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- Depression Counseling At Star Point Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL.
Dealing with Depression At Affordable Counseling Center Depression in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, goes beyond feeling sad; it’s a persistent heaviness that affects your daily life. It may manifest as a persistent low mood, draining your energy and making even simple tasks challenging. Depression often operates silently, impacting your relationships, work, and self-worth. Depression is characterized by a range of symptoms, including changes in sleep patterns, appetite, and concentration. You can also experience feelings of worthlessness, apathy, and lack of interest and motivation. Depression in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, isn’t a fleeting emotion; it’s a complex experience that can leave you feeling hopeless and unsure of your purpose. Treating Depression We approach treating depression through a compassionate lens. We do not believe that you are broken. Instead, Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, believe that with the right tools and lifestyle changes you can feel whole again. We focus on helping you learn tools to change unhelpful and/or distorted thinking patterns. You will work towards building up your sense of self-worth and purpose. Oftentimes lifestyle changes are necessary, such as improved sleep, better nutrition, and movement. Together we will decide what changes are needed and how you can get there. Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, know that with the right support and a personalized treatment plan, the clouds of depression can gradually lift, allowing the light of hope and resilience to shine through. Take the first step to change your mental health!
- Marriage Counseling Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL.
Relationships change with time. Sure, courtship and wedding bells make it seem like the two of you will live in heavenly bliss for the rest of your lives. Then, with time, things become more complicated. Connecting becomes more difficult as you strive to pay bills, succeed at your job, and deal with parenting and all the issues it brings. Suddenly, you realize something is wrong in your relationship. Things are no longer the same! Now, one of you pursues and the other withdraws, creating conflict or both withdraw and then it’s a cold war! You long for peace and harmony. Struggle best describes your relationship. Preventing that struggle can mean walking on eggshells around each other or spending more time at work to avoid one another. When you’re together, you don’t speak! You’re at a loss to know what to do. Considering marriage counseling/therapy at Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, seems like a good idea. Marriage Counseling/therapy in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, provides a safe space for the two of you to express your feelings freely. Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, role as your therapist is to guide the conversation and help you explain to each other how you feel. Sometimes, you may raise a specific problem that you need to address, and at other times, things in the relationship have changed without a clear explanation. Once we identify the issue(s), we can establish a treatment plan and learn tools to help you reconnect and overcome what has pulled you apart. Whatever your troubled dance is, I can help you see through the fog, allowing you to reconnect or truly connect for the first time. Like cars, all relationships need a tune-up. As relationships mature, feelings for each other often wax and wane. That’s normal! But sometimes, we lose the deep connection, and that’s the problem! The arguments and conflicts are a symptom, not the disease! The lack of connection is the disease! You’re living with constant conflict or feeling like roommates when you could be reconnecting! If you are ready to deal with the real problem and stop trying temporary fixes, contact Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, for marriage counseling/therapy.
- Anxiety Counseling At Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL
Understanding and Overcoming Anxiety Recognizing the Signs: That creeping feeling of impending doom, the endless cycle of worst-case scenarios, the rapid heartbeat, and the irrational fear – these are all familiar symptoms of anxiety. It’s a common experience, but living in a constant state of anxiety doesn’t have to be your reality. Thought Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, specializes in Anxiety Counseling, teaching you effective strategies to not just live with anxiety but to master it. Anxiety: A Natural Response with Personalized Solutions Learning to Manage Stress: Anxiety is a natural response to stress, linked to our innate fight-or-flight mechanism. It alerts us to potential dangers and prepares us to face or flee the threat. However, when anxiety becomes overwhelming or irrational, it’s crucial to seek professional help. At Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, we understand that each person’s experience with anxiety is unique, and we tailor our approach to meet your individual needs. Transforming Anxiety into a Source of Strength Empowering Through Anxiety Management: The journey with Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, is about transforming anxiety from a debilitating condition into a manageable and even empowering aspect of your life. We focus on identifying the triggers and patterns of your anxiety, equipping you with tools and techniques to regain control over your emotions and responses through our best in the field anxiety counseling in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL. Take the First Step with Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL. Begin Your Journey to Anxiety-Free Living: Embarking on a journey to overcome anxiety is a courageous step. At Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, we are here to support you every step of the way. By understanding the nature of your anxiety and learning effective coping mechanisms, you can reclaim a life of calmness, clarity, and confidence. Join us at Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, and discover how you can transform your experience with anxiety into a source of personal strength and resilience. Our dedicated team is ready to help you navigate and conquer anxiety, paving the way for a more fulfilling and peaceful life. affordablecounselingbrandon.com starpointcounselingtampa.com starpointcounselingbrandon.com 813-244-1251 #depression #counseling #brandon #couplescounseling #marriagecounseling #therapy #tampa #anxiety #starpointcounselingcenter #Mentalhealth
