A Rewarding Yet Challenging Role
How can therapy help me as a Caregiver?
Caregivers to loved ones of complex needs can benefit from a supportive space to process burnout, prioritize their own needs, and make sustainable care decisions to help them navigate the remarkable level of presence they are called upon to provide every day.
About Caregiving
for loved ones with complex needs
• Feeling Inadequate: Caregivers may feel guilty for not meeting their loved one’s needs perfectly, or for struggling to balance caregiving with other responsibilities. Thoughts like, “I should be able to do more” or “I’m failing them” are common.
• Resentment: Caregivers may feel frustrated or resentful toward the caregiving role, which can trigger guilt for having such feelings.
• Prioritizing Their Own Needs: Taking a break, seeking help, or prioritizing personal well-being can lead to guilt, as caregivers may feel they are abandoning or neglecting their loved one.
• Decisions About Care: Placing a loved one in long-term care, hiring outside help, or setting boundaries may lead to feelings of guilt, even if it’s in the best interest of everyone involved.
Why do I struggle with guilt and shame as a caregiver?
• Grief and Loss: Caregivers often experience anticipatory grief when caring for loved ones with terminal conditions or ambiguous loss when their loved one is physically present but cognitively or emotionally altered.
• Caregiver Burnout: Constant caregiving without adequate rest or support can lead to exhaustion, irritability, and emotional withdrawal. A 2021 report by the National Core Indicators (NCI) revealed that 81% of states reported a shortage of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs). This shortage exacerbates caregiver burnout, as family caregivers are often left to shoulder the majority of caregiving responsibilities.
• Chronic Stress: Managing complex needs can result in heightened levels of stress. Over time, this can contribute to physical health issues like heart disease, high blood pressure, digestive issues, muscle tension, headaches, sleep disturbances, and difficulties with memory and focus.
Why do I struggle with emotional strain and burnout as a caregiver?
• Time Constraints: Caregiving responsibilities often consume much of a caregiver’s time, leaving little room for socializing or pursuing personal interests.
• Emotional Exhaustion: Caregivers may feel too drained to engage with others or maintain meaningful relationships.
• Changes in Priorities: Social activities may take a backseat as caregiving becomes the primary focus.
• Lack of Understanding: Others may not fully understand the caregiver’s situation, leading to feelings of isolation. Caregivers may avoid sharing their struggles due to fear of judgment or being seen as complaining.
• Geographic Barriers: Some caregivers live in rural or remote areas with fewer resources and social opportunities. Limited transportation options can make it challenging to attend social events or support groups.
Why do I struggle with isolation as a caregiver?
Often, a safe, supportive space to talk about stressors provides immense comfort. My primary principle when working with clients is to create a space of complete non-judgement. Whether you’re feeling angry, sad, or overwhelmed, I will sit with you in those emotions without judgment. I have found that caregivers also struggle to access their emotional world because they are operating on autopilot or in survival mode.
In therapy, I provide caregivers with the opportunity to explore their emotions and help them develop the language to identify and express their inner experiences. This empowers them to communicate more effectively with those around them.
When working with couples who are caregivers to a child, I believe it is crucial to ensure that each partner has the space to share their personal stressors and coping strategies. Many times, these sessions involve having sensitive conversations about their child’s future—discussions that are often difficult to navigate amidst the busyness of daily life.
How do you approach therapy for caregivers?
Caregivers to loved ones of complex needs—be they young or adult children, siblings, parents, or others—face extraordinary demands that go beyond those of most guardians.
Every day, they are asked to stretch beyond their capacity to support their child or loved one. Often unpaid and unacknowledged, their tremendous sacrifices can take a toll on mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual levels.
As a result, caregivers experience unique challenges that, if left unaddressed, can lead to burnout, depression, and anxiety.
How might therapy help me as a caregiver?
“The simple act of caring is heroic.”
- Edward Albert
Frequently Asked Questions
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I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor providing telehealth therapy services in New York, Florida, and Maine. Though I work with individuals of all backgrounds, I specialize in supporting neurodivergent adults (as well as teens), young adults, couples (LGBTQIA+ inclusive), and caregivers of children with complex medical needs. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if we’re a match.
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Get started by scheduling a free 15-minute consultation today. During our initial 15-minute phone call, you’ll have the opportunity to share a bit about what you’re looking for help with and what goals you have in mind for therapy. I will answer any questions you have about the therapy process, scheduling, fees, or anything else you’d like to know. Most importantly, we’ll decide if we’re a good fit to work together.
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As a therapist, I like to meet people in the here-and-now. I believe the past influences our current behaviors, but the present moment is the only place we can begin. I use a person-centered and psychodynamic approach to assist individuals in understanding their deep-rooted patterns.
Though I work with individuals of all backgrounds, I specialize in supporting neurodivergent adults (as well as teens), young adults, couples (LGBTQIA+ inclusive), and caregivers of children with complex medical needs. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see if we’re a match.
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I am licensed to provide virtual therapy in New York, Florida, and Maine (https://flhealthsource.gov/telehealth/). I conduct sessions via Google Meet, a HIPAA-compliant platform that requires a stable internet connection. Research indicates that virtual therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy, and its advantages around accessibility and convenience can make it a preferred form for many.
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I am an out-of-network provider, which means I do not accept insurance. In an effort to continue to make therapy accessible and affordable, I offer courtesy billing for out-of-network benefits at no added cost to you. While I am not an in-network provider with your insurance company, I am able to tap into any out-of-network coverage you may have and submit claims on your behalf.
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A 60-minute session costs $165. I accept all major credit cards, as well as HSA cards.
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I do not believe there is an “ideal” client. I enjoy human connection and watching people transform, which means that I am open to working with anyone who is motivated to change. My clients are typically insightful, proactive, and receptive to honest feedback.
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During our initial 15-minute phone call, you’ll have the opportunity to share a bit about what you’re looking for help with and what goals you have in mind for therapy. I will answer any questions you have about the therapy process, scheduling, fees, or anything else you’d like to know. Most importantly, we’ll decide if we’re a good fit to work together.
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I require 24-hour notice for all cancellations. If you cancel with less than 24-hour notice, I will charge the full fee of the session. I understand that emergencies happen and will waive the fee in cases of extenuating circumstances.