumos Counseling PC to schedule a complimentary consultation today.
What To Expect from Therapy for Anxiety
Anxiety treatment in NJ can help you regain control over your emotions and actions. Read on to learn more about what you need to know.
How An Anxiety Specialist in NJ Can Help You
Maybe you have tried to fix your anxiety issues on your own. Perhaps, you’ve tried various self-help strategies, but you’re still struggling with racing thoughts. While anxiety is not curable, it can be managed.
When you seek anxiety treatment in NJ, you are making a significant step towards growth and change. Rather than continuing to succumb to your fears, you are choosing to take action towards improving your life.
Anxiety treatment in NJ can provide you with specialized support in understanding your symptoms. You will learn how to recognize the triggers that increase your anxiety. At the same time, you will also implement practical skills for managing the anxiety when it arises.
What To Expect From Anxiety Treatment In NJ
Therapy goals vary from person to person, and they may also evolve. Anxiety treatment in NJ is not a one-size-fits-all approach. However, you should expect to learn more about your condition, its possible origins, and the strategies you need to implement for a healthy recovery.
For example, if you are struggling with a specific phobia, you may engage in graded exposure techniques that safely encourage you to become more comfortable with the phobia. If you have PTSD, you may work on integrating stress reduction techniques in daily living.
In each appointment, you should expect collaboration in the therapy room. That means openly communicating, engaging, and trusting your therapist. To achieve optimal success, you will need to be honest about your struggles and setbacks. Likewise, you will need to be motivated to practice the techniques you learn outside of the sessions.
The length of anxiety treatment in NJ will also vary depending on the severity of your condition, your goals, and your history of past therapy experiences. If you struggle with co-occurring disorders like addiction, you will also need support in managing those critical issues.
Anxiety Support Groups NJ
Anxiety treatment in NJ isn’t just limited to individual therapy. It can be incredibly beneficial to consider attending anxiety-related education and support groups. These groups serve many fantastic purposes. For one, they show you that you aren’t alone in your struggles. Moreover, you can learn and grow from the shared experiences you have with other group members.
Group topics vary, but they may include:
- Stress management
- Relaxation training (deep breathing, meditation, progressive muscle relaxation)
- Social skills training
- Expressive interventions (art, yoga, writing)
- Anxiety education
- Understanding and identifying triggers
- Self-esteem
- Open-ended processing about daily stressors and emotions
- Relapse prevention
Additionally, some people choose to participate in both individual and group therapy as part of their comprehensive anxiety treatment in NJ.
Finding The Best Therapists in NJ For Anxiety
Are you ready to end the incessant suffering? Have you decided that you’re ready to find the best anxiety treatment in NJ? Contact Lumos PC for the care, support, and attention you deserve. Click here to schedule a free consultation today.
Group Therapy for Drug Addiction vs Individual Therapy
Although millions of Americans are struggling with drug addiction, only 10 percent of individuals ever receive the treatment they need. That said, treatment is available, and it can be life-changing. Both individual and group therapy for addiction provide people with the hope, skills, and resources they need to build a sustainable life in recovery. Read on to explore the key differences.
What Is Group Therapy For Addiction?
Group therapy offers a safe and supportive space for like-minded individuals to gather and discuss their struggles, fears, and successes. From the collective strength of the group, you learn that you never are alone in your battles. Likewise, you learn how to lean on people, accept feedback, and take new risks.
Group therapy for addiction tends to focus on specific topics related to relapse prevention, self-esteem, managing triggers and cravings, and implementing healthy and positive coping skills. Group addiction therapy activities can integrate all kinds of mediums including open-ended processing, writing, art, reading, and meditating.
While mental health clinicians facilitate group therapy for addiction, many people also benefit from specific support groups including:
- 12-Step Groups (Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous)
- SMART Recovery
- Women for Sobriety
- SOS
- LifeRing
These peer-led groups provide support and guidance for individuals in all stages of recovery. The meetings are run on donations, and they are usually open to anyone who shows the willingness for change.
What is Individual Therapy For Addiction?
Unlike group therapy for addiction, your individual work focuses exclusively on you. Regarding your addiction, therapy helps you identify the potential barriers that can affect your recovery. Therapy also helps you navigate healthy ways to cope with stress as it arises.
You and your therapist work on your addiction, but you will also address underlying issues potentially related to trauma, co-occurring mental illness, and other life stressors.
Individual therapy provides a nonjudgmental space for exploring your innermost thoughts and feelings. For this reason, the therapy experience can be incredibly profound and powerful. You will build a special relationship with your therapist built on trust, compassion, and mutual respect.
