Breaking Through Feeling Stuck: When to Seek Therapy for Personal Growth
by Darrin Pfannenstiel, J.D., M.Ed., LPC-A | Therapist - Men, Women, and Couples
In this blog post, we’ll explore the signs of feeling stuck, and why it may be time to re-think your views about therapy if you’ve been reluctant to get help. I share this with you because I reached a point where I knew I needed to talk to a professional about how I was feeling, and I’m glad I did because therapy changed my life. And I know it can change yours, too. To my male readers, please don’t suffer in silence any longer.
Feeling Stuck
Feeling stuck in life is a common experience that many of us face. Whether it's feeling unfulfilled in our careers, struggling with personal relationships, or simply feeling stagnant in our personal growth, feeling stuck can be overwhelming and frustrating. In particular, men tend to feel stuck in their careers, but are taught to “power through it” or they mistakenly think it’s a sign of weakness. And they suffer in silence when they don’t need to. I know I did.
If you're feeling stuck, it's essential to take steps to move forward and grow. Seeking therapy can be a very effective way to break through feelings of stagnation and achieve personal growth and insight. If you’re feeling stuck, here are some signs that it’s time to seek help.
You Feel Overwhelmed. Feeling overwhelmed is a common symptom of feeling stuck. If you feel like you have too much on your plate, it can be challenging to see a way out. A therapist can help you identify the root cause of why you’re stuck, and work with you to develop coping strategies that can help you feel more in control so you know what to do about it.
You've Tried to Make Changes, but Nothing Seems to Work. If you've tried to make changes in your life but nothing seems to work, it can be incredibly discouraging. A therapist can help you identify patterns that may be holding you back and help you develop strategies to overcome them. Therapy can also provide a supportive space where you can process your thoughts and feelings and develop an action plan.
You're Feeling Disconnected from Your Emotions. Feeling stuck can cause us to disconnect from our emotions — especially men who are taught to stuff our feelings in our culture. As a result, they suffer when they don’t need to. You may feel numb or apathetic, which can make it challenging to make changes in your life. Therapy can help you connect with your emotions and help you sort through your experience to identify the underlying issues that are causing you to feel stuck.
You're Struggling with Anxiety or Depression. Feeling stuck can also lead to feelings of anxiety and depression. If you're struggling with these conditions, seeking therapy can be a helpful way to manage your symptoms and work towards personal growth.
Therapy can be an incredibly powerful tool for breaking through feelings of stagnation and achieving personal growth. If you're feeling stuck, don't be afraid to seek help. As a therapist who works with many clients who feel stuck, I can provide you with the support and guidance you need to move forward in your life.
Remember, seeking therapy is a sign of strength, not weakness, and can help you unlock your full potential.
At Eros Counseling, I specialize in helping men, women, and couples overcome issues relating to feeling stuck — especially as they relate to personal growth. Let me guide you through the process of turning a sense of feeling stuck into hope, purpose, and direction.
Ready to begin? Contact me today to schedule a 15 minute consultation. Starting your journey towards a purpose-driven life is just a click away!
Darrin Pfannenstiel is an attorney-turned-therapist serving men, women, and couples in the Dallas area and online. He has practiced Buddhist meditation and mindfulness for over 25 years — having formerly taught at a Buddhist center when he lived in Austin.
As a Gestalt therapist, Darrin works with clients to help them gain insights into their experiences and emotions — specializing in guiding them to discover their inner strengths and make positive changes in their lives. He also specializes in human sexuality and is trained in The Gottman Method for couples therapy.
As a writer, Darrin aims to share practical strategies and insights to help readers improve their mental health and live a fulfilling life.
Contact him today to request an appointment.
