Harmonizing Minds: How Music Helps Mental Health

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Harmonizing Minds: How Music Helps Mental Health

 

If you’ve ever listened to music and noticed you feel better as soon as your favorite song comes on. You might have wondered how music helps mental health. Whether it’s listening to music that reminds you of certain times or certain somebody, to cheer you up. Or to allow you to connect with your other emotions. Music is a powerful tool that can have a great impact on how you feel.

According to recent studies, listening to music influences our cultural and personal identities and affects how we feel. Let’s take a look at how music can improve your mental health.

 

Why Music Is Important to Us

If one language could be used worldwide, it would be music. It has the power to take us elsewhere, enable us to relive memorable events. Improve our health and happiness, and enhance our sense of community and family ties.

It’s well established that music enhances mental health and life satisfaction. Young children may communicate through sound and movement through music, providing a creative and healthy avenue for self-expression for people of all ages.

Our relationship with music is particularly personal since we are complex human beings from a wide range of cultures with diverse life experiences and physical and mental health demands. Our connection with music may be a highly delicate, fragile, and frequently complex dance that changes every minute depending on our feelings, tastes, social context, and past experiences. 

There are ways in which listening to music can immediately and visibly improve our well-being:

  • Using a calming playlist to facilitate the transition to sleep,
  • Using lively dance music to inspire yourself to work out or feel better in general,
  • Facilitating self-expression through singing, 
  • Connecting with others during a live performance.

 

Music & Healing

Musical interactions between babies and their caretakers may develop a baby’s attention span and social awareness from birth. Musical interactions also provide social benefits for toddlers and preschoolers; however, their area of influence also extends to other children and instructors.

As children grow into teenagers and adults, they engage with others in a community of listeners and players through music. Music aids our understanding of people’s thoughts and emotions. Out of all the groups in our culture, students who play in the school band or orchestra have the lowest rates of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drug use, both in the present and over the long term. 

Listening to music influences our cultural and personal identities and affects our feelings. Serious mental health and drug use issues can also be treated with music therapy, as it can help people take a deeper look into their emotions and understand what caused them to feel a certain way. 

Apart from its therapeutic qualities, music can enhance the message of diversity and inclusivity by exposing individuals to different cultures and giving voice to underrepresented groups, thereby improving our comprehension and admiration of many societies.

 

Ways Music Can Help Mental Health

Music may be a powerful tool of transformation, even though there isn’t one miraculous song, optimal intervention, or ideal genre to make life’s difficult things easier.

 

  • Trauma Healing

It has been demonstrated that music therapy may offer a secure and encouraging setting for trauma healing and resilience development, as well as lowering anxiety and enhancing depressed people’s functioning. Utilizing music to achieve health and educational objectives, such as enhancing mental well-being, lowering stress levels, and easing pain, is known as music therapy. It is an evidence-based therapeutic intervention. 

Hospitals and schools are two places where you will be able to find therapy in the form of music. Participating in music-making activities, including creating songs, drumming circles, or group singing, has helped emotional release, encouraged introspection, and fostered community.

 

  • Social Connection

Additionally, music can unite people and foster social support by tearing down barriers and bridging gaps. There is growing evidence that music can foster social connectivity, improve prosocial conduct, and foster emotional competency. Communities may use choirs, music education programs, and music programs’ intrinsic power to unite people and promote a feeling of belonging. 

These events have the potential to provide welcoming environments where individuals from all backgrounds may congregate, work together. And form bonds around common musical interests. These encounters foster community, fight loneliness, and offer a network of support that can enhance general well-being.

 

  • Empowerment

There is a long history of using music for social change and activism. Through tackling subjects like gender bias, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial inequality, music may effectively serve as a vehicle for advancing inclusivity and social justice. People may communicate their particular experiences, challenges, and victories via music, connecting with others who have similar experiences. Listening to various musical genres and performers may help listeners overcome preconceptions, widen their viewpoints, and develop empathy—especially when they dance together.

Historically, underrepresented voices have been given a platform by genres like hip-hop, reggae, jazz, blues, rhythm & blues. And folk to reclaim their stories and question social conventions. Songs that are socially conscious have been shown to have a significant impact on causes like feminism. LGBTQ+ rights, and civil rights, where they have mobilized communities and brought about change. Engaging in activism as a musician may help their audience feel more connected to causes and inspired to become involved, as well as reach out to new supporters.

 

Conclusion 

According to certain studies, listening to music may be enjoyable and may even improve your health. In addition to its potential to bring happiness and pleasure, music has several other psychological advantages. In addition to energizing the body and calming the mind, music can even improve pain management.

The idea that music has the power to affect your emotions, ideas. And actions probably does not come as a huge surprise. Ever been moved by a live performance or pumped up by your favorite fast-paced rock anthem? You may understand how music can affect moods and motivate action. Whatever your mood, music will likely be your best friend. Whenever you need it, you can easily access it and enjoy its numerous benefits!

 

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) that has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do. 

Improve Your Communication Skills With These Helpful Tricks

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Improve Your Communication Skills With These Helpful Tricks

 

As long as we live, we will need to communicate, so finding ways to improve your communication skills is beneficial for all areas of your life. When we are better at communicating what we need, we can better understand others and build valuable relationships with them. People who have successful careers are often excellent communicators. Also, people in fulfilled relationships are quite aware of the value of communication.

That said, communication is a skill. We are not born as great or bad communicators and we cannot change that throughout our lives. There are many ways you can improve your communication skills and start noticing changes very soon. Continue reading!

 

Why Communication Matters

From the moment we are born, we start communicating. A baby cries if it is hungry, cold, or feels unsafe. The mother hears her baby cry and fulfills her newborn baby’s needs. That is communication. 

We can communicate verbally or nonverbally with each other. For instance, you can tell your friend that their comment was inappropriate by giving them a certain look. Or you can be direct and express your thoughts with words. Without communication, we would be unable to connect with others. We wouldn’t be able to build relationships with our parents, siblings, friends, teachers, partners, bosses, and random people we meet in life.

However, communication is not just an exchange of information. It gives us self-esteem, security, and a feeling of belonging. It is what builds relationships and communities that, without it, probably wouldn’t even exist. When we understand the value communication has in our lives, we are able to treat it as a priority and spend some time learning techniques that improve how we interact with the world around us. 

 

How to Improve Communication Skills

If you think your communication skills could be better, you’ll be happy to hear that improving them is not that complicated. As with everything, it takes time, yet once you start implementing the tricks we’ll share below, you’ll notice how you understand people better, and they will be able to understand you better as well. 

 

  • Listen Carefully

When talking about communication, most people will assume that we’re referring to talking. However, listening is a crucial part of communication. How you pay attention to the person talking to you will impact the quality of the communication you two have. Not only that, listening to someone partially shows them you don’t care about them or the topic they are trying to discuss with you. 

If you want to become better at listening, make sure you engage in a conversation when you are ready for it. If you feel tired or distracted, it’s better to share it with the other person and find a time and place that work better for both of you. 

 

  • Ask Questions

The best way to ensure that communication is ongoing and valuable to everyone who is interacting with you is by asking questions. When you ask a question, you show that you care and that you want to learn more about the person. This will also motivate the other person to ask questions about you.

Asking questions is not just reserved for showing interest. You should ask a question if you are listening to a lecturer at a seminar and need clarification on what they are saying. By clarifying, you will be able to have more valuable information and avoid miscommunication and confusion.

 

  • Always Recap 

Regardless of whether communication is happening between you and your work colleague or your partner, it’s a wise idea to recap. It allows you to see if you forgot to address something and also ensures that everyone is on the same page. Many times, you will notice that although you’ve shared your ideas or expressed your opinion, the other side didn’t maybe understand the way you hoped for. When you recap, you can check if all the information is clear. 

Don’t skip this one just because you assume that everything you or someone else has shared is more than straightforward. Just one second of distraction and your brain could have lost the most valuable detail!

 

  • Be Patient

When communicating, don’t rush! Trying to say or explain something quickly can make you skip important pieces of information and create chaos. When talking too fast or trying to end the conversation as soon as possible, the other person might even get the wrong idea and think you don’t like talking to them.

That is why it’s crucial to plan time for communication. If you need to talk about something with your partner, dedicate a certain amount of time to the conversation. Don’t just calculate the time you need to say what you need to say; include the time for the other person as well. 

 

  • Be Kind

Kindness and patience go a long way. If you are kind, people will want to talk to you. Even the leaders who are in front of multinational corporations will seem more approachable if their employees see them as kind. However, kindness is so much more than just not being distant or close-minded.

