Our therapists in Dover, DE offer stress management therapy

Stress is a normal and constant part of our lives. For many people, it is also healthy! Yes, we all have those times when one little thing will send us over the edge, or there’s so much to do you don’t even know where to begin. But for many people, stress is healthy and normal. Without it, we may not work as hard for that promotion, pay attention while driving, or accomplish those big goals.

It can have positive impact…but only when properly managed. And that is where we get in trouble. When stress is too high, too constant, and not accompanied with good coping mechanisms, the positive effects all but disappear, and negative effects swarm to take their place. In fact, stress is the biggest killer in the US! The effects it has on our body and minds is astounding and important to address.

Dover Thriveworks understands the concept of “balance” is much easier said than done. But it is possible. We are here to help you control your stress, instead of it controlling you.

Why am I so stressed?

It’s not like we’re living in the stone age, where stress kept us from being eaten by predators, alive during harsh winters, and fed when food was scarce. Now, most of us hunt in Walmart grocery aisles and the biggest predator is that one annoying coworker.

And yet you’re experience the same levels of stress as your ancestors, maybe even more! Your stress and all the emotions that come with it are entirely valid- this life isn’t always easy or relaxing. Financial stress, relationships, big moves, life transitions, and so much more are very distressing and should be addressed in healthy ways.

Our brain and body are hard-wired for danger, even though danger is different than it was hundreds of years ago. Your body can’t always tell the difference between a tiger attack and Tax Day. Too much of this stress and the body and mind begin to break down.

So, is there a way out of this stress-cycle when even our bodies are working against us? Of course! Dover Thriveworks counselors have years of experience addressing stressful problems and practicing coping mechanisms.

Unmanaged stress can manifest itself in numerous different ways, unique to every person. Some signs that stress is getting out of control include:

• Constantly avoiding confrontation (initiating the “flight” response)
• Angry outbursts or aggressive behavior (initiating the “fight” response)
• chronic headaches
• joint pain
• upset stomach
• easily-triggered anger
• irritability
• panic attacks
• feeling overwhelmed
• trouble sleeping and/or nightmares
• memory loss
• impulsive behavior

You deserve to be free of these symptoms, and the stress that is causing them. Dover Thriveworks is excited to help you get to that life you’ve always dreamed of.

What does Stress Management Counseling look like?

Stress will never fully go away, so neither should stress management. Our Dover Thriveworks counselors strive to teach and help implement skills you can continue practicing for the rest of your life.

Healthy coping mechanisms are unique to every person and situation. There is never a situation that is too big or small for a moment of peace and relaxation. We don’t just want you to be less stressed during a counseling session, we want to help you build a new life style.

Living with stress can feel never-ending. As soon as you solve one problem, another stress-inducing scenario will pop up. To live a happier, healthier life, you have to be the center point of change, not your environment. (Although changing your environment can definitely be part of the process!)

Some tools we may teach and use during a counseling session with Dover Thriveworks include:

• Learn mindful and relaxation techniques for when you are in a stressful moment
• Proactively plan stress relivers
• Talk through any underlying problems that may be causing stress
• Practice healthy habits like getting enough sleep, exercise, and healthy nutrition
• Build a strong social support group
• Learn to identify stress before it gets to be overwhelming and ways to stop it from growing
• Pick out negative thoughts that may be driving stress, and learn to replace them

Dover Thriveworks works to form a relationship with our clients, and we develop each session so it unique for you. There is no cut and paste way to combat stress, but together we can find the best weapons for you. There will always be a way to cope with something, even if it’s buried under a mountain of stress.