Can You Blend Both Therapy Approaches?
Many people benefit from taking an eclectic approach in treating their addiction. Therefore, it is common for clients to attend both individual and group therapy for addiction.
This blending approach serves many useful purposes. On the one hand, group therapy for addiction allows you to share, learn, and build positive peer support with fellow members. On the other hand, you also have your individual therapist to explore sensitive issues that you may not feel comfortable expressing in a group setting. Both therapies can provide you with the valuable opportunity of learning more about yourself. They can also encourage you to push through your comfort zone and make positive changes in your life.
Seeking New Jersey Addiction Help
Asking for help can be challenging, but it is often the step you need to take to get your life back on track. Lumos Counseling offers both individual and group therapy for addiction. Look no further for the best NJ addiction help. Click to schedule a free consultation today.
Overcoming Prescription Drug Addiction
The statistics are harrowing. Over 100 Americans die every day from drug overdoses. Many of these deaths result from the misuse of prescription medication. Unfortunately, these numbers only appear to be climbing every year.
Despite the statistics, overcoming prescription drug addiction is possible. Addiction therapy can help you learn the tools and coping strategies needed to stay sober. It can also provide you with a safe place for support, compassion, and nonjudgmental feedback.
Even when legally prescribed, misusing prescription medication can be fatal. Likewise, prescription medication can cause serious problems in your relationships, mental health, and overall functioning. Read on to learn more about what you need to know in overcoming prescription drug addiction.
Understanding and Overcoming Prescription Drug Addiction
Did you know that drug overdoses are the leading cause of accidental and preventable deaths in New Jersey? Rather than suffering another day, consider how NJ addiction help can get your life back on track.
Not sure if you actually have an addiction? Do you go back and forth debating whether your problem is bad enough? Consider the following questions:
- Have you tried cutting down or abstaining from your prescription?
- Are you consistently taking more than the prescribed amount?
- Are you stealing, lying, or manipulating others to get more of the substance?
- Do you experience withdrawal effects when stopping use?
- Has your drug use prevented you from enjoying normal activities that you like?
- Have you tried overcoming prescription drug addiction in the past?
Answering ‘yes’ to any of these questions may indicate a substance use problem. At this point, it is essential to realize that most addiction problems do not get better on their own. Furthermore, getting sober without addressing underlying issues can increase the chance for relapsing.
Because substance use can be so multifaceted and insidious, overcoming prescription drug addiction may require professional intervention.
Group Therapy For Drug Addiction
Group therapy provides a unique experience for like-minded individuals to learn, grow, and support one another. People struggling with substance use tend to isolate from loved ones. This isolation can perpetuate feelings of shame, guilt, and worthlessness. Groups provide a united sense of community in overcoming prescription drug addiction.
Group therapy activities for drug addiction vary, but they may include:
- Expressive therapy via creative mediums (i.e., art or writing)
- Relapse prevention classes
- Process groups (talking about here-and-now emotions and experiences)
- Identifying triggers
- Social skills
- Family dynamic support
- Learning new coping skills
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Specific therapy techniques (CBT or DBT interventions)
- Support for other issues like chronic pain, depression, or anxiety
- Life skills (i.e., finding a job, budgeting money)
These addiction therapy activities are intended to help you learn more about yourself when overcoming prescription drug addiction. The group, however, provides a powerful sense of camaraderie and friendship that can motivate you to push through your fears and obstacles.
Seeking New Jersey Addiction Help
The idea of entering treatment may feel overwhelming. It’s normal to fear failure or “wasting your time.” It’s also typical to doubt whether you really need the support.
Whether this is your first or tenth time working on overcoming prescription drug addiction, Lumos Counseling PC provides a secure and open space for your healing journey. Contact us today to get started with your therapy journey.
Top 6 Reasons to Seek Couples Therapy in New Jersey
Do you feel like you and your partner haven’t been seeing eye-to-eye lately? Are you drifting apart from the person you love? Have you exhausted all the self-help options and looking for more support?
Seeking couples therapy in New Jersey can help you and your partner reconnect, rebuild trust, and restore passion. Not sure if therapy is appropriate for you? Here are some of the top reasons to consider treatment.
Reason 1: You Are Having The Same Fight Over And Over Again
All couples experience tension and disagreements. However, if you have the same conflict repeatedly (without any real resolution), it may be time to seek professional support. The good news? You’re not alone. Psychology experts theorize that a staggering 69% of couples conflicts never get solved.