Offer empathy. Use your body language to show interest. Offer a hug when someone seems to need it. If people feel comfortable when talking to you, they will seek your advice more often. This also builds trust between people, so you’ll see that a kind person has more friends than an unkind one. 

 

Your Words Have Power … And Your Actions Too

Becoming aware of how you communicate with people around you is the first step to improving your communication. If you feel comfortable, ask a friend or your partner how they would describe your communication style. Take their impressions and start working from there.

Keep in mind that everything can be improved if you work on it. Also, don’t forget to work on areas that are important to you. If you want to learn how to speak more, get connected and start your journey at home. 

With your demanding boss, sharpening your communication skills will get you there. Test our ideas and adjust them to your communication style. As soon as you do so, you will start noticing how communicating with others has become much easier and more beneficial for you!

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) that has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do. 

Anxiety and Depression Therapist Near Me

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Anxiety and Depression Therapist Near Me

 

If you’ve come here after searching for an anxiety and depression therapist near me, we’ll share everything you need to know to find the best professional for yourself. Whether it is anxiety or depression, you need help with, or both, finding a good therapist is essential.

If you are keen to find someone who offers in-person sessions, look for a therapist whose office is within a reasonable distance from you. Before you go to your first session, there are some things you should be aware of, and we’ll mention them all in this article. 

 

Definitions of Anxiety and Depression

Although anxiety and depression are two distinct conditions, many people will experience both at the same time. If this is your case, you don’t have to seek a therapist for anxiety and another one for depression. As these two conditions often go hand in hand, patients dealing with both an5xiety and depression will receive one treatment that focuses on the causes and symptoms of both. 

Feeling sad or unmotivated to get out of bed is normal from time to time. Also, it’s normal that you experience anxiety in certain situations. This doesn’t mean you need to be diagnosed with these two conditions. However, if you’ve been experiencing anxiety or depression for a while now and it’s difficult to find something that makes you feel calm, happy, or satisfied with your life, it would be a good idea to see a therapist. 

Persistent or severe anxiety and depressive symptoms may indicate an underlying mental health issue. One of the signs of clinical depression is anxiety. Anxiety disorders like separation anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or generalized anxiety disorder can also frequently cause depression. A lot of people are diagnosed with both clinical depression and anxiety disorders.

Most of the time, psychotherapy, often along with antidepressants, successfully reduces the symptoms of these disorders. Adjusting your lifestyle to include better sleeping patterns, more social support, stress-reduction strategies, or regular exercise may also be beneficial. Avoid recreational drugs, alcohol, and tobacco if you have anxiety or depression. Even though many assume that because they briefly alleviate certain anxiety and depression symptoms, drugs and alcohol can hurt your progress to recovery. 

 

Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression

If you notice a constant presence of a feeling of unease, whether it’s fear or worry, you might have anxiety. Having anxiety is different from experiencing worry or fear from time to time. For instance, feeling anxious about a job interview is completely normal, yet feeling anxiety often and so intensely that it affects your daily activities is a more severe condition. 

These are the most common anxiety symptoms:

  • Finding it challenging to concentrate or make decisions
  • Feeling irritable or tense
  • Experiencing nausea or abdominal pain
  • Having heart palpitations
  • Sweating, trembling, or shaking without any cause
  • Sleeping problems or insomnia
  • Fearing that something bad is going to happen 

It’s important to learn the difference between anxiety and depression. When you feel sad for a while and feel like it’s interfering with your everyday activities, these could be signs of depression.

These are the common symptoms of depression: 

  • Feeling down or sad constantly
  • Feeling like you’ve completely lost hope
  • Feeling helpless
  • Feeling unworthy
  • Being constantly irritable and intolerant of others
  • Feeling guilty for things that are out of your control 
  • Finding it hard to make decisions
  • Lack of motivation or interest in things you were once passionate about 

 

Anxiety and Depression Therapy

Through therapy, you can become more conscious of your feelings, the reasons behind them, your triggers, and techniques to help change your behavior. Certain forms of treatment provide useful skills for reframing unfavorable beliefs and altering behaviors, and they are used in treating anxiety and depression as well.

 

Interpersonal Therapy 

Interpersonal therapy is focused on any disturbed personal relationship in your life that could be the cause of depression or anxiety. 

 

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy is to help patients change the negative patterns in their thinking and behavior, which are often common symptoms of depression and anxiety. 

 

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) 

Dialectical behavioral therapy was created to help with borderline personality disorder, yet it has proven to be quite successful with patients who deal with anxiety and depression. Many individuals can use these skills to get instant distress tolerance and emotion regulation. 

 

Eye Movement Desensitization Resolution (EMDR)

The EMDR technique is recommended for people who want to recover from a certain trauma or have post-traumatic stress disorder. As childhood traumas are one of the most common causes of depression and anxiety in adult life, EMDR therapy can help you deal with symptoms better and learn how to cope with your everyday activities better. 

 

Somatic Therapy

Although popularized recently, somatic therapy is really efficient when it comes to learning how our thoughts and emotions impact our body. Somatic therapy consists of numerous body-centered practices in which your therapist helps you understand what your body is experiencing with certain memories or events and how to find better ways to deal with them. 

 

Finding the Right Anxiety and Depression Therapist

There are probably many therapists in your area. However, not all of them will be adequate to deal with patients who are suffering from anxiety, depression, or both. This is why it’s important to research a therapist before booking a session with them.

Check their website and client reviews, or ask them directly for fields of expertise. You have every right to know whether or not they will be able to help you with your unique situation. Treating a patient who has anxiety or depression is very different from treating a patient who is going through a divorce with kids. 

These are just a few useful tips when looking for an anxiety and depression therapist:

  • Determine your goals before seeing your new therapist.
  • Check your finances and consult your insurance company.
  • Ask for recommendations from people you trust. 
  • Reach out to therapists who address your area of concern. 
  • Ask your therapist questions during the first session to see if they fit you well. 

 

Whichever therapist you choose in the end, make sure they have the knowledge and the skills to help you deal with the challenges in your life. If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, reach out to a trustworthy anxiety and depression therapist in your area and take the first steps towards a more fulfilled life. 

 

Quick Ways to Reduce Anxiety and Stress

quick ways to reduce anxiety and stress

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) that has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do. 

Tips to Improve Confidence

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Tips to Improve Confidence

 

Anyone looking for tips to improve confidence may be aware that they need to change something up. Not only that, but our confidence reflects how we truly feel about ourselves.

Confidence can empower us to face life’s obstacles with determination. It is a universal experience to feel unsure in certain situations, but many of us have also experienced the feeling of confidently performing a task. So, how challenging is it to boost your confidence and take on tasks you once considered beyond your capabilities? Let’s find out together!

 

What Is Confidence?

Being confident means having faith in yourself, knowing that you can get through tough situations and reach your goals, and being ready to do what you need to do. To have confidence, you need to be realistic about yourself and feel safe in your skills.

Confidence helps people handle pressure, build trust, make a good first impression, and solve personal and professional issues. Also, people like people who are confident because it makes them feel at ease. Not everyone is naturally confident. With practice and patience, one can acquire and hone this skill.

 

Ways to Improve Your Self-Confidence

So many successful people attribute their success to their self-assurance and confidence. However, only a few of them go into detail about how to develop or acquire confidence. Confidence can be challenging because it is based on various factors. In general, it is based on decisions and outcomes that fulfill your passion and give you a sense of fulfillment and self-worth.

 

Start Accomplishing Small Things

Accomplishment leads to confidence. Simple as that! You will feel much better about yourself if you accomplish something today. This can be cooking lunch, organizing your closet, completing a business project, or doing anything else that would make you feel good about yourself. You can even plan daily, weekly, monthly, and annual goals if that’s something you’re passionate about.

Try to make these goals something that could boost your confidence beyond just accomplishing the task. For instance, you can decide to attend more events where you can meet people with similar interests and feel confident about yourself once you make a new friend.

 

Don’t Compare Yourself to Others

Do you evaluate your worth against others you follow on Instagram? Or, do you compare your career and lifestyle to those of your friends? Comparing is a fundamental human behavior; however, you shouldn’t expect it to increase your confidence. In fact, comparing leads to quite the opposite.

How do you gain confidence when you realize you are comparing? First, tell yourself that it isn’t beneficial to do so. Feeling jealous of someone else’s life? Focus on your own strengths and achievements. To remember your blessings, keep a gratitude journal, as this keeps you focused on yourself, not others.

