Counseling Psychologist:

Counseling Psychologists examine a person’s experience and explore underlying issues. They treat a wide range of mental health problems such as depression and anxiety, eating disorders, psychosis, ‘personality disorder’, negative life events, bereavement, domestic violence, sexual, emotional and physical abuse, trauma and relationship issues.

Types of Psychology:

Psychology is the study of behavior and the mind. There are different types of psychology, such as Cognitive, Forensic, Social, and Developmental Psychology.

7-Principles of Psychology: (You Can Use to Improve Your Leadership)

• The principle of authority.
• The principle of social proof.
• The principle of reciprocity.
• The principle of likability.
• The principle of scarcity.
• The principle of consistency.
• The principle of reinforcement.

(In-Person Counseling, Online Counseling, Tele-Therapy or Virtual Therapy):

So, what are the three main types of counseling – Psychodynamic, Humanistic, and Behavioral Approaches are the most common and each support different individual therapies.

In-person: sessions take place in a therapist’s office where you and the therapist can see each other face-to-face. This is helpful for picking up on body language and other nonverbal cues.

Online Counseling: offers the ability to connect with a therapist from the comfort of your own home. Face-to-face therapy allows you to bring your mental health needs to a supportive yet neutral space. In addition to making sure a therapist can support your needs, in-person therapy may require some extra work. Online therapy, also called tele-therapy or virtual therapy, provides mental health support from any location. Some forms of online therapy include texts, emails, phone calls, and video services.

Therapists may offer virtual options directly through their personal practice. Online platforms also provide opportunities for individuals to connect to therapists within their networks. Virtual therapy appears equally effective as in-person therapy for treating mental health needs.

“Happiness Is Not Readymade. It Comes From Your Own Actions & Reactions In Life”

Bipolar Disorder:

Bipolar disorder, formerly called manic depression, is a mental health condition that causes extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression).

When you become depressed, you may feel sad or hopeless and lose interest or pleasure in most activities. When your mood shifts to mania or hypomania (less extreme than mania), you may feel euphoric, full of energy or unusually irritable. These mood swings can affect sleep, energy, activity, judgment, behavior and the ability to think clearly.

Episodes of mood swings may occur rarely or multiple times a year. While most people will experience some emotional symptoms between episodes, some may not experience any.

Although bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, you can manage your mood swings and other symptoms by following a treatment plan. In most cases, bipolar disorder is treated with medications and psychological counseling (psychotherapy).

A disorder associated with episodes of mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs.

The exact cause of bipolar disorder isn’t known, but a combination of genetics, environment and altered brain structure and chemistry may play a role.

Manic episodes may include symptoms such as high energy, reduced need for sleep and loss of touch with reality. Depressive episodes may include symptoms such as low energy, low motivation and loss of interest in daily activities. Mood episodes last days to months at a time and may also be associated with suicidal thoughts.

Treatment is usually lifelong and often involves a combination of medications and psychotherapy.

Psychosis / Delusions / Illusion / Hallucinations:

Psychosis is when people lose some contact with reality. This might involve seeing or hearing things that other people cannot see or hear (hallucinations) and believing things that are not actually true (delusions).

An illusion is a distortion of the senses, which can reveal how the mind normally organizes and interprets sensory stimulation. Although illusions distort the human perception of reality, they are generally shared by most people.

Cognitive Rehabilitation:

Cognitive rehabilitation refers to a set of interventions that aim to improve a person’s ability to perform cognitive tasks by retraining previously learned skills and teaching compensatory strategies.

Cognitive rehabilitation refers to a wide range of evidence-based interventions designed to improve cognitive functioning in brain-injured or otherwise cognitively impaired individuals to restore normal functioning, or to compensate for cognitive deficits.

Autism Spectrum Disorders:

• A serious developmental disorder that impairs the ability to communicate and interact.
• Autism spectrum disorder impacts the nervous system and affects the overall cognitive, emotional, social and physical health of the affected individual.
• The range and severity of symptoms can vary widely. Common symptoms include difficulty with communication, difficulty with social interactions, obsessive interests and repetitive behaviors.
• Early recognition, as well as behavioral, educational and family therapies may reduce symptoms and support development and learning.

