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Ariel Sheeger

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How to Cope with the Stress of Inflation

Unless you’ve been living under a proverbial rock, you no doubt are aware that inflation is the highest it’s been in decades. From gas at the pumps to food and utilities, most of us are struggling to make ends meet. And without question, this is causing massive stress.

If you are feeling intense stress from the impact of inflation, here are some things you can do:

Be Honest

One of the worst things you can do when feeling stress and anxiety is to pretend you’re not. Be honest with yourself and others about what you’re feeling. The old saying goes, “The squeaky wheel gets the oil.” Ignoring your feelings or pretending they aren’t there will only make them louder and louder.

Get Your Mind Off of Things

Equally important as being honest about your stress is not obsessing over it. You really need to unplug from the stress of the economy and distract yourself with something. Mindless activities are actually a great way to quiet those stressful thoughts. Go for a run. Clean your kitchen. Watch an old movie. Whenever the anxiety begins to creep up, stop and do an activity that will calm you.

Find Joy

It’s important to step back and recognize that no matter how crazy the world gets and no matter how stressed we are, there is still plenty of joy all around us. On our darkest days, the sun still shines. Make sure to spend time each day noticing all of those small things that bring joy and happiness into your life. The perfect latte. A sunset. Your child’s laughter. Be thankful for each and every one of these. Gratitude is the great elixir of stress and sadness.

These are just a few ways you can cope with the stress of inflation. You may also want to speak to someone if your stress turns into unmanageable anxiety or depression. If you’d like to explore treatment options, please reach out to me.

SOURCES:

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/inflation-stress-anxiety-mental-health_l_62d958ade4b0aad58d18015b

https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/general/how-to-prepare-for-inflation-coping-with-financial-stress/

https://www.cnbc.com/2022/05/18/rising-inflation-has-made-people-feel-anxious-here-are-ways-to-cope.html

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Conflict Resolution Strategies for Couples

Conflict is natural, and every couple will experience it at some point in their relationship. The difference between a couple who can navigate this conflict and those who allow conflict to break their bond comes down to proven conflict resolution strategies.

The following are highly effective strategies every couple can use to get to the other side of a conflict in a loving and respectful way:

Create a Safe Space

When an argument begins, how many of us go into it with the intent of “winning” or proving the other person wrong? Having this intention is a recipe for disaster and resentment.

To resolve conflict, you and your partner need to establish respectful rules. These can include:

  • No yelling
  • No name-calling
  • No physical aggression
  • No foul language
  • No blaming or shaming

Without a safe space to interact, no real communication can take place.

Validate the Other Person’s Feelings

Resolving conflict requires validation of both partners’ feelings. When you place blame on the other or state that they are somehow wrong, they will feel unheard and misunderstood. And arguing from this place will never lead to resolution of the original conflict.

Acknowledge your partner’s feelings. Listen fully when they speak. Make eye contact (stay off your phone!). Nod while they are speaking. Thank them for sharing their thoughts and feelings with you.

You will be amazed at how much different things go when you validate your partner.

Find the Middle-Ground

Conflict resolution ultimately relies on both of you being able to come to a compromise. Look for ways to find that balance between what the both of you want and what you are comfortable with.

Get Help

Depending on the root cause of the conflict, professional counseling may be warranted. A couple most likely can navigate an argument that stems from someone not doing their fair share of chores. But a conflict that is rooted in, say, financial trouble or an infidelity, may warrant professional help.

If you and your partner seem to be unable to resolve your conflicts on your own and would like to explore treatment options, please get in touch with me. I would be more than happy to discuss how therapy can help.

SOURCES:

7 Tips for Handling Conflict In Your Relationship

https://psychcentral.com/relationships/conflict-resolution-in-relationships

https://positivepsychology.com/conflict-resolution-relationships/

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What is Brainspotting?

Brainspotting (BSP) is a new form of therapy that can help people process and overcome trauma. Developed by a psychotherapist who has spent years working with survivors of trauma, brainspotting has been used by many mental health professionals to effectively treat a variety of mental health issues.

How Does it Work?

Brainspotting is akin to EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Essentially, the direction in which people look or hold their gaze affects the way they feel. 

During a brainspotting session, the therapist helps the client position their eyes in ways that allow them to target specific sources of negative emotions. The therapist will slowly guide the person’s eyes across their field of vision to find all the right “brainspots,” which will then activate a traumatic memory or painful emotion.

Recent evidence suggests that trauma is stored in the body and can even alter how the brain works. Many of my own clients have experienced how trauma affects their memory and even physical health. Brainspotting seems to be able to activate the body’s innate ability to heal itself and the trauma. 

Who Can Benefit from Brainspotting?

Brainspotting is recommended for anyone who has experienced either physical or emotional trauma. BSP has been shown to be effective for those with anxiety, ADHD, anger issues, phobias, substance abuse issues, impulse control issues, and more.

If you are suffering as a result of trauma, or are dealing with any of the mental health issues I’ve just listed, you may want to consider giving brainspotting a try. I am a licensed therapist who has been trained in brainspotting and would be happy to discuss treatment options. Please feel free to call my office or email me.

SOURCES:

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Mismatched Desires – How Sex Therapy Can Help You Connect

Sex is a powerful way for two people to bond and feel true intimacy with one another. But what happens when one person in the relationship has less of a sex drive than the other person? Are they destined for relationship doom, or can they meet somewhere in the middle?

The answer is, plenty of couples suffer from this exact same scenario and many of them have found solutions by working with a sex therapist.

What is a Sex Therapist?

A sex therapist is a certified mental health professional who helps people suffering from sexual difficulties or dysfunction that are not a result of a physical issue. Sex therapists address underlying mental and emotional issues that may be causing the sexual problems you are dealing with. Common issues they help clients with are:

·      Low libido

·      Erectile dysfunction

·      Anxiety related to sex

·      An inability to orgasm or get aroused

·      Fear of sex

·      Mismatched sex drives in couples

·      And more…

What You Can Expect in a Sex Therapy Session

If you and your partner have mismatched sex drives and are considering seeing a sex therapist, you no doubt have a lot of questions. What will it be like? Will you feel awkward and embarrassed? Do you have to take your clothes off? (no to that last question BTW!)

The following are some things you can expect during a sex therapy session:

Many Questions!

In order for a trained therapist to help you with your problem, you and your partner will need to be pretty open about your sex life. A good therapist will make you comfortable and ease into the conversation. But be prepared to eventually open up and honestly answer questions.

Testing

Since a sex therapist is trained to tackle sexual issues from a mental and emotional angle, he or she may suggest you make an appointment with your doctors to have some bloodwork and other potential tests conducted. Oftentimes, sex drive issues can be a result of imbalanced hormones and other physical ailments.

Homework

Therapy is more effective when the couple continues to do the work at home in-between sessions. I often have my clients try specific exercises at home. This helps them and gives us a starting point at our next session.

The idea of sex therapy can be very intimidating but I assure you, it can be a gentle process that ultimately helps you and your partner get closer together. If you’d like to find out more, please get in touch with me.

SOURCES:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/gb/blog/insight-is-2020/201303/how-couples-can-cope-different-libidos-sexual-desire

https://smilemakerscollection.com/blog/pleasure-tips/partners-mismatched-libidos/

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-sex-therapist-5210416

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