 

Get Inspired By Others

Consider for a moment how people in your life make you feel. Do they make you feel better or worse? Do they accept you as you are, or are they always passing judgment on you?

The people you spend time with can affect how you think about and feel about yourself. That is why knowing how other people make you feel is important. If you feel as if your confidence drops after spending time with a certain person, it is time to evaluate their meaning in your life. Rather, surround yourself with people who genuinely care for and love you. You should always look for people who can boost your confidence and are positive about life.

 

Exercise

Exercise has several health benefits, including enhancing attention, preventing depression, lowering stress levels, and enhancing memory recall. With frequent exercise, you will start feeling good about yourself. Your body will be stronger and in better shape, and you will also have more confidence once you start following your workout routine.

That said, you don’t have to work out every day. Depending on your schedule, choose a time that works well for you and dedicate 30 to 45 minutes to yourself. If you’re not a fan of working out at home or the gym, consider jogging in the park, taking a yoga or pilates class, or joining a group sport such as volleyball or basketball.

 

Be Kind to Yourself

You will build confidence once you learn to be kind to yourself. Everyone makes mistakes or fails to meet certain expectations. Making it difficult for yourself will not make you feel better or build your confidence.

By being kind to yourself, you can better handle difficult emotions and adapt to them, strengthening your relationships with others and yourself. When experiencing a difficult situation, there is so much you can do. Keep in mind that we all do the best we can and allow yourself time to recover and heal.

 

Face Your Fears

If you have big aspirations and high standards for yourself, you will undoubtedly feel overwhelmed and incapable of achieving them. Your fear might be present because something feels too big or because you simply feel unprepared. However, when you break each project into tiny pieces, it becomes less scary.

Any fear prevents you from being your best. Start by diving into that fear. Discovering its purpose may reveal that it is protecting you. For example, if your previous relationship left you heartbroken, you may be afraid of falling in love again. Acquiring knowledge will enable you to assess your personal growth from the previous encounter and boost your self-assurance when interacting with strangers.

 

Final Thoughts

Everybody occasionally struggles with confidence. Fortunately, you can boost your confidence in a number of ways with our tips to improve confidence. Taking action is a common way to actually feel more confident.

Low self-esteem can occasionally be an indicator of mental health issues like anxiety or depression. Seek advice from a mental health expert if your lack of confidence affects your ability to function in your job, social life, or education. A therapist may provide further insight into the problem, suggest a course of action, and collaborate with you to create skills that can boost your self-esteem.

If you want more tips to improve confidence, start your journey at home and take small steps every day to build a more confident you!

 

Body Image Therapy: Learn to Love Your Look

body image and social media

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) that has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do. 

Difference between Therapist and Psychologist: Choosing the Right Professional for Yourself

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Difference between Therapist and Psychologist: Choosing the Right Professional for Yourself

 

There is more than one difference between therapist and psychologist, and knowing them will help you find adequate mental health support. Among other things, the educational backgrounds and diagnostic skills of psychologists and therapists are what differentiate one profession from another.

All psychologists can be r therapists, even if the name “therapist” refers to a variety of occupations in the field of psychotherapy. However, not every therapist is a psychologist.

Let’s dive deeper into these roles to understand them better and help you decide which of these two professions you need to live your life to the fullest. 

 

Therapist vs. Psychologist: Educational Background

You need a master’s degree in counseling or a similar discipline to work as a therapist. Most states also demand licensure, which consists of fulfilling academic prerequisites and finishing a clinically supervised experience. 

In order to gain the practical skills of a therapist, you could participate in a practicum or intern during your study. To become a licensed professional counselor, you must learn about and abide by the regulations set out by your state’s counseling licensure board.

Psychologists will need to have an advanced degree in psychology to be able to diagnose their patients with mental health disorders or conditions. Psychologists can also decide on the appropriate treatments based on their clinical diagnoses and observations.

Therapists, on the other hand, is a profession that welcomes all psychologists, psychiatrists, marriage counselors, life coaches, and social workers. Unlike psychologists, therapists can have any of the degrees in social work, clinical psychology, psychiatry, family counseling, or a similar field. The goal of therapists is to help their patients make better decisions and clarify feelings through talking to them. 

 

Similarities Between Therapists and Psychologists

As many people will confuse therapists with psychologists and vice versa, it’s obvious that they have certain similarities. Both a therapist and psychologist can help improve the mental and emotional well-being of their patients.

Also, they can diagnose mental health issues and guide their clients to more sustainable, stable, and fulfilling ways of doing things. This can be related to a range of issues, from how to set healthy boundaries to how to communicate your needs to your spouse. 

Both professions can help you with the right treatment and tactics to overcome challenges you face in your everyday life. When it comes to licenses, therapists and psychologists must possess a state-required license and meet all the requirements of the state they work in. 

In most states, neither the therapist nor the psychologist can prescribe medications to their patients or clients. 

 

Therapist and Psychologist Specialties

If you’re considering whether you should see a therapist or a psychologist, the list of areas they treat might help you decide whether this type of help will provide you with what you need:

  • Marriage counseling
  • Divorce counseling
  • Couple counseling
  • Family counseling
  • Grief counseling
  • Group therapy
  • Career counseling
  • Community counseling
  • Substance abuse
  • Addiction counseling
  • School counseling
  • Play therapy

 

Seeing a Therapist or a Psychologist

Ask for qualifications while searching for any kind of psychotherapy. Since not all psychotherapists have the same level of competence in all areas, this information is crucial depending on the kind of treatment you’re seeking. 

The most crucial factors to take into account when selecting a mental health expert to deal with are their clinical experience, educational background, and possession of the necessary licenses to offer you safe and efficient care.

Psychotherapists can help people develop stronger interpersonal skills and relationships and find clarity and fulfillment. Clinical and counseling psychologists are skilled in those domains as well, yet others opt to specialize in testing, diagnosing, and treating severe mental diseases that go beyond everyday problems.

Which problems you hope to address will determine whether you see a psychologist or therapist. Remember that a professional’s degree of education and training is indicated by the phrases “psychologist,” “therapist,” and “counselor.”

All of these experts, however, are beneficial to the mental health field and have various methods to assist their customers.

Feel free to enquire about a therapist or psychologist’s credentials and training if you’re considering working with them. Additionally, you can enquire about their methods and areas of expertise.

 

Other Factors to Consider

Costs should be considered when deciding between a therapist and a psychologist. When estimating expenses for visiting a psychologist or therapist, consider the following:

  • Fees: Higher costs may be charged by a private practice, particularly if the experts are well-liked by a sizable patient base or have many years of expertise.
  • Reputation: Recognize that reputation may affect price. If you have a specific therapist or psychologist in mind because of their reputation, it can be worth paying a little bit more for a private practitioner.
  • Apps: Community clinics and counseling apps can provide more cost-effective therapy solutions with fixed session prices or a monthly membership fee.
  • Group therapy: Individual treatment may be more expensive than group therapy. Additionally, they could connect you to groups of individuals who are sympathetic to your situation and share your worries.
  • Coverage network: If you have insurance, verify that your provider is in your coverage network by calling your insurance company before seeing a specialist. You’ll pay extra out of pocket for experts outside your network.
  • Sliding fees: Ask about a sliding payment schedule. If you don’t have insurance, many psychologists and therapists offer sliding prices to assist you to afford their services.

 

Conclusion

For addressing mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, psychologists and therapists may be quite helpful. Also, some psychologists and therapists focus on group therapy, which involves bigger cohorts of individuals addressing related issues.

Both adults and children can start with therapy. The decision between a therapist and a psychologist ultimately comes down to your requirements and your objectives. You can create and meet therapeutic objectives with the help of either kind of mental health practitioner.

Make sure you feel at ease with the expert you choose in the end so that you can lay the groundwork for effective long-term care. With the right expert, you will be able to improve any area of your life that is troubling you and become a happier person!

 

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) that has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do. 

Trauma PTSD: Definition, Examples and Treatment Options

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Trauma PTSD: Definition, Examples and Treatment Options

 

A person suffering from trauma PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) frequently relives the horrific incident through flashbacks and dreams. They may also feel guilty, alone, and irritable.

They could also have trouble focusing and experience sleep issues, including sleeplessness. These symptoms frequently affect the person’s day-to-day functioning significantly since they are severe and persistent.

 

What is Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

PTSD is a mental health condition that can affect those who have gone through or observed a traumatic incident, sequence of events, or combination of circumstances. This might harm someone’s mental, bodily, social, and/or spiritual well-being and be perceived as emotionally or physically damaging or even fatal. 

