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. 

Finding Harmony: Musicians with BPD

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Finding Harmony: Musicians with BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder)

 

Music has always been a channel for raw emotion, a way for artists to express their innermost feelings and experiences. Behind the stage lights and chart-topping hits, some musicians carry a unique set of challenges — Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). In this blog, we’ll explore the world of musicians with BPD, delving into their struggles, triumphs, and the powerful music they create.

 

The Emotional Soundtrack

Borderline Personality Disorder is characterized by intense emotional instability, impulsivity, and a profound fear of abandonment. Musicians with BPD often use their music as a means of coping with these intense emotions.

 

Songwriting as Catharsis

Many musicians find solace in songwriting. It becomes their emotional outlet, allowing them to express the rollercoaster of feelings that come with BPD. The lyrics often resonate with listeners who relate to the same struggles.

 

The Power of Connection

Music creates a unique bond between artists and their audience. When a musician with BPD shares their experiences through their songs, it can help others feel understood and less alone in their own battles.

Life in the music industry is demanding, with constant tours, late-night performances, and intense public scrutiny. These challenges can be particularly difficult for musicians with BPD.

 

  • Unpredictable Mood Swings

BPD’s emotional instability can make it challenging for musicians to navigate the highs and lows of their career. It can impact their relationships with bandmates and industry professionals.

  • Self-Doubt and Impulsivity

Impulsive behaviors can lead to risky decisions both personally and professionally. Self-doubt can affect their ability to believe in their talents.

 

Coping Strategies

Navigating the music industry with BPD requires resilience and self-care. Many musicians have found effective ways to manage their condition while pursuing their passion.

 

Therapy and Support

Therapy, both individual and group, can provide essential tools for managing BPD symptoms. Support from loved ones and fellow musicians is also crucial.

 

Self-Care

Musicians with BPD often prioritize self-care to maintain their well-being. This includes adequate rest, healthy routines, and mindful practices.

 

Building a Supportive Community

The music industry is evolving, with more focus on the well-being of artists. Support networks and resources for mental health are becoming increasingly available.

The experiences of musicians with BPD remind us that mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of their fame or talent. By speaking openly about their struggles, these artists contribute to breaking the stigma around mental health in the music industry.

 

Conclusion

The world of musicians with BPD is a testament to the power of music as a means of self-expression and healing. These artists remind us that even in the midst of intense emotional struggles, creativity and resilience can thrive. By sharing their stories and music, they inspire others to seek help, break the stigma surrounding BPD, and find harmony in their own lives.

 

 

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. 

 

Stopping Self-Sabotage: Reasons Behind It and How To Stop It

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Stopping Self-Sabotage: Reasons Behind It and How To Stop It

 

Understanding the causes of self-sabotage can help us find the tools for a happy, fulfilled life. Have you ever forgotten your charger and spent the day waiting for an important call, worrying about your phone dying? 

Perhaps you feel like your romantic partner is not listening, so you use more words to express yourself. However, this may cause your partner to tune out, making you feel like you are losing your connection.

Whether you realize it or not, you are sabotaging yourself and every relationship in your life, causing unnecessary frustration and stress. So, how can you know with certainty if you are sabotaging yourself?

 

Detecting self-sabotage

With self-sabotage, the person who is stopping you from being productive, satisfied, and fulfilled is you. Sometimes, you will be fully aware of this fact, and oftentimes, you won’t. You might impulsively decide to buy a big chocolate cake a few days after you’ve decided to go on a healthier diet. 

As we get so distracted with other things in life, we tend to forget that we’re self-sabotaging and think that other problems are causing us to feel this way. This often happens in relationships when you, for instance, feel competitive with another mom in your child’s school, so you’ll get into a passive-aggressive dance with them and try to be better than your competitor. 

This type of behavior prevents you from seeing the good side of that person and potentially becoming good friends with them. However, understanding that self-sabotage is behind all of it and learning how to cope with it is not as easy as most would assume. 

 

Identifying Your Thinking Patterns

Behind each of our behaviors is a predominant mode of thinking. The issue is that often we only focus on the way we behave instead of the thinking patterns that are leading us to such behavior. One of such examples might be that people with anxiety tend to be hypervigilant to any sign of threat, which results in detecting threats where there aren’t any. One of the common examples is also seeing problems as much bigger than they actually are, or when asked to do something, overreacting internally and feeling like someone has added too much pressure. 

So, instead of reacting as you used to before, you will need to start detecting these thoughts once they start appearing. When you notice them, try to use common sense and reduce the noise. A way of dealing with this might involve you saying to yourself that something is not a threat; it’s a great opportunity. 

To be able to affect your thinking biases, you will need to intervene once your initial reaction kicks in and take a look at it from a fresh perspective. Understanding how your thinking pattern works requires a lot of effort and reflection. What are the thoughts that appear often and are limiting you in some way, whether it’s with yourself or connecting with others?

 

Reducing The Noise

Many times, we’ll be so enthusiastic about changing aspects of our lives that we’ll want to change them all at once. When it comes to self-sabotage, you will need to reduce the noise around your life-changing decisions and focus on one at a time. For instance, if you’re constantly late for work and want to get promoted, think about the techniques that will help you achieve that goal.

For instance, you can set up an alarm 30 minutes earlier every workday or plan to go to work with a colleague, which will help keep you accountable for arriving early to the office. Wherever self-sabotage appears, think about the ways you can change your thinking about it, which will lead to changing your behavior as well. 

Apps on your phone can be quite handy for most of the areas where self-sabotage appears; however, if you prefer more conventional ways, by all means, go for it. You can have post-it notes around your apartment or office or write things down in a notebook you carry around with you. 

 

Make Your Rules

Although rules sound too strict, they will help you be more accountable for things you wish to improve in your life. Let’s say you’re a freelancer who struggles with organizing your workload and being more productive. To avoid being overly stressed when deadlines are approaching, you can have a rule that requires you to put all the tasks on your calendar as soon as you accept them. 

