Matthew Cuddeback
Matthew Cuddeback LCSW The topic of diagnostics is a whole world unto itself in mental health. There is so much to unpack in this incredibly complex area. We will dig into the many different pieces of information that are important to consider as well as how best to manage your feelings about this impactful situation. The first thing I discuss when giving a new diagnosis is that it is important to consider how important this…
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Matthew Cuddeback LCSW When I am working with people on changing a behavior that has been identified as unhealthy or problematic, we often focus on two areas that help with this change, 1. Addressing the underlying issues that led to this behavior, and 2. Specific skills needed to manage this behavior change. When we get to this second one, I often discuss with client’s the power of the sticky note as a tool to help with changing…
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Matthew Cuddeback LCSW During the intake appointment, when I am meeting a client (or clients) for the first time we will discuss past experiences with mental healthcare, and this is a really important area to pay attention to the feelings this topic conjures. This is an area that is difficult to navigate, understand, and trust. How did it go? Did you get what you needed? Did you feel respected? Were you able to advocate for yourself?…
Read MoreMatthew Cuddeback LCSW We all come to moments in our lives in which we just don’t know how to address the problem that has arisen. You look at all your options and some seem terrible, some seem good, some seem out of reach. Maybe there are too many and that itself can be overwhelming. It can be helpful to simplify this situation by utilizing the therapeutic principle that states there are four problem solving options to…
Read MoreMatthew Cuddeback LCSW Goodbye you terrible, rotten, no good, very bad year! 2020, you won’t be missed. As we come to the end of the year it can be fun and useful to look back and think about your experiences and what you have learned. There are, however, a lot of traps that lie in taking a look back like this. The dangers that are present for reflecting like this are that we can often be very…
Read MoreMatthew Cuddeback LCSW We have all been there, someone who we want to be a part of our lives is doing things is in way that is not healthy for us. They may not mean to be doing this problematic thing, or they may think they are in the right in how they are acting. However, whether it is intentionally problematic or not does not change the fact that you do not have to let them…
Read MoreMatthew Cuddeback LCSW We all have those moments when we tell ourselves things that aren’t helpful or particularly kind- “I’m so stupid for thinking that. Why am I such a loser? How could I think they liked me? I am not good at my job, etc.” These thoughts build up over time and form powerful beliefs. It is important to recognize when this happens and to do work to counteract these patterns of negative thinking. There…
Read MoreMatthew Cuddeback LCSW A difficult fact to consider is that not everyone is going to be working in their dream job. This is something that can be frustrating and disappointing, but it doesn’t have to be. For some this can be completely healthy and acceptable. For others this can be motivation to change. Below, we will discuss a few ways to understand the feelings you might be having and whether or not they suggest it is time…
Read MoreMatthew Cuddeback LCSW Something that I have been hearing more and more recently is a reluctance from people to admit that they feel good about something small. We all do this at times, we feel awkward admitting that something felt good, or we are proud of a certain achievement but feel we cannot indulge this feeling. We should always allow ourselves to feel good about the things that actually feel good instead of pretending we don’t,…
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Matthew Cuddeback LCSW This is part II of a series about mental health in media. If you are so inclined, please be sure to read Part I- They Really Were on A Break: Couples Therapy with Ross and Rachel. Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, the perennial holiday classic by John Hughes is a classic for many reasons, the indomitable comedy everyman John Candy, and the absurdist humor embodied by Steve Martin to name a few. However, one aspect…
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