While doing some reading over the weekend, I came across this interesting article that I thought I would share: http://m.wdsu.com/health/Happily-disgusted-15-new-emotions-ID-d/25322962
Enjoy what's left of your weekend so you can recharge for the week!
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Sunday, April 6, 2014
Friday, April 4, 2014
What is the First Counseling Session Like?
Often times people are fearful to come to counseling because it is an unfamiliar process that they have never been exposed to before. I thought it might help to talk about what usually happens in the first counseling session to dispel myths or fears.
Typically the client first makes contact to the counselor via a phone call, email, or now one can even schedule an appointment online for some counselors. If one makes a phone call, they typically have the opportunity to discuss concerns with the counselor on the call which can be comforting, however if one makes the appointment via email or online, they may have higher anxiety about what to expect from the counseling for the first meeting.
The first counseling session will start with introductions of both the counselor and the client. The counselor will ask the client about any presenting problems as to why she is seeking counseling. The counselor may use an intake form to ask for background and demographic information or they may have you fill that out beforehand so they can review your information. Counselors know that clients are nervous about the intake session and one of our main goals in this session is to make the client comfortable in the counseling environment. The first session will orient the client to the process of counseling and your counselor should share with you her theoretical orientation and practice information through a document called Declaration of Practice. Clients should feel free to ask questions about the qualifications of the counselor or counseling in general. The intake session gives each side an opportunity to see if the counseling relationship between the counselor-client will further develop into a positive working relationship. One could consider the first session as a "getting to know you" and informative meeting about the logistics of the counseling relationship. There will be paperwork to sign such as Declaration of Practice, Credit Card Forms, Informed Consent, and Health Insurance Billing if applicable. Together the counselor and client may set goals for treatment and discuss the length of treatment. Finally, the session will wrap-up with the counselor summarizing the session, scheduling a future session, and thanking the client for their honesty and for coming into counseling.
The goal of the first session (and even the first few sessions) is to make sure the client feels comfortable in the counseling setting and free to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Counselors will use empathy, unconditional positive regard, open-ended questions, and active listening skills to help engage the client and make them feel welcomed into the counseling process.
To see what an intake form looks like, you can review the one I currently use for my adult clients: http://www.thrivecounselingcenterllc.com/userfiles/4308645/file/ThriveCounselingCenterLLCAdultIntakeForm.pdf
Brought to you by www.thrivecounselingcenterllc.com
Typically the client first makes contact to the counselor via a phone call, email, or now one can even schedule an appointment online for some counselors. If one makes a phone call, they typically have the opportunity to discuss concerns with the counselor on the call which can be comforting, however if one makes the appointment via email or online, they may have higher anxiety about what to expect from the counseling for the first meeting.
The first counseling session will start with introductions of both the counselor and the client. The counselor will ask the client about any presenting problems as to why she is seeking counseling. The counselor may use an intake form to ask for background and demographic information or they may have you fill that out beforehand so they can review your information. Counselors know that clients are nervous about the intake session and one of our main goals in this session is to make the client comfortable in the counseling environment. The first session will orient the client to the process of counseling and your counselor should share with you her theoretical orientation and practice information through a document called Declaration of Practice. Clients should feel free to ask questions about the qualifications of the counselor or counseling in general. The intake session gives each side an opportunity to see if the counseling relationship between the counselor-client will further develop into a positive working relationship. One could consider the first session as a "getting to know you" and informative meeting about the logistics of the counseling relationship. There will be paperwork to sign such as Declaration of Practice, Credit Card Forms, Informed Consent, and Health Insurance Billing if applicable. Together the counselor and client may set goals for treatment and discuss the length of treatment. Finally, the session will wrap-up with the counselor summarizing the session, scheduling a future session, and thanking the client for their honesty and for coming into counseling.
The goal of the first session (and even the first few sessions) is to make sure the client feels comfortable in the counseling setting and free to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Counselors will use empathy, unconditional positive regard, open-ended questions, and active listening skills to help engage the client and make them feel welcomed into the counseling process.
