December 8th 2024.
Dear Eric,
I am writing to you as a fellow human, seeking some advice and guidance. I am a 55-year-old woman with a disabled daughter and I am facing some financial struggles. Sadly, my daughter's father is no longer in the picture, so I am the sole provider for her. I have a middle-income job and I could live comfortably if it weren't for my daughter's medical expenses. Every time things start to look up, a crisis occurs and she ends up back in the hospital, leaving us with huge medical bills.
I have one brother, who happens to be a billionaire. We live in the same town, but we haven't seen each other since our mother passed away. We've never had any issues or disagreements, but I feel like he lives in a different world, surrounded by people from a different class. I do my best to save money wherever I can - I drive a 20-year-old car, shop at thrift stores, and own a modest home. But it still breaks my heart to know that my brother has so much wealth and never even considers helping me. He travels in private jets, takes luxurious vacations, and has multiple vacation homes, and I can't help but wish that he would offer to help me with my medical bills. He knows that I am struggling, but it seems like he doesn't even think about it.
Dear Eric, I often hear people say that the best advice is to seek help from a therapist, but I am overwhelmed by the countless options available in our large city. How do I even begin to find the right therapist for me? Someone who understands my needs and personality?
I've come to realize that it's important to have a clear idea of what I hope to achieve through therapy. This will guide my search and help me filter through the numerous options. I found a great website, PsychologyToday.com, which allows me to search for therapists in my area based on specific criteria, such as their specialization or experience working with certain communities. It's also helpful to familiarize myself with the different types of therapy offered, so I have a better understanding of what to expect. GoodTherapy.org has a great resource for this.
When reaching out to a therapist, they usually offer a 15-minute consultation over the phone. This is a great opportunity to get a feel for their style and approach. Some questions that I plan to ask include: What type of therapy do you practice and can you give me an example of how it would work in session? Do you recommend specific techniques or assignments to do between sessions? How often should we meet and do you offer online or in-person sessions? Can I expect feedback and responses during our sessions?
Remember, there's no right or wrong answer to these questions, it's more about finding a therapist whose style and approach feel comfortable to me. It may take some time and a few tries, but I am hopeful that I will find a therapist who I can connect with and who can help me through this difficult time. I also want to remind myself to be open to the possibility that it may take some time to find the right match, and that's okay. The important thing is to not give up and to keep trying until I find a therapist who works for me.
Thank you for your time, Eric. Your advice is always appreciated and I hope that my brother and I can find a way to bridge the gap between us. And I am hopeful that with your guidance, I can find a therapist who can help me navigate through these challenges.
Sincerely,
In Need of Help / Searching
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