If you’re trying to improve communication in your relationship, you can make a rule with your partner to dedicate a certain amount of time each Friday evening to talking about what’s important to you. 

The common error that most people with self-sabotage make is to rush into changing everything and end up with the same results. You need to approach this systematically. Understanding what’s truly preventing you from reaching your goals will help you change how you act and think about them. 

 

Celebrate Small Wins

As much as stopping self-sabotage is a long-term process that often has its ups and downs, it’s important to celebrate small wins. By acknowledging progress, you will feel more motivated to continue changing your life for the better. Going back to the example from the article, if you want to get a promotion at work, celebrate each time you get to work on time by doing something you love in the evening.

The celebration of your small wins doesn’t have to be related to the area you’re trying to improve. For instance, if you have a healthy, constructive conversation with your partner, you can celebrate it with a nice bath just for yourself the next day. As long as it’s something that will make you feel good about this process, you should think of it as a celebration of leaving self sabotage behind.

 

 

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. 

Positive Thoughts for Today to Help You Make the Most of It

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Positive Thoughts for Today to Help You Make the Most of It

 

These positive thoughts for today can encourage you to see the good side of things even when your day is off to a disastrous start, if you’re looking for inspirational quotations to brighten your spirits.

This collection of motivational “keep positive” quotes, thoughts, and messages can be helpful during these uncertain times. They range from upbeat sayings that foster optimism to heartwarming affirmations that’ll help you regain your “glass half full” mentality.

You can write them on a sticker note and put them next to your computer screen, in your favorite notebook, create a visual, and add it as a screensaver on your phone. Whichever way you choose, make sure you memorize these thoughts, as they can be exactly what you need to eliminate the stress of your day and reconnect with yourself again. 

 

Thoughts About Peace

“When you make peace with yourself, you make peace with the world.” — Maha Ghosananda

“Train your mind to see the good in every situation.” —Unknown

“Peace is not the absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means.” — Ronald Reagan

“Do not let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace.” — Dalai Lama

“Peace is a journey of a thousand miles and it must be taken one step at a time.” —Lyndon B. Johnson

“It isn’t enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn’t enough to believe in it. One must work at it.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

“Nobody can bring you peace but yourself.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson

“If you are depressed you are living in the past if you are anxious you are living in the future, if you are at peace, you are living in the present.” — Lao Tzu

“Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding.” —Albert Einstein

 

Thoughts About Happiness

“The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved; loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves.” — Victor Hugo

“Most people would rather be certain they’re miserable than risk being happy.” — Dr. Robert Anthony

“Happiness consists more in conveniences of pleasure that occur every day than in great pieces of good fortune that happen but seldom.” — Benjamin Franklin

“Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it.” – Andy Rooney

“It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.” — Charles Spurgeon

“When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life.  When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up.  I wrote down ‘happy’.  They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.” — John Lennon

“Happiness is a how; not a what. A talent, not an object.”– Herman Hesse

“Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn, or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude.” — Denis Waitley

 

Thoughts About Patience

“You can have it all. Just not all at once.” —Oprah Winfrey

“Patience is the mark of true love. If you truly love someone, you will be more patient with that person.” — Thich Nhat Hanh

“A goal is not always meant to be reached, it often serves simply as something to aim at.” – Bruce Lee

“To lose patience is to lose the battle.” – Mahatma Gandhi

“Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life.” — Omar Khyyam

“Patience is not simply the ability to wait – it’s how we behave while we’re waiting.” — Joyce Meyer

“Patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success.” — Napoleon Hill

“Two things define you: your patience when you have nothing and your attitude when you have everything.” – Unknown

“Be strong enough to let go and wise enough to wait for what you deserve.” — Anonymous

 

Thoughts About Love

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” —Aesop

“Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.” — Barbara De Angelis

“Have enough courage to trust love one more time and always one more time.” — Maya Angelou

“The regret of my life is that I have not said ‘I love you’ often enough.” — Yoko Ono

“Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.” — Robert A. Heinlein

“Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.” — Lucille Ball

“Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.” — Rumi

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” — Lao Tzu

 

Thoughts About Creativity & Business

“Extraordinary things are always hiding in places people never think to look.” —Jodi Picoul

“To win big, you sometimes have to take big risks.” —Bill Gates

“No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.” —Robin Williams

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” —Walt Disney

“The power of imagination makes us infinite.” —John Muir

“The world is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.” —Bertrand Russell

“Art is the elimination of the unnecessary.” – Pablo Picasso

“The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.” – Sylvia Plath

“Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” —Albert Einstein

“Create with the heart; build with the mind.” – Criss Jami

“Creativity is seeing what others see and thinking what no one else ever thought.” – Albert Einstein

 

 

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. 

 

Goals.of Therapy: Ending With a Therapist

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Goals.of Therapy: Ending With a Therapist

 

After reaching your goals.of therapy, you may consider ending your therapy relationship at the right time and with the right attention. A smooth transition that complies with the highest standards might produce the greatest overall efficacy, even though some patients might choose to discontinue treatment early.

Psychotherapy’s effectiveness depends on many evidence-based factors, including a patient’s motivation, a therapist’s interpersonal skills, and their therapeutic alliance. The way a patient’s treatment ends can have a significant effect on how well they do going forward.

Even though they occur infrequently, the final sessions of therapy provide a unique opportunity to connect with patients about what their goals.of therapy were. Psychotherapy can be terminated in a manner that preserves patients’ well-being and encourages their continued development, even after treatment has concluded.

When all your therapy goals are met, learn how to end therapy here.

 

Is It Time to End Therapy?

Unlike our usual interactions, we expect therapy to end. The client may lose attachment to the therapist, and thus they feel their progress. A sudden termination may leave the therapist and client with unresolved issues and negative emotions like anxiety, sadness, and anger. 

Termination can be healthy, worthwhile, and successful if the client likes therapy and its end. Practitioners frequently admit to feeling proud and having rediscovered faith in the therapeutic process.

