Have the Lights Gone Out in Your Life?

Do you find yourself wondering “what happened to that playful, energetic, creative, passionate woman who once inhabited this tired old body?”  Do any of these scenarios sound familiar?

-  You wake up in the morning with a sense of “is this all there is?”

-  Mood swings are extreme; one minute you’re laughing, the next you’re in tears

-  You find yourself overcome with feelings of rage

-  Sometimes the fatigue is overwhelming; it’s hard to motivate yourself to get moving

-  You awaken in the middle of the night experiencing feelings of dread, fears of aging and death

-  It’s hard to concentrate, your memory fails you, and your brain feels “fuzzy”

-  Insomnia seems to fuel your depression

-  If it weren’t for your persistent partner, you’d just as soon never have sex again!

Where’s the Juice?!

In a society where youth and beauty are highly esteemed, “The Change” can be devastating for some women. By middle age the personas we’ve adopted- “The Great Mother and Caretaker,” “Superwoman,” “The Seductress,” (to name a few), no longer serve us. The result? Menopausal women often suffer from depression, anxiety, insomnia, and a general feeling of “dullness.” Marriages and other relationships come under fire. And, aside from wreaking havoc on our emotions, menopause can be just plain uncomfortable physically, too.

Wake Up, Sleeping Beauty!

Once upon a time there was a vibrant little girl who loved to dance, sing, and make art. Guess what? She’s buried somewhere in you. Years of being “good,” taking care of others, and putting in time establishing a career have diminished her. I want to help you to reawaken those long dormant parts of your Self, and to   recognize the connection between your mind and body.  We’ll resurrect your old creative inclinations, and I’ll help you to navigate the rough waters of menopause with grace and dignity. If you’re motivated to feel alive again, I’d love to work with you.

“I’m such a whiner. My mother never complained about HER menopause!”

“Mom didn’t do hormones. What about the dangers? Are herbs safer? Or do I go on antidepressants?” Pretty overwhelming, isn’t it? Join the crowd. We’re all out there floundering. Let’s get something straight right now- this is NOT your mother’s menopause. How many of us REALLY know WHAT our mother’s menopause looked like? We are the first generation in modern times to be open in discussing our bodies, our sexuality, and our emotional states. Heck, historically only 100 years ago or so women didn’t LIVE much beyond menopause. We are the Baby Boomers. We weren’t supposed to GET old! We have made health issues mainstream concerns. We need a safe, loving place where we can access our feelings around aging, we need support and information, and we need to demystify The Change. Seeking help is a healthy move in the direction of taking better care of ourselves.I’ve worked with women who’ve gained a whole new perspective on what middle age can look like. Marriages have been enhanced, career changes made, and new interests pursued. Clients report an increase in energy, and a decrease in physical symptoms such as headaches and insomnia.

Who You are is Welcome Here

My role as a therapist is to collaborate with you in uncovering what you already possess: the inherent ability to grow and change.  I provide a caring, sensitive, and nonjudgmental environment.  I’ll assist you in  exploring family of origin dynamics, and help you to gain insight into behavioral patterns.  Together we’ll examine what are called your “core beliefs;” the rules and strategies we develop early in life that help us meet the world.  While these beliefs once helped us survive, they have come to hinder us from experiencing a truly authentic way of living. 

Free Initial Consultation

Because I feel it is imperative that my clients feel comfortable in working with me, I offer a free 20 minute consultation. The best indicator of success in therapy is a trusting client/therapist relationship. As a menopausal woman who has spent time on “the dark side,” and learned to find the light, I offer over 20 years of professional knowledge, and a candid perspective of my own experience. Much of what I’ve found to be helpful I’d like to share with you.