The solution, of course, depends on the actual situation. Some may find that a discussion with their employer or co-workers will settle an issue or create harmony. Others may need to reshuffle their responsibilities or work load. Occasionally just asking for help can work wonders. A patient I'll call Lisa—a shy but capable woman in her forties—was working ten- and twelve-hour days just to keep up with her responsibilities as print production manager for a small publishing company. Often she found herself taking work home in the evening, hoping to catch up. Consequently she spent less and less time with her children, thus further losing out on the pleasures of her home life. She was reluctant to mention the situation to her boss, fearing that he _ would find her incapable of handling her duties and dismiss her. The stress eventually manifested itself as a problem in dropping off to sleep. Through role-playing we were able to rehearse a meeting with her boss. In Lisa's case the clinical setting and the participation of a professional counselor helped her find new ways of approaching the problem and relieved her of the need to ruminate over the situation at bedtime. Normal sleep returned when she at last was able to confront her employer, who agreed to hire a part-time assistant.

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