Jun24

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

By Kelsey Rood - blog,Counseling,Mental Health

June is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) awareness month! We are going to look at what PTSD is, its provenance, symptoms, treatment, and listed resources. What is PTSD? Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) occurs following direct or indirect exposure to a traumatic event(s). These include but are not limited to personal acts of violence, assault, abuse, sexual assault, accidents (i.e. motor vehicle collisions), disasters (both human-caused and natural), combat, and mass violence/attacks. It is important to note not everyone who experiences traumatic events will develop PTSD. It is reported that 6 out of 100 people will be diagnosed with PTSD at some point in their lives. It is also reported that PTSD is two times as present in females than in males.

Symptoms of PTSD

There are multiple possible symptoms one may experience with PTSD. These symptoms can range in severity and frequency. These symptoms include avoidance, mood and cognition changes, reactivity and arousal changes, and intrusions. Symptoms involving avoidance can include avoiding triggers, thoughts, memories, conversations, or reminders of the trauma. Intrusions can include involuntary memories of the event, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, derealization, dissociation, and experiencing flashbacks of the trauma. Some of these flashbacks may be so vivid that the person may believe they are reliving the trauma. Changes in mood and cognition may include eschewed beliefs about themselves and others around them, potentially leading to them having a negative and distrustful view of themselves, others, and the world around them. It can also lead to one wrongfully assigning blame to themselves or someone else for the trauma. It may also include difficulty remembering details of the traumatic event, symptoms of depression, anger, consistent fear, shame, guilt, isolation from others, and withdrawal from activities they once enjoyed. Changes in reactivity and arousal can include being easily angered, emotional outbursts, reckless/risky behaviors, becoming startled easily, hypervigilance, and difficulty concentrating or sleeping.
Those who experience trauma may experience these symptoms shortly after the traumatic event(s), but to be diagnosed with PTSD, they must experience these symptoms for more than one month and cause significant distress and difficulty in their daily functioning. Those with PTSD may not experience signs and symptoms of PTSD until three months to six after the traumatic event(s).

Treatment

Treatment for PTSD can include psychiatric medication to address the mental and physical symptoms. Therapeutic interventions and treatment include Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET), Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD (PE), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Treatment for PTSD can be conducted through inpatient treatment, partial hospitalization programs (PHP), intensive outpatient treatments (IOP), residential care, or outpatient treatment (i.e. outpatient therapy and outpatient psychiatric consultations). Group therapy is also offered for those experiencing PTSD.

Resources

Below is a list of several resources, including information, support, and materials for those experiencing PTSD or their loved ones.

Support for self and loved ones with PTSD: https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Posttraumatic-Stress-Disorder/?tab=support

Suicide Crisis Hotline: Call or text 988 https://988lifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/

Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press 1 or text 838255. https://www.veteranscrisisline.net

More information on PTSD and further resource links: https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/posttraumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd

Find a PTSD support group: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/groups?category=trauma-and-ptsd

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.)
American Psychiatric Association (n.d.). What is posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?. Retrieved June 20, 2024. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd/what-is-ptsd
Rogers Behavioral Health (n.d.). Trauma and PTSD facts. Retrieved on June 20, 2024. https://rogersbh.org/trauma-and-ptsd-facts

Apr1

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

By Kim Wells - blog,Psychotherapy

EMDR is a form of psychotherapy that helps people heal from trauma or other distressing life experiences and because of that, EMDR therapy has emerged as one of the most evidence-based treatments for Post Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD) and other trauma-related symptoms. EMDR was developed in the 1990 by Francine Shapiro. Shapiro believes that most mental health disorders originate from unprocessed disturbing memories or events.

What is an Unprocessed Traumatic Memory?

An unprocessed traumatic memory occurs when an event in the past continues to impact us in the present and/or future, resulting in negative beliefs about ourselves because of the traumatic event.

During traumatic events, our body and mind attempts to protect us from the event by “compartmentalizing” the intense feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations in one side of the brain. While this self-protection function can be initially helpful, problems arise when we are triggered by events that are similar to the original event thus causing intense emotional distress. This emotional distress can present as “flashbacks”, nightmares, and physical manifestations, avoidance of people, places or events that remind the person of the traumatic event, hyperarousal, “startle responses” and hypervigilance, as well as intrusive thoughts or memories of the event, and irrational thoughts, feelings and behaviors that result in a high level of emotional disruption.

