Serious emotional pain affects most of us at some time or other. The Canadian Mental Health Association reports that emotional or psychological difficulties are responsible for 50% of all visits to physicians. The association also reports that one out of five Canadians will seek and receive formal treatment for emotional problems. As well, 20% - 30% of employee absenteeism is due to emotional problems and costs Canadian business and industry some 50 billion dollars annually. There are no statistics on the untold hours spent in unnecessary suffering and wasted human potential.

When in emotional pain, psychotherapy offers the opportunity for healing and change.

Psychotherapy is for people from all walks of life who have:

• Curiosity about new ways of perceiving, new ways of being
• Courage to embark on a journey through unfamiliar territory, to explore the inner workings of feelings, thoughts, body and actions.
• Commitment to stretch one's limits, to embrace difficulties as opportunities for change.
  

Sense of Self

• an awareness of what is important in one’s life
• an ability to stand up for one’s values, and back them up with action
• confidence in one’s durability in the process of living

Perspective

• a calmer attitude toward feelings of pain
• an ability to respond to the moment without over-reacting or under-reacting
• a stance of curiosity rather than of judgmental criticism toward oneself and others
• an increased focus on the present rather than the past or future
  

Communication

• an ability to communicate meaningfully
• a sense of communion with others

Direction

• release from self-defeating behaviours
• a clearer view of one’s hopes
• a clearer view of opportunities

Eventually therapy or “being attentive,” becomes a way of life without the assistance of a therapist. There is a sense of relief, of awakening. Doors open to greater possibilities and life takes on a richer glow.