As a teenager, the Dear Abby column in the newspaper was the go-to source for life and relationship advice. Sometimes I would agree with the advice given, sometimes disagree, and sometimes I would be astounded!
Fast forward to the 21st century and my profession as a Registered Psychotherapist. While I can’t share specific questions that I have been asked over the years, I can share some hypothetical ones and how I would respond to them.
Dear Abby Meets Dear Annette
Dear Annette, I have been struggling both at work and at home. I don’t have the patience or energy to live my life. I am irritable with my family. I can’t focus at work. I just want to sleep. I don’t know what to do. I am not even sure if I need a psychotherapist. Signed, Irritable and Exhausted.
Dear Irritable and Exhausted, it sounds like you are really having a challenging time. You may be suffering with depression. If you are interested in taking a brief depression inventory please go to https://psytests.org/depr/bdien-run.html which will link you to the Beck Depression Inventory.
If the results indicate depression, I would encourage you to speak to your family doctor and connect with a registered psychotherapist. Your family doctor can rule out any physical causes for your mood change and the need for sleep and speak to you about anti-depressants if that is something of interest. If the results do not indicate depression, I would encourage you to reach out to a registered psychotherapist to make an appointment. A psychotherapist can help you figure out what is going on in your life to make you irritable and together you can generate some solutions for change. I encourage you to take the step to reach out to professionals who can make a difference. You can reach out to me anytime.
Dear Annette, I have been thinking about personal counselling. I am ashamed and embarrassed to tell you what is wrong. I am scared to open a Pandora’s box because it is all too much. I spoke to an intuitive healer and that was a weird experience. I am afraid that you will be weird like her. I just need to talk to someone about what is wrong with my life. Signed, Fearful and Freaked out.
Dear Fearful and Freaked out, I am sorry you had a bad experience with an unregulated practitioner. Registered psychotherapists (like me) are regulated by the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). We strive to make the counselling/psychotherapy experience as “normal” as possible. It will always feel a little uncomfortable at first. As you get to know your therapist it will become easier to share.
When you see a regulated healthcare professional like a psychotherapist, social worker or psychologist, you are less likely to experience “weird” situations. Please know that feeling embarrassed or ashamed to tell someone your story is also very normal. The role of your therapist/counsellor is to listen without judgement, to understand your perspective, and provide support and encouragement for your peace of mind. You’re invited to reach out to me any time.
Listening. Guiding. Caring.