The Goal of EMDR:

The goal of EMDR is to decrease or eliminate the emotional charge or reaction to the trauma so that the patient’s disturbance is significantly reduced. The therapist will safely assist the patient reprocess the memory by revisiting the trauma in a specific way.

How Does EMDR Work?

EMDR attempts to free the patient from thoughts, feelings, and body sensations that are related to their traumatic event. In order to accomplish this, Dr. Shapiro has developed an eight-phase approach for EMDR therapy.

History taking and treatment planning.
Preparation
Assessment
Desensitization
Installation
Body scan
Closure
Reevaluation

Simply put, the EMDR trained therapy will learn about the patient by completing a bio- psychosocial assessment that includes but is not limited to risk factors, medical, social, developmental, and legal issues, past and current symptoms, and diagnoses. At the end of this phase, a treatment plan will be developed.

Once this has been completed, the therapist will explain the EMDR process. The therapist will then prepare the patient for reprocessing by ensuring that the patient has the mental stability and strategies to ensure their emotional regulation while revisiting the traumatic memory. The therapist and patient will then choose a memory to reprocess. During the assessment phase, the therapist assists the patient to find the earliest, most disturbing, or most recent memory that they are struggling with. Themes of the memory will be identified so that the “past, present, future connection” can be established and core negative beliefs about themselves can be identified. The chosen memory will be reprocessed with the goal being to desensitize the patient’s emotional connection to the memory. Once the memory has been desensitized, the therapist will help the patient to replace or “install” a positive belief about themselves, have the patient scan their body for any more physical sensations remaining from the trauma and prepare the patient for closure of the memory.

After successful treatment with EMDR therapy, emotional distress is relieved, negative beliefs are reformulated, positive alternative beliefs are installed, and physiological arousal is reduced.

Francine Shapiro, PhD https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3951033/
Author information Copyright and License information Disclaimer Perm J. 2014 Winter; 18(1): 71–77 doi: 10.7812/TPP/13-098 PMCID: PMC3951033 PMID: 24626074

Maxfield, L.; Journal of EMDR Practice and Research Vol.13, Issue 4, DOI: 10.1891/1933-3196.13.4.239

Mar28

What’s the Difference Between ADHD and ASD?

By Kelsey Rood - blog,Counseling

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have several similarities and differences in their diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment. It is not uncommon for a person to be diagnosed with both ADHD and ASD. However, until 2013, ADHD and ASD could not be diagnosed together. It is also possible for autism to be misdiagnosed as ADHD. Both ADHD and ASD are classified under neurodevelopmental disorders in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5). They are often diagnosed in childhood but have also been diagnosed in adulthood. ADHD has three types: predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combination type. For ASD, there are three levels of severity, where level three requires the most support. So what are the similarities and differences between ADHD and ASD?

Similarities between ADHD and ASD

Studies have indicated that 22 to 83% of children with autism also meet diagnosis criteria for ADHD. It has also been stated in research that about 30-65% of those with ADHD also show signs and symptoms of autism. Regarding symptoms of each, ADHD and ASD have multiple similarities and overlaps. These symptoms include difficulty with emotional maturity (such as management of distress, anger, and frustration), difficulties with sensory sensitivities, social challenges, and executive dysfunction (including challenges completing/organizing tasks and time management). Similarities also include difficulties with impulsivity, learning difficulties/disabilities, and problems with focusing.

Differences between ADHD and ASD

There are multiple differences between ADHD and ASD. Although both ADHD and ASD can cause difficulties socially, they can differ regarding the reason. Those with ADHD can have difficulty with socialization due to impulsivity, interrupting, and difficulty paying attention. For those with ASD, it can be due to difficulties understanding social cues, pretenses, and body language. Those with ASD can also experience social difficulties due to withdrawn behaviors and avoidance of eye contact. ASD symptoms can also include speech delays, lack of speaking, and difficulty with speech patterns. Those diagnosed with ADHD can experience symptoms including trouble sitting still, hyperactivity, frequent changing of tasks, and interrupting others due to blurting out things and excessive talking. While those with ADHD can have trouble with paying attention and staying on task, those with ASD can experience intense focus on an individual thing. People diagnosed with ASD can also experience repetitive movement, which can include rocking or other stimming behaviors. It has been studied that children with ADHD can have difficulty and dislike for repetition, routines, and order. However, those with ASD often like and search for repetition and familiarity.