Suicidal Ideation:

Strictly speaking, suicidal ideation means wanting to take your own life or thinking about suicide. However, there are two kinds of suicidal ideation: passive and active. Passive suicidal ideation occurs when you wish you were dead or that you could die, but you do not formulate a plan to die by suicide.

Active suicidal ideation, on the other hand, is not only thinking about it but having the intent to die by suicide, including planning how to do it

Suicidal ideation is one of the symptoms of both major depression and the depression found in bipolar disorder, but it may also occur in people with other mental illnesses or no mental illness at all.

For people with mental health disorders, the rate is significantly higher. The exact numbers are unclear, but since suicidal ideation is a symptom of mental health disorders like major depression and bipolar disorder, the problem exists at a far greater percentage in these populations.

“Having Bipolar Disorder Does Not Mean You Are BROKEN; It Means You Are Strong And Brave For Battling Your Mind Every Single Day”

Alcohol Addiction:

Alcohol use disorder. Also called: alcoholism, alcohol dependence, alcohol dependence, alcoholism, alcohol addiction.

Overview:

• A chronic disease characterized by uncontrolled drinking and preoccupation with alcohol.
• Alcoholism is the inability to control drinking due to both a physical and emotional dependence on alcohol.
• Symptoms include repeated alcohol consumption despite related legal and health issues. Those with alcoholism may begin each day with a drink, feel guilty about their drinking and have the desire to cut down on the amount of drinking.
• Treatment involves counseling by a healthcare professional. A detoxification programme in a hospital or medical facility is an option for those who need additional assistance. Medications are available that reduce the desire to drink.

Symptoms – Usually Self-Diagnosable:

Symptoms include repeated alcohol consumption despite related legal and health issues. Those with alcoholism may begin each day with a drink, feel guilty about their drinking and have the desire to cut down on the amount of drinking

People May Experience:

• Whole body: Blackout, Dizziness, Shakiness, Craving, or Sweating.
• Behavioral: Aggression, Agitation, Compulsive Behavior, Self-destructive behavior, or Lack of restraint.
• Mood: Anxiety, Euphoria, General Discontent, Guilt, or Loneliness.
• Gastrointestinal: Nausea or Vomiting.
• Psychological: Delirium or Fear.
• Also common: Physical substance dependence, Problems with coordination, Slurred speech, or Tremor.

“First You Take a Drink, Then The Drink Takes a Drink, Then The Drinks Takes You”

Anger Management:

Anger is an emotion characterized by antagonism toward someone or something you feel has deliberately done you wrong. Anger can be a good thing. It can give you a way to express negative feelings, for example, or motivate you to find solutions to problems.

There are three types of anger which help shape how we react in a situation that makes us angry. These are: Passive Aggression, Open Aggression, and Assertive Anger.

Self Confidence/ Self-Care:

Self-confidence is an attitude about your skills and abilities. It means you accept and trust yourself and have a sense of control in your life. You know your strengths and weakness well, and have a positive view of yourself.

Self-care is the active participation of enhancing your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health and quality of life. It can alleviate some of your stress. It is important to maintain both the physical and mental components of self-care in order to achieve an overall state of wellness. When we feel stressed, it is easy to stop doing things that replenish our energy and keep us going through the difficult phases of college life. Self-care is the active participation of enhancing your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health and quality of life. It can alleviate some of your stress. It is important to maintain both the physical and mental components of self-care in order to achieve an overall state of wellness. Physical and mental health can balance your mind and body, which are essential to achieving wellness for optimal functioning. There are behavioral, relational, and internal self-care strategies.

“Anger Doesn’t Solve Anything, It Builds Nothing, But It Can Destroy Everything”

Anxiety Disorder:

Anxiety disorder due to a medical condition includes symptoms of intense anxiety or panic that are directly caused by a physical health problem. Generalized anxiety disorder includes persistent and excessive anxiety and worry about activities or events — even ordinary, routine issues.