Natural catastrophes, catastrophic accidents, terrorist attacks, war and conflict, rape and sexual assault, past trauma, violence against intimate partners, and bullying are a few examples.

 

What Causes PTSD?

PTSD can result from any experience that a person deems distressing.

These may consist of:

  • major traffic incidents,
  • violent crimes against people, such as robberies, muggings, and sexual assaults,
  • major health issues,
  • birthing experiences.

 

After going through a traumatic situation, someone may get PTSD right away, or it may take weeks, months, or even years for it to manifest.

About one in three people who suffer trauma are thought to have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while the precise reason why some individuals get the disorder and others do not is unknown.

People who often encounter traumatic events, such as extreme abuse, neglect, or violence, may be identified as having complex PTSD. While it may not manifest for years after the incident, complex PTSD might have symptoms that are comparable to those of PTSD.

Early-life trauma tends to be more severe since it might have an impact on a child’s development.

 

Who Can Get PTSD?

PTSD may strike anyone at any age. This covers those who have served in the armed forces as well as those who have been the victims of abuse, assault, or other serious incidents, including accidents and disasters. Even when they are safe, people with PTSD may experience anxiety or tension.

Not every person suffering from PTSD has experienced a traumatic incident. Finding out that a friend or family member experienced trauma can occasionally cause trauma symptoms in others. Specific individuals may be more susceptible to developing PTSD due to some aspects of the traumatic incident and biological variables (such as genes).

 

Symptoms of PTSD

The severity of PTSD symptoms might change over time. When you’re under a lot of stress or are reminded of your past experiences, you could experience increased symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. 

For instance, you could encounter fighting again and hear a car backfire. Alternatively, you can be struck with flashbacks to your assault after seeing a news article about a sexual attack.

 

Intrusion 

Uncontrollably recurring recollections, unsettling nightmares, or flashbacks to the traumatic incident are examples of intrusive thoughts. People may suffer flashbacks that are so vivid that they feel as though they are experiencing or reliving the painful event.

 

Avoidance

One way to prevent yourself from being reminded of the traumatic occurrence is to stay away from people, places, activities, things, and circumstances that might bring back painful memories. Individuals might make an effort to forget or stop thinking about the upsetting experience. They could be reluctant to discuss what transpired or their feelings around it.

 

Changes in Mood 

The inability to recall significant details of the traumatic event; negative thoughts and feelings that result in persistent and distorted beliefs about oneself or others; erroneous ideas about the event’s cause or consequences that lead to incorrectly blaming oneself or another; persistent fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame; a marked decrease in interest in once-enjoyed activities; a sense of being distant or estranged from others; or the inability to feel happy or satisfied.

 

Changes in reactivity and arousal

Reactive symptoms, such as irritability and furious outbursts, reckless or self-destructive behavior, suspiciously over-vigilant awareness of one’s surroundings, difficulty focusing, difficulty sleeping, and so on, can all indicate arousal.

 

Treatment Options

After a traumatic occurrence, it’s common to have disturbing and perplexing thoughts; nonetheless, most people recover on their own over a few weeks. If one month after the traumatic event, you are still experiencing issues, or if the symptoms are especially bothersome, you should consult a general practitioner. Your general practitioner may recommend you to mental health professionals for additional evaluation and care if needed.

Even if PTSD appears years after a terrible experience, it is still treatable. The intensity of the symptoms and the time elapsed after the traumatic incident determine the course of treatment. 

It is crucial to remember that not everyone who encounters trauma goes on to acquire PTSD, and not everyone who does has to go to a mental health facility. Some people’s PTSD symptoms gradually lessen or go away. Others who have family, friends, or clergy as support systems recover. 

However, to recover from psychological suffering that can be severe and incapacitating, many people with PTSD require professional care. It’s critical to keep in mind that trauma can cause extreme suffering. PTSD is curable, and the person experiencing the anguish is not to blame. A person’s chances of recovering are improved the earlier they receive therapy.

 

Final Thoughts

Following a stressful experience, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may arise. It manifests as a variety of symptoms, including worry, hypervigilance, negative ideas and beliefs, and flashbacks.

Speak with your doctor or a mental health professional if you’ve been experiencing unsettling thoughts and feelings related to a traumatic experience for longer than a month, if they’re intense, or if you feel like you’re struggling to regain control over your life. You should seek therapy as soon as you can get the help you need for PTSD symptoms.

You cannot avoid negative events or experiencing situations that negatively impact you. However, you can learn how to deal with the consequences of these events in a way that is not harmful to your physical, mental, and emotional health. With the right PTSD therapist, you will learn helpful tools and techniques that can help you heal from the traumatic event that caused the PTSD. 

 

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) that has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do. 

Emotional Granularity: How to Understand Emotions Better

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Emotional Granularity: How to Understand Emotions Better

 

Emotional granularity, also known as an emotional distinction, refers to the ability to identify our exact emotions with terms other than the typical ones, such as “happy,” “sad,” “angry,” or “excited.” We learn to understand emotions as we become adults and face different life situations.  

We become more aware of our emotions as we mature. And we become adept at identifying various emotions, such as feeling cold, hungry, angry, sad, ashamed, joyful, etc. A person’s capacity to distinguish between the specificity of their feelings is known as emotional granularity. 

In this article, we’ll examine emotional granularity and how you can better understand your emotions to live a more fulfilling life. 

 

What Is Emotional Granularity?

The capacity to pinpoint exact details about our emotional experiences is known as emotional granularity. This makes it easier to comprehend and helps us cope with our emotions. While some people rely on more broad emotional strokes, others can engage in this process naturally. 

Many of us characterize our emotional states with cryptic phrases like stress. This can also sound like “that makes me sad” or “I’m just so mad.” These are helpful places to start. However, the more detailed we can be, the more capable we will be to respond to our emotions rather than just react.

When we can express our anger, we are likely to discover that numerous things or circumstances make us feel that anger. It can often be used as a mask for pain, humiliation, or shame. Just picture the sensation of having a friend or a partner who genuinely understands your situation and perspective. It’s comforting to feel secure and have a sense of belonging, right? By trying to understand ourselves better, we may offer that to ourselves on some level. 

 

Examples of Emotional Granularity

You have low emotional granularity if you identify and discuss your feelings with certain, limited phrases. For instance, you may choose to use terms like “excited,” “happy,” or “calm” to express your good feelings and “angry,” “sad,” or “afraid” to describe your negative ones.

People with severe depressive illness and social anxiety disorder have reduced emotional granularity, making it harder for them to distinguish between different negative emotions.

On the other side, those with high emotional granularity deal better with emotions in general. They frequently have fewer episodes of anxiety and despair, respond less strongly to rejection and setbacks, and are generally less likely to engage in self-destructive coping mechanisms like binge drinking, drugs, or violence.

Emotional granularity approaches have the potential to help even with phobias. Those people who have arachnophobia and have been trained to articulate their thoughts about spiders felt less anxious than those who are used to either thinking positively about the spider or avoiding it altogether. People with higher emotional granularity felt even more at ease going up to the spiders in person.

 

Why Emotional Intelligence Matters 

The skills and talents that enable you to recognize, comprehend, and regulate your own emotions and recognize and sympathize with those of others are referred to as emotional intelligence (EQ). Empathy may assist each of us in creating and sustaining deeper and better connections, whether in person or online, at work or at home. 

Being emotionally intelligent makes it possible for you to communicate clearly, sympathize with others, and be self-conscious and socially aware. How we react to each other and ourselves influences our work and home situations. Living in this world involves connecting with various individuals and embracing change and unexpected experiences daily. Emotional intelligence is the secret to how you react to what life throws at you. It’s also essential to have compassion and comprehend the underlying motivations of other people’s behavior.

When faced with challenging circumstances like conflict, change, and hurdles, EQ becomes even more crucial. Remembering to be nice during these moments is essential, and being aware of our feelings can support us. 

 

Benefits of High Emotional Granularity

Understanding the intricate details of emotions enables us to react perceptively, explain our experiences to others clearly and concisely, and thoroughly digest our feelings. Physical, mental, and emotional well-being are all intricately linked. We are focusing on all if we are focused on only one. Take an interest in the world of your emotions. Make inquiries about oneself and come up with responses. The beauty of reflection is that it gives us the freedom to reject things as they are.

