We had a 60-minute telehealth session today, and the client talked about the ongoing stress related to debt. They said, "I feel like I’m drowning in bills," explaining how their financial situation is causing anxiety and affecting their mental health. We discussed how financial hardship can lead to overwhelming stress, feelings of shame, and difficulty focusing on other areas of life. Client shared their fear of never being able to dig themselves out of debt, making it hard for them to stay hopeful about the future. We explored how important it is to acknowledge the emotions around money and to create a plan that feels manageable.
I suggested they start by setting up a budget, tracking spending, and identifying areas where they can reduce costs. We also discussed reaching out for professional financial advice if needed, to help them create a strategy for paying off their debt. The client seemed apprehensive about taking the first step but acknowledged the importance of facing their financial situation. Their homework is to begin tracking their expenses for a week and to create a realistic, simple budget. We’ll revisit the topic next session to check on their progress.