Before starting termination, the therapist should assess the client’s need for ongoing therapy. Once the relationship’s goals have been reached, it should, whenever possible, move into its final phase. In practice, however, it occurs on rare occasions when the working window has closed, insurance coverage has expired, or the client no longer wishes to proceed. 

 

Therapy Phases

The following four phases, which sum up early and ongoing planning, lessen the negative feeling of ending your goals.of therapy.

 

  • Limitations

The expected length of therapy can be made clear depending on what the client wants. Clients need to be informed that there may be restrictions due to time constraints, client insurance, or other issues if it is to be open-ended based simply on the progress achieved during sessions. Full information is needed for the client to make an informed decision and benefit from therapy. 

 

  • Determining Therapy Success

Ideally, by the end of therapy, all treatment goals will have been met. To accomplish this, the therapist and client must agree on the therapy’s goal. Early goal-setting determines the nature, focus, and scope of the treatment journey and its planned duration, even if circumstances change them.

 

  • Be Aware of Possible Interruptions

Even when they do not want to, therapists may end therapy. In some cases, the patient does not benefit from treatment, or a new or unrecognized romantic, professional, or financial relationship raises ethical concerns. Another reason could be safety, especially if the therapist has received threats or feels in danger, or illness, retirement, a change in home circumstances, or death. The client may be concerned about finances, the therapist, therapy direction, illness, or relocation. 

 

  • Planning for Termination

Endings are common. Instead, plan for it and work together to succeed. As with any phase, treatment termination is similar. It must assist the client in becoming ready to expand on what they have learned and continue successfully.

 

Methods for Ending Therapy

Make plans with your therapist to end treatment as part of your next stage of life, even if it is not soon.

There is no hard and fast rule. If you go to therapy once a week, you might want to cut back on how often you go over time. For example, you could go from once a week to twice a month, and then to once a month until you stop. 

Consider the therapy relationship’s strengths and how it changed over time, as well as goals achieved. Discuss how you can apply lessons from previous sessions to solve problems and advance.

 

Activities for Your Last Sessions

Exercises and activities can help patients and therapists prepare for the end of therapy and the final session. Each of the following exercises may be customized and utilized in telehealth sessions.

 

Therapy termination letters

When treatment is over, it might be beneficial for the client to send the therapist a letter reminding both of them of the journey and accomplishments. Writing a letter to the therapist might help a patient have a good sense of closure. This structure may be advantageous, particularly for kids.

 

Five-Second Game

All benefit from this entertaining exercise.

For instance, the therapist might create a deck of cards with one lesson on each card:

  • List three unfavorable emotions
  • List three uplifting emotions
  • Name three coping mechanisms for stress, anger, etc. 
  • Name three people you can rely on

The client chooses one instruction, and they are given five seconds to answer (this can also be done in a couples or family session). The client selects a number during an online or video session, and the therapist reads the card that goes with it.

 

Final Words

The complete therapeutic procedure depends on a successful treatment conclusion. Termination should be acknowledged as a crucial step in the therapeutic process that may trigger feelings in the client and the therapist. Termination that considers the ethical and therapeutic ramifications will be a beneficial stage of therapy if it is controlled and planned from the beginning.

In the first session, decide on the objectives and how the therapy will end. Regularly evaluate your progress toward your targeted results, and start preparing early for when treatment will cease.

 

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. 

 

Signs of High Functioning Depression

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Signs of High Functioning Depression

 

Have you ever wonder what are the signs of high functioning depression? Recently, we’ve noticed it has become a buzzword in the media and wanted to offer a closer look into high functioning depression and signs that reveal it. 

It can be hard to explain depression to someone who has never had it. Only those who have experienced depression can genuinely understand the illness.

Different people deal with their depression in different ways. Some people self-medicate with drugs, others eat, and others isolate. While every case of high-functioning depression is different, some traits are common.

 

What Is High Functioning Depression?

This type of depression may appear milder when you are witnessing it. This suggests that people can usually continue their daily lives despite their despair. They work or study well, interact normally, and manage their responsibilities.

High functioning depression, however, can be a persistent and chronic condition. Even if its symptoms are less severe than those of other forms of depression, people who experience it do not find it unimportant.

High functioning depression is less ‘visible’ than other forms of depression. As a result, both medical professionals and people who are suffering from this type of depression might overlook or ignore it. It may, however, negatively affect quality of life, so it’s crucial that those suffering from high-functioning depression can access the assistance they require.

 

Signs of High-Functioning Depression

Your constant melancholy and mild symptoms may lead to the normalization of your high functioning depression and the assumption that it is only due to your personality. Rather than seeing you as having a persistent mental health illness that requires treatment, other people can think of you as being unhappy, depressed, sluggish, unable to have fun or just “loosening up.” Because of this, high-functioning depression might be challenging to identify.

The symptoms of high functioning depression can also develop gradually, with few or no triggers, as opposed to arriving suddenly or after a specific trigger or stressful event.

Many of the recognizable symptoms of clinical depression are still present in someone who struggles with high-functioning depression. However, this type of chronic depression has several distinctive characteristics, such as:

  • Eschewing social interactions
  • Appetite changes (increase or decrease)
  • Having trouble focusing or making judgments
  • Excessive irritation or anger
  • Low energy and weary
  • Losing hope
  • Feeling empty, depressed, or down
  • Remorse or concern about the past
  • A low sense of self
  • Decreased activity, effectiveness, or productivity
  • Self-doubt or a sense of being unable to do certain things
  • Sleep issues

 

Living with depression of any kind, including high-functioning depression, is challenging. Antidepressants, psychotherapy, regular exercise, and mindfulness practice are all recommended as part of a treatment plan that may provide some help.

Coping with High Functioning Depression

It may be quite taxing to have high functioning depression. To help you cope a little better each day, you may do a few things.

 

  • Exercise

It’s easy to disregard your physical health and wellness while you’re depressed. However, taking care of your bodily needs can also improve your mental state.

