Talking about your thoughts and feelings with a counselor can help you cope with the times when you feel troubled or desperate. Talking can help you work out what is happening on a deeper level and provide you with the tools to deal with it.
No one thinks twice about asking for help when they are stuck in the mud, have a package that is too heavy to lift, or need something from a tall shelf. The same should be true for personal problems that are interfering with living a happy and productive life. If you are struggling emotionally, ask for professional assistance.
Remember, your counselor isn’t a mind reader. Until you share the full extent of what might be bothering you, we won’t be able to fully help you deal with the issues harming your mental health.
If you do not have health insurance, that does not mean you must let suspected mental health disorders go untreated. Check with your county’s health and human services to find out what is available to you and how to access any services available.
Unfortunately, the things that happen to us in childhood and early adolescence can negatively shape us as we grow up. If you’re ready to get to the root of your issues so that you lead the life you want to live, we’re always ready to help.
Mental health counseling licensure is recognized in every of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam. The two most common titles used are Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor. California was the last state to approve this licensure, and its first counselors received licensing in 2011-2012.
Do you feel uncomfortable in even small settings with people you don’t know? That is one symptom of social anxiety disorder, which affects about one out of seven people in the country. For many people, symptoms of discomfort in social situations emerge after puberty. Mental health counseling can help a person to recognize he or she has this disorder and to develop ways to deal with the social discomfort.
Did you know that Frank Parsons is considered “the father of the guidance movement?” He is credited with being the first true counselor and used a scientific process to help people choose careers.
Did you know that sleep and stress are closely connected? We feel the effects of stress so much stronger when we have not gotten enough sleep. If you are at a stressful period in your life, be sure to get plenty of rest every night.
Did you know that the United States of America has the highest annual rate for mental illnesses of the 14 developing and developed countries? There are about 26% of American adults with a mental disorder in a given year.
Have you ever wondered whether you need to be in counseling? Since there are no hard and fast symptoms, the very fact you’ve been thinking about talking to someone may be reason enough to schedule an appointment.
Counselors can help patients in developing skills and strategies to approach issues such as parenting and career skills, family communication, couples or marital relationship problems, and prevent occurrence of substance abuse. When treating mental health disorders, we use techniques like crisis intervention and solution-focused approaches.
If there is something scary in your past that you’re not ready to talk about, and you’re scared your counselor will make you talk about it too soon, don’t let it keep you from getting help. Simply say you’re not ready for the big scary thing yet, but you want to work toward it.
Remember, it can take more than one session for you to really begin to feel comfortable opening up with us in counseling. You’re always free to share information as you become comfortable doing so. There’s no reason to force it.
Did you know that exercise is a natural power tool to help support mental health and decrease the effects of stress, anxiety and depression? If you are dealing with mental health issues, be sure to schedule a little exercise and outdoors time.
The problem with going only to friends and family when you need to talk is that they won’t always tell you the truth for fear of hurting your feelings. While we don’t try to hurt your feelings in counseling, there may be some truths you need to hear.
What is cognitive therapy? With this type of psychotherapy, the idea is that the way we think about things explains the way we feel. Cognitive therapy attempts to change a patient’s outlook or beliefs about him- or herself to improve his or her mental health.
While counseling has not been around for a long time in its current form, the concept of helping people with transitions and difficulties in their lives dates back centuries to family members offering advice to loved ones.
If you are dealing with an acute mental health issue such as anxiety or depression, counseling can be an important tool for helping you to get at the root of the issue. Your counselor can help you identify triggers and also to develop skills to help you better cope when you are experiencing symptoms.
If you feel trapped in an unhappy relationship, it may require mental health counseling in order for you to gain the strength necessary to make the change you need. When you’re ready to talk to someone about your situation, we’re here for you.
Family relationships are extremely complicated, and there is great pressure to adhere to a particular stereotype. When reality and idealism are in conflict, though, it can place great stress on the family dynamic. If you and your family are having trouble, counseling sessions may be able to help.
Psychotherapy is a form of counseling that involves talking with a trained mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker or counselor. Psychotherapy can be carried out one-on-one, in groups or with couples or families.
You should not diagnose yourself with a mental health condition; only a qualified health professional can do so. Learning more about symptoms of various mental health conditions can make you better understand whether you or loved one needs help from a health professional.
The most common mental illness in adults are anxiety and mood disorders. The effects of mental illness include abnormal alteration in thinking, mood, or behavior that can cause impaired functioning. The effects can impair personal, social, and occupational functions in daily life.
