Suppose the question read, "When should I see a dentist?" or "Why should I take my car to a mechanic?"  The answers would be obvious; to prevent or fix a problem.  Our society has no difficulty approving checkups for your teeth and tune-ups for your car because the end result is clear, a healthy mouth and a smooth running auto. 

Regrettably, however, because the end result is not immediate and often can be a lengthy process, many people have difficulty seeing the value in preventing or fixing emotional problems.  "Is it possible," they ask, "to fix emotional pain the way you fix a toothache or a flat tire?"
 
If you are open to accepting support during a difficult time and realize that problems that cause pain are common to all of us, the answer to that question is simple (but not easy)… YES!  The hard part is being willing to fix yourself first, being open to finding alternative ways of looking at what is causing the pain and then figuring out how to deal with it differently.

If emotional pain can be abated, why suffer it?  Because often we are so used to the pain, we cannot believe that it can be relieved. Or we are so fearful of the unknown we choose not to consider that change can be for the better, and we willingly accept the status quo.  Change can be frightening and slow to take place, but it can occur and things can be better.

When you are willing to find alternative ways of viewing life and living your life, that is the time to consider seeing a therapist. A therapist can't prescribe a course of action that specifically tells you what to do because each person is unique and what works for me might not work for you.  What the therapist can do is help you to find alternative ways for dealing with your problems; “framing” the old issues with new ways to look at them.  The therapist, aided by training and experience, can help you see things with new perspectives.

As a licensed clinical social worker I have been trained to assess my clients “holistically,” looking at the entire environment, the internal as well as the external life (culture, family, work, support systems).  There is no “one size fits all” solution.  The client comes to realize that the origin of his or her wellness lies within.  My role is to guide the client to this source… the Wellness Source to which I have dedicated my practice.