One of the most frequent reasons for going through adult therapy is to develop a strategy to learn how to cope with a significant life change. A life-interrupted life change concerns something that considerably disrupts a life, including death, terminal illness, and a natural disaster. Changes within your work environment constitute a professional change, which can lead to the development of mental health issues that result from relocation, demotion, and the loss of a job. Lifestyle changes typically do not warrant adult therapy support, but some issues can arise because of a dramatic change in your work schedule or having to move your office to another city. A transformational change represents a dramatic change in appearance, disposition, or general outlook on life.
Let’s take a look at some traumatic events that can require adult therapy support to help navigate a patient through difficult mental health issues.
Divorce
Simply put, a divorce can tear a family apart. From deep-rooted hostility to acute separation anxiety, a divorce can trigger extremely painful feelings. Resentment represents one of the most common feelings experienced by the family members negatively impacted by a divorce, especially younger children that no longer have the consistent support of a two-parent household.
Family therapy can help mitigate the highly negative emotions that develop because of a divorce.
Death
The loss of a loved one is the most significant traumatic event that can affect family members for years to come. Intense grief coupled with a loss of consortium can leave family members feeling vulnerable, as well as anxious because of having to deal with an uncertain future. If the death of a loved one is unexpected, the feeling of grief and loss of consortium become much more pronounced.
EMDR therapy implements an effective technique to help a patient process difficult memories such as the death of a loved one.
Natural Disaster
Another way EMDR therapy can help is after someone goes through a natural disaster. The development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the aftermath of a natural disaster can last for years if not treated right away. For example, someone who lived through a tornadic outbreak might experience acute fear every time the National Weather Service issues a Tornado Watch.
Victim of a Violent Crime
Victims of violent crimes experience a wide variety of negative emotions, from recurring panic attacks to the inability to suppress the terrible memories of being victimized. Many victims of violent crimes develop PTSD symptoms, which the implementation of EMDR therapy techniques can alleviate and eventually help dissipate.
If a life change has created strong negative emotions, act with a sense of urgency by scheduling an appointment with a properly credentialed therapist. The therapist that you work with will help you move forward with your life by teaching you how to adapt to the changes in it.