Psychotherapy at Midlife?

By the time we reach 45 and 50, most of us see ourselves as a certain kind of person – outgoing or shy, easy going or tense, and optimistic or negative. We are used to the roles we have with the different people we know both professionally and socially as well as with family.

For some, reaching mid life is also a time to come to terms with dissatisfaction about your life or what you're doing in particular in your career. For most it probably seems too late to question those perceptions or try and change what you're doing.

However, people at or approaching midlife today realize that they can expect another 20 to 30 years of quality life. Rather than thinking of retirement, many of are thinking about starting a new job or planning for an extended work life. Prior to the economy descending steeply, older women were less likely to stick with a troubled marriage or more likely to initiate divorce.

Indeed, midlife is an important stage of development that has its own unique challenges. Mental health professionals are likely to encourage people to realize that it's not too late for people in midlife to have greater satisfaction for the rest of their lives.

One vehicle for change is talk therapy. At any time of life, successful psychotherapy can help us become more insightful about our behavior and feelings. Mid life is a good time to enter therapy without the goal of fixing a specific psychological problem, but instead obtain help for those challenging situations in midlife or as guidance for creating a more fulfilling life.

Sometimes it's obvious when you need help. It may be certain symptoms that indicate there's a serious psychological disorder and requires professional evaluation. These may include extreme periods of high and low moods or long periods of despair. More commonly, people seek therapy for help dealing with life events such as divorce, or death of a spouse, or loss of a child. Actually it's enough to feel lost or stuck to be concerned enough for psychotherapy.

And contrary to conventional wisdom, menopause doesn't make all women in midlife suddenly more vulnerable to depression. Granted, menopause can complicate life but it can also be a very positive experience.

What are your thoughts on psychotherapy. I'm going to post again on psychotherapy but it would be great if I could include some of your comments.   Thanks

To your success in life and business

Ruthan Brodsky

Comments

[Bruce]

Psychotherapy is a model of looking back or at what is possibly broken. It is great if you really have issues not addressed earlier in your life that complicate it now. I believe most people simply need to look forward. That makes a coach more of a help. With a coach you set the agenda, the area you want to work on and the coach helps you get there. Knowing what you want is half the battle. Writing a goal is 65% effective in getting you to your goal, writing a goal and having accountability through a coach is 85% effective.
If you have clarity issues a coach is your best bet. If you have unresolved conflicts that interfere with your functioning or illness like depression, see a therapist.

[Ruthan Brodsky]

Bruce,
Excellent definition Bruce. Thanks for your input. Ruthan