To see what an intake form looks like, you can review the one I currently use for my adult clients: http://www.thrivecounselingcenterllc.com/userfiles/4308645/file/ThriveCounselingCenterLLCAdultIntakeForm.pdf
Brought to you by www.thrivecounselingcenterllc.com
Thursday, April 3, 2014
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive
behavioral therapy (CBT) is a popular theory to use in counseling
with clients of all ages and diversities (Vernon, 2004). The theory
originated with Aaron T. Beck in the 1960s as a short-term,
here-and-now focused, problem-solving form of psychotherapy for
depression (Beck, 1995). The main concept is that individuals are in
control of their thoughts and, therefore, in control of how they feel
(Beck, 1995). The goal of therapy is to produce cognitive change in
a client's thinking and belief system to help create emotional and
behavioral changes in the client's environment (Beck, 1995). CBT is
goal oriented, structured, and problem focused for every client
(Beck, 1995). The client's treatment plan will vary considering the
presenting problem, any diagnosis issued, past exposure to therapy,
client goals, and willingness to participate in treatment (Beck,
1995).
A
CBT counselor creates a cognitive conceptualization to create an
individualized framework to work with each client. Through this
technique, counseling can be customized to each client utilizing
several overarching principles in CBT (Beck, 1995). CBT consists of
specific learning experiences designed to teach clients how to track
their automatic thoughts, acknowledge the connection between thoughts
and personal behaviors, and substitute more rational oriented
interpretations in place of irrational thoughts (Beck, 1995).
Because CBT is pragmatic, psycho-educational, and relatively brief,
it has become a popular therapy utilized in private practices by counselors.
Sources:
Beck,
J.S. (1995). Cognitive
therapy: Basic and beyond.
New York: The Guilford Press.
Vernon,
A. (2004). Using Cognitive Behavioral Techniques. In B. T. Erford
(Ed.),
Professional
school
counseling: A handbook of theories, programs, & practices
(91-100). Austin, TX:
Brought to you by www.thrivecounselingcenterllc.com
Brought to you by www.thrivecounselingcenterllc.com
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Confidentiality in Counseling
Confidentiality is one of the most important components between a client and therapist. Successful therapy requires a high degree of trust with highly sensitive subject matter that is usually not discussed anywhere but the therapist's office. Every therapist should provide a written copy of their confidential disclosure agreement, and you can expect that what you discuss in session will not be shared with anyone. This is called “Informed Consent."
Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Psychiatrist, etc.), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission. Therapists should have consent forms available at their offices and can fax or mail copies to the other provider.
As stated above the law protects the relationship between a client and a therapist, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission by the client. However, there are 3 exceptions when a therapist can break confidentiality if it is to protect the client or someone in the client's life. The exceptions to confidentiality are as follows:
Sometimes, however, you may want your therapist to share information or give an update to someone on your healthcare team (your Physician, Psychiatrist, etc.), but by law your therapist cannot release this information without obtaining your written permission. Therapists should have consent forms available at their offices and can fax or mail copies to the other provider.
As stated above the law protects the relationship between a client and a therapist, and information cannot be disclosed without written permission by the client. However, there are 3 exceptions when a therapist can break confidentiality if it is to protect the client or someone in the client's life. The exceptions to confidentiality are as follows:
- Suspected child abuse or dependent adult or elder abuse, for which therapists are "mandated reporters" and are required by law to report abuse to the appropriate authorities immediately.
- If a client is threatening serious bodily harm to another person/s. Therapists must notify the police and inform the intended victim.
- If a client intends to harm himself or herself, therapists will make every effort to enlist their cooperation in ensuring their safety. If they do not cooperate, therapists will take further measures without their permission that are provided to me by law in order to ensure their safety. Calling 911 or an ambulance may be a possibility if the therapist has a high risk assessment.
Tuesday, April 1, 2014
So, What is the Difference Between Social Workers, Licensed Professional Counselors, Psychologists, and Psychiatrists?
The field of mental health has various professions under it's umbrella, yet most people do not understand or recognize the differences between the closely linked professions. I thought it would be important to share with you job descriptions of social workers, licensed professional counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists so that you can decide for yourself where your needs may be best suited. The beauty of the mental health field is that although each of these professions do different things, by these professions joining forces and working together seamless patient care can be provided on the mental health care front.
