Support for Attorneys and Professionals

Frank’s* mom was a lawyer, and she was his idol.

So, naturally, he wanted to be one, too. So, when I met him, he told me he had essentially been in training since he was 14 years old.

What appealed most to Frank about being a lawyer is that it would give him the chance to help real people in their time of crisis.

And he did everything he could to that end. He excelled in school, and once he entered the profession, he spent (probably too much) time getting to know his clients and their lives.

Frank was always ready to fight for those whom he represented.

But his professional success came with a cost.

The dry, rational world of legal procedure and logic that made him such a good lawyer didn’t always make him the best husband. That way of thinking and being caused a lot of friction between him and his wife.

It didn’t take too long to start coping by avoiding the friction. So, he started working extra hours, which paid off financially. Plus, it felt “safer” at the office because he didn’t have to worry about soft cordiality.

In time, he became miserable and lonely.

Frank was increasingly plagued by the thought that if he failed professionally, he would lose everything.

His wife didn’t understand this, and she was not even wanting to listen to it.

He talked to his mother, but their talks usually ended with her warning him about the dangers of malpractice and how best to contend with other cutthroat lawyers.

Anxiety and depression were creeping upon him. He started taking a “nightcap” to take the edge off to relax and get to sleep. But he was beginning to do that more and more often… and not just to get to sleep.

He was increasingly irritable and moody, but he maintained that nothing was wrong.

But we all know that something WAS wrong.

His wife’s suggestions that he got help were mildly compelling… because she pointed out that he would lose his position in the firm if he didn’t change. But suggestions were not enough for him to change. Eventually, though, suggestions turned into an ultimatum, and that’s when Frank decided to get help.

Frank committed himself to any investment of time and effort that would turn his life around – including therapy. He insisted on complete confidentiality because there was too much pressure to be perfect and not be vulnerable. If “they” found out that he needs therapy to function, what would that do to his career? Wouldn’t he lose the respect of the other lawyers?

After working together, Frank turned the page, rescuing his position in the firm and his marriage: He reduced his moodiness, stopped his self-sabotaging behavior, and improved his communication.

Here’s how we did it for Frank… and why it’ll work for you.

In fact, Frank’s experience was not unique. Although nobody has a perfect life, when colleagues found out “too much” about a coworker’s (and personal friends’) personal life, there were rumors about how he would not be able to perform up to par.

Even though this friend was doing very well, he eventually felt that he should move to another firm. Frank saw how this was an unnecessary and flawed way of thinking. This provided him with the opening to confront the negative thoughts that triggered his depression and anxiety.

Regina* and Chris* both had similar complaints.

They both talked of not being allowed to be themselves, to be human. Regina added that being a woman, she needed to prove herself more and hide some of her feelings even though most of her clients were female. She thought there might be some truth to the complaints. The anxiety and depression brought down their self-image and self-esteem, which, in turn, caused problems at work and home.

Our work together gave them healthier ways of processing the pressure turning the stress into workable challenges.

Your situation might seem different, but your anxiety or stress is quite similar. You do not need to have all that pressure pull you down or hold you back.

Together, we will analyze the emotions and the thoughts that are poisoning your heart and mind. We will apply new methods of combating negativity until we find the tools that work best for you.

It does not have to be a long process with your diligence. The sooner you start, the faster you will feel great and be back on track. You know you can do it. I know that I can help. Call now.

Whether you’re an attorney or other professional…

You know how much time and effort it’s taken to climb the ladder, and you’ve seen how the stress of it all can infiltrate every area of your life:

Making deadlines, worrying about your performance, dealing with difficult bosses and coworkers, running a team, coordinating with other departments, maintaining your social status, keeping your family together…

It’s a lot for anyone to handle. And if you’re a woman, there are often additional challenges!

Don’t cave under stress and lose what’s important to you. Call today, and let’s talk about how I can help: (973) 944-0274.

*The names and stories above are composite narratives and do not reflect actual clients.