Try to get some exercise every day, even if it’s only a short stroll in the open air for ten minutes. Exercise increases the “happy chemicals” in our brain, which can make us feel better. 

 

  • Question Your Negative Thoughts

Negative thoughts and feelings of hopelessness are among the signs of high functioning depression. It’s crucial to try to dispel these pessimistic ideas whenever they pop up.

You may perceive things as more balanced, optimistic, and healthy by challenging your cognitive processes, which can lift your mood.

 

  • Connect with Your Family and Friends

While you might want to keep your feelings to yourself and isolate yourself from others, it’s crucial to attempt to keep up a support system with people you can rely on. It may be really beneficial and soothing to simply have someone there for you during difficult times who can listen to how you’re feeling without passing judgment.

You can also think about attending a support group for depression, where you can speak with others who are experiencing similar problems. 

 

  • Do Little Things That Make You Happy

Happiness may only last a brief period for someone with high functioning depression. Because of this, it’s crucial to make an effort to include things that make you joyful in your everyday life.

Try to do the activities you like as frequently as possible after you’ve found them. These may include the following:

  • Playing your preferred music
  • Interacting with a pet
  • Watching a favorite movie
  • Reading a book 
  • Preparing your favorite dishes

 

Seeking Help

People with high-functioning depression could believe they aren’t unwell enough to want assistance and opt not to ask for it. Nothing could be farther from the truth since depression still reduces quality of life even when it is highly functioning.

It’s crucial to remember that ‘high functioning’ does not equate to optimal functioning. Even if they can complete the majority of duties on most days, people with dysthymia nevertheless have some level of impairment.

Even if you associate your sadness with severe situations or stereotyped symptoms that don’t apply to your situation, you may still receive professional assistance and benefit from it.

Early intervention is crucial, just like with physical disorders. Any signs of depression that go untreated might limit functioning or develop consequences, including substance abuse, chronic pain, and suicidal thoughts or actions.

No one should have to suffer from chronic depression when there are excellent medications readily available. First, consult your primary care doctor or other healthcare professional if you experience any symptoms. Depression treatment often includes talk therapy and medication.

Learn to witness your emotions without judgement and come see a professional if needed. 

 

 

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. 

 

Compassionate Counseling From A to Z

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Compassionate Counseling From A to Z

 

Compassionate counseling encourages patients to have compassion for both themselves and others to help with mental and emotional recovery. Many people consider the emotional reaction of compassion, both for oneself and others, to be a crucial component of well-being. Its growth may frequently result in better mental and emotional well-being.

If this is something you are interested in learning more about, continue reading, as this article contains all the information you need to know about compassionate counseling. Before going into the definition of compassionate counseling, let’s take a closer look at compassion to get a better idea of this form of therapy. 

 

What Is Compassion?

To have compassion means to acknowledge another person’s pain and then try to alleviate it. A concrete manifestation of love for people who are suffering is what compassion entails. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, compassion is “a sympathetic awareness of others’ misery coupled with a wish to alleviate it.”

The prefix com- implies with, and the Latin basis of the word compassion is pati, which means to suffer. Compati, the root of the word compassion, literally means to suffer together. Compassion moves from mere pity to empathy when there is a link between one person’s suffering and that of another. Yet compassion goes much beyond empathy. 

Empathy is the capacity to feel another person’s suffering as though it were your own. While empathy lacks an active component, it is rooted in emotion and feeling, similar to how sympathy is. The element of action is what distinguishes compassion from other compassion synonyms such as empathy, sympathy, pity, worry, condolence, sensitivity, tenderness, and commiseration. Compassion drives us to intervene in people who are suffering behalf when others avoid them.

 

What Is Compassionate Counseling?

Everyone encounters challenging obstacles during various periods of life. These difficulties might occasionally leave us feeling frightened, sad, furious, trapped, and even defeated. These feelings may be overpowering and perplexing, leaving us unclear about what to do next. Even though you may feel like so many things are unknown right now, one thing is certain: despite your best efforts to cope, you are not leading a satisfying life.

Your therapist will provide the assistance you need to help you become more self-aware of your circumstances and emotions because personal development is achievable. You may overcome the obstacles you are presently confronting and enter a more personally rewarding environment by cooperating. Then you may better understand and cope with your experiences of sadness, anxiety, rage, and trauma with the help of compassionate therapy. You may learn to trust yourself and others while letting go of self-doubt and negative self-talk.

 

How Compassionate Counseling Works

The danger, desire, and satisfaction systems have changed throughout human evolution to help people survive, according to compassionate-focused therapy (CFT) theory. Early humans were eager to avoid or conquer dangers, get resources like food or companionship, and take advantage of the advantages of living in a social group. These systems, according to CFT proponents, are still in operation and have an impact on people’s feelings, behaviors, and beliefs today. For instance, if a hazardous input is received, a person may display various actions like a fight or flight reaction, feel emotions such as anxiety or fear, and develop specific cognitive biases such as stereotyping or jumping to conclusions.

The drive system promotes sensations of eagerness and enjoyment while attempting to guide people toward significant objectives and resources. Individuals with an overactive driving system may participate in harmful activities, including drug and alcohol misuse or unsafe sexual practices.

Happiness is correlated with the satisfaction system. These emotions are neither motivated by pleasure nor just there because there are no threats. Instead, this feeling of contentment is usually associated with a sense of social connectedness, support, and safety. The threat and drive systems are both regulated by this calming mechanism.

 

Compassionate Counseling Techniques

Through the use of specialized training and supervised techniques created to aid people in further developing non-judging and non-condemning qualities. Couples counseling seeks to promote compassionate motivation, sympathy, sensitivity, and suffering tolerance.

Individuals in treatment may discover:

  • Appreciation exercises (i.e., making a list of likes, pausing to appreciate the moment when something nice is discovered, and other constructively rewarding activities).
  • Mindfulness, or the capacity to provide undivided attention to the present moment.
  • Compassion-focused exercises (i.e., use of narrated imaginations and memories to first activate the mind, then the body’s physiological systems). 

