Learning to Take Care of Himself Taking care of everyone else can eventually take its toll on a man. One Headwaters Counseling client, in his forties, had been responsible for his alcoholic father and mentally ill mother for many years. He had a hard time saying no, and was greatly overwhelmed. In time, his parents both passed away. He wasn’t quite sure what to do with himself. Then his beloved dog, the last thing he had, passed away as well, and he reached a breaking point.
He had no one in his life to take care of him or help support him through his grief and frustration. He had no contact with his siblings or other family and didn’t know where to turn. He came to Headwaters Counseling angry and with a lot of anxiety. Change is difficult, but this client was ready for the challenge! He did everything that was suggested to him by his Headwaters Counseling therapist – he tried it all! He never gave up on himself. He had to learn relaxation skills, breathing techniques, diverting attention from anxiety toward something productive, and self-guided imagery. He had a lot of unresolved conflicts and was able to resolve the ones that he could. He began focusing on his hobbies and interests and now shares them with others. He reconnected with one of his siblings, graduated from college, and rescued a new kitten. For so many years he was the caretaker. He has since learned balance (how to say NO), and can take care of himself.
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