cognitive behavioral therapy
Shannon M. Duffy, MFT, LCPC When we seek out help from medical providers, we are putting trust in that the provider can “fix” or “solve” our presenting concerns. This is also seen within the mental health field, in how individuals will enter therapy for answers to what is “wrong” with them. Finding these answers cannot always come from the help of just one provider or treatment method. It can be helpful for an individual to utilize all…
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I work with many clients who struggle with celebrating their birthday. Perhaps they grew up in a childhood where they celebrated it with their friends and family, a party, a cake, presents, and filled with joy and happiness. I have noticed a trend with my clients that as they get older, they start to dread their birthday. As their clinical therapist, I help the client to realize some of the reasons why their birthday is a trigger…
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Whether I am working with couples, families, or individuals, one topic never fails to come up in therapy. Communication. Communicating is something that we are constantly doing, either verbally or nonverbally. Communication may be challenging with others when you are not communicating clearly and effectively. It would be important to note that what is clear and effective to you, may not be the same to someone else. For instance, you may need to speak very clearly and…
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In more recent times, it has become more prevalent for individuals to come out and express their sexuality. For some, this may be a simple process, but others may experience obstacles such as mixed emotions with their loved ones and support systems. They may also have a difficult time with expressing their emotions and feelings to loved ones. In this post, I have identified helpful ways to support a loved one who identifies as a part of…
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Amanda Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Do you get less than seven hours of sleep a night? If so, you could experience symptoms such as lack of focus, decreased productivity, fatigue, and a variety of physical symptoms. Getting enough sleep is very important. Sleep Cleans Your Brain Simply put, you need sleep because your brain needs to be cleaned. Jeff Stibel reported that the brain needs to cleanse itself of toxins that build up when were awake. This cleaning…
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The symptoms of depression can present various ways. Maybe you can’t seem to escape the mental chatter in your mind and the echoing thoughts are dragging you down. Perhaps you don’t feel motivated to do simple daily tasks even though you “know” you “should”. It is even possible that you feel drained by the mere thought of doing something that has been enjoyable in the past. All of these experiences are normal symptoms of depression, so, you…
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It seems this “self-compassion” buzzword has been everywhere lately- but what exactly is it, what gets in the way of being compassionate with yourself, and how can you start to practice implementing it? Self-compassion is working to respond to yourself with kindness, empathy, and understanding. This approach is an alternative to negative self-talk which is often littered with judgement and criticism of oneself. Increasing self-compassion in your relationship with yourself can lead to increased happiness, optimism, curiosity,…
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Madissyn Fredericks, Licensed Professional Counselor, Symmetry Counseling There is always something to worry about: money, career, bills, relationships, loss, illness, the future, etc. While these are valid concerns and a normal part of life, there is a point where excessive worry begins to negatively impact your physical and mental health. We worry because we are afraid that something bad will happen and think about all the “what if’s”. You may think, “What if I lose my job?”,…
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Matthew Cuddeback, LCSW So, you and your partner have a new baby. It’s likely you have heard all the words of solicited and unsolicited wisdom and cautionary tales. People are always excited to tell you how you are going to fall in love with your child the second you see them, or to tell you that you can forget all the things you used to enjoy, there’s no time to read anymore, or go out, or travel.…
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Shannon M. Duffy, MFT, LCPC In my professional experience, many individuals and couples have sought out therapy for a diagnosis to give them a label or clarification for what is or has been concerning them. For some, it is necessary to aid in providing the best form of treatment or provide appropriate referral sources for a treatment plan. However, there are also situations where the diagnosis itself can cause distress or even create disruptions within the treatment…
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