May 06, 2009

Learning...

Older couple sitting on their porchRoger’s Story

Roger, a 62-year-old man, suffered ongoing mood problems since adolescence and was unhappily married to his wife for 37 years. In addition to being depressed, irritable, and frequently arguing with his wife, Roger frequently spent money behind his wife’s back as a way to “escape from life’s problems.” Despite his wife’s pleadings to get counseling and medication, Roger refused treatment and blamed his emotional problems on others. One evening during a heated argument, Roger’s wife called Centerstone’s crisis line.

The therapist asked to speak to Roger and challenged him to meet with him the next day. Roger decided to give treatment a chance. After meeting with the therapist and discussing what things he wanted to be different in his life, Roger realized treatment was not about someone taking his wife’s side or ganging up on him. It was more about helping him identify things he wanted to change and helping him develop a more open, fair, and safer relationship with his wife.

This was not easy. Yet, as Roger worked with his therapist to think and act differently, he noticed his mood and relationship began to change. He sought input from his wife, listened to her opinion, and began to solve problems with her rather than acting alone and fighting afterwards. Towards the end of treatment, Roger frequently mentioned how he wished he had sought help much earlier. Fortunately for Roger, he realized that it is never too late to seek help.

“The partnership between consumer and provider is
invaluable in mental health treatment.”
Jennifer Harison, MSW, LCSW
Regional Director, Core Services East

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