 

Comprehending Complex Emotions

Every day, we encounter annoying circumstances, and things rarely go as planned. High emotional granularity reduces our likelihood of feeling overwhelmed in difficult or stressful circumstances because it allows us to respond to our emotions more precisely and even reinterpret them to suit our needs at that particular time.

 

Connecting Better with Others

We become more acquainted with a range of emotions when we strive to increase our capacity to distinguish between them with specificity. This aids in accurately identifying our own emotions and also the emotions and motives of others. When we understand people around us, we can better empathize with them, communicate more effectively, and build stronger bonds with them.

 

Improving your Behavior

When you understand your feelings more deeply, your brain can more easily perceive how you perceive a certain situation. You can pay serious attention to your instincts rather than leaving them aside. As a result, you can determine your options and the best course of action with greater accuracy. These experiences eventually shape your behavior and how you react to difficult circumstances in the future.

 

Practicing Emotional Granularity

Expand the vocabulary of emotions you know. This can be accomplished by storing a feelings wheel on your phone or printing out a copy. Use it to help identify your feelings more precisely the next time you are experiencing negative emotions. 

Describe your “bad” feelings in further detail: Do you feel scared, busy, stressed out, or bored? And then go into even more detail: Are you feeling indifferent or apathetic when you’re bored? Are you feeling abandoned or alone if you are lonely? 

You’ll have more accurate tools to deal with life’s numerous obstacles when you exercise emotional granularity. The benefits of higher emotional granularity are not something you will take for granted because they can have a significant effect on your health and well-being. 

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) that has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do. 

Learn All About High Functioning Anxiety Symptoms

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Learn All About High Functioning Anxiety Symptoms

 

If someone has called you a perfectionist on more than one occasion, it could be that you have high functioning anxiety symptoms. Being one of the best students, cum laude at college, excellent employee, devoted spouse, and present parent has consequences. We are raised to be great and always improve. However, this can harm our mental health and indicate high-functioning anxiety. 

Being successful in a few areas of your life is not the same as being a perfectionist. When trying to be perfect in every environment and situation, there is often an emotional roller coaster of anxiety, fear, and self-consciousness behind that perfect facade. 

 

What is High Functioning Anxiety?

Although it comes with mental health consequences, you will not find high-functioning anxiety symptoms in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). Why? Because people benefit from you performing at this rate, they would not say there is anything wrong with you in our world. 

I like to think that all people with high-functioning anxiety symptoms can access therapy if they want it, yet insurance won’t cover individual therapy unless you are diagnosed. 

A person with high functioning anxiety will typically be a high achiever, also referred to as a “perfectionist.” However, their striving to be great in all these areas can produce anxiety, fear, depression, loss of self-esteem, etc. Typically, a person with an anxiety disorder will struggle to complete their tasks and reach their goals. They may also display fear or worrying thoughts, which can result in a variety of physical reactions, such as:

  • racing heartbeat
  • headache
  • restlessness and/or agitation
  • panic attacks
  • disrupted concentration
  • muscle tension
  • higher blood pressure
  • gastrointestinal symptoms

 

High-functioning anxiety sufferers may experience some of these symptoms but can complete their tasks and reach their goals. Many people with high-functioning anxiety use anxiety to fuel their accomplishments. For instance, having that fear of failure will motivate them to work extremely hard to avoid it. 

That’s why you might have heard of many successful people who have struggled with this type of anxiety. As motivated professionals, they are often successful and strive for more each time they achieve a goal. However, success that is based on anxiety is not sustainable and often affects other areas of life, like mental health and relationships. We understand as we have a team of therapists and coaches able to provide guidance if this is what you are going through. 

 

High-Functioning Anxiety Symptoms

A person with high functioning anxiety might experience some of the above-mentioned signs; however, they will more likely demonstrate some of these characteristics:

  • Be extremely organized
  • Strong need to control situations
  • Being a perfectionist
  • Biting nails,
  • Restless legs
  • An intense inner critic with high standards
  • Uncontrolled anger or irritation when things don’t go as planned
  • Lack of trust in others to complete tasks

 

When looking at this list, it’s pretty evident that none of these characteristics are bad. On the contrary, they will often be celebrated and used to explain the success of high-achieving people. What’s important to know here, however, is that these signs also have a darker side. For instance, even if they worked hard to get that promotion at work, if someone else gets it, they might feel dysregulated and reach for extraordinary measures to be in control again. 

The darker side of these characteristics is the emotional rollercoaster underneath. People with high functioning anxiety will look perfectly happy and satisfied on the outside, but on the inside, they might overthink too much or have a strong need for constant affirmation. This might result in situations that are dangerous for both mental and physical health. Regardless of its shiny side, high functioning anxiety is still a form of anxiety, and not addressing it with someone who might be of help to you can only make things worse. 

 

Safety Seeking Behaviors

When dealing with high functioning anxiety, a person might expose themselves to certain safety-seeking behaviors, which can be counterproductive and dangerous. Some of such behaviors might include: 

  • Avoidance
  • Escape
  • Compulsions
  • Addictions
  • Procrastination

 

If a person is behaving in any of these ways excessively, these behaviors will interfere with their functioning, so they might end up having issues at work or in their relationships. Because they are wired to constantly thrive, people with high functioning anxiety will find it difficult to relax and rest, which can have physical consequences as well. 

For instance, taking a vacation with their family might be stressful instead of relaxing. Or, they will plan the entire vacation and fill it with numerous activities because it’s almost impossible for them to unplug. 

A person with high-functioning anxiety needs to control almost every moment of their life and often the lives of people around them, and, unfortunately, it doesn’t lead to mental health and wellness. To be mentally well, a person needs to know and practice ways to decrease stress in their life, prioritize their healthy habits, and enjoy their time when relaxing and doing nothing. 

 

Tips For Combating High Functioning Anxiety

If you or anyone you know has high-functioning anxiety, they should assess their stress levels with screening tools. Also, if you notice a frequency in symptoms or strong signs of anxiety, you should start seeing a therapist who will help you manage your symptoms and find your way to living a happy, fulfilled life. Typically, cognitive-behavioral therapy and/or dialectical behavioral therapy, with a trauma-informed lens, will be recommended as they’re focused on changing behaviors. This makes it a good tool to successfully manage the downside of this type of anxiety. 

With DBT, CBT, and EMDR coaching, our clients learn coping strategies to lower counterproductive safety-seeking behaviors while also developing new perspectives to feel good about themselves and reduce the unnecessary suffering they often experience. 

One of the best ways that a person can feel better is by practicing mindfulness, a technique that is focused solely on the breath. Mindfulness is focused on the ‘now,’ and it reduces all the noise that is leading to more anxiety every time.

In general, any activity where a person takes a step back and starts practicing what makes them feel at peace will be beneficial. They can start reading more, drinking their morning coffee in silence on their balcony, go for long walks alone, listen to classical music, play an instrument, etc. After all, the more peaceful moments a person learns to enjoy and cherish, the less their mind and body will feel stressed. If you want to begin your journey of meditation at home, start here! 

Quick Ways to Reduce Anxiety and Stress

quick ways to reduce anxiety and stress

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) that has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do. 

Do Celebrities Have Therapists? Yes! We work with them!

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Do Celebrities Have Therapists? Yes! We work with them!

 

If you’re asking, “Do celebrities have therapists?” This article will provide all the information you need. To answer your question, many celebrities have therapists and talk about it publicly.

Harry Styles, Katy Perry, and Michelle Obama have all discussed the value of therapy in their lives. Celebrities sometimes use therapists like yours because money does not protect you from problems.

 

Success and Therapy

Success often brings its own issues. As a celebrity or creative, you might struggle with the new crowd of people you attract. Guidance from an expert can help you navigate this new experience better. Some celebrities have spent years learning to enjoy success without feeling burdened by it. Remember that some celebrities have relationship coaches instead of typical marriage counselors because they need immediate guidance. Therapists can do this too!

Will and Jada Smith have spoken about how Will’s success and money have negatively affected their happiness. Will expected love could be proven best with money, driving Jada to depression as she felt they lacked a real connection.

Janet Jackson often said she didn’t deserve fame and the thousands of fans at her concerts because she grew up in her brother’s shadow.

For those without much privacy, being the star may hinder their ability to process loss, heartbreak, or stress. Expected to fulfill responsibilities, they lack time to grieve or spend a few days alone.

Money cannot protect you from such problems. Being rich simplifies some things, but it cannot control the world or prevent pain. For those earning less than $250,000 a year, money may help some problems, but that’s for another blog!

 

What Does Therapy for Celebrities Look Like?