That said, having the same fight over and over again can become exhausting. You risk alienating yourself from your partner. You also risk trying to be right instead of trying to be productive and healthy in your communication. Couples therapy can help you address the tension and ideally create a breakthrough for a better understanding of each other.
Reason 2: You Don’t Trust Each Other
Trust is the foundation of any healthy relationship. When trust is severed or broken, the relationship suffers immensely. Likewise, the process of learning to trust again can be slow and even painstaking. You may be afraid of getting hurt again, and this fear can prevent you both from moving forward.
Attending either couples therapy in NJ or a couple’s marriage retreat can provide you and your partner the tools needed for rebuilding the trust. You will both learn how to speak and listen to each other healthily and productively. Additionally, you will learn new ways to cope and respond to each other in times of stress.
Reason 3: You Are Going Through A Major Transition
Whether it’s planning a family, moving to a new home, or entering retirement, transitions can be both exciting and terrifying. Moreover, they can be stressful—even for the most resilient couples. Marriage counseling in NJ, and especially near you, can provide an outlet for emotional transformation and growth during your transition.
Couples counseling in NJ provides you both with a safe and inviting space to explore your fears and develop healthy coping skills for navigating those seemingly treacherous waters.
Reason 4: You Feel Lost In Parenting
Parenting is one of the hardest tasks a couple can undertake. Research shows that relationship satisfaction can decline twice as fast for couples with children compared to childless couples.
In raising your children, it’s normal to experience some challenges and disagreements. However, if you both have very different approaches to parenting, it can impact the quality of your relationship. It can also affect your child’s health, happiness, and overall functioning.
In therapy, you can receive support and feedback for your approach to parenting. You can learn how to come to mutual agreements in how you raise your family. Moreover, you will gain more respect and appreciation for each other’s roles as parents.
Reason 5: Your Sex Life Is Stressing You Out
Intimacy is one of the cornerstones of a relationship. For some couples, sex is a sacred and enjoyable activity that brings connection and pleasure. For others, it is a vulnerable, sore, and contentious subject.
Over time, intimacy issues can lead to withdrawal and resentment. One or both parties may stray outside of the relationship to satisfy their needs. Couples therapy can help you unpack the underlying issues impacting your sex life. It can also help you learn to increase intimacy in a way that satisfies both of your desires.
Reason 6: One (Or Both) Of You Has Experienced A Trauma
Trauma can impact your self-esteem, sense of safety, and overall quality of life. If trauma-related symptoms like hypervigilance, avoidance, or depression are not addressed, they can progress. This progression can lead to a serious deterioration within couples.
However, couples therapy in New Jersey can allow you to receive nonjudgmental, compassionate support for your experience. You can learn how to lean on your partner (or vice versa) during this difficult experience. Moreover, you will learn skills to conquer the stress together—rather than feeling alone in the battle.
Seeking Couples Therapy In New Jersey
Seeking couples therapy in NJ can help you and your partner restore and revitalize the joy and meaning in your relationship. While the decision to ask for help may not be an easy one, it may be one of the best investments you make for both your present and future happiness.
Are you looking for couples therapy in New Jersey or a counselor in Red Bank? Schedule a free consultation today!
You’ve Decided You Need Marriage Counseling—Now What?
Have you decided that you and your partner need professional support? Are you tired of having the same fight over and over again—with little to no resolve?
You’ve heard the harrowing divorce statistics. Approximately 40 to 50% of married American couples eventually divorce. While New Jersey has lower rates of divorce than many other parts of the country, research reveals that there are 9.66 divorced people per 1,000 married individuals, or 500 couples.
Read on for more insight into what you need to know about marriage counseling in New Jersey.
Understanding How Marriage Counseling in New Jersey Works
You’re tired of feeling like you aren’t on the same page anymore. Maybe you don’t trust your partner. Or, maybe you’re struggling with sexual intimacy or emotional connection. Perhaps you’re in the dark aftermath of serious transition like the birth of a child or job relocation or loss.
Marriage counseling in New Jersey (or in any state) is provided by a professional clinician like a psychologist, therapist, counselor, or social worker. These clinicians have academic and clinical experience in treating couples and helping them with a variety of marital issues.
Barring just a few exceptions, counseling is completely confidential. That means you can trust that what you and your spouse talk about remains between you and the clinician.
Counseling is not about ‘taking sides.’ It’s not about determining who is right or wrong on a particular issue. Instead, your counselor will guide you both into harnessing your mutual strengths to tackle any problems together.