• A mental health disorder characterized by feelings of worry, anxiety or fear that are strong enough to interfere with one’s daily activities.
• Examples of anxiety disorders include panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Symptoms include stress that’s out of proportion to the impact of the event, inability to set aside a worry and restlessness.
• Treatment includes counseling or medication, including antidepressants.

Signs and Symptoms:

• Feeling restless, wound-up, or on-edge.
• Being easily fatigued.
• Having difficulty concentrating.
• Being irritable.
• Having headaches, muscle aches, stomachaches, or unexplained pains.
• Difficulty controlling feelings of worry.
• Having sleep problems, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep.

The Five Major Types of Anxiety Disorders:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Panic Disorder.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Social Phobia (or Social Anxiety Disorder)

Generalized Anxiety Disorder:

• Generalized anxiety disorder symptoms can vary. They may include: Persistent worrying or anxiety about a number of areas that are out of proportion to the impact of the events. Overthinking plans and solutions to all possible worst-case outcomes. Perceiving situations and events as threatening, even when they aren’t.
• Severe, ongoing anxiety that interferes with daily activities.
• Generalized anxiety disorder can occur at any age.
• The condition has symptoms similar to panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and other types of anxiety. These symptoms include constant worry, restlessness and trouble with concentration.
• Treatment may include counseling and medication, such as antidepressants.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Thoughts, urges or behaviors that persist despite negatively affecting health, job or relationships.

Common Causes:

Compulsive behavior can be normal, and is only an indicator of underlying disease when feelings become excessive, all-consuming and interfere with daily living.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD):

Doubting and having difficulty tolerating uncertainty. Needing things orderly and symmetrical. Aggressive or horrific thoughts about losing control and harming yourself or others. Unwanted thoughts, including aggression, or sexual or religious subjects.

4 Types of OCD:

OCD can manifest in four main ways: contamination/washing, doubt/checking, ordering/arranging, and unacceptable/taboo thoughts. Obsessions and compulsions that revolve about contamination and germs are the most common type of OCD, but OCD can cover a wide range of topics.

Common Types of Compulsive Behavior In People With OCD Include:

• Cleaning and hand washing.
• Checking – such as checking doors are locked or that the gas is off.
• Counting.
• Ordering and arranging.
• Hoarding.
• Asking for reassurance.
• Repeating words in their head.
• Thinking “neutralizing” thoughts to counter the obsessive thoughts.

Panic Disorder:

• Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder where you regularly have sudden attacks of panic or fear. Everyone experiences feelings of anxiety and panic at certain times. It’s a natural response to stressful or dangerous situations.
• Panic attacks are sudden, unreasonable feelings of fear and anxiety that cause physical symptoms like a racing heart, fast breathing and sweating. Some people become so fearful of these attacks that they develop panic disorder, a type of anxiety disorder. Therapy and anti-anxiety medications can stop panic attacks.

Main Cause of Panic Disorder:

Major life stress, such as the death or serious illness of a loved one. A traumatic event, such as sexual assault or a serious accident. Major changes in your life, such as a divorce or the addition of a baby. Smoking or excessive caffeine intake

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):

• Post-Traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
• Most people who go through traumatic events may have temporary difficulty adjusting and coping, but with time and good self-care, they usually get better. If the symptoms get worse, last for months or even years, and interfere with your day-to-day functioning, you may have PTSD.
• Getting effective treatment after PTSD symptoms develop can be critical to reduce symptoms and improve function.
• A disorder characterized by failure to recover after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event.
• The condition may last months or years, with triggers that can bring back memories of the trauma accompanied by intense emotional and physical reactions.

Symptoms:

• Symptoms may include nightmares or flashbacks, avoidance of situations that bring back the trauma, heightened reactivity to stimuli, anxiety or depressed mood.
• Treatment includes different types of psychotherapy as well as medications to manage symptoms. Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms may start within one month of a traumatic event, but sometimes symptoms may not appear until years after the even 0.
• It’s normal to feel nervous in some social situations. For example, going on a date or giving a presentation may cause that feeling of butterflies in your stomach. But in social anxiety disorder, also called social phobia, everyday interactions cause significant anxiety, self-consciousness and embarrassment because you fear being scrutinized or judged negatively by others.
• In social anxiety disorder, fear and anxiety lead to avoidance that can disrupt your life. Severe stress can affect your relationships, daily routines, work, school or other activities.
• Social anxiety disorder can be a chronic mental health condition, but learning coping skills in psychotherapy and taking medications can help you gain confidence and improve your ability to interact with others.