Privacy and confidentiality are essential for quality therapist-client relationships. However, these factors are even more important for celebrities. Imagine driving to your therapist’s office with paparazzi waiting to take your photo and speculate on your mental health.

Many celebrities have video calls with their therapists or call them when they need support. Talking about private issues requires relaxation and concentration, which is difficult if you fear media exposure.

Celebrity therapists must understand privacy difficulties and how this lifestyle causes loneliness and mental health neglect. Celebrities should prioritize mental health over tours, employees, interviews, and appearances, yet that’s easier said than done!

Therapists must offer quality, tailor-made services accommodating celebrities’ schedules, security, and logistical concerns.

 

Healing Process for a Public Figure

Therapists treating well-known clients know they often battle mental health issues. Being in the public eye can make problems worse or lead to harmful behaviors, like addiction. Without mental health work, celebrities can lose the capacity to enjoy their successes and challenges.

Many in the public spotlight frequently suffer mental health issues and feel pressure to act as though they are not. Everyone has the right to improve their mental health by healing traumas and learning to deal with life better.

For celebrities, healing might be more difficult than for a private person. Their healing process might look different and bring different benefits. As many celebrities have employees, it’s in everyone’s interest to have an employer who can face challenges and make the most of opportunities.

Everyone experiencing fame should seek therapy, though healing times vary. Even if used to cameras and online attacks, this field has many things affecting mental health. Talking to a therapist or celebrity relationship consultant can help you understand and feel safe in any situation.

 

In Final Words

No one knows better how important it is to look after mental health than a therapist. Celebrity status shouldn’t prevent seeking help for mental health issues. Access to therapy is essential for everyone, especially those under constant pressure and living in the public eye.

Working with a therapist can bring tremendous benefits to a celebrity’s professional and personal life.

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) that has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do. 

 

How to Become a Marriage and Family Therapist: Enhancing Your Skills to Meet Requirements

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How to Become a Marriage and Family Therapist: Enhancing Your Skills to Meet Requirements

 

If you have a desire to help people and are excellent at noticing patterns, consider finding out how to become a marriage and family therapist. Becoming a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) involves obtaining a relevant master’s or doctoral degree. Gaining clinical experience, passing a licensure exam, applying for state licensure, and staying updated with ethics and legal regulations. 

MFTs focus on systemic approaches, cultural sensitivity, multigenerational understanding, collaboration, relationship enhancement, and preventive care. Many MFTs, including those at Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT). Also have over a decade of experience in communication coaching, relationship negotiations, improving friendships, understanding identity, and improving your overall mental health. 

Be sure to interview those whom you are seeking coaching from to see how much training they have! Even if you don’t use the degree yet and just take MFT classes, you will learn so much in this field.

 

Get Educated

First, you must obtain a master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field from an accredited institution. Make sure the program you choose has accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education (COAMFTE) or a comparable accrediting body. This degree typically requires 2–3 years of full-time study. Many of our staff at LCAT have completed this coursework. While in your masters program, you do 500 hours of direct client coaching. 

When finishing this program, most states require a certain number of supervised clinical hours in order to become licensed. You will need to complete a specific number of direct client contact hours under the supervision of a licensed MFT. This is typically around 1,000 hours, depending on the state, and 100 hours of supervision. Each state in the USA requires something different. International locations require a variety of means. For those of you who aren’t seeking diagnosis and treatment, we would love for you to inquire about our private coaching programs. 

After graduation, you begin the licensure exam process specific to Marriage and Family Therapy. The National Examination in Marital and Family Therapy, which the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) administers, is frequently taken in the USA.

 

Exam

Once you pass the exam and are notified, you apply for state licensure with your state’s licensing board for Marriage and Family Therapy. Requirements vary from state to state. So you’ll need to research the specific requirements in the state where you plan to practice.

After obtaining your license, you’ll need to engage in continuing education to maintain it. Different states have different requirements for how many hours of continuing education you need to complete. At our practice, our therapists stay up to date on topics related to wellness!

As you progress in your career, you might choose to specialize in a specific area within Marriage and Family Therapy, such as working with celebrities, passionate couples. Those who are sexually curious, or specific mental health issues.

It’s important to note that requirements can vary significantly by state. So it’s crucial to check with your state’s licensing board or regulatory agency to get accurate and up-to-date information on the requirements in your area. Always ensure that you’re following the regulations and guidelines set forth by your state to practice legally as a Marriage and Family Therapist.

 

Why would you want to be a marriage and family therapist? 

Well, being a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) comes with several unique aspects that distinguish it from other fields of therapy and mental health professions. 

MFTs are trained to view individuals, couples, and families as components of larger systems. Therefore, family dynamics, relationships, and interactions with the community affect overall well-being. MFTs can address systemic dynamics, communication patterns, and relational struggles from this perspective.

It’s really important to consider how to become a marriage and family therapist, depending on where you are located. In general, MFTs explore how patterns of behavior and emotional dynamics can span multiple generations and within various communities of the person who is experiencing distress. This understanding helps MFTs uncover and address deep-rooted issues that may have been passed down through generations. MFTs are trained to work with diverse populations. Acknowledging the impact of culture, ethnicity, and identity on family dynamics and mental health. They strive to provide culturally sensitive and inclusive care to effectively address the needs of clients from various backgrounds.

The specialized focus on relationships, systems thinking, and the ability to address the complex relationship between individual well-being and family dynamics make marriage and family therapy unique.

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) that has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do. 

 

Define EMDR Therapist and Learn How They Can Help You

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Define EMDR Therapist and Learn How They Can Help You

 

Are you uncertain about how to define EMDR therapist? If you’re unsure whether this type of therapy could benefit you, continue reading this article. We will explain EMDR therapy in detail and how EMDR therapists can help you understand and manage your emotional challenges.

 

What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. It is a body-included psychotherapy that aids in processing and healing past events impacting your mental health and overall well-being. EMDR therapy has been shown to be effective in treating trauma more rapidly compared to traditional psychotherapy, which can often take years. Research suggests that EMDR therapy facilitates psychological trauma recovery in a manner similar to how the body heals physical wounds. Just as a cut needs time and care to heal without further irritation, EMDR helps clear the blocks preventing emotional recovery.

 

Definition of an EMDR Therapist

To properly define EMDR therapist, it is important to understand that EMDR is a specialized technique requiring specific skills and knowledge. This treatment should only be administered by qualified and licensed mental health professionals. An EMDR therapist is responsible for assessing the client’s readiness and creating a tailored treatment plan. They work with clients to identify potential EMDR processing targets, which may include upsetting recollections and current emotionally taxing situations, as well as relevant past incidents. The goal is to address negative perceptions, beliefs, and physical experiences connected to traumatic events to foster positive changes.

 

Difference Between EMDR and Other Therapy Types

EMDR treatment assists the brain’s natural healing process rather than attempting to alter feelings, thoughts, or behaviors related to traumatic situations. Unlike other psychotherapies, EMDR can achieve substantial progress in fewer sessions for many clients. The brain’s information processing system inherently aims for mental wellness, but emotional wounds can persist if not adequately addressed. EMDR therapists help clients initiate their recovery by using various protocols and procedures tailored to their individual needs.

 

Treatment Areas

The primary use of EMDR therapy is for treating trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with recognition from both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). However, EMDR therapy is also beneficial for a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, addictions, behavioral issues, marital problems, and more severe disorders like psychosis and personality disorders.

 

How EMDR Therapy Works

An EMDR therapist guides you through several phases within a specialized framework. They evaluate how your history influences your present, assess your current symptoms, and determine your readiness for EMDR. The therapy aims to alter the emotional significance of traumatic experiences. For instance, a survivor of a traumatic event may shift from feeling intense fear to developing a stronger sense of self-belief. Unlike traditional therapy, EMDR clients often gain insights through their own rapid mental and emotional processes rather than through the therapist’s interpretations.

 

Benefits of EMDR Therapy

If you haven’t tried EMDR therapy yet, you might be surprised by its wide-ranging benefits. These advantages are becoming increasingly recognized as effective therapeutic interventions. EMDR therapy helps individuals share their experiences and gain new perspectives as they work through trauma. It can also address anxiety and panic-related disorders, helping people manage stress and avoid relapses triggered by trauma.

 

Final Thoughts

Engaging in EMDR therapy is a significant step toward a more fulfilling life. Its greatest benefit lies in its ability to improve the lives of those affected by mental triggers and trauma. Like any treatment, the benefits of EMDR therapy increase with the effort and commitment invested. Over time, you may notice reduced sensitivity to past triggers and a greater sense of control over your life, ultimately leading to enhanced self-care and well-being.