Treatments for ADHD include psychiatric medications, counseling, skills training, and behavioral therapy. Treatment for Autism can also include behavioral therapy and psychiatric medication, as well as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and social skills counseling. Diagnosis for both ADHD and ASD can start with a conversation with one’s doctor or mental health professional. From there, further assessment, potential diagnosis, and treatment can follow.

Resources:

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.).

Arthur, S. (2023). Do I have ADHD, autism, or both?. Psych central. https://psychcentral.com/adhd/can-you-have-adhd-and-autism

Holland, K (2024). The relationship between ADHD and autism. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/autism-and-adhd

Rudy, L. (2023). Autism vs. ADHD: What are the differences?. Very well health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/autism-vs-adhd-5213000

Sokolova, E., et al(2017). A causal and mediation analysis of the comorbidity between attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 47(6), 1595–1604. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-017-3083-7

Feb22

OCD Fact vs. Fiction: Common Misconceptions of OCD

By Kelsey Rood - blog,Mental Health,One on One Counseling

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder listed in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual 5 (DSM-5) under the section of Obsessive-Compulsive Related Disorders. Those with OCD can experience lasting, uncontrolled, and reoccurring thoughts, known as obsessions. Those with OCD can also engage in repetitive behaviors, known as compulsions. Someone with OCD can experience obsessions, compulsions, or both. These can be incredibly distressing and have a strong negative impact on one’s daily functioning. Based on common stereotypes and media representation, OCD is commonly misunderstood in ways where some are surprised to learn what OCD really entails. Below we will be listing some common misconceptions of OCD and what it means to have the disorder.

Fiction: OCD is when someone needs to have everything neat and clean to an obsessive extent.

The first of several common misconceptions of OCD is when someone needs everything to be clean. Needing to have everything clean and organized does not necessarily mean someone has OCD. It seems common for people who have a strong need to have everything neat and organized to say things such as “I am so OCD”, “it is my OCD”, or “I am a little OCD”. Obsessive Compulsive disorder goes so much deeper than neatness and cleanliness. It involves intrusive and reoccurring thoughts that cause distress and leads to the urge of a repetitive behaviors, often in response to the obsessive thoughts and avoidance. These types of thoughts and behaviors span across a wide variety of themes.

Fact: There are multiple themes related to OCD and compulsions include far more than hand washing and cleanliness.

Although some with OCD experience the need for cleanliness, a fear of germs, and excessive hand washing, it is a piece of a much larger puzzle that can span multiple different themes and behaviors. Those with OCD can experience multiple themes and multiple different kinds of compulsions. Many of these thoughts and obsessions include “what if” thinking. Some of these themes include fear of harming oneself or others, losing control of oneself, contamination/germs, unwanted sexual related thoughts, needing things to feel just right, health anxiety, magical thinking, religion, moral scrupulosity, hyperawareness, and many more. These obsessions can cause severe distress and anxiety for those with OCD. They can experience compulsions that can include, seeking frequent reassurance from others, checking/rechecking things, mental checking, hoarding, repeating certain words/actions, ritualizing, counting, sanitizing/cleaning, hand washing, avoidance of triggering situations, and more. Although many with OCD recognize that their thoughts are not always rational and logical, they will often act on their obsessions through compulsive behaviors anyway, due to the uncertainty.

Fiction: We all have a little bit of OCD.

Often OCD is mistaken for quirkiness, type A personality, or needing things a certain way. OCD is not a quirk. It is not a personality trait. It is a mental health disorder that is seen in about 2% of the population. Often OCD is treated with cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, and psychiatric medication. OCD can cause distress and impairment in one’s life. For some experiencing severe OCD symptom, this can lead to the need for residential or inpatient treatment.

Fact: If you have OCD, you are not alone and there is hope.

There are multiple treatment options for OCD, including medication and therapy. There are multiple resources, books, conferences, and organizations dedicated to OCD and building a community around those who experience and treat it. There are also support groups for those struggling or who have a loved one with OCD/OCD related disorders. For more information on OCD and resources, visit the International OCD Foundation’s website (IOCDF.org).