 

When people struggle with sentiments of self-attack, a therapist may help them by helping them investigate the purposes. And potential causes of these assaults, as well as the reasons why people would agree with or succumb to them. Visualizing the self-attacking component of oneself may be a part of this process. To better comprehend self-criticism, therapists may ask their patients to describe what the “person” looks like and any emotions it causes.

Questioning geared to assist people in examining and addressing any issues that may be inhibiting the expression of compassion may be used with people who have trouble feeling and/or expressing compassion

 

Your First Compassionate Counseling Session

Your first session in therapy might naturally make you anxious if you’ve never gone before. Talking to your counselor about this anxiety is frequently beneficial. The purpose of the initial session is for the counselor to learn more about you and your circumstances. You can use this time to decide if this counselor is a suitable fit for your needs. Goals for therapy are typically not set until the second session. 

You can be given homework after a session to help you become more aware of what’s happening both inside and outside of you. The counseling process can be sped up by completing this assignment. 

In Final Words

Individuals, couples, and families can benefit from compassionate counseling by fostering better communication, expanding empathy, and minimizing conflict. Regardless of the reason why you are seeking compassionate counseling, soon you will notice numerous benefits that can help you improve your connection with yourself and others who matter to 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. 

 

Why Celebrities with Mental Health Issues Need Individual Therapy

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Why Celebrities with Mental Health Issues Need Individual Therapy

 

Celebrities with mental health issues are no strangers to the spotlight. Their fame often overshadows their struggles, leaving many wondering how they can reach out for help. As a trauma therapist, I’m here to shed light on the path to healing.

Celebrities with mental health issues often struggle in the spotlight. But how can they benefit from individual therapy?

 

Why Do Celebrities Need Individual Therapy? 

Individual therapy offers celebrities with mental health issues a safe space to explore their emotions privately. It’s a non-judgmental environment where they can be themselves. It provides: 

  • Privacy: Private therapy sessions offer a confidential setting away from the paparazzi’s prying eyes.
  • Isolation: Celebrities often feel isolated. Therapy provides a safe space for them to connect.
  • Performance Pressure: Therapy helps them cope with the constant pressure to perform.

Celebrities with mental health issues have a unique opportunity to break the stigma surrounding therapy. By seeking help, they not only heal themselves but inspire others to do the same. Celebrities hold immense influence. Your openness about therapy can be a catalyst for change, encouraging society to prioritize mental health. Your journey can empower countless individuals to seek the support they need. Be the change you wish to see in the world.

 

Common Concerns:

Q: Won’t attending therapy reveal my issues to the public?

A: Therapists prioritize confidentiality. What’s discussed in therapy stays there. Your privacy is paramount.

 

Q: How can I make time for therapy with my busy schedule?

A: Therapists offer flexible scheduling, accommodating your lifestyle. Your mental health is worth the investment.

 

Coping Strategies for Celebrities with Mental Health Issues

  • Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness for stress management
  • Meditation: Techniques for emotional balance
  • Journaling: Expressing emotions through journaling can be therapeutic

 

Celebrities with mental health issues can greatly benefit from individual therapy. It’s a confidential, personalized journey toward healing that can also contribute to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. By taking the first step, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care, they can lead the way in normalizing therapy and inspire countless others to seek help. Remember, your mental health matters, regardless of your celebrity status.

Celebrities face unique challenges but can greatly benefit from individual therapy. Let’s destigmatize therapy, support their journey, and help them heal.

Remember, they may be in the spotlight, but they’re humans too. 

 

 

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 give a sensual massage

How to Give a Sensual Massage

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How to Give a Sensual Massage That’s Actually Hot and Nice

We hope you enjoy this article on sensual massage. LCAT owner, Dr. Amanda Pasciucco was interviewed by Self.com writer Ro White. This article was published in Self.com on September 15, 2023.

 

Here’s exactly what to do—and not do—to pull off a sexy, relaxing back rub.

If you’re seeking new ways to feel close to your partner, you might be wondering how to give them a good sensual massage to help you connect. (And a downright sexy massage offers even more opportunities for intimacy.) Horny touching, including massage, causes our brains to release oxytocin, a.k.a. the “love hormone”, so an erotic massage is the perfect recipe for bonding, relaxation, and arousal—possibly even a better sex life.

Read on as experts share how to give a sexy back massage to turn on both you and your partner—and maybe set the mood for more.


Talk to your partner about what their dream massage would look like.

There’s no one way to give an erotic massage, so before you pump up the Marvin Gaye and break out the “good” massage oil, ask your partner what they’d like to get out of this experience—and share your own desires too.

“The ‘why’ of the massage should dictate the ‘how,’” Barbara Carrellas, an AASECT-certified sex educator who teaches erotic massage, tells SELF. So: Are you and your partner seeking connection, or maybe novelty? Are you wanting to take some pressure off of your sexual performance? Are you having trouble getting out of your own head and looking for new forms of foreplay? Do you just think their back is hot and want to love up on it a little? Find out!

Once you’re clear on the “why” behind your sexy massage, decide together how you’d like it to feel. “Erotic massages can be therapeutic, relaxing, stimulating, healing, sensual, sexual, kinky, or whatever other intention you set,” Carrellas says.

Check in about where and how your partner wants to be touched and if there are any no-go zones, AASECT-certified sex therapist Amanda Pasciucco, LMFT, CST, tells SELF.

You should definitely ask whether your partner wants the massage to include overtly sexual contact. “Each person likes to be touched in a different way,” Pasciucco explains. “Some people love the adrenaline of just going toward the genitals, while many others enjoy long, slow strokes to build up anticipation.”


Make your surroundings feel sexier.

Use dim lighting, a playlist featuring gentle music, and candles to create an ambiance that helps your partner feel relaxed, Pasciucco says. (Just make sure the candles are securely placed far from the massage zone—catching your hair on fire would kill the mood.)

