Injuries, traumatic events, and chronic medical issues can rob us of many things, including our joy in life. Sometimes we find it difficult to deal with these things by ourselves and need help.

Some issues that can cause us to seek help include:

Addiction Counseling

Addictions can take many forms and can include a physical or psychological dependence on a number of substances. Addictions can greatly impact your life in a negative way. Through addiction counseling, you can learn the skills you need to regain control and direction in your life. Learn more about addiction counseling.

Cancer

A cancer prognosis is a life-changing event that affects you emotionally as well as physically. It can result in feelings of depression or hopelessness. Meeting with a therapist can help you continue to live with joy and find peace in your life.

Chronic and Long-Term Illness

Chronic illnesses like diabetes, cancer, and HIV/AIDS are persistent and long lasting. Understanding the emotional impact of a diagnosis like this is just as important as dealing with the physical aspects. Counseling can help you work through these issues. Learn more about chronic and long-term illness.

Domestic Violence

The US Office on Violence against Women (OVW) defines domestic violence as a “pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner.” This includes physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. If you are in an abusive relationship, you may feel there is no way out, but counseling can help you find inner strength and begin the healing process.

Eating Disorders

Overeating, anorexia nervosa, bulimia, and a hyper-focus on healthy eating are all examples of abnormal eating habits. These habits can involve both excessive and insufficient nutritional intake. These issues can be life threatening and can overtake your life. Therapy can help you understand these complex issues and learn to find healthy ways to nurture your life.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR) is a technique used to assist in providing relief from trauma. Developed over 20 years ago, this has proved to be so effective that the military and many insurance companies encourage it’s use in therapy. If you are interested in this technique, make sure that you do your research and find a qualified therapist to assist you. Learn more about EMDR.

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is a chronic, devastating illness that can leave you feeling hopeless. Along with physical treatment, emotional treatment is important. Meeting with a therapist can help you work through your feelings and emotions.

Incest

Sexual contact perpetuated on a child by a person in the position of trust or authority is considered incest. The social stigma and secrecy involved in this issue make it one of the most under-reported crimes, but the effects of incest can be long lasting and devastating. Therapy can provide the support for healing to occur.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, better known as PTSD, is an acute stress reaction to a traumatic situation. Whether it’s a single event like an accident, or a consistent way of life such as child abuse or domestic violence, some people experience this uncomfortable and intense reaction to the situation. Because of the nature of the traumatic incident, the individual may fear for their life of the life of another. Symptoms of PTSD may include flashbacks or nightmares, an avoidance of thoughts, feelings, or the location of the incident, anger or irritability, and trouble concentrating. Counseling can help you work through some of these issues. Learn more about PTSD.

Sexual and Physical Abuse

Physical and sexual abuse is about gaining control over another person. This can cause you to experience many feelings including helplessness and fearfulness. Counseling can help you manage these emotions and discover your own truths.

Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is a clinical term relating to the overuse of any number of substances. It can be disabling and destructive to health, relationships, and finances. Counseling can help you make sense of these complicated issues and assist you on your path to recovery.

Trauma

Trauma is an experience that stems from an extremely stressful or life-threatening situation. Symptoms are varied and can include flashbacks, bad dreams, feeling emotionally numb, avoiding exposure to anything related to the trauma, being startled easily, or experiencing feelings of being on edge. These symptoms can be severe and can get in the way of living your life. Counseling can help you recover and experience healing.