Читать книгу Counseling the Contemporary Woman - Suzanne Degges-White - Страница 111

Although there are certainly many books addressing menopause as well as online resources that women can access for more information, it can be helpful for counselors to be prepared to discuss the ways perimenopause and menopause may be influencing clients’ health and well-being (Huffman & Myers, 1999). Helping clients understand the connection between their lifestyle choices and their health, especially in terms of addictive habits (smoking, drinking, and so on) or a sedentary lifestyle, may provide the motivation for clients to choose healthier behaviors.

While some symptoms of perimenopause and menopause, and associated hormonal and physical changes, can be controlled by medical means today, counselors should encourage clients to thoroughly review the benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), medical procedures, and other forms of treatment, including complementary and alternative treatments. In addition to the physiological changes, the passage into menopause and midlife are as much a psychological and emotional transformation for most women today.