Suffering and Psychotherapy.

Human suffering is universal. It can be brought by so many different situations and right now the world is really suffering due to the widespread effects of COVID-19.

I see suffering in my psychotherapy practice caused by a wide range of issues affecting individuals’ and couples’ states of wellbeing. There are those suffering with the complications of recovery from Covid as well as those suffering the agony of losing loved ones to this virus, and other conditions, and those who have the deep distress of not being able to say goodbye in hospital to those dying.

Bereavement is aided with counselling. This allows the bereaved to come to terms with the tragedy of the loss, and be comforted by remembering and talking about their loved one, and to begin to work through the different stages of grief. Although sometimes the relationship with the loved one has unresolved issues, which need to be addressed in counselling to bring peace and healing.

As Christians bereavement looks a little different as we fall asleep in the Lord to awaken in his presence.

For those for whom bereavement is not personal in this crisis there is anxiety about vulnerability to succumbing to the virus and there is anxiety about the global as well as national economy. Already we have a hunger crisis in parts of Africa and other places exacerbated by the ramifications of Covid.

Addressing heightened states of anxiety is very much part of the work in psychotherapy. Anxiety can trigger different stress issues which on the surface are different but connected to the core anxiety.

Isaiah 63.9 “In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old”.

 

All Bible quotations are from the NIV.
Copyright © 2020 Susie Scott Kydd.