Shout Out Health

COSMOS: Your Health Horoscope for the Week! Start Sizzling, Sexy Aries!

Dec. 5-12, 2011: If you're finding yourself running into some roadblocks this week, keep in mind that the Mercury retrograde may be part of the issue. Slow down where you need to, allot for changes in your schedule, and learn to develop patience. Test new theories and ideas for now. There's only a little over another week to go. This too shall pass. It's the holiday season. You're hot! Show it with style!

You have that sexy, sizzling glow, Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn. Is it the upcoming holidays, or love? Parties and the opportunity to flirt look possible. You might even consider some of your own party planning for the holidays. Think elegant and sparkling! Okay, so there's a "but" here (it's really not that bad). Just hold on and remember that some dates on the calendar may fall through with no one to blame--other than Mercury. On Friday night, you may want to cut the evening short since some sudden stress you don't need can arise. Those things happen. Let it go--but take off while the getting is good.

Spontaneity picks up the pace for you too, Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius. Richer foods on your dinner plate now may force you to watch the scales and increase your exercise. Winter sports are cardio fab ways to get fit! Leo and Aquarius may want party while Taurus and Scorpio may head off for some quality steamed heat. Life may be turning you on, but don't allow instant hookups to make you forget about safe sex. Especially on Thursday evening, even too much booze won't be an excuse. On Tuesday, Taurus may find the kindness of a female a welcome intrusion. Accept it. It should work to your benefit in some way.

ASK THE THERAPIST: How Long Should I Stay in Therapy?

Q: I've been in therapy for years, mostly dealing with self-acceptance issues around my sexuality (I'm a gay man). I'm not always happy but I'm not always sad either. How long should one stay in therapy, and how do you know when you're 'cured'?

A: Unlike an intimate relationship that you end when the bad outweighs the good, you generally stop a therapy relationship when the good outweighs the bad.  But, it sounds like you’re still on the fence.

There is one quick answer to when to end therapy, though: if you are satisfied with the progress you've made on the issues that brought you to therapy in the first place, then it may be time to consider ending.   Unfortunately, it’s not always that simple.

Like physical illness, mental and emotional ills can be varied and complex.  Treating the symptom may not be enough. In much the same way coughs may be a symptom of anything from a viral infection to a symptom of a growing cancer (albeit rarely), a psychological symptom like anxiety or relationship problems may also be an indication of something more serious.

It is also not normal to “always” feel any one emotion – happy, sad, or in-between.  And though you may achieve a restoration to your previous level of mental and emotional health (what most consider a “cure”) it is not something that is necessarily permanent.  Life can throw a curve ball at any time and you can find yourself back in a dark place.

In its best form, therapy gives you the skills to deal with life’s curve balls and put you back on the path to a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life long after your time in therapy has ended.