One of the best—but often overlooked—massage tips isn’t about what you set up, but what you get the hell out of sight at home. Pasciucco suggests removing any potential distractions from the room, like pets, phones, piles of laundry, and family photos (you probably won’t want your relatives staring you down while you zealously knead your partner’s butt cheeks).

If this kind of traditional massage setup feels slightly corny to you, Pasciucco suggests leaning into the cringe. “Making your bedroom look like a temple of love might not be your norm, but do it anyway,” she says. Trust that once you’re squeezing your partner’s thighs, you’ll probably both be too turned-on to feel embarrassed—and until you get there, it’s okay to laugh a little too.

If you just can’t get past the corniness of candles and soft music, there are plenty of other ways you can set the mood. “While some people like candles, soft music, and feathers, others like dark dungeons, floggers, and being ordered to get on the massage table,” Carrellas says. There’s no one perfect way to do this: The vibe of your sexy massage should feel personal to you and your partner! Let your imaginations tell you what a “good massage” should look like.


Pick an oil that’s up to the hot task at hand.

Your most important massage tool is lotion or oil, since this will help your hands glide more easily along your partner’s body, Pasciucco notes. Just make sure you review the ingredients first, especially if either of you has skin allergies or fragrance sensitivities.

Since this is a sexy massage, chances are there might be some genital-touching involved either during or after the rubdown. If you’re planning to use this same oil externally on your partner’s junk, you’ll need a fragrance-free oil, as scented products (including essential oils) can irritate the urethra (where pee comes out). Soothing Touch’s nut-free massage oil, Sliquid’s Escape massage oil, and Now Solutions’ massage oil are all excellent options.

For any vaginal penetration, you’ll want an all-natural oil to avoid irritation or infection. Vagina-safe options include coconut oil, hemp seed oil, grape seed oil, vegetable oil, sunflower oil, and olive oil, as the Cleveland Clinic notes. Keep in mind that using oil inside the vagina can increase the risk of developing a yeast infection, according to a UCLA study, so if your partner knows their vagina doesn’t respond well to oil or if they’re not sure, clean your hands after the massage and switch to lube when you’re doing hand stuff.

If you think your massage might lead to sex involving safer sex barriers, like condoms, make sure you use only water-based or silicone lube for any between-the-legs action and thoroughly wash your hands before handling barriers. Since oil degrades latex, getting massage oil on a latex condom or dental dam can prevent your barrier from doing its job.

Finally, make sure any sex toys, or sensations toys like feathers, paddles, and floggers, that you plan to use are easily accessible, too, so you don’t have to fumble around with slick hands.


Sensual massage techniques.

Take it slow.

Have your partner lie flat on a bed face-down or face-up, depending on the areas you’d like to focus on. They can be partially dressed or fully nude—whatever feels most comfortable.

Once your partner is situated, find a position for your own body that you won’t mind holding for a while. You can sit beside your partner, pull up a chair next to the bed, or—if you want to heat things up right away and this works for both of you—straddle your partner while you oil up your hands and prepare to caress their stress away.

Massage techniques can and should vary based on what your partner’s into, but here are some rules of thumb about sensual touch: If you’re planning on giving a full-body massage experience, start by gently kneading your partner’s shoulders, adding more massage oil as needed, and checking in with them about the level of pressure you’re using. “Erotic massage creates lots of space for communication, so there’s always room for your partner to ask for more or less of any touch,” Carrellas explains.

Rub your partner’s back and limbs (or whatever part of the body they like) with circular motions, or with long, smooth strokes along each muscle using your palms and the whole lengths of your fingers and tips of your forefingers. “Touching with your whole hand feels like an embrace,” Carrellas says. “You can use this technique to glide anywhere on your partner’s body without lifting your palm.” Another one of the best sensual massage techniques: Use your thumbs in areas where your partner wants more pinpointed pressure, like on the arches of their feet. If your hands need a rest, throw in some kissing or licking, if that’s your partner’s thing. (If they don’t mind oil in their hair, go ahead and stroke it—just ask first if you don’t know.)

Once your partner is feeling relaxed, ramp up their arousal by stroking and rubbing erogenous zones, like their earlobes, chest, butt, and inner thighs, before venturing between their legs, if that’s something you’re both down for. A sexy massage doesn’t have to end in genital stimulation—“an erotic massage should with pleasure, which doesn’t necessarily mean an orgasm,” Pasciucco says. But if you and your partner want your massage to get a little spicier, go for it! Sensual massage can feel incredible on your partner’s whole body—not just their back.

Read more of Dr. Pasciucco’s media interviews here.

Mental Health for Musicians: Break Away and Find Yourself Today

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Mental Health for Musicians: Break Away and Find Yourself Today

 

 

Mental health is an important issue that affects people from all walks of life, including mental health for musicians. In fact, the lifestyle of a musician can frequently exacerbate existing mental health problems or contribute to the onset of new ones. The rigorous schedule, constant pressure to create and perform, and intense scrutiny from fans and industry professionals can wear down even the most resilient individuals.

 

In his 2003 song “Somewhere I Belong,” Linkin Park’s Chester Bennington said, “I will break away, and find myself today.” Chester died of depression fourteen years later, on July 20, 2017. Chester was a musician who influenced my life and the lives of many others during his 41 years on this planet. Depression does not discriminate; he was a father, husband, friend, and frontman, among other roles. 

 

The nature of musicians’ work may make them more susceptible to mental health issues. Creating music requires tapping into emotions and personal experiences. These vulnerabilities can cause intense emotions, isolation, and despair. Also, the creative process requires hours of focused work and self-criticism.

 

The instability of musicians’ careers contributes to mental health issues. The music industry has its ups and downs, and musicians often face financial instability and uncertain futures. Chronic uncertainty can cause stress, anxiety, and depression.

