Topic: depression

Question: Do I have too many issues for counseling?
I have so many issues to address. I have a history of sexual abuse, I’m a breast cancer survivor and I am a lifetime insomniac.    I have a long history of depression and I’m beginning to have anxiety. I have low self esteem but I’ve been happily married for almost 35 years.
   I’ve never had counseling about any of this. Do I have too many issues to address in counseling?

Answer (from Natalie Moore | Holistic Therapy🛋 For creative, ambitious millennials):
I want to assure you that there is no such thing as having too many issues for counseling.When you decide to see a therapist, make sure to find someone who has expertise in each of these problem areas you mentioned. In your first therapy appointment, they will take a history of everything you just shared and more to help you determine goals for treatment.You and your therapist will agree upon how often you’ll meet to get started working toward those goals. You and your therapist will likely prioritize what to focus on first to help you get the most benefit from therapy as quickly as possible. Then, as you meet therapy goals, you will likely move on to others.If it seems daunting or overwhelming, keep in mind that as you work on your trauma history, for example, you may notice that anxiety, depression and self-esteem issues improve. And as you work on psychological issues, your physical issues — like insomnia — may decrease.Lastly, it sounds like you have a loving, supportive partner, which is a mental health protective factor and a possible determinant of a more successful therapy outcome. It’s never too late to get started improving your mental wellness. I hope you reach out soon and get the support you so deserve.

Answer (from Christopher NoahHere to help in anyway I can):
No you can never have to many issues for counseling thatis why we have counseling around so we can help you with your problems

Answer (from Ryan LynchCertified Sex Therapist):
Absolutely not! It sounds like you have had a quite a lot of traumas in your life. Those traumas do not mean you have too many for therapy, but rather that you could possibly benefit from therapy more. Having numerous issues just means you might need to be in therapy for a bit to work through them. An experienced therapist can help you sift through all you have been through to find what is causing you the most distress. Good Luck!

Answer (from Abigail EckI'm so grateful you're here. Finding a therapist is scary, so I'd like to make this comfortable for you.):
I am so impressed to hear that despite all that you have endured, you're open to and asking about therapy! That. Is. Incredible.I don't believe there is a person who has "too many" struggles or is "too far gone" for therapy. Often, our numerous struggles are like the roots that grow from a plant bulb. They're are a lot, but they all lead back to the bulb. That is, we can have many symptoms and experiences that are often rooted from a few deep, primary issues that, once addressed, can resolve more than one symptom/experience like the image below illustrates.

Answer (from Mishka KimballHealing & Transformation Are Waiting for You.):
Thank you for sharing your experiences and for being vulnerable. The answer to your question is no, you don't have too many issues to address in counseling. Therapy is designed to provide you with that safe and non-judgmental space, where you can share everything and anything you wish you share and as raw as it needs to be. Being open and vulnerable is incredibly courageous and can bring you a lot of healing. I encourage you to start counseling and to not be afraid to share at your own pace.

Answer (from Ashton SullivanDialectical Behavior Therapy and EMDR):
You can never have too many issues to address I'm counseling!  In fact, I wish more people would come in sooner than later (or not at all) but I always say better late than never.  I think you will discover how everything you're experiencing makes sense when you connect the dots with your therapist.  Depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and low self esteem can all be symptoms of trauma/sexual abuse.  Your counselor will do an assessment and talk with you about your goals to develop a treatment plan.  Always make sure your therapist feels like a good fit, because research has shown that the therapeutic relationship is the most important factor regardless of the theoretical orientation or treatment modality.

Answer (from Jessica Fealk, MA, LPCwww.dalycounseling.com (Michigan)):
Starting counseling, and bringing in a lot can feel overwhelming; like you've brought too many full suitcases and it's scary to think about opening them all.  My strategy would be to help you take inventory of all the areas you'd like to eventually work on and then prioritize what you'd like to work on first.  We would just focus on what seems manageable to work on, for now (what suitcase do you want to open, and how much do you want to unpack?)   Often times, symptoms have similar root issues, so once you start to work on one area and it gets better, other symptoms can get better too.  Being a breast cancer survivor you already have a chest of skills and tools that have helped you get through!  It's likely those skills can be applied in other areas for healing.

Answer (from Patrick Santilli, LPCCTelehealth Therapist in Ohio):
I don't think there is such a thing as having too much or too little issues for therapy. Humans are very complex and our life story varies on the individual. Our complexities have connections and oftentimes in therapy, seeking help for one struggle may have a positive impact on another. It is never too late to seek help from a professional We are never too complex for help.

Answer (from Kevin MimmsBuilding Better Connections):
Hi,I think at the start of counseling it is very common to experience our live in this way. The weight we carry is such a burden, overwhelming, and completely out of control. Or at least it would be if we let it. Usually we have found a way to deal with these feelings and keep ourselves under tight control, even if we can feel ourselves slipping further and further away. Throughout therapy, it is likely you will work through much of this, slowly but surely, and realize that while the way you have coped was useful to you at one time, it isn’t useful to you anymore. I hope this helps.

Answer (from Whitney JenningsGet unstuck and show up as your best self in life.):
I believe you can never have too many issues for counseling.  If such is the case, what would be the alternative?  Not seek help at all?  It is important to understand that counseling is a journey.  Counseling is not about getting "fixed," but instead about self-exploration, self-discovery, and empowerment.  I seek to support my clients in all of those areas by helping them see their problems from a different perspective and gently challenging them for better.

Answer (from Jessica FrenchCompassion-Focused Therapist):
This is a common worry clients have about counseling. Something that can be helpful to remember is that what we're seeing as different issues often have a theme or are connected in some way. For example, the sexual abuse and cancer history you shared have similar traumatic and stressful effects on the mind and body, and insomnia can be exacerbated by the longer-term effects of what you've been through. Similarly, anxiety and depression are different ways our pain and distress presents itself but have underlying connections - sometimes they're even connected to the same trauma response. The hope is that you'll have a counselor who can help you explore these different areas of wellbeing, and facilitate a process of putting the puzzle pieces together while creating space to discover what you need in order to find some liberation and healing from the issues you've named.