I love my therapist. Even new-mom Heidi Klum goes. The office is open and available 7 days a week with great hours: 8am-10pm Monday-Saturday and 8am-9pm on Sunday. And when I travel, it's never more than a 20 minute drive for a session. I can highly recommend her if you are looking for someone...Dr. Target.
My sanity has been renewed many times as I stroll through the aisles of Target. Cute tote bags, trendy tee-shirts, laughably affordable kids' clothes, Ziplock bags, tampons, toothpaste, Cheetos, holiday-themed home stuff - it all seems to swirl around me as I fall down the rabbit hole of mass consumerism and I forget my troubles for an hour or three. Even for me, a lover of marketing and pop culture, I tend to be overwhelmed at the sheer amount of stuff that is crammed on the rounders and shelves. It is remarkable when you think that just 20-30 minutes further down the road is another store crammed with the same stuff. I've braved a visit to Dr. WalMart on occasion but I somehow seem to prefer the comfort of the big, red bullseye.
Here's a little secret, the key to a productive session is to not always buy. Some days, my ultimate therapy session starts by splurging on the large Diet Coke and popcorn combo and pushing my cart around just taking it all in. I fully recognize that for this session, I've paid a babysitter, used precious natural fuels, and put aside the office work I should be doing for what seems like a waste of time to outsiders. However for me, it is a welcome moment when I can put my thoughts and worries in neutral and chuckle at the fleece, footie pjs for women. Or, debate if the shorter Thermos would be better in the kids' lunch boxes. After an hour or so, I can get back in my car and head home with a renewed sense of self. I know I could have gone for a run or hit a yoga class, but some days, with 5 kids and a toddler who is up every night, having a cart to hold on to so as not to collapse from sheer exhaustion is key. And for those energetic days, when I've bought the basics on my shopping list as well as a couple of unnecessary splurges, I come home feeling like the hunter who has bagged the big buck. Last night as I plugged in the football with a carved-out face to resemble a jack o'lantern and listened to my sons shriek with laughter, I thanked Dr. Target for the session. It was just the hour I needed.
Remember this the next time you feel like you need a break or a mini-vacation to get away from it all. Call Dr. Target for an office near you. Best number to reach her is 1-800-440-0680.
