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Lighting the Way Out of Darkness: How Spiritual Psychotherapy Offers Hope and Purpose in Anxiety and Depression

12/18/2023

 
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As a psychotherapist, I witness the daily struggle of anxiety and depression. These relentless shadows steal joy, suffocate meaning, and leave individuals gasping for air, adrift in a sea of darkness. While traditional talk therapy offers invaluable tools for navigating these storm-tossed waters, sometimes something deeper is needed – an anchor to ground the soul, a compass to guide the journey towards the light. This is where spiritual psychotherapy steps in, whispering tales of hope and purpose, illuminating a path beyond the fog of despair.

Spiritual psychotherapy embraces the whole person, acknowledging the inherent connection between our emotions, our minds, and our sense of the sacred. It's not about proselytizing any specific faith, but rather venturing into the inner landscape where our deepest values and existential questions reside. For someone grappling with anxiety or depression, this exploration can be life-changing.

Imagine being consumed by relentless worry, constantly anticipating the worst, feeling like a fragile raft tossed on waves of fear. Spiritual psychotherapy offers a lifeline – a chance to connect with a sense of inner peace, a stillness at the core of being that transcends the turbulence of thought. Through contemplative practices like meditation or mindful breathing, we cultivate a space where anxious thoughts can be observed without judgment, allowing their grip to loosen. We learn to anchor ourselves in the present moment, finding sanctuary in the simple act of being, rather than being swept away by the anxieties of the future.

Depression, on the other hand, paints the world in shades of gray, stealing away the vibrant colors of meaning and purpose. Spiritual psychotherapy helps us rediscover what truly matters. Through introspection and dialogue, we delve into our core values, exploring questions like "What brings me joy?" and "What legacy do I want to leave behind?" By reconnecting with our sense of purpose, we spark a flame of internal motivation, offering a reason to get out of bed each morning and face the day.
This rekindled purpose isn't always grandiose. It could be as simple as finding joy in the quiet moments of connection with loved ones, or experiencing peace in the embrace of nature. Sometimes, it's about discovering the inherent value in simply being present, a witness to the unfolding tapestry of life.
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Spiritual psychotherapy doesn't promise a quick fix. It's a journey of rediscovery, a slow unfurling of the soul. There will be days when the darkness presses in, but the tools acquired on this path – the anchor of inner peace, the compass of purpose – offer solace and navigation.

If you seek purpose and hope, call Cathy at (303) 464-9803 for a free evaluation. Spiritual psychotherapy can help.

EMDR for Anxiety

10/30/2023

 
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EMDR, or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, is a type of psychotherapy that can be used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety. It is a relatively new therapy, but it has quickly become one of the most popular and effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
How does EMDR work?
EMDR is based on the idea that anxiety is often caused by past traumatic or stressful experiences. These experiences can get trapped in the brain's memory system and continue to cause problems even after many years have passed.
EMDR works by helping the brain to process and integrate these traumatic experiences. This is done by having the client focus on the memory while also engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tapping. The bilateral stimulation helps to activate both hemispheres of the brain and allows the client to process the memory more effectively.
Benefits of using EMDR to treat anxiety
There are a number of benefits to using EMDR to treat anxiety. Some of the most important benefits include:
  • Effectiveness: EMDR is a very effective treatment for anxiety. Studies have shown that EMDR can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms in people with a variety of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  • Speed: EMDR is a relatively fast-acting therapy. Some people experience relief from their anxiety symptoms after just a few sessions of EMDR. Deep childhood trauma may take longer to see results.
  • Gentleness: EMDR is a gentle therapy. It does not require the client to relive their trauma in detail. Instead, the client simply focuses on the memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation.
  • Safety: EMDR is a safe therapy. It is very rare for people to experience any negative side effects from EMDR.
Who is a good candidate for EMDR?
EMDR is a good candidate for anyone who is struggling with anxiety. It is especially effective for people who have experienced trauma or stressful events in their lives. However, EMDR can also be helpful for people with anxiety that is not related to trauma.
Conclusion
EMDR is a safe and effective treatment for anxiety. It can help to reduce anxiety symptoms and improve quality of life. If you are struggling with anxiety, I encourage you to consider trying EMDR.
If you are struggling with anxiety, call Cathy at (303) 464-9830 for a free phone evaluation to see if EMDR is the right therapy for you

    Author

    Catherine M. Blake, MA, LPC
    Cathy writes about highly sensitive people, trauma/PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other therapy topics as they strike her fancy.

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    ​Call Cathy at 
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Call Cathy at (303) 464-9803 for a free phone evaluation.

Email: [email protected]
Remote Sessions: 
I offer phone consultations and video sessions for your convenience and safety.
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