Dear ,

Welcome to the Soul Wisdom Therapy newsletter!  

"The only constant in life is change," a quote attributed to the Buddha, but it could have come from any wise sage. Sometimes life will challenge us with unexpected, difficult changes -- like a job loss, serious illness, divorce or death of a loved one - that will completely upend our lives.

Soul Wisdom Therapy, my group psychotherapy practice, is going through its own unforeseen, big change. A recent California Supreme Court decision effectively prevents me from collaborating with therapists working as independent contractors -- an arrangement we've had for the past eight years. I am very sorry to see my colleagues leave SWT and I wish them well in their new private practices.

On Oct. 1 I return to solo practice, still under the name Soul Wisdom Therapy. Rest assured I will continue to see my clients at the Sacramento and Davis offices. In 2019 I will begin offering online individual therapy and therapy groups, and online trainings. My former colleagues will continue to see their existing clients in their new private practices.

So change happens. And big, difficult changes will inevitably come. For some insight into coping with change, read on.

- Deborah
Coping with Difficult Life Changes

Change is inevitable and sometimes change can bring big challenges. Whether it's a job layoff, relationship breakup, serious illness, or death of someone close to us, we all will face difficult, often unforeseen, circumstances at some point in our lives.  How well we respond to change determines how well we function going forward. 

Initially most people react to bad news with shock, disorientation and anger. But later one must come to terms with the new situation. Some individuals may simply avoid thinking and doing anything about the problem. They may even escape into addictions. The more constructive response is to be positive and proactive: accept the change; acknowledge your feelings, but refuse to see yourself as a victim and move forward, doing what needs to be done.

Here are some suggestions for coping with change:
  • Acknowledge and accept what you can't control.
  • Be flexible and watch for new ways to deal with new circumstances. There may be a silver lining in that dark cloud.
  • Keep from being overwhelmed by staying present and responding to immediate concerns in the here-and-now.
  • Count your blessings. An attitude of gratitude helps get you through the day.
  • Maintain a healthy diet and keep up your exercise regimen.
  • Get support from friends and family. And seek help from a professional, if necessary.
  • Go easy on yourself. Don't expect to function perfectly during difficult times.
  • Humans are adaptable and resourceful. Be inspired by how well others have adapted to similar challenges.
Author and performance coach Brendon Burchard offers his  five guidelines for dealing with serious life changes.

Dealing with Difficult Times in Life

Max's Corner

Max on blanket
We felines are attached to our daily routines. We love meal time, play time and especially sleep time! But because we live in the here and now, when big changes do happen, we respond appropriately in the moment. We don't obsess about it. We don't grieve over what's lost. And we don't wring our paws and cry "Why me?"

Soul Wisdom Therapy Groups

Are you interested in joining a spiritual community of people who come together once a month in Davis to talk about living life to the fullest, finding meaning, working with mindfulness, and practicing meditation? You may find Deborah's  Awakening to Spirit  Group a fit. Please visit the website at awakening2spirit.org. Group meets the third Saturday of each month from 10:00 AM to noon.

In October, Deborah will be offering a new Self-Discovery: Transforming the Shadow group on Fridays from 12-1:30 P.M., at the downtown Davis office. Doing shadow work in a small group is a powerful way to clear and heal aspects of ourselves that are hidden and destructive to our ability to feel peaceful and balanced. Please click here to read more about the group and be sure to inquire soon, as there are only a few openings left.

Check out the  Soul Wisdom Blog  for insight on such categories as relationships, healing, wellness, and more. And like us on Facebook!


Do you know someone who could benefit from support? Please share this newsletter as a source of inspiration and guidance.
  
Soul Wisdom Therapy 

Deborah Cohen, M.A., M.P.H., LMFT 
916-491-1216
707-301-0252 (for texting)

Office Locations:

621 Fourth St., Suite 6 
Davis, CA 95616
 
 
Soul Wisdom Therapy | 916-491-1216 | SoulWisdomTherapy.com
STAY CONNECTED: