Stress Management
Are you struggling to find effective ways to manage your stress?
“I feel so stressed out!”
“I can’t take it anymore.”
“I can’t do this one more day.”
Do you find yourself saying these things? Many people do, and managing stress is both a strategy and a state of mind.
We all experience stress.
How we internalize stress—whether it motivates us positively or manifests negatively, such as through body aches—often requires speaking to someone to help manage what we are feeling. When stress reaches a breaking point for you, it is time to consider counseling.
Counseling creates a space where stress is not just something you keep inside; it is something you can release to a trusted, objective person in a safe space.
Clients often are not initially aware of what is causing their stress; they just know something feels wrong and they do not feel good about it. As I begin collaborating with clients and listen to their stories, I can discern the reasons behind their stress. I observe changes in their facial expressions and body language as they describe their situations.
Symptoms of excessive stress in our lives may include excessive worry, pressure, angry outbursts, headaches, stomach aches, or you just feel overwhelmed. You just know when it is too much.
Have any questions? Send me a message!
There are several types of stress.
In counseling, there are two major types of stress that clients present most often: acute stress and chronic stress.
Acute stress is short-term and arises from specific situations. Examples are having a deadline at work, a bad argument with someone or a deadline. Chronic stress is more long-term resulting from ongoing issues. Examples of chronic stress are financial problems, chronic illness, relationship issues or work pressure. For you, managing your stress is the last thing you want to think about if you are busy, have children or never have a minute to yourself. Acute stress does not need to be the way you go through your day. In counseling, we can discuss ways you can manage this type of stress.
Another type of stress is emotional stress. It can be associated with anxiety and depression. It is more defined by stress related to relationships and the emotions you experience in stressful situations. It is the mood swings, continual pressure in a relationship and loneliness that accompany stress in how we experience it.
Physical stress is another type of stress people experience and clients feel this type of stress in their body. They experience an injury, lack of sleep, poor nutrition , weak immune system, fatigue, and possibly pain. This type of stress may accompany medical issues and/or results of physical stress on the body as a whole. My approach to counseling is wholistic. I see the whole person and believe that the body and mind are very connected.
Stress management counseling focuses on what is going on with you. I listen and learn about your life and the daily challenges you face. Keeping a journal or log of what you do everyday may help find reasons you are in a state of continual stress. I find opportunities where stress management techniques can be added to your day-to-day schedule.
Love what you do.
My approach involves a common theme of doing what is true to you. It is being creative in what you do for several hours a week, such as in your job or with others. For instance, if you love soccer coaching, do more of it. If you cannot coach, attend a game or support a local team. The value for you is connecting back to what makes you happy. The energy you use feels good even though you may be struggling with any type of stress.
Happiness, contentment, peace are the feelings that matter the most. There are outside challenges, for instance, with a work deadline or relationship issue. They need to be managed but they do not define who you are. Counseling can help you manage outside stressors.
Sleep matters
There is power in feeling rested and aware every day. Regardless of your situation, you are present. Your body and mind have rested and hopefully feel renewed to step forward into your day. Exercising and eating well go along with feeling better, but sleep, at least for me, sets the tone of each day. Stress management needs everything you have within yourself to beat it.
As a counselor, my goal is to help you get to a place better for you. There are various techniques and exercises you can do to find your way there. Counseling can help you to learn the tools to manage your stress and how you respond to it. I can help you identify what is happening, how you are feeling, and starting the conversation is the first step in taking control of stress.
Are Stress Management Therapy But Still Have Questions?
Does stress ever end?
Stress evolves. It can change with a different job that might suit you better, finally achieving a goal that you have worked on for a very long time or go away as the stressor/trigger goes away. We work together to find solutions that address what overwhelms you.
What type of therapy techniques are most helpful with stress management?
Breathing and relaxation techniques are helpful with calming oneself down. Listening to music, being in nature and being with your furry pets are all great ways to calm down. Additionally, understanding your triggers and learned responses, and how you react as a person to situations are powerful tools in stress management.
Do I affect my family & friends when I am stressed?
Certainly, stress affects those around us. Sometimes, you will hear someone say, “you’ve always been that way.” As a counselor, that is one of the most unhelpful comments because it does not help you with something you already are concerned about and would like to change. Many clients share that this realization prompts them to seek counseling.
Next Steps
Developing an action plan is a key goal of stress management counseling. This plan might involve identifying triggers or situations that cause stress, understanding how you typically react, and learning healthier responses. A personalized plan empowers you to feel more capable of managing challenges, with the support of a trusted professional.
Do not let stress dictate your life, reach out to me for help at 317-891-5793 or or by reaching out today!