Ever since he was young, Dean and his father have had a tumultuous relationship. Dean’s mother was never a part of his life, and his father worked long hours to provide for Dean and his older sister. Throughout his childhood, Dean always felt that his father preferred his sister over him even though Dean was the one who looked after his father’s health and helped with the household chores.
No matter what achievements Dean accomplished or how much he tried to win his father’s favor, he always felt taken advantage of. Conversations between the two often started off friendly but ended in extended silent treatments and shut doors. They would disagree over simple things, like what to eat for dinner or which electrician to call.
Dean is in his thirties now and living far from home. Because of an argument, he and his father haven’t spoken in just over a year. One early Wednesday morning, he receives a call from his sister — his father has died unexpectedly.
Dean is devastated. He’s typically the one who resolved arguments with his father by reaching out first. He believes that his dad died so unexpectedly because Dean never reached out after their last disagreement. Overcome with guilt, he locks himself in his home.
Things don’t improve over the following months. Despite his network of close friends, Dean feels alone, unhappy, and unworthy of kindness. But when his thoughts turn to self-harm, he decides it’s time to seek help.
Dean reaches out to a psychologist. His Thriveworks provider sits down with him and unpacks a history of miscommunication, unaddressed trust issues, and mild depression. They work together to establish a treatment plan that can help Dean manage his feelings of grief and guilt, and they even discuss family therapy for Dean and his sister.
Dean’s story is not unordinary. Every day, many people deal with similar feelings after the death of an estranged loved one. But a mental health professional can help with managing grief, depression, and other illnesses that impede upon our well-being and daily lives. They can also provide the tools necessary to address future complications in a thoughtful, balanced way.
If you have ever dealt with grief or other mental and emotional health concerns, consider reaching out to us at Thriveworks in Salem, OR to speak to a licensed professional.
How Can a Local Psychologist Benefit Me?
Mental health professionals can treat more than major disorders and illnesses. A trained psychologist is equipped to handle many different circumstances, some of which include:
- Overcoming relationship issues
- Guidance with major life transitions
- Addressing past trauma
- Dealing with loss and grief
- Addiction and anxiety
- Personality disorders
- Improving communication skills
- Breaking unhealthy habits
This list notes only a few of the concerns and challenges a provider can address. To work through your own mental health issues or life challenges with a professional psychologist, please reach out to us at Thriveworks in Salem, OR.
What Does Psychological Treatment Entail?
Licensed psychologists are trained mental health professionals who offer various therapeutic services to clients depending on their specialty areas. They undergo many years of supervision before receiving their license and going on to independently treat clients.
As part of their work, psychologists are able to diagnose and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral. The treatment methods they apply differ from person to person but may include various forms of talk therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and interpersonal therapy. Your provider may also help you improve your communication skills and stress management techniques, or they may help you navigate personal relationships or address past trauma.
No matter what treatment method is selected, you can look forward to personalized and encouraging care. If you believe you could benefit from speaking to someone, please reach out to our office in Salem, OR by phone or online.
Book a Psychiatry Appointment at Thriveworks in Salem, OR
Each of us experiences challenges from time to time. With the right support, we can work to overcome or alleviate those concerns and get back to doing what makes us happy. No one gets through life without relying on others. Whatever you’re facing, you don’t have to face it alone.
That’s why our Thriveworks offices offer online community boards, weekend and evening counseling sessions, and offices that open early and close late.
New clients can often schedule a same- or next-day appointment, and we accept many different types of insurance. Clients also have access to a 24-hour life coach and to their provider by phone or email between sessions.
We’re a community of professionals whose sole purpose is to see you thrive. If you’d like to receive help for your emotional or mental health concerns, please call us today. Your team of psychologists at Thriveworks in Salem, OR looks forward to helping you