- Relationship Counseling At Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valri
Do you feel like your relationship in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, is at a standstill? Are you and your partner stuck in the same argument loop every night? Do you feel like you and your partner are drifting away? Do you desire more intimacy between you and your partner? All things can be improved, changed and bettered, with just a little support, no matter how big or small. With relationship counseling at Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, you’ll learn how to communicate your feelings and needs, and get what you want out of your relationship. Some issues that bring couples to therapy are: Addiction/Partner Addiction Support Balance (Work/Life/Family) Blended Families Chronic Illness Divorce Extended Family Infidelity/Cheating Intimacy Mental Illness Pre-Marital/Readiness Pornography Sex In relationship therapy sessions at Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, we help people develop the necessary skills needed to maintain sustaining love. If any of the above relate to your and your partner in your relationship, contact our team today. Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, would love to speak about how we may be able to help reconnect and rekindle your love for one another. affordablecounselingbrandon.com starpointcounselingtampa.com starpointcounselingbrandon.com 813-244-1251 #depression #counseling #brandon #couplescounseling #marriagecounseling #therapy #tampa #anxiety #starpointcounselingcenter #Mentalhealth
- Your Path to a Stronger Relationship with Relationship Counseling at Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL.
Revitalize Your Relationship In every relationship, there are times communication can falter, conflicts can arise, and the spark of connection can seem to dim. At Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, we understand that these challenges can be part of any partnership. Our therapists are here to provide a supportive space for you and your partner to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and revitalize your relationship. Rediscover Your Love Every relationship has its ups and downs, and seeking help through couples counseling is a courageous and proactive step toward revitalizing your connection. At Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, we believe in the power of love, and we're here to help you and your partner rekindle your flame and rediscover the love that initially brought you together. Change is Possible Relationship Counseling at Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, is designed to help you and your partner rekindle the love, trust, and intimacy that may have faded over time. Whether you're facing communication issues, navigating complex conflicts, or simply looking to improve your connection, our therapy services are tailored to meet your unique needs. Our Approach to Strengthening Relationships Expert Therapists Our therapists are highly skilled in relationship counseling and relationship dynamics. Supportive Environment We provide a non-judgmental space where you can openly address your concerns. Effective Communication We equip you with tools and techniques to enhance communication and understanding. Conflict Resolution We assist you in navigating conflicts constructively and finding common ground. Rediscovering Connection We guide you in rekindling the passion and intimacy that first brought you together. Transform Your Relationship with Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL. Ready to strengthen your relationship through couples counseling? Contact Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, today to begin your journey toward a stronger, more loving partnership. We're excited to be your trusted partner on the path to a revitalized and more fulfilling relationship.
- Depression Therapy At Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL
Has Depression Robbed You of Your Self-Worth? Do you feel overwhelmed and exhausted by all of the obligations you’re juggling? Are you burdened by fatigue? Do you ever wish that you could get to the root of what’s bringing you down so that you can feel truly happy again? Living with depression in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, can leave you questioning your self-worth and struggling to manage your responsibilities. You may feel a pervasive sense of sadness in your everyday life, or you might experience emotional numbness. Sometimes, depression develops during life transitions. If you’re a new mother, for example, postpartum depression may cause feelings of anger, sadness, and disconnection that can persist long after your baby’s birth. Depression may make you feel like you’re always under pressure to live up to a standard that you can’t reach. Between working and caring for your family, you may barely have any time left for yourself, and your to-do list never ends. But dealing with depression in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, has left you feeling unmotivated, and you can’t help but leave some tasks unfinished. As a result of never being able to catch up, you might often find it’s hard to shake the feeling that you’re always tired. No matter how much you sleep, you don’t have the energy to keep up with everything you need to do, and you may have abandoned your hobbies and interests out of sheer exhaustion and diminished joy. Maybe you long to open up to your loved ones about your feelings, but you may feel too isolated and question if your friends and family would truly listen and value you. And if depression makes it difficult for you to form close relationships, you might not know where to turn for support. Fortunately, with counseling at Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, overcoming depression is possible so that you can experience true happiness and self-confidence again. affordablecounselingbrandon.com starpointcounselingtampa.com starpointcounselingbrandon.com 813-244-1251 #depression #counseling #brandon #couplescounseling #marriagecounseling #therapy #tampa #anxiety #starpointcounselingcenter #Mentalhealth
- Couples Therapy At Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL.