Reach out and ask to schedule an appointment with Melody virtually for EMDR. 

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) that has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do. 

Trauma Informed Therapist Near Me

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Trauma-Informed Therapist Near Me

 

If you search online for a ‘trauma-informed therapist near me’, numerous options will appear. That might make it difficult for you to understand which therapist would be the best for you and why. Working with a trauma-informed therapist is incredibly important for your mental and emotional health. So we’ve decided to share all important pieces of information about understanding this type of therapy and finding the right person to guide you to your recovery. 

 

What Is Trauma-Informed Therapy?

The consequences of a person’s trauma on their behavior, mental health. And treatment capacity are all vital elements of trauma-informed therapy. Trauma-informed therapists take precautions to prevent unintentionally triggering or re-traumatizing their clients because they are aware of their trauma history.

The term “trauma-informed” refers to the idea that trauma is frequently present in our lives and that it is essential to include it in therapy for successful results. Trauma-informed therapy is a practice that recognizes and treats the impact traumatic events may have on a person’s mental, emotional, and physical health. 

Trauma-informed practitioners work in several domains, including mental health clinics, schools, social service organizations, and healthcare facilities. Their purpose is to provide trauma survivors with a secure and affirming environment for their unique needs and obstacles.

Trauma-informed therapists strive to build a patient’s sense of safety and trust before going deeper into the trauma. By respecting their clients’ voices and choices about what they are looking to get from their treatment, trauma-informed therapists aim to empower their clients. 

 

Understanding Trauma

In trauma-informed therapy, you will learn to understand your traumatic experience and the impact it had on your life. There are many different definitions of trauma, and there is no one right way for someone to experience trauma or to react to it. People will be affected differently by the same incident, and not everyone who goes through a traumatic experience will suffer from trauma in the future.

A defined list of events that can be considered traumatic doesn’t exist. It matters more how you respond to them. After all, trauma is a personal experience. Nobody else can understand how you feel about your personal experiences or whether they have traumatized you. Similar events may occur to you, yet they may affect you differently or for longer.

That said, trauma-informed therapists have shared events that are more common to be considered traumas among their patients:

  • Road accident
  • Terrorism
  • Domestic violence
  • Sexual abuse
  • Emotional abuse
  • Bullying
  • Natural disaster
  • War
  • Serious illness
  • Physical or sexual abuse
  • Neglect
  • Unexpected death of a friend or a family member

 

Of course, many other events are not on this list yet can be traumatic for a person. More than the event itself, the emotional reaction is what helps therapists define whether an event can be considered traumatic. If, as a result of a certain event, you feel frightened, humiliated, rejected, unsafe, abandoned, powerless, trapped, or unsupported in any way, this might be a sign of trauma. 

 

How Trauma-Informed Therapy Works 

The main focus of trauma-informed therapy is how previous traumatic events affect relationships and life experiences. Your therapist will help you understand the impact of trauma on your feelings, actions, and thought processes throughout treatment. Trauma-informed therapy has a more comprehensive approach, considering the underlying causes of your present behaviors rather than only concentrating on the ones you’re attempting to change with therapy.

Even if a person doesn’t think they have experienced trauma in their life, trauma-informed therapy can help them safely identify traumatic events. Trauma can arise from a variety of stressful circumstances, some of which are more obvious than others. 

Many people will not even understand they have been traumatized by certain events, others might develop unhealthy coping techniques. In both cases, trauma-informed therapy can be quite beneficial to learn how to cope with your trauma history in a way that truly works best for you. As you start creating a safe environment with your therapist, you will become more aware of your trauma and the impact it had on you. This way, you will be able to learn new techniques that help you deal with it better. 

 

Seeking a Trauma-Informed Therapist

Finding a trauma-informed therapist might be challenging. Adopting a trauma-informed approach differs from the numerous approaches that exist in the field of psychology. Pay attention to how your potential therapist explains their treatment philosophy while making your first contact with them. 

Giving both physical and mental safety is a priority to establish a healing-friendly environment for clients who have experienced a traumatic event. Once you start talking to them. Consider if they are truly helping you understand how you are dealing with your trauma and what alternatives are available to you. 

If you feel uncomfortable talking to your therapist even after several sessions, ask yourself if it’s something about them that’s not allowing you to feel safe and share your thoughts and emotions with them. You can even share how you feel with them and see if their response will change your mind. If they don’t provide you with the answer that relaxes you and ensures you’re in the right place, a good idea would be to look for a new trauma-informed therapist. 

 

In Final Words

Trauma treatment can last months or even years, so be ready to dedicate yourself fully to the process and anticipate that therapy may not always be easy. You might need some time to open up to your therapist and to trust them, yet it’s an incredibly beneficial process for those who have experienced any type of trauma. 

Keep in mind that sometimes, recalling and discussing upsetting experiences from your past might have an impact on your mental state and overall well-being. With the right therapist, you should feel safe enough to go through these experiences. And they should be there for you every step of the way. Dealing with trauma is not easy, yet it is the only way to truly recover from it and stop allowing it to control your life.

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) that has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do. 

 

Understanding Celebrities with Personality Disorders: A Compassionate Look

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Understanding Celebrities with Personality Disorders: A Compassionate Look

 

The conversation about mental health, especially as it relates to celebrities with personality disorders, has become more prevalent in our world, where the lives of individuals are more visible than ever. While the glitz and glamour often overshadow these conversations, it’s essential to remember that celebrities, just like us, have their personal challenges.

Firstly, it’s essential to clarify what personality disorders are. They are enduring patterns of inner experiences and behaviors that deviate from the cultural norm. These patterns manifest in two or more of the following areas: cognition, affectivity, interpersonal functioning, or impulse control. As a trauma-informed licensed marriage and family therapist, it’s imperative to approach this topic with sensitivity and compassion.

Recently, some celebrities have openly shared their diagnoses or experiences that align with various personality disorders. Their transparency has shed light on these conditions and shown that success doesn’t negate human struggles.

 

To List a Few Celebrities With Personality Disorders 

The comedian and actor Pete Davidson has talked candidly about his experience with borderline personality disorder. He has de-stigmatized the discussion surrounding celebrities with personality disorders by being open and honest about his experiences.

Another famous athlete in the NFL, Brandon Marshall, has been vocal about his diagnosis of borderline personality disorder, advocating for mental health awareness and treatment.

In addition to them, the openness about mental health in the celebrity community is a testament to the broader acceptance and understanding of such conditions.

It’s important to note that while some celebrities have been open about their diagnoses, many others have not. Speculation can be harmful, and it’s crucial to approach the topic of celebrities with personality disorders with respect and discretion.

One favorite person to discuss is Marsha Linehan, who is a psychologist who said she was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, and that is why she created Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to develop effective treatments.

Although not officially recognized as a personality disorder, Demi Lovato, for instance, has courageously discussed their struggles with mental health, which resonates with many aspects of borderline personality disorder. For many, Lovato’s candor regarding their difficulties and road to recovery is a ray of hope, even though Lovato doesn’t say they have a personality disorder publicly. 

 

The Struggles of Fame

The effects of living in the limelight can exacerbate mental health issues. The pressures of fame, the constant scrutiny, and the demands of the industry can be intense. It’s important to keep in mind that celebrities face challenges in everyday life, and in some cases, their public persona makes those struggles seem more severe.

Understanding personality disorders requires a multi-faceted approach. There are various causes, including genetic, social, and environmental factors. Traumatic experiences, especially during childhood, can also play a significant role. As a trauma-informed therapist, it’s evident that societal judgment and stigma can further aggravate these conditions.

Furthermore, having a personality disorder doesn’t define an individual; it’s merely one facet of their holistic self. As society becomes more understanding, we hope more people, celebrities or not, feel safe sharing their stories.

As consumers of media, we play a role too. By approaching celebrities with personality disorders with empathy and open-mindedness, we can help create an environment that supports understanding and recovery. One where individuals are not defined by their conditions but by their strengths, talents, and contributions.

For those curious about the topic, always ensure that the sources you’re consulting are credible. The discourse around celebrities with personality disorders should be approached with empathy and understanding, remembering that they, too, are on a journey of self-discovery and healing.

In conclusion, as we continue to evolve in our understanding of mental health, it’s our collective responsibility to create a supportive environment. Whether celebrity or not, every individual deserves compassion, understanding, and the opportunity to thrive.

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) that has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do. 