The number of counseling sessions will vary depending on several factors including:
- Frequency of sessions (most clients attend sessions per week)
- Nature of the presenting problems
- Couple’s willingness to take feedback and complete homework if assigned
- Extraneous variables (severe mental or physical health problems)
Preparing For Your First Session
You’ve booked your appointment! You’re getting marriage counseling in New Jersey, and you have a good feeling about this clinician. Are you now experiencing a strange combination of emotions that include nervousness, shame, sadness, and restlessness? Know that these feelings are all normal. The thought of sharing your vulnerabilities can be frightening.
Before your first session, it may be helpful to write down any questions or concerns you want to address. You may feel uncomfortable when you first arrive, so it is helpful to have those notes written down as a reference point.
Consider sitting down with your spouse to think about what you most want to get from your sessions. Your counselor will ask you this during the first session, and it’s helpful if you have thoughtful answers prepared.
Your first session will resemble that of a question-and-answer forum. The counselor will ask you both a series of questions about your marriage, concerns, future goals, strengths, and weaknesses. She will also review the pertinent details, such as informed consent, fees, confidentiality, of the counseling process.
After Your First Marriage Counseling Session
You may feel uncomfortable and frustrated as counseling unravels. These are common experiences. Many clinicians describe the therapeutic process as getting worse before it gets better.
That’s because you may be unraveling years of pain, anguish, or even resentment. Confronting those feelings can be difficult, and dealing with complex problems is not always fun. You and your partner may both feel upset towards each other. You may even experience a sense of hopelessness about moving forward.
It’s important to trust the process. While it’s not your counselor’s job to determine the fate of your marriage, you must trust that he or she has the expertise to help you both navigate the treacherous waters.
Closing Thoughts on Marriage Counseling in New Jersey
The decision to seek counseling is incredibly brave and admirable. Remember that you deserve to have the marriage you want. All couples face adversity, but counseling can help you both learn the tools you need to cope with these difficult times.
To learn more about Marriage counseling in New Jersey, contact Lumos Counseling PC today.
What to Expect with Infertility Therapy
If you are dealing with infertility, you may feel scared, angry, alone, and hopeless. While there are many reasons for infertility, the struggle is almost always a painful one.
Maybe you’ve tried to share your emotions with others, but you haven’t felt safe or supported in doing so. Perhaps your infertility journey has taken a toll on your self-esteem or your relationship with your partner.
No matter your reason for considering infertility therapy, it is essential to know what you should expect during the process.
Your First Therapy Session
The beginning of infertility therapy entails a “getting-to-know-you” evaluation. During the first session, your therapist will conduct a thorough assessment to learn about your present struggles, background history, and other relevant details about your life. Some therapists have you fill out certain questionnaires before your first session.
Regardless, you will review the information together and discuss therapeutic goals for your work together. This is your time. Ask questions and be engaged with the process. For this reason, it’s advised to come in prepared. While therapists are trained to ask the appropriate questions to get to know you, your honesty and openness will make your sessions more effective.
Some clients ‘click’ with their therapists instantly. Others may need several sessions to feel safe and supported. Finally, some people may need to try a few different therapists to find the one that best fits their needs.
The Infertility Therapy Process
No two therapy processes look exactly the same. Your sessions will vary depending on your specific needs, your therapist’s expertise, and the goals you have for your treatment. That said, infertility therapy typically includes:
- Having safe, nonjudgmental support for you to explore your feelings.
- Learning about the typical reactions and emotions related to infertility.
- Discovering healthy ways to cope with depression, anxiety, shame, or guilt.
- Discussing other relevant struggles related to self-esteem or other areas of functioning.
Although infertility depression is not a clinical diagnosis, the symptoms of irritability, poor concentration, hopelessness, and despair, can mimic the same symptoms as major depression.
Therapists work with their clients to provide compassion and strength to navigate these symptoms best.
While nobody has a magic wand promising a “cure,” infertility therapy can provide a refuge for people who feel like they need support- without the excessive questions, judgment, or biased opinions.
Couples Infertility Therapy
Infertility doesn’t just affect the woman trying to conceive a child. It often impacts partners, which means that infertility can represent a significant stressor in relationships and marriages.
Infertility can jeopardize communication. One partner may want to talk about fertility treatment options; the other partner may respond by withdrawing or shutting down. Even if the reasons for infertility are unknown, one partner may blame themselves for the problem. In response, the other partner may become resentful or confused by how to best proceed.
Couples infertility therapy supports couples navigating this challenging process. Therapists help both partners by:
- Providing education about infertility and its impact on relationships.
