Richmond Counselling: Lauris Williams
Canadian Certified Counsellor and Therapist

My First Adulthood

Prior to becoming a therapist for people in midlife, I spent my early adulthood as most people do, striving to achieve academic and career goals. These were good years for establishing myself in the world. I explored the less-travelled paths, living and working in several countries and visiting some remote areas of the world. I felt energized even when bad things happened and had the resiliency to bounce back. I worked hard, competing in the workplace, developing relationships and enjoying strenuous physical activities.

Entering Midlife

By the time I reached the beginning of midlife, things began to go wrong. At first I suffered back problems that began to limit my physical activity. Then the onset of menopause brought hormonal ups and downs, migraines and emotional swings. The death of my mother, more back troubles and the loss of a significant love relationship contributed to my feelings of depression and discouragement.

Life began to feel like a never-ending struggle between pain and emotional numbness. I neglected some friendships that felt more like burdens than pleasures. My life became more constricted. I was tired a lot of the time and found it difficult to sustain enough energy for my job. My creative playfulness disappeared along with my physical energy and I entered a period of just getting through the days. The “old” me had disappeared and I didn’t like who I had become.

Embracing Midlife

With the help of a therapist and others, I began the journey toward finding my own unique path. More than just meeting what I felt were the expectations and obligations of career, community, friends and family, I also began to uncover my creative side.

This was the beginning of my second adulthood.

I have discovered there is no end to learning and the possibility of finding fulfillment.

I have had to examine and change many of my old patterns of beliefs, attitudes and expectations. I discovered that I couldn’t do everything alone and often need the help of others. As I reflect on the past several years of my life, I am amazed at how positive my perceptions of aging are now. I realize now how rich this second half of life can be. The stress of having to prove myself to others is gone, replaced by a deeper understanding and acceptance of who I am and what I can realistically contribute to my community. Even though my body is aging and there are still many challenges to face, I look forward each day to discovering what might unfold.

I am a therapist in her sixties (Canadian Certified Counsellor) with over 27 years of counselling experience and training in a wide variety of therapeutic approaches. As such, I am confident that I can help you find a way to overcome your problems and find greater fulfillment in midlife.

Please leave a message on my confidential voice mail at 604-218-1057 or write to me at lauris@lauriswilliams.com to schedule a free 30-minute consultation. Let me know the best time to return your call to discuss your concerns and explore how we can work together.

I look forward to talking to you.

My office is located in central Richmond and is easily accessible by public transit from Metro Vancouver, Delta, Surrey, Langley, Burnaby and New Westminster.