Social Workers: "Social work practice consists of the professional application of social work values, principles, and techniques to one or more of the following ends: helping people obtain tangible services; counseling and psychotherapy with individuals, families, and groups; helping communities or groups provide or improve social and health services; and participating in legislative processes. The practice of social work requires knowledge of human development and behavior; of social and economic, and cultural institutions; and of the interaction of all these factors (Source: http://www.socialworkers.org/practice/default.asp)." I view social workers as colleagues of licensed professional counselors with similar training. One main difference between the two is that social workers are often case managers and can connect individuals to various resources throughout a network.
Licensed Professional Counselors: "Provide mental health and substance abuse care to millions of Americans. LPCs are master's-degreed mental health service providers, trained to work with individuals, families, and groups in treating mental, behavioral, and emotional problems and disorders. LPCs make up a large percentage of the workforce employed in community mental health centers, agencies, and organizations, and are employed within and covered by managed care organizations and health plans. LPCs also work with active duty military personnel and their families, as well as veterans (Source: http://www.counseling.org/publicpolicy/whoarelpcs.pdf)." When one thinks of traditional counseling or talk therapy, they are typically thinking of an LPC.
Psychologists: Psychologists work in a wide-range of settings that include: Universities, Medical Schools, Government Agencies, Educational / Schools, Independent Practice, Hospital / Health Services, and Business / Non-for-Profit. Psychologists may have varied interests in research, the study of social development, teaching and providing services to students, promotion of physical and mental health, support community and individual well-being, and study work and performance issues (Source: http://www.apa.org/careers/resources/guides/careers.aspx?item=4). Psychologists are important as well because they can perform psychological testing and evaluations.
Psychiatrists: "A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental health, including substance use disorders. Psychiatrists are qualified to assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological disturbance. A psychiatrist has completed medical school (is an M.D. or D.O.) and an additional four or more years of residency training in psychiatry. Psychiatrists use a variety of treatments, including psychotherapy, medication, and other treatments (Source: http://www.psychiatry.org/about-apa--psychiatry/more-about-psychiatry)."
Social Workers: "Social work practice consists of the professional application of social work values, principles, and techniques to one or more of the following ends: helping people obtain tangible services; counseling and psychotherapy with individuals, families, and groups; helping communities or groups provide or improve social and health services; and participating in legislative processes. The practice of social work requires knowledge of human development and behavior; of social and economic, and cultural institutions; and of the interaction of all these factors (Source: http://www.socialworkers.org/practice/default.asp)." I view social workers as colleagues of licensed professional counselors with similar training. One main difference between the two is that social workers are often case managers and can connect individuals to various resources throughout a network.
Licensed Professional Counselors: "Provide mental health and substance abuse care to millions of Americans. LPCs are master's-degreed mental health service providers, trained to work with individuals, families, and groups in treating mental, behavioral, and emotional problems and disorders. LPCs make up a large percentage of the workforce employed in community mental health centers, agencies, and organizations, and are employed within and covered by managed care organizations and health plans. LPCs also work with active duty military personnel and their families, as well as veterans (Source: http://www.counseling.org/publicpolicy/whoarelpcs.pdf)." When one thinks of traditional counseling or talk therapy, they are typically thinking of an LPC.
Psychologists: Psychologists work in a wide-range of settings that include: Universities, Medical Schools, Government Agencies, Educational / Schools, Independent Practice, Hospital / Health Services, and Business / Non-for-Profit. Psychologists may have varied interests in research, the study of social development, teaching and providing services to students, promotion of physical and mental health, support community and individual well-being, and study work and performance issues (Source: http://www.apa.org/careers/resources/guides/careers.aspx?item=4). Psychologists are important as well because they can perform psychological testing and evaluations.
Psychiatrists: "A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental health, including substance use disorders. Psychiatrists are qualified to assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological disturbance. A psychiatrist has completed medical school (is an M.D. or D.O.) and an additional four or more years of residency training in psychiatry. Psychiatrists use a variety of treatments, including psychotherapy, medication, and other treatments (Source: http://www.psychiatry.org/about-apa--psychiatry/more-about-psychiatry)."
