Question 1

What is women's wellness counseling?

Accepted Answer

Women's wellness counseling looks at the things that can affect your emotional well-being across different stages of life. That might include stress, relationships, identity, body image, grief, changes in your career or family, or simply feeling like something is off. At STIR, we look at what's happening in your life as a whole rather than assuming there is one explanation for how you're feeling.

Question 2

Can perimenopause affect my mental health?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Some women notice changes in anxiety, mood, sleep, concentration, irritability, or how they handle stress during perimenopause. Hormonal changes can play a role, but they aren't always the only factor. Sleep, relationships, work, health, caregiving, past experiences, and everyday stress can all be part of what's going on.

Question 3

Why don't I feel like myself anymore?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes there isn't one clear answer. You may have spent years taking care of responsibilities, adjusting to changes, or putting certain parts of yourself on the back burner. Other times, changes in relationships, health, your body, work, grief, or where you are in life can leave you questioning what you want now. Therapy can give you space to sort through what has changed and what feels important to you now.

Question 4

Can therapy help with body image and self-esteem?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Body image isn't only about how you look. It can affect confidence, relationships, intimacy, eating, social situations, and how comfortable you feel in your own body. Therapy can help you explore where those feelings come from, how they affect your life, and develop a relationship with yourself that isn't centered on constant criticism.

Question 5

Can I talk about sex, intimacy, and sexuality in therapy?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Sex and intimacy are part of life, but many women have had very few places where they can talk about them openly. Therapy can include conversations about desire, intimacy, sexual confidence, changing relationships, body changes, past experiences, or questions about what you enjoy and want for yourself. You decide what you want to discuss and how much you want to share.

Question 6

How do I know if I need therapy?

Accepted Answer

You don't have to wait until things feel unbearable. You might consider therapy if you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, disconnected, stuck in the same patterns, struggling with a change, or realizing that the ways you've handled things before aren't working as well anymore. Sometimes the reason is simply, “I don't feel like myself, and I want to understand why.” That's enough of a place to start.