Having an understanding of the common misconceptions of OCD is critical. If you believe you may have symptoms of OCD please talk to your general practitioner, a mental health therapist, or a psychiatric professional. Call Olney Counseling Center at 301-570-7500 for more information.

Resources
National Institute of Mental Health (n.d). Obsessive compulsive disorder. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd

International OCD Foundation (n.d). https://iocdf.org

Ryback R (2016 May 9). 4 myths about OCD. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-truisms-wellness/201605/4-myths-about-ocd

Feb14

How to Deal with Panic Attacks

By Nicole McAnally-Turner - blog,Stress Management

Panic attacks are overwhelming, sudden bouts of anxiety. Symptoms of a panic attack are both physical and emotional, often including sweating, palpitations/feeling like you’re having a heart attack, losing control, shortness of breath, nausea, trembling, hot flashes, lightheadedness, feelings of detachment, and feelings of impending doom. These episodes occur “out of the blue,” not in conjunction with a known fear or stressor.

In the past year, an estimated 2.7% of U.S. adults had panic disorder. Contributing factors usually include a family history of panic disorders and co-morbid mental health diagnoses. Panic attacks are frequently co-morbid with other disorders such as Anxiety disorders, Mood disorders, Phobias, Psychotic disorders, Trauma and stress-related disorders, and/or a high ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) score. Often there is no specific trigger for a panic attack. However, some people who experience a phobia-related trigger may experience a panic attack.

Panic attacks can be diagnosed by a mental health provider, primary care doctor, or psychiatrist based on criteria in the DSM-5. Your healthcare provider will take note of your medical history and current symptoms and may possibly run tests to rule out other potential conditions. A panic disorder diagnosis may be made after ruling out the effects of substances and other general medical conditions. One must experience unexpected, repeated panic attacks as well as one month or more of:

Persistently worrying about having panic attacks or their consequences
Changing your behaviors to avoid situations that you think may trigger an attack

Psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both are very effective means of treating panic attacks and panic disorders. Here’s how you can deal with panic attacks:

Deep breathing- Slow breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth can help reduce symptoms while in the attack. Practicing guided meditation can help you learn deep breathing to use in a panic attack.
Acknowledging the panic attack- Being aware that you are having a panic attack and not another serious health-related issue can help manage the fear and associated symptoms. Identifying your symptoms with your healthcare provider can help you feel more aware in the moment.
Utilizing mindfulness- Mindfulness techniques can help ground and recenter you to the present. Grounding allows you to affirm what is known and constant about a situation.
Relaxing your muscles- Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) is a technique that involves tensing and releasing different muscle groups to ease stress and anxiety.

Panic attacks are often overwhelming and exhausting. You can reduce your risk of having a panic attack by decreasing caffeine and alcohol, avoiding smoking, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in stress management. Call us today at 301-570-7500 to get help on how to deal with panic attacks.

Related Apps:

Meditation Apps: Headspace or Calm
Mood tracker Apps: Daylio or Bearable
Self-care App: Finch or I Am- Daily Affirmations

References:

Cleveland Clinic. (2003, February 12). Panic Attacks & Panic Disorder. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4451-panic-attack-panic-disorder

Gotter, Ana. (2018, December 7). 13 Ways to Stop a Panic Attack. https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-stop-a-panic-attack

National Institute of Mental Heal. (2023). Panic Disorder. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/panic-disorder#part_2655

Smith, William. (2021, April 20). How to Treat Panic Attacks: 6 Exercises and Techniques. https://positivepsychology.com/panic-attack-treatment/

Oct19

What is Mania and Hypomania?

By Kelsey Rood - blog

Mania and hypomania: although they sound similar, they differ in multiple ways. Although mania and hypomania have similar symptoms, hypomania is known to be a milder/less severe form of mania. Hypomania is seen in a diagnosis of bipolar II, while mania is seen in the diagnosis of bipolar I. Hypomania and mania differ in the length of episodes, severity, treatment, the possible need for hospitalization, and how significant it impairs function. Mania will last for a minimum of one week, where hypomania will last somewhere between a minimum of four to seven days. Mania is more severe in symptoms, severely impairing one’s functioning, and possibly leading to the need for hospitalization. Hypomania often does not greatly impact one’s daily functioning. Below are the symptoms of mania and hypomania, the key difference is hypomania’s version of the symptoms are less severe than mania.

