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How would I know it is time to refer someone for professional counseling? |
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How would I know it is time to refer someone for professional counseling? It is always difficult to make the suggestion to others, or to decide you need counseling for yourself. But it can be important to do so if you see any of the following signs:
Other signs that may be considered RED FLAGS where a referral is urgent include:
Substance abuse problems may also be treated by professional counseling. |
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Is my marriage working? The following is a description of the key elements of a healthy and satisfactory relationship:
When you are feeling that your marriage is out of sorts, this quick inventory for relationships may help to identify the problem areas. |
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Are you giving your relationship top priority in your life? Can you talk to your partner about things that are troubling you? Are you and your partner affectionate and expressive with each other? Do you have "quality" time to spend with your partner? If you and your partner are not able to work through issues on your own, professional counseling can help to improve your relationship. |
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How can I help my aging friends and family? Seniors are coping with important phase of life changes, and mental health issues that are specific to aging. Health is a primary concern for seniors. Emotional well-being often comes from acceptance and working with the changes brought on by aging. Self identity may be questioned as aging and retirement take place. Activities such as working, or raising children, that once gave status and self esteem, must be replaced with other activities and opportunities for self expression. Independence and dependence may surface as important issues for seniors. People who have been used to taking care of themselves may have difficulty adjusting to others taking care of them. Loss of health, status, income, friends and family can effect seniors to a great degree. They need to let themselves grieve adequately in order to accept and cope with these losses. Isolation can cause depression. However, if depression or other emotional problems interfere with day-to-day functioning, professional counseling can assist in developing effective solutions. Getting involved in group and community activities, adopting a pet, talking things over with friends and getting physical exercise are all ways that seniors have found to life their spirits. |
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How can I cope better with personal crises? All of us have experienced an emotional crisis at one time or another. Occasional crises are part of life, giving us the opportunity and challenge to cope and grow. Crises require new ways of behaving and thinking, and may leave us temporarily confused and upset. Outlined below are some basic guidelines and suggestions for coping with a crisis.
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