Your to-do list may feel never-ending, from deadlines to chores, errands, appointments, school, work, and family. That time for rest or a break just keeps getting delayed, and when you do finally have time to rest, your mind and body can’t seem to actually relax, which adds even more stress and frustration. This can be so physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausting.

Stress is a normal part of life, we know it can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time (as nice as that would be). Even positive change can be stressful, like a dream job opportunity, a new relationship, or planning a big celebration. However, stress can take a toll if it feels like there’s always a fire to put out, that you’re never doing enough, and you’re unable to rest and enjoy the positive moments when they do happen.

Some signs that stress may be becoming chronic or leading to burn out include:

  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  • Feeling negatively about yourself
  • Unable to stop worrying
  • Feeling anxious or depressed
  • Difficulty relaxing or sleeping
  • Using substances to cope with stress
  • Withdrawing from others
  • Neglecting responsibilities
  • Feeling drained or tired a lot of the time

You are worthy of rest. We don’t have to earn rest. Rest is not a luxury or a privilege, or a bonus we must wait for once we are burned out.

– Tricia Hersey

Therapy for Stress

My approach to helping you cope with stress is taking inventory of what’s causing you stress, what’s on your to-list, and looking at how time can realistically be made for essentials like sleep, nourishment, enjoyment, and rest. Prioritizing what must be done, by when, and sometimes by who (no one can do it all alone) is important to making this time for self-care. You are your most important resource in life (there is no life with you), you deserve to be taken care of like a human being, and not a machine that’s expected to run non-stop. If you’re experiencing anxiety or depression as well, that’s something we can explore together too.

This approach to coping with stress often includes therapeutic modalities like CBT, DBT, Polyvagal Theory, mindfulness, and self-compassion, to help you understand how your mind and body are responding to stress, and how you can start to engage with rest and well-being, while balancing other responsibilities in life.

Schedule a consult or contact me to share some of the pressure you’ve been under, what you’re hoping will change, and to see if I feel like a good fit for you.