Symptoms of Mania and Hypomania

Feeling of euphoria and feeling overly happy/silly. This can last for most if not the entire day for several days.
Higher levels of activity, excitement, and energy than usual.
Experiencing less sleep, not needing as much sleep, and still feeling rested on little to no sleep.
Not feeling hungry or the need to eat.
Reckless/risky decision making without considering the consequences of those decisions. These can include, but not limited to, purchasing large cost items, large amounts of reckless sexual activity, heavy gambling, and reckless driving.
Increased impulsivity and taking on many activities at one time.
Increased irritability and aggression.
High increase in optimism and over confidence, outside of one’s usual range.
Racing thoughts, racing speech/talking, and racing ideas.
Easily distractible by unimportant stimuli.
Hyperfocus on an activity.

The way hypomania and mania are diagnosed is through a mental health professional or healthcare professional. A healthcare professional will often rule out medical related conditions that could be causing mania or hypomania symptoms. Once an underlying medical related condition is ruled out, a mental health professional can diagnose mania or hypomania using the criteria listed in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders (DSM-5). Both hypomania and mania can be treated with psychotherapy and psychiatric medication. One of the most common forms of psychotherapy used to treat hypomania is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Mania and hypomania can often be treated with medications such as antipsychotics, anti-seizure medications (mainly used to treat mania rather than hypomania), mood stabilizers, and antidepressants. It has been stated in multiple articles that hypomania can be treated without medication with a primary focus on psychotherapy, self-care, and healthy lifestyle choices.

If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of mania or hypomania, please contact your health or mental health care provider. If you or someone you know is experiencing severe symptoms of mania, and is a danger to themselves or others, please contact 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

References

Cuncic, A. (Novemeber 30, 2021). Hypomania vs. mania: What’s the difference?. Very Well Mind. Retrieved October 15, 2023. https://www.verywellmind.com/hypomania-vs-mania-5208167

Cleveland Clinic (nd). Hypomania. Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved October 15, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21774-hypomania

Pietrangelo, A. (September 29, 2022). What you should know about mania vs. hypomania. Healthline. Retrieved on October 15, 2023. https://www.healthline.com/health/mania-vs-hypomania

Jan4

New Years Resolutions

By Kim Wells - blog

New Year's Resolution

The New Year is a time for resolutions and hopes for a better future. Resolutions are everywhere…online, on tv, all reminding us to lose weight, complete that degree we never finished in order to be a “happier, healthier, more accomplished person. So why year after year we set “New Year Resolutions” when studies show that most of us have given up our resolutions within 6 weeks.

I have a couple of thoughts. One, most of us say or resolutions rather then writing them down. Studies show that just by writing down your resolutions you increase your chance of success by 47%. If this number is true, that means that you can increase your chances of keeping your resolutions until week 22, sixteen more weeks just by writing down your resolution.

Another thought is that we put a lot of pressure on ourselves by just having a “resolution.” What would happen if instead of a resolution we chose to be more MINDFUL? There is a huge difference between a resolution and being mindful of our thoughts and behaviors.

The definition of a resolution is a “firm decision to do or not to do something”. This implies that there is only one way to be successful, you either do the behavior or don’t do the behavior but if you have any behavior that is not completely changed, you have failed according to this definition. Let me say that again, you have failed. No wonder most people give up on their resolutions so quickly. But what would happen if we changed our resolution to mindfulness? The definition of mindfulness is “the quality of state of being conscious or aware of something in the present moment without judgement.” This means that you can still have goals to be happier and healthier BUT if you fall short in your thoughts or behavior, you can still be successful in meeting your goal if you are aware of your choice. More simply put, mindfulness is not an all or nothing proposition.

So, if you want to increase the chances of reaching your goals this year, try thinking using MINDFULNESS and watch your lives change for the better.

Happy New Year!

Oct29

How to Make Relationship Counseling Work for You and Your Partner

By Brooke Schetgen - blog,Couples Therapy

We have previously discussed the topic of “does couples counseling work?” This is a common question therapists receive and is also a great source of fear and apprehension for many couples who want relationship counseling. It shouldn’t be!