Effective couples therapists point out the strengths in the relationship and help to build resilience, trust and mutual respect... What is couples therapy? Making the choice to go to couples counseling at Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, can feel like a very big step. It involves admitting that things are not perfect in your partnership, which is often tough to do and scary to admit... It is natural for couples to be skeptical about whether therapy in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, will work for them. In the first session, each needs to understand that they are equals in the relationship and that patterns of communication and languages of love need to be understood, processed and improved. The therapy process has the potential to return you to your prior loving relationship after they become aware of how each contributes to both the health, and challenges within the relationship. Our Therapy Techniques Gottman Method Narrative Therapy Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy Positive Psychology A conscious, healthy relationship requires each person to recognize their own role and reactivity levels when conflicts arise, as well as to become aware of their partner’s thoughts and feelings. After living with prolonged conflicts and feeling the need to defend your own ego against attacks, let us help you to truly listen and understand what your partner is thinking and feeling.
- Couples Therapy At Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, S
Is the process of counseling in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, the parties of a relationship in an effort to recognize and to better manage or reconcile troublesome differences and repeating patterns of distress. Couples therapy at Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, helps couples — married or not — understand and resolve conflicts and improve their relationship. Couples therapy gives couples the tools to communicate better, negotiate differences, problem solve and even argue in a healthier way. Couples therapy, or marriage counseling at Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, is generally provided by licensed therapists. These therapists provide the same mental health services as other therapists, but with a specific focus — a couple’s relationship. Couples therapy in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, can be short term. You may need only a few sessions to help you weather a crisis. Or you may need couples therapy for several months, particularly if your relationship has greatly deteriorated. As with individual psychotherapy, you typically see a marriage counselor or therapist once a week. Illness, infidelity, sex, anger, communication problems — all can contribute to distress in marriages or other relationships. Marriage counseling or couples counseling in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, can help resolve conflicts and heal wounds. Your partner comes home from work, makes a beeline for the liquor cabinet and then sulks off silently. You haven’t had a real conversation for weeks. A few arguments over money or late nights out, sure, but no heart-to-hearts. Sex? What’s that? Your relationship is on the rocks, and you both know it. But you aren’t sure how to fix things — or if you really want to. It may be time for couples therapy or marriage counseling at Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL. Couples therapy can help you rebuild your relationship. Or decide that you’ll both be better off if you split up. Either way, couples therapy in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, can help you understand your relationship better and make well-thought-out decisions. affordablecounselingbrandon.com starpointcounselingtampa.com starpointcounselingbrandon.com 813-244-1251 #depression #counseling #brandon #couplescounseling #marriagecounseling #therapy #tampa #anxiety #starpointcounselingcenter #Mentalhealth
- Help with Anxiety At Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL,
We Provide Helpful Tools to Manage Your Anxiety While anxiety in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, concern, and worry affect all people – at times – ongoing anxiety is much more intrusive to daily life. It can interfere with relationships, work, school, and routine activities, such as grocery shopping or meeting up with friends. Anxiety is one of the most common reasons people seek therapy. Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, offers counseling for anxiety that can help you make sense of what feels stressful or overwhelming in your life in a calm and accepting space. Although anxiety in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, might look and feel different for each person, below are some of the common signs and symptoms. Common Signs of Anxiety irritability frustration hyper-vigilance obtrusive, obsessive, and worried thoughts confusion difficulty concentrating Why Seek Counseling for Anxiety? Counseling At Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, can help you to identify and understand the source of your anxiety, as well as help you to develop healthy coping skills at times when your anxiety seems most distressing. Counseling in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, for anxiety often includes challenging negative thinking, challenging your fears, building confidence, learning new skills for coping, understanding how your lifestyle might increase anxiety, and learning relaxation techniques. For some people, a combination of medication and counseling can be helpful. Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, can talk about the best approach to meet your needs together. affordablecounselingbrandon.com starpointcounselingtampa.com starpointcounselingbrandon.com 813-244-1251 #depression #counseling #brandon #couplescounseling #marriagecounseling #therapy #tampa #anxiety #starpointcounselingcenter #Mentalhealth
