Havening: What It Is & How It Works

Havening is an alternative therapy modality that uses touch, eye movements, and distractions to mitigate feelings of stress, unease, and anxiety. The philosophy of havening is to create new neural pathways in the brain to reduce mental health symptoms related to negative memories and experiences read more

How Psychotherapy Can Help Addiction

Addiction is a complex issue that involves more than simply stopping the abuse. It seems simple, but many underlying mental issues make treating addiction more challenging than people realize.

While there are many ways to get help, psychotherapy is one of the most powerful.

What is Psychotherapy?

This term is used to describe a form of addiction counseling that revolves around emotional and mental health issues. Some refer to it as "talk therapy" because it predominantly involves speaking to a counselor and working through problems.

There are many forms of psychotherapy. The most effective for treating addiction are usually cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), contingency management, and dialectical behavioral therapy. Regardless of the methods used, counselors can make a difference in helping those struggling with substance abuse.

Psychotherapy taps into the emotional side of the equation, prioritizing why people abuse substances and how they can channel their needs elsewhere.

The Goals of Psychotherapy

Patients can participate in psychotherapy through one-on-one addiction counseling with a professional or group therapy. Many rehabilitation centers encourage the use of both for maximizing results.

Regardless of how people get it, psychotherapy has many goals. It aims to help patients find healthier ways to cope with stress. It's about being more mindful in life and realizing triggers as they come. When people understand what triggers their urge to abuse substances, they can learn how to beat them.

Overcoming addiction is like a never-ending uphill battle. But psychotherapy provides tools needed to get out the other end healthier and more mindful than ever.

Who Can Benefit from Psychotherapy?

Anyone struggling with substance abuse addiction has a lot to gain from psychotherapy. Many people find that sitting in a room with a counselor who's willing to listen makes a big difference. Some find that group counseling is ideal. In group settings, patients can speak their truth in a nonjudgmental environment, something that's not always possible in the real world.

Even families of those overcoming addiction can benefit. Substance abuse affects everyone. Loved ones can learn how to overcome the emotional trauma of witnessing someone going through a cycle of addiction, strengthen bonds, and help families move forward.

Read a similar article about online counselor here at this page.

What is Gender Dysphoria?

Gender dysphoria is a hot-button topic that continues to dominate news cycles. Many high-profile individuals are bringing this issue to light, highlighting the plight of trans individuals across the world. But with greater attention comes more confusion and misinformation.

This blog aims to clarify what gender dysphoria is and its common signs.

The Basics of Gender Dysphoria

When someone goes to therapy for gender dysphoria, they work through intense feelings related to their biological sex and gender identity.

Gender identity refers to the sense of who you are and how you describe yourself. For most people, it's as easy as male or female. Others see themselves as non-binary, falling outside the typical male and female identities.

With gender dysphoria, individuals feel that their gender identity doesn't match their biological sex. For example, someone with breasts and female genitals might not identify as a woman. They might describe themselves as a male, creating many emotional and mental issues.

The Effects of Gender Dysphoria

In itself, gender dysphoria can lead to many mental health problems. Many people suffering from dysphoria have a strong need to live a life that's true to their gender identity. But their biological sex, as well as social constructs, prevent them from doing so.

As you can imagine, that often leads to potentially dangerous ramifications. Unfortunately, depression and anxiety often go hand-in-hand with gender dysphoria. Many people also exhibit signs of low self-esteem.

That's a dangerous combination that can lead to social isolation, risky behaviors, and worse. Stigmas surrounding dysphoria still exist, perpetuating unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors. But those thoughts are valid, and individuals suffering from gender dysphoria deserve to get the help they need.

Getting Help

If you or someone you know suffers from gender dysphoria, getting help is paramount. The effects of dysphoria can be long-lasting, leading to a life of unhappiness. But there are many ways to make a change and live life truthfully.

Therapy for gender dysphoria is the first step. Speaking to a professional can help individuals work through their emotions and figure out who they are.

Read a similar article about postpartum therapy here at this page.

Guide to the Best Exercises for Losing Weight

Did you know that about half of all Americans try to lose weight annually? While some are successful, many struggle to find the right approach. Need some guidance and inspiration?

Here are some exercises you can pair with a healthy diet and therapy for weight loss to kickstart your journey to better health.

Swimming

Swimming is one of the most impactful cardiovascular exercises you can do. When you get in the water, your entire body works against resistance. Swimming across even a small pool works out every major muscle group in your body! Yet, it's a low-impact exercise that anyone can do regardless of age or body shape.