Since we know that relationship counseling can be an extremely helpful tool, let’s shift our focus on how to make couples counseling work for you and your partner. There are many things you can do to make relationship counseling successful, or more likely to be successful, for you and your situation.

One important step in making couples counseling work for you and your partner is don’t wait! Couples, on average, spend six years of being unhappy before reaching out for help and most couples wait too long before seeking counseling. The sooner you begin to tackle the problems, the more likely you are to achieve a positive outcome.

Steps to take to make couples counseling work for you and your partner:

Have realistic expectations for what you’re looking for in counseling and what you’re hoping to achieve.
Realize conflicts are inevitable. Choose your battles wisely and distinguish between petty issues versus important ones.
Be open minded! Be willing to learn basic skills and become more self-aware, as well as emotionally vulnerable with your partner.
Stop seeing each other as the opponent, but as a team working towards a mutual goal of cooperation and contentment.
Have a desire and the ability to be able to put yourself in your partner’s shoes and to feel compassion for your partner’s vulnerable feelings and past emotional traumas.
Be willing to own your part in the problems, as well as your ability to bring about positive change in the relationship. Couples counseling won’t work unless both individuals are open to change some aspect of their behaviors and interactions. Assume you’re as much a part of the problem as your partner.
Do what your counselor tells you to do! You would not go to the doctor and get a prescription to feel better then not take it, right? Therapy only works if you do the work.
Keep your problems between the two of you. Complaining to family members, co-workers, and others outside the relationship promotes negative energy in the relationship, encourages a victim mentality, and keeps you locked in negative patterns.
Don’t threaten divorce. This can trigger more defensiveness and stress from your partner.
Don’t look around at your other options. This prevents you from seeing your partner in the same way and only brings the same issues to a new relationship. Nothing gets solved.
Be sensitive to how scared both you and your partner may be at the prospect of a breakup of the relationship. Relationship breakups are a big deal and a life altering experience.
Keep coming as long as your therapist thinks it’s beneficial.

Relationship counseling has shown to be effective for at least 75% of couples and decreases the number of complaints and distress among partners, and these results remain consistent for at least two years after the conclusion of treatment. Partners can learn to identify toxic patterns of behavior and communication, they can explore problems from a different perspective and learn ways to resolve conflicts more effectively. Couples counseling can also improve the overall quality of interactions and increase intimacy among couples.

Remember, counseling is a preventative process. It only works if you keep practicing what you’re taught and what you have learned from the experience. Most importantly, make sure you find a therapist that both you and your partner feel comfortable with. Connection with a counselor that both of you feel is fair, equitable, and listens to both of you is key to a successful couples counseling experience. We are here to help you and your partner and we are happy to help both of you have the best relationship possible.

References

Brooke, M. (2016, November 04). 10 Things You MUST Do for Marriage Counseling to Work. Retrieved October 02, 2020, from https://goodmenproject.com/featured-content/marriage-counseling-will-not-work-unless-you-do-these-10-things-dg/

Gaspard, T. (2018, April 03). Timing Is Everything When It Comes To Marriage Counseling. Retrieved October 02, 2020, from https://www.gottman.com/blog/timing-is-everything-when-it-comes-to-marriage-counseling/

Grande, D. (2017, December 06). Couples Therapy: Does It Really Work? Retrieved October 02, 2020, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/in-it-together/201712/couples-therapy-does-it-really-work?eml

Oct12

Does Therapy Work?

By Diana Martins - blog

Statistics show that most people will develop or experience mental health symptoms or a mental health emergency at least once in their lifetime. What if I told you that the chances of someone experiencing a mental illness are higher than developing a serious health condition including but not limited to heart disease, diabetes or any type of cancer. Most people are more willing to take care of their physical health than their own mental health.

Many cultures negatively stigmatize mental health symptoms/illness and believe that it is nonexistent. What would happen if we took this same approach to physical illness’ such as high blood pressure or the flu? We would have ill people going to work, grocery shopping, caring for our children, leading our countries and making big decisions all while they are physically ill. According to the National Institute of Mental Health only half of people with mental illnesses receive treatment. This means that the other half are trying to function normally when they are unable to do so.

Most Common Mental Health Conditions

According to the World Health Organization, the two most common mental health conditions are depression and anxiety.