Phobia:

A phobia is an anxiety disorder defined by a persistent and excessive fear of an object or situation. Phobias typically result in a rapid onset of fear and are usually present for more than six months. Those affected go to great lengths to avoid the situation or object, to a degree greater than the actual danger posed. If the object or situation cannot be avoided, they experience significant distress. Other symptoms can include fainting, which may occur in blood or injury phobia, and panic attacks, often found in agoraphobia and eremophobia. Around 75% of those with phobias have multiple phobias.

Social Phobia (Social Anxiety Disorder):

Social anxiety disorder, also called social phobia, is a long-term and overwhelming fear of social situations. It’s a common problem that usually starts during the teenage years. It can be very distressing and have a big impact on your life. For some people it gets better as they get older.

But in Social Anxiety Disorder, also called social phobia, everyday interactions cause significant anxiety, self-consciousness and embarrassment because you fear being scrutinized or judged negatively by others.

• A chronic mental health condition in which social interactions cause irrational anxiety.
• For people with social anxiety disorder, everyday social interactions cause irrational anxiety, fear, self-consciousness and embarrassment.
• Symptoms may include excessive fear of situations in which one may be judged, worry about embarrassment or humiliation or concern about offending someone.
• Talk therapy and antidepressants can help increase confidence and improve ability to interact with others.

The Signs And Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder:

• Blushing, sweating, shaking or feeling your heart race in social situations.
• Feeling very nervous to the point of feeling nauseated in social situations.
• Not making much eye contact when interacting with others.

The Difference Between Anxiety and Phobias:

While phobias are focused on a specific object or situation, generalized anxiety disorder is much more broadly based. Those with generalized anxiety disorder worry excessively over a variety of day-to-day situations.

Example – Social Anxiety Disorder:

A person with social anxiety disorder feels symptoms of anxiety or fear in situations where they may be scrutinized, evaluated, or judged by others, such as speaking in public, meeting new people, dating, being on a job interview, answering a question in class, or having to talk to a cashier in a store.

“Our Anxiety Does Not Empty Tomorrow of Its Sorrows, But Only Empties Today of Its Strength”

Depression / Mood Disorder:

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn’t worth living.

More than just a bout of the blues, depression isn’t a weakness and you can’t simply “snap out” of it. Depression may require long-term treatment. But don’t get discouraged. Most people with depression feel better with medication, psychotherapy or both.

DSM-5 Criteria for Major Depressive Disorder:

• Depressed mood.
• Loss of interest/pleasure.
• Weight loss or gain.
• Insomnia or hypersomnia.
• Psychomotor agitation or retardation.
• Fatigue.
• Feeling worthless or excessive/inappropriate guilt.
• Decreased concentration.

Trauma:

Going through very stressful, frightening or distressing events is sometimes called trauma. When we talk about emotional or psychological trauma, we might mean: situations or events we find traumatic. how we’re affected by our experiences.

There Are Three Main Types of TRAUMAS:

• Acute trauma results from a single incident.
• Chronic trauma is repeated and prolonged such as domestic violence or abuse.
• Complex trauma is exposure to varied and multiple traumatic events, often of an invasive, interpersonal nature.

Sleep Disorder:

Sleep disorders are conditions that result in changes in the way that you sleep. A sleep disorder can affect your overall health, safety and quality of life. Sleep deprivation can affect your ability to drive safely and increase your risk of other health problems.

Key Sleep Disorders:

• Insomnia is characterized by an inability to initiate or maintain sleep.
• Excessive daytime sleepiness (including episodes of irresistible sleepiness) combined with sudden muscle weakness are the hallmark signs of narcolepsy.
• Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS).
• Sleep Apnea.

