Ask PBC: Your Mental Health Q&A Q: What is psychotherapy and how can it help me? Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Hènri (Toni) Davis, LPCC, responds: So, how do you know if therapy is the solution for you? Perhaps you have been feeling down or sad and just don’t know who to turn to or what to do to feel better. Or, maybe you have been suffering from nagging physical symptoms (e.g., headache or stomachache) for which your doctor finds no physiological cause. Finally, you may be understandably anxious or depressed because of relationship problems or a recent loss or change in your life but just have not been able to manage the negative feelings and thoughts on your own. It might be time to consider psychotherapy. Sometimes it is the right solution when you are suffering from stress, depression, life changes or relationship issues and can’t seem to manage on your own or get relief from talking to friends or family. For example, psychotherapy might help you address conflict with your spouse or significant other: An issue (or number of issues) have been unresolved for so long or are so intense that it is affecting your focus on work or your kids. You feel as though the two of you will never work it out, and you feel miserable all the time. But you don’t want to discuss your relationship problems with family or friends because you have done that before, with the result being harm to your mate’s relationship with your family and friends. You may have reached the point where you need the help of an unbiased professional who can collaborate with you to find and examine the source of your issue(s) and develop effective solutions. Designer Trunk Shows 50% off frames* November 28 & 29 Italee/Superdry December 5 Chopard/Cazal/Marc Jacobs/Fendi December 6 Chopard/Cazal/Gucci/Bobby Brown December 12 & 13 Kyoto/Versace December 19 & 20 Maui Jim/TAG & FRED /Alain Mikli *with purchase of prescription lenses, some exclusions apply* LES LUNETTES OPTIQUE La Place • 2101 Richmond Rd. • Beachwood, Ohio 44122 216-464-5367 Psychotherapy/counseling is NOT: n Someone else solving your problems n Just a “gripe” session n Just someone listening to you n Advice giving Psychotherapy/counseling IS: n A process for dealing with issues or problems in your life that you cannot manage on your own or with help from family or friends n A process for learning to manage life changes or adjustments more effectively n A process for diagnosing and treating a mental or emotional disorder n Help to manage grief and loss n A process for self-discovery, growth and change “Your Mental Health Q&A” is part of a Beachwood community service program provided by PBC. Email your questions to info@psychbc.com. All identifying information will be held in strictest confidence in the PBC secure email system. Light Up Eton Sunday, November 23 Festivities begin at 5:30PM Snowflake Giving Garden unveiling benefiting the Monarch Center for Autism Musical performance • Tree Lighting 25101 Chagrin Blvd., Suite 100 Beachwood, OH 44122 216.831.6611 | www.psychbc.com Psychological & Behavioral Consultants 28699 Chagrin Blvd., Woodmere, OH 44122 • 216.591.0544 • EtonChagrinBlvd.com November 2014 n Beachwood Buzz 13