- Marriage Therapy At Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL,
Find Progress, Not Perfection Love can be one of the most beautiful experiences in life, but it can also bring us more pain than joy at times. Sometimes poor communication, unaddressed conflicts, or past pain can get in the way of feeling deeply connected to our partner. Sometimes, when these things accumulate over time, they can make our relationships in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, feel like warzones. When that happens, it’s time to reach out to a marriage therapist at Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, who can help you design a path towards regaining a deeper, more satisfying relationship. During marriage therapy, you will learn how both you and your partner play a role in the problems in the relationship, with a goal of you leaving sessions feeling empowered and able to freely express your love and affection again. Goals in marriage therapy at Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, can include: Increasing intimacy, affection, and respect. Removing barriers to communication that increase conflict. Learning to manage conflict better. Creating a deeper sense of understanding of self and each other within the context of the relationship. affordablecounselingbrandon.com starpointcounselingtampa.com starpointcounselingbrandon.com 813-244-1251 #depression #counseling #brandon #couplescounseling #marriagecounseling #therapy #tampa #anxiety #starpointcounselingcenter #Mentalhealth
- Therapy For Depression At Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valric
Is Depression Preventing You From Living The Life You Want? Are you burdened with an overwhelming sense of sadness, grief, or hopelessness? Do you have trouble sleeping, eating properly, or motivating yourself to get out of bed or go to work? Are you avoiding people, activities, or social situations that used to give you pleasure? Perhaps you are questioning the purpose of life or feeling as though a part of you is missing, but you don’t understand why. Or it could be that you recognize the signs of depression in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, but don’t know who to turn to for help. Depression in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, can be complicated and scary, carrying as many different meanings, characteristics, and connotations as the word love. It’s no wonder that it manifests so differently from person to person—or gender to gender. For instance, men—typically raised to ignore their feelings and shun vulnerability—often attempt to mask their pain. They may attempt to validate themselves through sex/hookups, “numb out” through substance use, or engage in harmful, sometimes violent displays of power to compensate for the vulnerability they feel. Alternatively, those raised to be compliant and subdued—the cultural feminine position typically occupied by women—have trouble finding a voice for their pain. As such, women’s vulnerability frequently manifests as a difficulty in advocating for themselves or setting healthy boundaries. In children, depression in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, symptoms often appear as irritability, withdrawal, anger, or noticeable behavior changes not otherwise explained. Fortunately, there is help available. If you are having trouble overcoming depression or a prolonged period of grief or sadness, you don’t have to work through it alone. With depression therapy at Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, you can find a voice for your pain, overcome obstacles to your happiness, and move forward in your life with confidence. affordablecounselingbrandon.com starpointcounselingtampa.com starpointcounselingbrandon.com 813-244-1251 #depression #counseling #brandon #couplescounseling #marriagecounseling #therapy #tampa #anxiety #Mentalhealth
- Relationship Counseling At Affordable Counseling in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL,
What do couples fight about? Popular magazine quizzes will likely give you one of these five things – but I find them normally off the mark which leaves people trying really hard to solve the wrong problems. The result is couples in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, spinning their wheels over the same supposed issue over and over again. Here’s the top five false targets that I’ve seen over the years in relationship therapy. Money, parenting and sex. I call these the big three and I lump them together for a reason. People fight about them. Chances are if you are not fighting about at least one of these three things – your not doing something right. These are just in a constant state of renegotiation. Wages and expenses increase and decrease. Children grow and develop different needs. Sex (healthy sex) deepens and grows. If you’re not renegotiating these frequently, sometimes daily, your going to fall behind. Of course the negotiations can be out of balance or someone may have withdrawn from the negotiation – but that’s a different problem. These issues can be solved “superficially” with “rules” but more often than not these don’t last. Why? Because rules shut down communication. They let people escape from talking about the underlying wants and needs within the negotiating process! If you want to put these to “rest” you have to dig a little deeper into why the negotiations aren’t working. Communication Issues I frequently hear partners complain about communication being a problem in the marriage. What is clear is that both know what the other is going to say before they say it. They are just tired of the same old argument and all the emotional pain that goes with it. They have communicated their positions very clearly – they just don’t like each other’s message! Self help magazines will suggest using “I feel” language and repeating each other’s statements. The problem is “You’re such a slob leaving your dirty laundry around,” and “I feel angry when I have to pick up your dirty laundry” are essentially the same thing. Sure, the first is blaming and the second is assertive, and that’s good. However, ultimately quibbling over grammar isn’t the issue. People get roped into “right fighting” about behavior control and power struggles. It’s much safer to argue over indisputable facts like where the dirty laundry is located than emotional wants and needs. Laundry may be the safe scapegoat to argue over rather than ambiguous but very real relationship in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, emotional needs such as feeling appreciated, desired, or supported. I help couples step out of the gridlock that behavior control creates and into vulnerable expression of emotional needs. This invites the partner into problem solving how they each want to feel in the relationship. Loneliness. This is closer to the issue – but still misses the mark. What men and women typically report they mean by “lonely” is that they want to to DO more together or, to a lesser extent, BE together more. Well and fine, but in my experience when either person says they are willing to spend more time or do more together, it isn’t good enough. The lonely partner now wants the other person to want to do it, do it correctly, or promise that it will happen consistently. They have unspoken expectations that they want the other person to fulfill and when they don’t ~ the loneliness is confirmed. Additionally, when I suggest the lonely partner call a friend to relieve their loneliness both partners insist that this is a role that only their spouse can fill. What “loneliness” is really trying to get at is intimacy. Feeling like you know, and are known by, your partner. Intimacy can be supported by doing more together, but it goes much deeper than that. I help couples meet their intimacy needs by using conflicts productively to express emotional needs. Boredom. Bored of the same chores, bored of the same sexual activity, bored of the same recreation, house, schedule, car, vacation, meals. Amazingly when I ask what they have done to relieve their boredom they see it as their partner’s fault – but have taken no steps to relieve their own boredom. Sometimes the person saying that they are “bored” is the most “boring” person in the relationship! More often than not, once we dig deeper we find that boredom is a code word for “afraid of change.” They want change, but they want it safe, predictable, and on their own terms – not their partners. Ultimately fixing boredom means working hard to be two different individuals with separate wants and needs that they can meet for themselves, but can choose to share with their partner. The partner, when they meet those needs, need to do so as a love gift, not as a compromise or obligation. Fatigue This usually comes from one of two places, work or parenting – but almost always ends in the bedroom. The problem is that when I ask the person complaining of fatigue to let go of what is sapping their strength – they just can’t be convinced to do it! It is suddenly inconceivable to let the laundry pile up, don’t mow the lawn, don’t take the extra shift at work, let some of the kid’s extra curricular activities go. It seems clear they want the other person to be doing some work; however, when that happens, the fatigued partner will take over with the excuse that they were doing it wrong! The problem isn’t fatigue but fear of expressing deeper needs and anxiety. What is wrong then? As already noted, these are usually deflections to addressing some fear. They often relate to misconceptions about what makes a relationship healthy. Perhaps it is lingering issues from childhood or attachment styles (preoccupied, dismissive or ambivalent) that get triggered in a fight. It may also come from couples in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, who aren’t well differentiated – or to use a commonly used term – co-dependent, enmeshed or emotionally fused. Maybe you’re tired of the same old arguments – but you’re not sure how to move forward. Maybe you’re tired of having to “prove” things. Maybe you’re feeling like the only time you’re sure you’re married is when you fight. Maybe your tired of holding everything “together” and not getting what you want. Individual therapy or relationship therapy at Affordable Counseling Center in Tampa FL, Brandon FL, Riverview FL, Valrico FL, Seffner FL, and Hyde Park FL, can help get things moving again. starpointcounselingbrandon.com starpointcounselingtampa.com affordablecounselingbrandon.com 813-244-1251 #depression #counseling #brandon #couplescounseling #marriagecounseling #therapy #tampa #anxiety #starpointcounselingcenter #Mentalhealth