 

The pressures of fame

The pressures of fame and success can also have a negative impact on a musician’s mental health. Even the most self-assured people can feel overwhelmed by the constant scrutiny and public exposure. Many musicians suffer from imposter syndrome, the feeling that they do not deserve their success or that they will be exposed as frauds. Furthermore, the pressure to outperform previous accomplishments and meet lofty goals can cause extreme stress and self-doubt.

 

It is critical to recognize that mental health issues among musicians are not the result of weakness or character flaws. They are difficult issues that can affect anyone, regardless of talent or success. A growing awareness of mental health in the music industry has led to many artists sharing their struggles and seeking support.

 

Many artists promote mental health awareness and share their experiences. By destigmatizing mental health and fostering support, the music industry can become healthier and more sustainable.

 

Mental health therapy can help musicians manage their mental health. Whether they are having trouble with anxiety, depression, drug abuse, or something else, therapy can help them deal with their problems and find a way to heal and grow.

 

Musicians benefit from therapy because it allows them to express their emotions safely. Deep emotions can make musicians vulnerable and exposed when creating and performing music. Musicians can express themselves freely in therapy without judgment. Through therapy, musicians can understand and manage their emotions better.

 

Therapists can help musicians improve self-awareness and self-care. The music industry is demanding, so musicians often neglect their own needs to succeed. Therapy helps musicians set limits, prioritize self-care, and identify their limits. By taking care of themselves, musicians can reduce stress and burnout and improve their health.

 

Musicians’ Unique Challenges

Therapy also helps musicians cope with their unique challenges. Performance anxiety, creative blocks, and imposter syndrome plague musicians. Therapy can teach deep breathing, cognitive restructuring, and visualization to manage anxiety and negative thoughts. They can help musicians cope with industry pressures and build resilience.

 

Furthermore, therapy can address some of the underlying causes of mental health issues, such as childhood trauma or dysfunctional relationships. By exploring these underlying factors, musicians can gain insight into the origins of their struggles and work towards healing and growth. Therapy can help musicians develop healthier ways of relating to themselves and others, leading to improved mental health outcomes.

 

Finally, therapy can support musicians, especially those who feel isolated or misunderstood. An understanding therapist can help musicians cope with the isolation of the music industry. Therapists provide guidance, validation, and encouragement and connect musicians to support networks.

 

Due to their unique challenges, musicians often struggle with mental health. The emotional demands of work, chronic uncertainty, and fame can lead to anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. As the music industry becomes more aware of mental health and works to support all musicians, there is hope for change. A musician’s mental health can change everything. It provides a safe space to express emotions, improve self-awareness and self-care, learn coping mechanisms for challenges, address mental health issues’ root causes, and feel supported. By seeking therapy, musicians can take an important step towards improving their mental well-being and enjoying a more fulfilling musical journey. There is hope and help for musicians who struggle with mental health and substance abuse today, like Chester. Break away and find yourself today. 

 

 

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 Tiffany Torok, LCSW by making an appointment. Her aim is to guide individuals in the direction of acceptance and love of themselves, regardless of the “norms” that society has placed upon them.

Start your journey here with Tiffany.

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. 

 

Best Text Therapy with Interns Gives Quality and Saves Money

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Best Text Therapy with Interns Gives Quality and Saves Money

 

If you’re interested in the best text therapy services, you should consider talking to a therapist intern for a few reasons. However, before we go into details, we’d like to take a moment to explain our experience with interns. Which we highly recommend to our clients looking to save money. Working with interns is a beautiful experience as a therapist. Watching them grow and learn while also bringing a fresh perspective on things is incredibly valuable!

Therapists work closely with their interns to ensure they have everything they need once they start attending to clients. If you’re worried that talking to an intern will not be at the same level if talking to a therapist, don’t be! Interns typically start working with clients when their supervisors think they are ready. So, if this is something you’re interested in, this article is for you. 

 

Therapist Interns

You’ve already decided to start seeing a therapist, so the next step is to choose which professional to work with. You discover that some of the providers you have access to are identified in their profiles as interns when you are weighing your alternatives. While we understand that your initial instinct may be to seek out a therapist who is fully licensed or who has completed their Master’s program. There are some compelling reasons you might choose to work with an intern as your therapist instead.

There is usually one clinical supervisor assigned to each intern, and frequently there are two: one at the internship location and one in their educational program. These supervisors are entirely licensed and qualified and frequently undergo specialized training to become supervisors. All of the cases interns work on are reviewed and discussed with their supervisor(s). So you are not just getting one therapist working on your case. Rather, two or three therapists will be devoting their time, knowledge, and resources to working with you in therapy.

 

Benefits of Working with a Therapist Intern

Since interns are actively engaged in their academic environment while pursuing their Master’s degrees, they have to spend their days learning how to be excellent therapists. The intern you might pick to be your therapist devotes time to learning the most recent theories and techniques. And also collaborates with faculty, supervisors, and other interns to gain a deeper comprehension of and create application strategies for those theories and techniques. Therefore, you get a therapist who is not only up to date on theory and practice but also spends their days learning how to apply those ideas and approaches in the most efficient way when you hire an intern.

Interns frequently operate on a discounted or sliding-fee scale rather than charging an hourly rate comparable to fully licensed therapists or only taking on clients with health insurance because they are not entirely licensed. Interns could provide a price point that fits your budget more quickly if you don’t have insurance. Have a very high deductible, or decide to pay out of pocket for other reasons.

Working with a therapist intern is a fantastic option if you want the knowledge of two to three therapists for the price of one. A therapist whose life’s work is to learn the most current and successful theory and techniques. A therapist who has a growing passion and investment in their work, and flexible pricing options.

 

Therapists vs. Interns

A person may occasionally only have access to or be able to afford an intern for mental health therapy. And this should not prevent them from seeking care. Even though there are obvious distinctions between a fully-licensed therapist and an intern in terms of what they have done to meet licensure criteria, the interns’ talents may still astound you. 

