Online Therapy for Women in Kansas
With Alyson Wahaus, MA, LPC
Why is Woman-Centered Therapy Important?
Therapy that centers women’s experience is more important than ever. Women are socialized to be strong, caring, and not take up too much space. From birth, women are raised with the expectation of being the perfect daughter, sister, friend, girlfriend, wife, mother, grandmother, and more. That’s a lot of expectations! Women are taught to put others first without learning how important it is to center themselves and their experiences. Women deserve to be the main character in their story, not everyone else’s guest star.
At every stage of life, the societal expectation that women center others, instead of themselves, can cause issues with individual mental health, as well as in their relationships. If any of this sounds familiar, you’re ready to start working with Alyson Wahaus, MA, LPC, NCC.
Alyson is a compassionate, evidence-based, results-oriented counselor who specializes in helping women recenter themselves in their own lives, discover who they are outside of the labels society has forced on them, define their values, and live a life that feels aligned.
Common Reasons Women Come To Therapy
Women aren’t a monolith, but there are a lot of common reasons that lead them to therapy. Growing up in a patriarchal society that privileges men and the male experience isn’t easy when you’re a woman. Recentering Counseling is a space where women don’t have to worry about pleasing anyone else. It’s a place where your true self can be celebrated and nurtured. If you’re experiencing any of the following, it’s time to reach out to Alyson and schedule your first session.
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Excessive worry or fear can be debilitating. It can be caused by anything from biological factors like hormones or genetics, to environmental factors like stress or trauma. With all the societal expectations placed on women, no wonder women are twice as likely to develop an anxiety disorder as men. (1)
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Persistent sadness, irritability, fatigue, changes in appetite and sleep, loss of interest - if these are negatively influencing your quality of life, it is time to get help.
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Change is a fact of life, whether you’re moving to a new city, getting married, having children, changing jobs, getting a divorce, dealing with a serious illness, or experiencing the loss of a loved one. Often during these times, it’s helpful to have a space of your own to talk through the stress, loss, and uncertainty.
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Saying “no” is hard, but setting healthy boundaries is essential for protecting your emotional and physical well-being. Alyson will teach you the tools necessary to practice boundary-setting with confidence.
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Constantly prioritizing others over yourself can eventually leave you feeling tired, irritated, and disconnected from your own wants and needs. Therapy can help you navigate your relationships in a way that builds authentic connection.
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Relationships with our friends, family, and romantic partner(s) are incredibly important aspects of life, and all of them can all be stressful at times. Whether you’re navigating conflict, communication issues, or feel like you’re growing apart, therapy with Alyson is a supportive and affirming space where you can build healthier, more fulfilling relationships.
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All of the above can lead to feeling beyond stressed. Burnout is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization - the depletion of empathy, caring and compassion, and a decreased sense of accomplishment - feeling that nothing you do makes a difference. Unfortunately it is not uncommon for women especially, to feel burnout at work, parenting, or just in general.
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Porn is ubiquitous these days. If you’re a younger person, it’s likely you know someone with an OnlyFans.
A lot of women, especially younger women, are expected to just be ok with their partner watching porn, but many aren’t. This is because most young people haven’t learned how to talk about healthy porn use with their partners. The things left unsaid cause an imbalance and a lack of understanding in a relationship. Have you ever asked yourself or your partner, "What is consent in a relationship when it comes to porn?" This is one of the easiest ways to begin the conversation around boundary setting in a relationship when it comes to porn.
Even still, being in a relationship with a partner who is dealing with a porn addiction can cause some women to recognize that their own needs aren't being met. This can be a milestone in the path to centering yourself and your pleasure in your relationship.