The cool thing about swimming is that you can tailor your exercise routine to maximize your caloric burn. Keep things simple with simple laps, or go hard with butterfly strokes. Swimming puts you in the fast lane for a slimmer figure either way.

Interval Training

Also known as high-intensity interval training (HIIT), this exercise technique involves short bursts of rigorous physical exercise between rest periods.

HIIT reportedly burns 25 to 30 percent more calories per minute than any other exercise. That means you can work out less while still maximizing your results.

There are plenty of HIIT workout routines to try. Find one you like and stick to it!

Yoga

Yoga is the perfect complementary exercise if you participate in therapy for weight loss. This age-old stress reliever can make dramatic improvements in your flexibility and mobility. All the while, you can unwind, focus on inner peace, and find a sense of calm in the flurry of a busy day.

While not the most calorie-busting workout you can do, regular yoga can profoundly affect your mental and physical health.

Walking

Last but not least, we have good, old-fashioned walking. It sounds simple enough, but walking is a fantastic way to get into the groove of physical exercise. It's a low-impact exercise that doesn't require any fancy gear or classes to guide you.

Take a stroll around your block, take in the sights, and take steps to push yourself further and further every day.

Read a similar article about types of Synesthesia here at this page.

Signs Your Child Might Be Depressed

When many think of children, they imagine happy-go-lucky youngsters with no care in the world. However, kids can suffer from depression and other mood disorders. Roughly 3.2 percent of children between the ages of 3 and 17 have depression, and there are likely many more who are undiagnosed.

So how do you know that your child is depressed? This blog will discuss potential signs of depression, the types of mood disorders that plague young minds, and what you can do to provide help.

Common Mood Disorders

Children can experience many of the same issues that adults do. The following disorders are common and require the care of a mental health professional.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

MDD is a form of depression that typically lasts more than two weeks. The condition is usually intense, requiring assistance through depression chat, open conversation, and professional care.

Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD)

PDD is also known as dysthymia. It's a milder form of depression. However, the symptoms last much longer. In young kids, this disorder can last over a year.

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)

Professionals typically diagnose DMDD when children over six years old display lasting patterns of irritability and aggression. The condition usually causes kids to be angry most of the day, and the symptoms can last well over a year.

Beyond these conditions, children can also experience Seasonal Affective Disorder and Bipolar Disorder.

Signs of Depression

Depression manifests itself in many ways. Kids can experience mood disorders for a variety of reasons. Depressive episodes can be a product of significant life changes or chronic stressors. Either way, many symptoms can arise. Here are some of the most common.

• Decreased interest in activities
• Difficulty maintaining friendships
• Declining school performance
• Low energy levels
• Increased irritability
• Isolation
• Frequent crying
• Hopelessness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Frequent temper tantrums

What You Can Do

Helping a child with depression is never easy. But, it's important to address mood disorders and be proactive about mental health. There are many options out there. Your child can participate in a depression chat, join groups, or seek care from a licensed professional.

Read a similar article about OCD symptoms here at this page.

The Link Between Money Stress and Illness

No matter who you are or what you do for a living, money stress can be a big problem. Stressing out over financial concerns is something that virtually everyone experiences at some point in their lives. Stress related to money can lead to serious health consequences that you may not even see coming until it’s too late.

How Does Stress Affect the Body?

Stress affects the body in many ways, and most of the effects of stress on the body are negative. Even positive stress that comes from exciting and challenging times in your life can add up, placing more strain on your heart, your digestive system, and more.

When you experience stress, your body automatically responds by pumping more blood. This causes your heart to work harder, and it can also increase pressure in your veins and arteries. If you’re already experiencing heart problems or high blood pressure, this can become a dangerous situation.

Additionally, your stomach may process its contents more slowly as your body attempts to hold onto energy stores. This may cause indigestion and heartburn, and while you’re already stressed, these symptoms can make things feel even more stressful.

How Does Stress Affect the Mind?

While the effects of stressing out over money are bad enough when you look at how they affect the body, they can be even worse for the mind. Worrying about money issues can lead to insomnia, depression, anxiety, and mental fatigue. As these symptoms worsen, they can go on to affect your performance at work, your social relationships, and your family life.

To make matters worse, stress over money can cause your brain to signal the production of more cortisol. This hormone is what can lead to weight gain by increasing glucose in your bloodstream. Left unchecked, excess glucose can damage organs and lead to other health difficulties. This is why it’s important to have a physical exam conducted by your doctor if you’ve been stressing out over money for any length of time recently.

Read a similar article about LGBTQ Counseling here at this page.

What Is Outpatient Therapy?

Outpatient therapy can be offered through hospitals, in doctor’s offices that employ therapists, group practices, or private practice read more