Encountering Potholes on the Road of Life
In the Philadelphia area, there can be potholes in local roads, especially after difficult or “stormy” weather. The first time you go over one it can be startling. Your vehicle shakes. For a moment you don’t know what has occurred. You aren’t sure how much damage, if any, has been done. But pay attention.
Patterns
Negative behavioral struggles or faulty relationship patterns are like a road full of potholes. Once we recognize them we can begin to learn strategies to avoid theses potholes in life rather than end up back in the same ditch again and again.
Counseling works
The next time you travel that same old street, you forget about the pothole until it’s too late to swerve, so you find yourself stuck in it once again. Perhaps the following week you are more prepared. You avoid it. It’s still there but now you have learned to navigate your way around it until the point in time when it’s permanently fixed.
One of the greatest barriers to connection is the cultural importance we place on “going it alone.” Somehow we’ve come to equate success with not needing anyone. Many of us are willing to extend a helping hand, but we’re very reluctant to reach out for help when we need it ourselves. It’s as if we’ve divided the world into “those who offer help” and “those who need help.” The truth is that we are both.― Brené Brown
Deb Owens is a Therapist and Licensed Counselor in Chestnut Hill, PA. She offers counseling and therapy for adults and couples in Montgomery County near Blue Bell, Fort Washington, and Jenkintown, PA and in the Chestnut Hill section of Philadelphia near Lafayette Hill, PA.
Chestnut Hill Therapist Deb Owens