You may ask yourself: Why do I need therapy?
You've noticed these changes, but you can almost imagine that nothing has changed. You can ignore the moments of confusion, the outbursts of anger, or the bizarre requests. There are still moments of genuine connection and joy. These moments are what you want more of. And you might be saying to yourself:
- Will this ever end?
- When can I be my own person again?
- It feels like all I ever do is worry
- I don't have time for myself or to do the things I like
The journey to being a caretaker for somebody experiencing dementia or Alzheimer's disease is complex and multifaceted. Loss is felt in so many arenas: loss of a loved one as a person you knew, of the relationship, of expectations and dreams for the future... It is difficult to grieve for the person you love when it can be difficult to recognize them some days. This is hard. There are so many things to consider and wrap your mind around, you are up at night with worry and you just want a moment for yourself. People keep talking about self care and bubble baths. What the hell is that? Who has time for a bubble bath and how is that going to make this any easier?
I can help.
With therapy, we are identifying and meeting YOUR needs so you can attend to your loved one. Everything you are going through is normal. We know you didn't plan to be here, but you are committed and amazing. It is easy to lose yourself and set your needs aside when caring for someone. Before you even know it you are burned out, trying to play catch up just to get through the day. Therapy will help you slow your pace, set boundaries, and discover what self care looks like for YOU.
You might benefit from therapy if you:
- Are feeling isolated and lonely
- Are more irritable than normal
- Have increase anxiety and worry
- Have trouble sleeping
- Experiencing grief as you watch your Loved One decline
I recognize that caring for a family member or loved one takes a village. Sometimes, you have to create the village yourself. I am here to help you build a strong, healthy support system for yourself and your loved one and to improve your relationship with yourself. I can provide an opportunity to let go and reconnect to yourself.
Support for Dementia Caregivers
You didn't ask to take this role on, but here you are.
As far as anyone can tell, you have everything under control.
But on the inside, you are full of anxiety.
Do you have a partner or family member who is living with dementia?
Overwhelmed and Frustrated? Of course you are. No one is prepared for a diagnosis of dementia. Feeling isolated and overwhelmed is your new normal. How do you even process what is going on, let alone explain it to someone else? You are doing your best to care for your loved one with dementia but feel like some days you are just getting by. It's exhausting trying to keep everything together and you want the best for your loved one. They're holding onto their routine and familiar places as if they are a lifeline. Becoming more rigid. They may have become increasingly forgetful, their personality may have changed, or they may have become depressed and moody. You can't keep going like this, so let’s chat and see how therapy might help.
Do you have a partner or family member who is living with dementia?
Overwhelmed and Frustrated? Of course you are. No one is prepared for a diagnosis of dementia. Feeling isolated and overwhelmed is your new normal. How do you even process what is going on, let alone explain it to someone else? You are doing your best to care for your loved one with dementia but feel like some days you are just getting by. It's exhausting trying to keep everything together and you want the best for your loved one. They're holding onto their routine and familiar places as if they are a lifeline. Becoming more rigid. They may have become increasingly forgetful, their personality may have changed, or they may have become depressed and moody. You can't keep going like this, so let’s chat and see how therapy might help.