AboutPatricia A. Schafer, Ph.D. Expertise I specialize in various forms of depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and also stress, phobias, life changes, grief, women's issues, men's issues, etc. My licenses are: Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor -Supervisor(LPCC-S) and Licensed Professional Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC) in the state of Ohio and a National Certified Counselor (NCC).
Experience 12 years experience counseling substance abusers, families of alcoholics/drug addictions, and those with codependency issues. I also specialize in social phobia; stress; anxieties; women`s issues; grief and adjustments to life changes. Some therapeutic techniques used are: CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behaviorial Therapy)REBT (Rational Emotive), SFT (Solution Focused) and 12-Step, etc. If you live in the Cleveland area, you can contact me at my office for an appointment at: 440-349-4521. I am on various insurance panels and EAP programs.
Organizations ACA, OCA, NCC, OMHCA
Education/Credentials Ph.D. In counseling
MA In Counseling
BS In Psychology
My stress levels seem to have been increasing a lot lately. Unfortunately, a lot of harsh realities have set in. My husband and I have been trying to have kids for almost two years with no luck. Not long ago we found out that we can't move for awhile because the value of our condo is down. To top it all off, our finances are getting tighter. We already spent a lot on infertility testing but now don't have much left to do that many treatments right away. The thought of having to wait a year or two to be more aggressive with the fertility treatments seems so unbearable to me. My husband just says to let go and face reality but that doesn't help. I am doing my best to maintain my sanity and a be a functioning member of society. However, it seems to get harder as the days go by. Do you have any suggestions?
Thanks so much,
Amber
Answer Hi Amber:
You are dealing with a lot right now. Economically many, many, people are going through tough times. So, it is times like these you need to concentrate on the positives in your life, you do have a roof over your head and food on the table and the electric/gas bill are being paid. Money is getting tighter, yet you are surviving. So, keep the focus one day at a time that you are getting through. It is hard when you are ready to share your life with a baby and want to give that baby attention and take care of it and that adds stress too. So, your husband is right in looking at reality - look at it one day at a time.
Next, I think for you to talk to a therapist about your anxieties about wanting a family and yet things are are right now will help you. If you are young and your biological clock still has years to go before its "time" runs out - try to focus on just for today and that you do have time yet. Medical care is becoming more and more expensive and more of a stress for many, many people.
So, please see a therapist to help you with your anxieties and to put things into perspective that you can handle things one day at a time.