Interns haven’t finished all of the criteria for licensing, which is the first difference. It may take some time for them to complete all the requirements set forth by most licensing boards. Whether they are still in school or have graduated. As a result, they have less therapeutic experience than their licensed counterparts. However, experience is only one, and maybe not even the most crucial, tool in a therapist’s kit.

The second distinction is that internships expire after a year, and you might have to transfer your case. Be sure to inquire about the intern’s expected stay as soon as you are paired with them. Of course, a licensed therapist’s employment, relocation, or retirement might also result in the termination of your relationship with them. Thus, this distinction may also be irrelevant.

The key similarity is that both licensed therapists and interns are actual people. As a result, both groups possess the same innate capacity for effective therapy. Every therapist has a different life experience and character traits that they bring to their interaction with you, whether they are just starting, nearly retired, or somewhere in between.

 

In Conclusion

Interns are counselors-in-training who have finished all of their Master’s-level curriculum and are wrapping up the last internship necessary for their degree. Through at least one field experience (often known as a “practicum”), they have already gained some experience dealing with customers. The final stage before they graduate and receive their restricted license is their internship.

As interns, they are closely watched. Meaning, there is a licensed professional who is checking in daily or weekly, offering constructive collaboration and skill sets. So, if this was the reason you were hesitant to reach out to a therapist intern, we hope we gave you enough reasons to start working with them toward your mental wellbeing. You will enjoy talking to a therapist intern as you will build a relationship with them. And they will help you on your way to growth, so make the most of it!

 

Low Cost Therapy Available at Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT)

 

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 Break Up With Your Therapist

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How to Break Up With Your Therapist

 

This article is for you if you are in therapy and are unsure of how to break up with your therapist and end things.  You may feel guilty for ending your relationship with your therapist because you do not want to hurt their feelings. Think about it this way: if you and your therapist are not a good fit, it is in both of your best interests to part ways so that you can find someone who is. 

Learn the ins and outs of terminating your therapy relationship with this comprehensive guide.

 

The Real Reasons You Should Dump Your Therapist

In a perfect world, you would leave therapy feeling as though your therapist had lightened rather than added to your load. Actually, because of the emotions that treatment may stir up, it is common to occasionally feel unhappy after treatment. The difference is feeling upset every time (or almost every time) you leave because your therapist is not paying attention, caring about your needs. Or helping you apply certain techniques to deal with this type of emotional pain.

Knowing you are working on yourself with a professional you emotionally connect with may inspire you. Choosing a new therapist may be necessary if your current one is not motivated or qualified to help you advance.

The goal of therapy is to open up. If you hide your thoughts or behaviors from your therapist, it may hinder your mental and emotional development and create an unhealthy dynamic. 

Remember that your therapist holds you accountable, which can be awkward. It seems odd to pay someone to call you out when needed. You may be hesitant to talk about difficult or embarrassing parts of your life.

 

Steps to Breaking Up with Your Therapist

Try addressing the problems you’re experiencing instead of ghosting a provider. Setting precise progress metrics that you’d like to achieve in a specified time as part of that discussion might help determine whether. Or not you should stop seeing your therapist permanently. Depending on the circumstances, you should do this privately or with your therapist.

It’s acceptable to try to find a new therapist if your current one doesn’t appear to be interested in your concerns or if nothing seems to change after you raise them. Before leaving your present therapist, you should secure an appointment with someone else. Depending on the urgent issues you’re working on.

Before moving on, it may sometimes be reassuring to see another therapist to make sure you’re covered. It depends on how severe the problems you’re facing are. It will be crucial if the condition is urgent, such as severe depression. To be clear, you shouldn’t decide to quit taking medicine alone. Or abruptly cease seeing a psychiatrist who oversees any mental health medications you are on. Both circumstances present a risk to your safety and call for professional advice initially.

You should speak with your therapist to find out their opinion or if they have any advice. Even if you’ve decided you’ve made enough progress to stop treatment or need a more convenient therapist to visit. They suggest someone who would be a better fit from a logistical or therapeutic standpoint.

 

Examples of Breaking Up with Your Therapist

We’ve got you covered if you are uncertain about the best way to break up with your therapist. Below, you will be able to find a few examples that might work for your situation with your therapist. 

When breaking up with your therapist, go through our lists of examples and find the one that suits you best, or simply get inspired:

  • “I want to end our collaboration because I currently have different goals.”
  • “I genuinely value the work we’ve accomplished together. I recognize that I now require something else, yet I nevertheless value your desire to assist me.
  • “I feel like I’ve come a long way in the time we’ve spent together. And I feel like it’s time for me to move on.”
  • “I discussed [insert worries here] a few weeks ago. I don’t see enough of a shift to think it’s justified for us to keep meeting.
  • “I am ending my therapy with you and seeking alternative solutions. I don’t feel like I received care and skill sets, so I’m deciding to end my therapy sessions.”

 

Your therapist may be okay with this or want to talk it through a little to better understand your stance and provide their professional input on your choice. Depending on your mental health status and the progress you have made or haven’t made.

You don’t need to have one last session with your therapist if you’ve just been going to them for a few weeks. Instead, it’s usually OK to terminate therapy over the phone or via email. However, rather than choosing not to visit your therapist, expressing your worries to them is extremely beneficial. You’ve only been together a few weeks, so you’re still getting to know one another. Your therapist could be better able to steer you in the right direction or explain why you haven’t noticed any significant improvements yet, for example.

 

Conclusion

Honestly, this stage is comparable to breaking up with a therapist. How you should end things with them depends significantly on how long you’ve been seeing them. If you’ve been seeing your therapist for over a few weeks, consider breaking up in person during a session. In addition to giving you both some closure, it also serves as a beautiful challenge for those who find it difficult to say goodbye or worry about offending others. 

Many people avoid conflict, so practicing this skill is a good idea. The therapy breakup shouldn’t be shocking, as you should have previously explained to your therapist why you weren’t happy with your sessions. 

 

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.