In 1900, the average life expectancy was 49 years—the parents soon died once the children grew up. Today’s life expectancy is 80+ years. What about those extra 30 years?
These can be vibrant years of rediscovering one’s spouse and early hobbies. They can be filled with a sense of accomplishment and a desire to share with others the wisdom we have accrued in the first half of our lives. These years can even be an opportunity to reinvent your life to begin to meet some of the needs that have not been fulfilled so far. No matter what, though, these are years of transition. As we approach 50, our parents may be reaching 80 and the end of their lives. Our children may be in college or their first career. We are often looking across the breakfast table at our spouse wondering, “Who are you? And for that matter, who am I?” These are expected transitions. We will all navigate them in one way or another.
As we now pass 50, some of us may realize we have lost ourselves. We have put ourselves on the back burner in order to be financially successful and to raise and launch our children. At home, we may face the empty nest in which we no longer know ourselves or each other. Couples often realize their closeness has died and must decide to renew their intimacy or separate their lives. Times are changing at work, too. Younger employees are promoted while old hands are passed over or phased out.
Unemployment, inadequate income, and mountains of debt can make the prospect of retiring someday frighteningly unlikely. Further, our bodies are not as automatic. We now have to work at keeping our health, vigor, and mobility. Menopause symptoms and the lessening of sexual desire and/or capability bring unexpected frustrations and self-doubt. Many of us face the demands and sorrow of caring for sick and dying parents and some of us face profound loneliness after a divorce or the loss of a spouse. We begin our bucket list of what we want to do while we can, and often doubt that most will ever happen. Moods of sadness, anger, and worry may be harder and harder to overcome and our futures may seem very uncertain and unpromising. Many folks in the pre-retirement age feel they must do it themselves and have trouble asking for support and help. At 3-C, asking for help is easy and natural. 3-C therapists are ready to help you with planning, reorganizing, revitalizing, and restoring your life and future.
Common reasons for seeking treatment:
- Adjustment problems
- Relationship problems
- Reaction to physical health issues
- Career difficulties
- Family problems
- Parenting issues
- Divorce or separation
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Substance abuse
- Sleep problems
- Inability to handle stress
- Anger issues
We offer the following services for adults:
