
Faith reading from her earlier book.
Faith Bethelard
from her upcoming book, Tenderness: The Way to a Deeper and Sweeter Connection with Ourselves, Each Other and Mother Earth
Deep within each of us is a secret longing to have others understand us without having to explain or excuse ourselves. In other words, we want people we care about to telepathically just “get us,” like a mother who is perfectly attuned to her infant’s every need. At the same time, we yearn to better understand what those we love are feeling. However, we now live in a time when tenderness is far from the norm. Instead of making efforts to attune to our own and others needs, we have, often subconsciously, acclimated ourselves to a world that actively suggests our desire for tenderness is unworthy—a “softness” that deserves only scorn or contempt.
This almost universal tendency to suppress or deny such a critically important basic need and just “buck up” has a disastrous effect: it makes us prone to isolation, or has us seek self-comfort in unhealthy ways: in unsatisfying relationships, in anxiety, depression, and even serious self-medicating behaviors and addictions. This ultimately unsustainable hyper-independent stance is also seen in over-work, over activity, worrying, and general mind-numbing busy-ness.
Make no mistake: anxiety is at the core of this unmet and urgent need for tenderness. Unfulfilled, it leaves us with a disquieted feeling in our core, and drains our vital energy.
Here are areas where my therapeutic services and programs can help you:
Life Stage Transitions
Graduations. Big Birthdays. Marriage. The New Baby. Re-marriage. Death of a spouse. Finding yourself single, again. Promotions. Layoffs. Retirement. Relocation. Loss is part of life. These are just a few events in life where, not surprisingly, uncertainty and doubt can keep you from being fully “in the moment.” Yes, even joyous occasions can challenge your peace of mind. Managing life’s great unknowns and everyday confusions with composure take time and practice. Whatever your life stage transition, I am able and willing to help you navigate any of your critical crossroads.
Here are areas where my therapeutic services and programs can help you:
Life Stage Transitions
Graduations. Big Birthdays. Marriage. The New Baby. Re-marriage. Death of a spouse. Finding yourself single, again. Promotions. Layoffs. Retirement. Relocation. Loss is part of life. These are just a few events in life where, not surprisingly, uncertainty and doubt can keep you from being fully “in the moment.” Yes, even joyous occasions can challenge your peace of mind. Managing life’s great unknowns and everyday confusions with composure take time and practice. Whatever your life stage transition, I am able and willing to help you navigate any of your critical crossroads.
Career and Workplace
By now you know that the work/life “balancing act” is just that: an act. It’s all about priorities and figuring out when and where to put the time in, and when and how to call for a time out. Interpersonal difficulties at work, or changing jobs or careers, can have a powerful impact on one’s identity. As a clinician I am well-versed in helping you sort through the micro as well as the macro issues of your professional life.
Career and Workplace
By now you know that the work/life “balancing act” is just that: an act. It’s all about priorities and figuring out when and where to put the time in, and when and how to call for a time out. Interpersonal difficulties at work, or changing jobs or careers, can have a powerful impact on one’s identity. As a clinician I am well-versed in helping you sort through the micro as well as the macro issues of your professional life.
Family and Relationships
Whether you are starting a family or blending one, I am highly experienced in couples and family therapy. I will help you manage communication breakdowns, escalating demands, competing interests, shifting feelings and alliances. I can help you discover how to effectively relay your needs and boundaries so as to cope in clearer and more compassionate ways for the benefit of both yourself and others.
Family and Relationships
Whether you are starting a family or blending one, I am highly experienced in couples and family therapy. I will help you manage communication breakdowns, escalating demands, competing interests, shifting feelings and alliances. I can help you discover how to effectively relay your needs and boundaries so as to cope in clearer and more compassionate ways for the benefit of both yourself and others.
Health
The shocks and demands of managing a serious health condition of your own, or of a family member, can be highly stressful. Our therapeutic sessions will help you develop coping skills, tools, and resources to assist you in this complex process.
Health
The shocks and demands of managing a serious health condition of your own, or of a family member, can be highly stressful. Our therapeutic sessions will help you develop coping skills, tools, and resources to assist you in this complex process.