BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

Q:With all of the issues going on in our world, I am fining myself getting overwhelmed. I frequently snap at my family members, and I’m frustrated that many of the activities I used to enjoy aren’t happening right now. All of this has taken a toll on my mood. My cousin suggested that I go to therapy, but I don’t know what therapy will do for me since this is all stuff that I can’t control.

A:

It is easy to become overwhelmed when so many of the issues you are facing personally stem from problems that are outside of your control. It’s true—therapy cannot change these large-scale problems that are affecting your mood and functioning. However, short-term, skillsbased treatment may be quite useful in helping you cope more effectively with these issues. I find that it is useful to separate coping skills into two categories: “problem-focused” and “emotion-focused.” When practicing problemfocused coping, we takes steps to solve a problem— whether that’s learning better communication skills to deal with a disagreement or learning to manage our time more efficiently. One way that therapy can be useful is by teaching people these “problem-focused” coping skills. However, there are many issues that we have little to no control over, such as the large-scale problems you described. In these cases, “emotion-focused” coping skills can be life changing. Emotionfocused coping involves managing your reactions to stressful circumstances so that you can reduce the damaging psychological (not to mention, physical) ramifications of stress. Learning how to regulate your emotions and to respond well to difficult circumstances can provide a sense of control and empowerment when you might otherwise feel quite helpless. I work with a skilled team at PBHS to offer a variety of treatment methods. In particular, we specialize in an evidence-based treatment called Dialectical Behavior Therapy, a practical, skills-based program that balances acceptance strategies with change strategies to help people create lives that feel meaningful even in the face tragedy. Please give us a call and we would be happy to speak with you about our services and how they may be useful for you. Natalie Grandy, Ph.D. Licensed Psychologist

Health Service 8701 Mentor Avenue Mentor, 44060 440-266-0770 www.pbhsohio.com