Overall, all 4 professions are qualified for talk therapy, yet sometimes there is difficulty to schedule appointments with psychologists and psychiatrists do to the shortage of these professions in our areas. Sometimes clients want to just see a Psychiatrist to get prescribed medication as a quick fix for their emotional issues. There are many wonderful medications out there, but research shows that the combination of medication and talk therapy creates the best patient outcomes. Social Workers and LPCs can offer talk therapy usually at a reduced rate compared to psychiatrists. My best recommendation for those seeking help it to see a combination of these services for the best possible outcome. These professions are supposed to compliment one another, not compete for clients!
Monday, March 31, 2014
5 Reasons to go to Therapy
So often I hear people telling me “I'm fine,” “It will blow over,” “I'm stressed,” etc. yet when I encourage them to think about attending counseling, they respond with, “I don't need therapy!” I often respond back with the analogy of a patient who breaks his leg doesn't just say “Oh well, I have a broken leg.” The patient goes to the doctor immediately to have it assessed and treated. Counseling is the assessment and treatment for any mental health issue, regardless of how big or small. For whatever reason, therapy seems to have a black cloud over its' head. In fact, mental health, in general, has a black cloud surrounding it. People want to avoid counseling and mental health issues like the plague, pretending that the presenting issue is non-existent!
I think it's important for people to start seeing past the clouds to the potential benefits of counseling. Counseling can help all sorts of people, including “normal” people, thrive and become more productive, engaged, happier, and healthier humans. Here are 5 reasons I believe anyone can benefit from counseling:
www.thrivecounselingcenterllc.com
I think it's important for people to start seeing past the clouds to the potential benefits of counseling. Counseling can help all sorts of people, including “normal” people, thrive and become more productive, engaged, happier, and healthier humans. Here are 5 reasons I believe anyone can benefit from counseling:
- Self-care: In today's fast-paced world we never take time out to ourselves. The therapy hour is a wonderful, personalized setting where we have 50 minutes to focus on our needs, goals, desires, and anything else we want to focus on.
- Nonjudgmental, safe environment: The therapy setting is one free from judgement and bias where what we share is confidential. Counselors are specifically trained in techniques to make sure clients feel welcomed, comfortable, and free to share any information within the session.
- Life skills and techniques: Counseling can help to improve our coping and life skills or teach us new skills. These skills can help us learn new behaviors to help us in all aspects of our lives including work, community, family, and friendship settings.
- Discover personal strengths: Although counseling can help us see our blind-spots, counseling can also help us recognize our strengths. Through validation of strengths and assessment of strengths, we can find new ways to incorporate these strengths in different components of our lives.
- Problem solving: Counseling allows for us to problem solve in new, different ways on various issues, whether the issues are short-term or long-term. Counseling gives clients tools and clarity to manage problems more effectively.
www.thrivecounselingcenterllc.com
Friday, March 28, 2014
Free & Useful Self-Help Apps
In today's modern smart phone world, there are many available apps (both free and for purchase) on Iphones for clients to utilize to enhance the counseling experience. I thought it would be helpful to share some of my favorite free apps:
www.thrivecounselingcenterllc.com
- Anxiety Free: Self-hypnosis to reduce anxiety and its associated negative consequences (free).
- Breathe2Relax: Stress management tool using diaphragmatic breathing (free).
- Relax Melodies: White noise for sleep, meditation, or yoga (free).
- Personal Zen: Game that trains your brain to look to for the positive and avoid the negatives, it's a fun yet effective way to reduce stress and boost well-being (free).
- ReliefLink: Tracks and monitors your mood and behaviors, safety plan tools, appointment reminders, built-in coping tools, and an emergency button (free).
- MyFitnessPal: Counts your calories and tracks your exercise activities, great program if you're trying to lose weight (free).
- Unstuck: Kick-start success for specific kinds of stuck moments, helps you to make decisions, set plans, get motivated, etc. (free).
- PTSD Coach: Great app for Veterans or Service Members who have or may have PTSD, provides educational information, self-assessment, opportunities to find support, and tools to help manage stress (free).
- iQuit: Helps you to quit smoking using the "scheduled reduction" method (free).
www.thrivecounselingcenterllc.com
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