 “Depression Is Being Colorblind and Constantly Told How Colorful The World Is”

Work-Life Balance:

Work-life balance is about keeping a separation between your work and your play with proper prioritizing of your roles in each. This problem has become more prevalent and communication technologies have advanced. Now, even if you are not physically at work, your computer and cell phone put you in constant contact with work. Making it difficult to respect the boundaries between work and life/play/family.

The work-life balance is personal and individual, no two are the same and there is no exact science between what is the right balance. What feels like too much work to you may feel like too much leisure to another.

Symptoms of a Work-Life Imbalance:

Recognizing a work-life imbalance can be difficult. Our ability to justify and reason what we should be doing can cloud our judgment. But when work and life are out of balance problems will arise in your personal relationships and/or your physical and mental health.

Signs that your work and life may be out of balance include:

• Bringing work home.
• Increased arguments with family members about time spent working.
• Canceling family plans or social plans for work.
• Poor sleep and work-related dreams.
• Teeth grinding during sleep.
• Short temper with family members.
• Upset stomach digestive issues.
• Tension headaches.
• Increased caffeine/alcohol use.

Treatment and Counseling to restore Work-Life Balance:

• Achieving a healthy work-life balance will bring peace back into your life. The Therapy Today therapists can assist by helping you:
• Learn to set limits and boundaries with others.
• Know when to ask for help.
• Purposefully schedule social and personal time.
• Review and possible reset life and career goals.
• Incorporate your partner’s perspective on goals and boundaries.
• Figure out the things that matter most to you and incorporating those things into your life.

 “Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life”

Stress Management:

Stress can be defined as any type of change that causes physical, emotional or psychological strain. Stress is your body’s response to anything that requires attention or action. Everyone experiences stress to some degree. The way you respond to stress, however, makes a big difference to your overall well-being.

Stress Affects Brain & Body:

Stress affects both the brain and body. Little bit of stress is good for people to perform and protect themselves but too much stress can overwhelm them leading to fight, flight or freeze response. So learning how to cope with stress is important for our mental and physical well-being.

Everyone Respond Stress Same Way:

No, everyone reacts differently to stressful situations. Accordingly, both the impact of stress and the coping styles can vary from person to person.

Stress Be Expected During The Situation:

Yes, the COVID-19 pandemic can be a stressful situation for a lot of people. However, most people can overcome the stress while a few may be overwhelmed.

Manifestation of Stress:

Stress can manifest as fear, worry, inability to relax, increased heart rate, difficulty in breathing, Disturbance in sleeping patterns, change in eating patterns, difficulty in concentrating worsening of pre-existing health conditions (physical and mental) and increased use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

I am feeling Stress; Does That Mean I Cannot Work:

It depends on how you react or respond to stress. Most people manage stress well and continue to function while a few may have difficulty in coping with stress. Such people should seek help from mental health treatment providers.

“The Greatest Weapon Against Stress Is Our Ability to Choose One Thought Over Another”

Tobacco Addiction:

Nicotine dependence occurs when you need nicotine and can’t stop using it. Nicotine is the chemical in tobacco that makes it hard to quit. Nicotine produces pleasing effects in your brain, but these effects are temporary. So you reach for another cigarette.

Symptoms:

For some people, using any amount of tobacco can quickly lead to nicotine dependence. Signs that you may be addicted include:

• You can’t stop smoking.You’ve made one or more serious, but unsuccessful, attempts to stop.
• You have withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop.Your attempts at stopping have caused physical and mood-related symptoms, such as strong cravings, irritability, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, depressed mood, frustration, anger, increased hunger, insomnia, constipation or diarrhea.
• You keep smoking despite health problems.Even though you’ve developed health problems with your lungs or your heart, you haven’t been able to stop.
• You give up social activities.You may stop going to smoke-free restaurants or stop socializing with family or friends because you can’t smoke in these situations.
• The more you smoke, the more nicotine you need to feel good. When you try to stop, you experience unpleasant mental and physical changes. These are symptoms of nicotine withdrawal.
• Regardless of how long you’ve smoked, stopping can improve your health. It isn’t easy but you can break your dependence on nicotine. Many effective treatments are available. Ask your doctor for help.

 “Quit Smoking Before It Forces The Life To Quit Your Body”