 

Executive Coaching Meaning, Benefits & Useful Tips

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Executive Coaching Meaning, Benefits & Useful Tips

 

Are you confused by the executive coaching meaning? You’ll be surprised if you think it’s only relevant for high-level managers and C-suite members! Every employee who wants to grow their career should have access to some kind of professional coaching, regardless of their position in the organizational hierarchy.

Do you feel like you have hit a professional dead end? Looking for some inspiration? Achieving your full professional potential is within your reach with the support of executive coaching. 

 

Meaning of Executive Coaching

Executive coaching is also known as one-on-one coaching and performance coaching, among others. This approach is used in leadership development when a trained coach assists an employee in reaching their professional objectives and overcoming obstacles. A leader’s performance can be greatly enhanced with the assistance of an executive coach. 

Consulting, mentoring, and executive coaching are distinct roles. As an alternative to seeking outside assistance, executive coaching means encouraging leaders to reflect on their own strengths to identify and develop their own internal resources for professional growth.

 

Benefits of Executive Coaching

Executive coaching can significantly boost a leader’s effectiveness and give them more meaning to excel in their performance. Since the meaning of coaching focuses solely on an individual’s goals, strengths, and challenges, it is the fastest and most effective way to develop a leader.

To be a better leader, one must improve their skills, set goals, achieve them, make smarter decisions, and improve communication. With quality executive coaching, you will learn how to do all these things and maybe then lead others to do the same. 

These are just some of the benefits of executive coaching: 

  • Decision-making improvement
  • Improve strategic planning
  • Motivate positive changes 
  • Inspire and communicate teams
  • Stress and conflict management
  • Improve work-life balance
  • Gain self-confidence and drive

 

Who Needs an Executive Coach?

When we answer what is the executive coaching meaning, we look at the best minds. Any leader, from a board member to a team leader, may benefit from executive coaching. The requirements and objectives of each leader are catered to in the coaching program. Because of its one-on-one approach, coaches can more easily tailor their methods to fit a particular leader’s needs, personalities, and requirements. 

Every industry hires executive coaches to improve leaders’ performance and image. Leaders benefit greatly from such coaching when facing challenges that affect their performance and growth. 

When it comes to situations in which you can benefit from executive coaching, these are the most common ones:

  • Transitioning to new duties
  • Addressing stress, conflict, or crisis
  • Rapidly developing future leaders
  • Tailoring professional development for top performers

 

How the Executive Coaching Process Works

Executive coaching can last six months or more, depending on your goals. With continued coaching, your coach will help you improve and change careers.  

In the beginning of your meetings, your coach will spend some time getting to know you. They’ll discover more about your employment history, motivations, and background. With your permission, they may also solicit feedback from your colleagues regarding your abilities and talents.

With this more comprehensive picture of you, they can establish their understanding of the system to help you achieve your goals. All of this information is only used to help you grow as a leader and become a high-performing professional. 

As you work together, your coach will evaluate your progress. Certain coaches implement a grading system as a means of evaluating progress and assigning performance points in accordance with observed behavioral changes and outcomes. These kinds of evaluations help coaches identify your areas of strength and the best course of action. 

 

Qualities of a Great Executive Coach

Choosing an executive coach requires some considerations. Coaching is less regulated than others. Not every coach completes a development program or master’s program in systems theory. Make sure you research every potential candidate and hire executive coaches who were trained as systems therapists (master’s in system theory or marriage and family therapy) who can help you excel. 

Your coach provides advice and guidance on your professional development. To get relevant insights and solutions, hire executive coaches with industry experience.

What type of coach are you hoping to collaborate with? Are you happier with direct, actionable advice? Or would you rather have a tactful, kind delivery? None of these teaching methods are better, but each has pros and cons. Thus, choosing a coach with your preferred style is best.  

Think about a coach’s reputation as well. Do they have five star reviews from past clients? Have they been in leadership roles? 

 

Becoming a Better Leader

When you decide to work with an executive coach, you invest in more than your professional future. A qualified coach can boost confidence, reveal hidden talents, and reduce stress in fast-paced environments. In an executive coaching program, you are investing in your career and team leadership. 

Leadership skills take time to develop for you and the organization, regardless of your position. Coaching can help executives. These skills will follow you wherever your career takes you, even to another company. 

So, if you see benefits to growing professionally, consider executive coaching. Research the best MFTs and systemic therapists in your area to get top quality executive coaching. 

 

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) that has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do. 

 

Return to Office Anxiety Help

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Return to Office Anxiety Help

 

If you need to return to the office and feel anxious about it, this article is for you. Like many others, you’ve probably also gotten used to working from home, sometimes in your pajamas, and having more flexibility in general. With more companies asking their employees to work at the office, you might feel strange.

Packing a lunch from home, eating out, and traveling may all have an effect on you once you return to office life. To assist you in overcoming these challenges, we have put together a few practical tactics for you to try.

 

Companies Asking Employees to Go Back Into the Office

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, working remotely has become the new normal. This makes it really difficult to come back from vacations and holidays and return to the office. 

During 2020 – 2021, all across the world, businesses were closing their physical locations, allowing their staff to work from home, and developing policies to help staff members get used to working remotely. However, many of these companies are now urging their workers to return to work and resume normal operations.

Naturally, this is difficult. Employees have already gotten used to working from home. You will have to give up having meetings in your pajamas, not having to get up earlier than 10 minutes before work, and doing housework while working when you return to work. Unsurprisingly, many employees are struggling to adjust to this work environment. 

Those of you who are, you are not alone. Adjusting to major changes takes time and patience. 

 

Common Challenges of Going Back Into the Office

Employees noticed challenges when they returned to work. However, you can overcome these challenges and start seeing the benefits of office work as you become more comfortable. 

 

Commuting Time

Returning to work has increased commute times, a major drawback. Remote work has reduced commute costs and time for many workers. Additionally, commuting may be exhausting and stressful, especially for people with lengthy commutes or who must use public transit.

 

Lower Flexibility

Employee flexibility may be lost if they return to the office. Many employees have valued the flexibility to work from home because it has made managing their personal and professional lives easier. Losing this freedom when returning to the office could result in lower job satisfaction and a greater turnover rate.

 

Ways To Get Used to Being Back At the Office

Luckily, there are several ways to adjust to the above and other challenges of returning to on-site work. If you try one of these techniques and you’re not feeling better, try again the next day. 

 

  • Slow Down

Though you may not enjoy returning to work, remember that your coworkers feel the same way. As they adjust, chatty coworkers may avoid talking to everyone. As you go at your own pace, so will they. 

 

  • Be Intentional with Your Time

Commutes will likely affect your time during this transition. Furthermore, you must learn that you cannot be in two places at once. Cooking and working from home are possible. When you return to work, you will have to give up that luxury. Ensure you use your time wisely, such as listening to books on the way to and from work, so you have more time at home to exercise, engage in hobbies, spend time with others, and cook.  

 

  • Create a New Routine

If you work from home, you are probably good at jumping on Zoom at the last minute. Having a morning ritual may seem antiquated.

Yet consider how you may combine your existing routine with the one you need. Determine when you should wake up and what kind of help you might need at home. Implement these steps gradually to have enough time to get used to them. 

 

  • Set Healthy Boundaries

Many boundaries were blurred by working from home. It may be quite difficult to keep business and home life distinct when you’re seated at a makeshift desk in your kitchen or bedroom. Now, you have the opportunity to establish boundaries about your availability, communication style, and the location and hours of your job with this return to the workplace. Consider what is most effective for your emotional and professional well-being, and let your boss and coworkers know what you discover.

 

  • Don’t Ignore Your Mental Health

Preparing for stressful events is a common practice, so it’s very acceptable to feel anxious. Consider taking these three actions: Set a time to go back to work, talk to others about your feelings, and have an internal discussion. Specific worries are not as bad as generalized anxiety. It is not unexpected or abrupt since it has an anchor date, which grounds it. You may better address your emotions and adjust to pressure by asking yourself questions.

Conclusion

Returning to the office is a complicated matter with advantages and disadvantages for both companies and workers. While returning to work might foster creativity and teamwork, preserve a positive workplace culture, boost output, and enhance employee wellbeing, it can also be expensive for companies, increase employee commutes, and reduce flexibility. 

When determining whether to have employees return to the office, businesses should carefully weigh these considerations and try to strike a balance that benefits both the business and the employees. With time, you will adjust well and be able to make the most of this new work environment. 

Quick Ways to Reduce Anxiety and Stress

quick ways to reduce anxiety and stress

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) that has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do.