- Guiding the couple to establish healthier communication patterns.
- Helping rediscover intimacy and affection.
- Providing a safe place to explore vulnerable fears and insecurities.
- Focusing on the couple’s strengths and resilience.
- Discussing adjunctive treatments (individual or group therapy, support groups).
Group Infertility Therapy
Group therapy can provide powerful support for individuals struggling with infertility. These groups are designed for like-minded people to support, grow, and help each other during this emotional battle. Such support is ideally intended to be a reminder that you are never alone.
Some groups are peer-led and run by members within the group. The topic may be organic, in the sense that group members openly discuss whatever relevant content they want to share that day. Other times, the groups follow a specific format or curriculum. These groups may be held in-person or online.
Additionally, trained therapists also facilitate group infertility therapy. These groups may be “open,” in the sense that members can enter and join at any time. Or, they may be “closed,” which means that members can only enroll on a designated date.
These support groups are meant to be safe, nonjudgmental spaces to discuss feelings and individual experiences. Group members are expected to be respectful and compassionate to other members all times.
Final Thoughts on What to Expect with Infertility Therapy
Infertility therapy can be a welcomed treatment approach for individuals or couples struggling in this trying journey. Whether you pursue individual, couples, or group therapy (or take a combination approach), working with a supportive, third-party professional can help you restore your self-esteem, find healthy ways for healing, and cultivate a greater sense of purpose.
Are you interested in seeking therapy while coping with infertility treatments? Contact Lumos Counseling PC today to discuss how we can help.
5 Reasons to Consider Therapy if You’re Coping with Infertility
Although many women have visions to add children to their families, infertility represents a difficult, frustrating, and often isolating struggle. Depression due to infertility can result in serious impairments in mental health functioning, as it can take a significant toll on one’s self-esteem and happiness. Therapy can provide healing and support for individuals on this journey.
1. Your Depression Due To Infertility Is Affecting Your Quality of Life
Maybe you’ve tried to stay positive. Perhaps you keep telling yourself that you’re overreacting or just need to be more patient.
Although infertility depression is not a diagnosable term, many women struggle with acute symptoms that mimic depression when struggling with infertility. Are you finding it hard to concentrate at work or school? Have you struggled to carve time for self-care?
Depression due to infertility can make simple tasks feel impossible. It can make you feel agitated, fatigued, and devastated- all at the same time. Therapy can help you learn how to handle infertility depression while also acknowledging the painful and challenging experience you’re undergoing.
2. You Feel Like Nobody Else Understands
Although friends and family often have loving, kind intentions, they may not quite know how to discuss the nuances of infertility. If you’re struggling with depression due to infertility, your usual support system may actually make you feel worse. That’s because friends and family are often quick to dole out traditional advice (give it time, just relax, it’ll happen when it happens). This advice can range from mildly insulting to downright infuriating.
Therapists provide support without judgment. They don’t dish out cliched advice or tell you what you need to do. Instead, they listen fully and transparently- with compassion, empathy, and encouragement.
3. You Feel Hopeless About The Future
Depression due to infertility can dramatically impact how you perceive both your present and future. If you’ve always envisioned having children, signs of infertility may evoke a heavy sense of disdain. Many women struggle with feeling purposeless or directionless. Some even feel suicidal.
While therapists do not hold the crystal ball revealing your future, they can help you create meaning and purpose in the face of your infertility depression. Finding meaning may entail exploring various passions, practicing mindfulness, strengthening interpersonal relationships, and cultivating a sense of spirituality.
4. You’re Having Problems In Your Relationship
Infertility can be brutal for couples wanting to conceive. Depression due to infertility can affect both men and women, and it can create problems related to:
- Resentment and anger
- Taking out negative feelings on one another
- Sexual performance and intimacy problems
- Feelings of inferiority
While some couples share similar approaches to tackling infertility, others do not see eye-to-eye with their partners. This dynamic can naturally create tension and resentment. That said, therapy can help clients explore some of the problematic conversations associated with either infertility in women or men.
5. You’re Also Struggling With Other Mental Illnesses
20% of Americans are struggling with a mental illness at any given point. Moreover, many people struggle with multiple conditions.
Depression due to infertility can exacerbate other conditions including:
- Mood disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Eating disorders
- Substance use disorders
When left untreated, these symptoms can become progressive and debilitating. Fortunately, therapy can provide the necessary support and management. While there is no cure for depression due to infertility, therapy allows you to access the proper resources you need to move forward with your healing.
Contact Lumos Counseling PC today for more information about therapy.