"An ounce of prevention..."

We've all heard "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure ." When I was little it was likely said in reference to taking vitamin C or wearing a coat to avoid a cold. I see it differently now that I'm all grown up and fortunate enough to spend my work time helping people navigate relationships. 

How do I interpret the old saying now? In many ways. Here are some:

• Say something to your child when you have 'that feeling' that something's not quite right. She may be going through a rough patch and hasn't found the words yet to tell you what's up. Be the mature adult you are and open up space for her to express herself. Dealing with issues as they're developing can help prevent them from growing into larger problems that will require more effort and energy to resolve.
• Trust your gut. Always. Whether it's a situation at work or an ache or pain, your gut (figurative or actual!) is telling you something. Listen. 
• Don't wait. Research has found that people, on average, delay seeking psychological help for seven years from the beginning of their distress until they make the call. Seven. In my practice, those who seek help earlier than later feel better sooner. This applies especially to couples. 
• Another saying I like is that we can't solve problems with the same thinking that caused them. That's why seeking help from a therapist is helpful. We have training that allows us to approach solutions from a point of view you may not have considered. 

What's on your mind or heart that you've been avoiding dealing with? Can I help? It would be my pleasure.