Has a Difficult Choice or Significant Life Transition Thrown You Off Balance?
Do you feel dissatisfied, restless or stuck in a rut? Are you facing a big decision about your career, relationship, lifestyle or overall future and feel overwhelmed and disoriented? Maybe a part of you wants to pursue something new and different, but another part fears the uncertainty and instability that can come with making a change. Perhaps you are struggling to separate your true values and wants from the opinions of those around you. It may seem as though your mind is flooded with a thousand different ideas and possibilities, and you don’t trust yourself to make the right choice.
Or, perhaps you’ve already experienced a significant change in your life, and now you’re struggling to cope. It may be that you’ve recently moved to Asheville to pursue new opportunities or improve your physical and mental health, but you feel lonely and overwhelmed. Or, maybe you’ve recently graduated from school or left your job, and you’re searching for structure, purpose and a new path forward. You may be an empty nester who, after so many years caring for others, wonders how to prioritize your needs and take care of yourself. No matter what transition you’re facing, you may wonder how to improve confidence, manage stress and find satisfaction in this next stage of your life.
Whether you’re on the cusp of change or adjusting to a new normal, you may be struggling with self-doubt and worry. You might be finding it difficult to relax and stay present in the moment because you can’t stop running through and analyzing potential scenarios. Alternately, you may be shutting down and avoiding thoughts about the future. Although you generally believe that you’re a bright, capable person, you may be feeling distinctly lost and uncertain at this moment in your life. Do you wish that you could identify what you really want and feel empowered to make a decision that serves you? Do you wish you could trust that you are making the right choices and find a sense of acceptance, happiness and fulfillment?
Change Is Inevitable, But That Doesn’t Make It Easy
Almost everyone encounters a difficult decision or period of transition at some point, and if you are feeling overwhelmed, uncertain and afraid, you are not alone. Change can be frightening, and it makes sense that many people find uncertainty uncomfortable and scary. Even though life is unpredictable and there are no guarantees, our culture promotes finding your destiny and living happily ever after. When things become complicated or confusing, or when we feel unhappy in the life we thought we wanted, many of us doubt ourselves and wonder if there’s something wrong with us. Why don’t we have it all figured out, like everyone else?
In truth, very few people have it “all figured out.” Many of us live with a self-critic in our heads that tells us that we’ve done the wrong thing or we’re doomed to failure. This voice can feel even louder when we’re also receiving criticism, advice and questions from those around us, not to mention the pressures and expectations we internalize from media and other forms of cultural messaging. When we’re surrounded by people who are living “the right way,” it’s easy to compare ourselves and feel that we come up short. And, it’s easy to lose sight of what we really want.
Thankfully, getting unstuck is possible. With the help of a skilled therapist, you can quiet conflicting voices, find clarity and direction and feel empowered to embark on the life you truly want.
Empowerment Therapy Can Help You Identify and Follow Your Own Path
Therapy offers an opportunity for you to hear yourself, know yourself and honor yourself, without self-criticism or limits. I provide support and motivation, helping you put to rest nagging worries and lingering fears so you can explore all of the options in front of you. I will not tell you what to do or lead with an agenda. Instead, I will create the safe space you need to interrupt your daily patterns; investigate where you feel stuck; understand the routines, relationships or beliefs that are no longer serving you; and uncover the answers you’re searching for.
It’s my deep belief that it’s possible to clarify what’s right for you and move forward with a renewed sense of hope and purpose. I am an eclectic, creative therapist, and I will adapt my individual counseling approach to meet your unique needs, experience and personality. I am a partner on your journey of healing, discovery and growth, and I will move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Whether you’re struggling to answer specific questions or you have no idea how to manage this period of change, I will listen without judging and offer guidance without suffocating.
The therapy room is a space of play, invention and healing where you can express anything and everything without fear or specific agenda. I can offer creative problem-solving strategies or help you brainstorm ideas and next steps for getting unstuck. We can also take time to focus on what you do already know. For example, do you know that thinking about the future makes your heart race? If so, we can sit with that experience, honor what is happening in the present and listen to what your heart and mind are trying to tell you. Or, we can take a more direct, solutions-focused approach to personal counseling. The shape of our work together is entirely up to you.
For over 25 years, I have helped clients become more comfortable with uncertainty and more open to all of life’s possibilities, and it’s okay that you don’t have all the answers right now. As a passionate, empathetic therapist, I believe in the human capacity to change and thrive. It is possible for you to let go of worries, engage fully with the present and live with a new sense of freedom. I believe in you.
You may have questions or concerns about life transitions counseling…
I should be able to handle this myself. I don’t want to be told what to do.
Although it may seem like everyone else has it all figured out, that is not the truth. Sometimes, we all need an outside perspective to jolt us out of our routines and self-limiting beliefs—to point out an answer we can’t see on our own. As a trained, unbiased observer, I can offer you that guidance. But, during personal counseling sessions, I will never tell you what to do. Instead, I will offer you the structure and space you need to explore your own ideas without outside distractions or pressures. With support, you can discover the answers for yourself.
My problems aren’t really important. I don’t need empowerment therapy.
I invite you to consider where the belief that your problems are unimportant is coming from. Do you often criticize or belittle yourself? Although it may not feel like it, your feelings and concerns do matter. You matter, and your happiness matters.
You may find yourself comparing your challenges to others’ pains or larger issues in the world, then feeling guilty for seeking help. You are not alone in this. And, let me assure you that if you come to therapy, you are not wasting my time or yours. Furthermore, taking care of yourself and being the best you possible are important. By developing and expressing a sense of self-worth, you can become a model and inspiration to others who also doubt their worth. And, therapy can help you understand how strong you are. Changing your life is the first step toward changing the lives of others.
I’m afraid I’ll upset someone if I make a change.
Many people worry about the impact their choices could have on others, especially if they are considering leaving an unhappy relationship. Although it may not feel this way right now, doing what is right for you is most often the kindest choice. When you are suffering, those around you witness your pain. When you are thriving, those around you witness your vibrancy. By finding balance and calm in your life, you can provide balance and calm for those you care about.
Because your choices can and do affect others, during individual counseling, we can prepare for possible outcomes. It’s okay to feel hesitant, especially if you don’t want to hurt someone. But, it’s also okay to pursue the life you want. You don’t have to allow fear to make your decisions.
Growth Is Within Reach
No matter what you’re struggling with, you can create a life that honors your true self. I invite you to call (828) 575-3073 for a free, 15-minute phone consultation. We can talk through any questions you might have about empowerment therapy in Asheville, NC.