Research shows that depression affects over 350 million people worldwide. Symptoms of depression include, but are not limited to:

A two-week period of feeling consistently sad
Experiencing loss of interest
Changes in sleep
Changes in appetite
Changes in energy level
Changes in concentration

Anxiety affects over 284 million people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, China, India and the U.S. are the countries most affected by anxiety. These countries also have the highest levels of bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Symptoms of anxiety consist of, but are not limited to:

Feeling nervous, restless or tense
An increased heart rate
Sweating
Trembling
Trouble concentrating
Trouble sleeping

Anxiety can interfere in day to day life and can be extremely difficult to control without proper mental health treatment.

The Research on Psychotherapy

So, the question becomes does therapy work? Can therapy address mental health conditions? According to the American Psychological Association, research indicates that psychotherapy has been found to be very effective in treating mental and behavioral health issues for a wide range of individuals and mental health diagnosis.

Psychotherapy has been found to be more effective than medical treatments that are used to address mental health issues. Psychotherapy has been shown to:

Decrease psychiatric hospitalizations
Improve overall functioning at work
Teaching client’s skills that last once they are no longer in treatment.

Combining psychotherapy and medication has been shown to be more effective than just medication by itself. Results of psychotherapy are known to have a longer result than using medication, which at times can have harmful side effects.

Please remember that a therapist is not there “to fix you”. A therapist is there to help you develop insight into your thoughts, worries, problems, and mental health condition. If you find yourself wondering does therapy work and you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of a mental illness, please contact us at Olney Counseling Center at (301) 570-7500 to begin working with one of our qualified mental health therapists.

Sep28

How to Support Someone Struggling with Depression

By Rose Bleiweis - blog

Just as it is hard to be an individual struggling with the heaviness of depression, it is often hard to know how to support someone struggling with depression. As a therapist, I work with adolescents and adults struggling with depression, which can be long term (often called Dysthymia), or shorter-term (often called Major Depressive Disorder). Depression can flare up due to biological factors, social factors, and psychological factors, often leading to extreme sadness and/or hopelessness, loss of interest in usual hobbies or activities, and negative thoughts about themselves, others, or the world.

Here are my 5 most recommended tips to help someone struggling with depression.

Validate and make sure they are safe- Acknowledge that you recognize they are struggling and let them know that you want them to be safe. Simply say, “I care about you and want to ensure that you are feeling safe right now, both to yourself and others?” If they express imminent concerns for the safety of themselves or others, help them to get emergency intervention – contact your local crisis center, call 911, or get them to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Be Present- Although it is difficult to do sometimes, put away all the distractions, including technology, and truly be present with the person who is struggling with depression. Ask “How can I support you?”. Sometimes they may just need you to listen, sometimes they may need physical touch, or sometimes they may just want you to sit and “be” with them, even if it is in silence. Letting the person know, “I want to be present with you during this difficult time. How can I support you?” can go a very long way and show this person the love and care that they likely need.

Be an engaged listener- If the person you are supporting does want to talk about their experience, be an active listener. Although you may not be able to help them through their issue, listening and being compassionate can make a world of difference. As renowned author Lori Gottlieb states, “People start to heal the moment they feel heard”. You do not need to solve their problem, just be there to listen.

Encourage them to receive professional help- People struggling with short- or long-term depression can often benefit from seeking professional support with a trained psychotherapist and/or medication prescriber (Psychiatrist, PNP, Primary Care). Some of the symptoms of depression may hold a person back from being motivated and following through with seeking help.

If they already have a therapist or other mental health professional, encourage them to reach out to schedule an appointment. Let them know that although you are here to listen, a trained and licensed professional is better equipped to help with effective and evidence-based therapeutic techniques.

If they do not already have a therapist or mental health professional, encourage them to sit with you and find someone who may be a good fit for them. I often recommend the website www.psychologytoday.com, which allows you to filter out clinicians based on insurance, location, specialty, etc. and learn a bit about them. Sending the first email or making the first call is often the hardest part, especially for someone who is actively struggling.

Participate in an activity together- When feeling depressed, it is common to “shut down” and want to lay low. Find a common interest or activity you can do together and encourage the person to do that with you. Oftentimes, even taking a short walk can help to release endorphins leading to increased Serotonin, which helps us to feel content and happy. There are many other activities you can do together that are just as helpful!

If you know someone who is struggling with depression, contact Olney Counseling today.

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