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Help with Menopause Crazy Behavior

Help with Menopause Crazy Behavior

 

If you’re a woman, you’ve probably heard someone talking about menopause crazy behavior, and if you’re in your 30s or 40s, you might feel confused about its meaning. We wanted to do some more research on how menopause affects women before deciding what is crazy and what isn’t. 

There is little discussion of menopause, which is unavoidable for aging cis women. Even if you ask young women, most of them will not know what to expect when that time comes. Read on if you are a woman curious about menopause or has just entered it and wants to know if your symptoms are common.

What Is Menopause? 

A woman enters menopause twelve months following her last menstrual cycle. The menopausal transition, also known as perimenopause, is the period before that happens when women may have hot flashes, irregular monthly cycles, or other symptoms.

The onset of menopause typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. This period of time can range from 7-14 years. The length of time may vary depending on lifestyle choices, including smoking, age at onset, and race/ethnicity. The ovaries produce the hormones progesterone and estrogen, which the body produces in varying amounts during perimenopause.

Every woman experiences the menopausal transition differently and in different ways. Women may acquire weight more quickly, and their bodies use energy differently and in various ways in fat cells. Your physical function, body composition, and structure, as well as your heart or bones, may all alter.

Stages of Menopause

Menopause is the natural end to menstruation. There are three stages of menopause that you’ll need to be aware of to be able to tell them apart.

Perimenopause

Your ovaries progressively start to generate less estrogen eight to ten years before menopause, which is when perimenopause starts. It generally begins in your 40s. The final year or two of perimenopause is when estrogen begins to decline. Many women may be experiencing menopausal symptoms at this point. However, you can still become pregnant during this period and still have menstrual cycles.

Menopause

When you reach menopause, your menstrual cycles stop. Your ovaries have finished generating the majority of their estrogen and are no longer releasing eggs at this point. When you have missed your monthly cycle for 12 months in a row, a medical professional will diagnose you with menopause.

Postmenopause

This is the term used to describe the period following a year without a period. Menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, may improve during this phase. Nonetheless, a decade or more after the menopause transition, some women still have menopausal symptoms. People in the postmenopausal period are more susceptible to several health issues, including osteoporosis and heart disease, due to a decreased level of estrogen in their bodies.

Menopause Symptoms

If you start to have some or all of the following symptoms, you could be entering menopause:

  • Hot flashes (a sudden sense of warmth that spreads across your body)
  • Chills and/or flashes of cold
  • Dryness of the vaginal walls 
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Urinary urgency
  • Sleep problems
  • Emotional changes 
  • Chapped lips, eyes, or skin
  • Soreness in the breasts
  • Abnormally heavy, light, or irregular periods

Some women might also experience:

  • Heart palpitations
  • Headaches
  • Pain in the muscles and joints
  • Sex desire changes
  • Concentration issues
  • Memory loss
  • Weight gain
  • Thinning or loss of hair

Changes in your hormone levels bring on these symptoms. While some people experience minor menopausal symptoms, others may experience severe symptoms. Not every person going through menopause will experience the same symptoms. 

Contact a healthcare provider that specializes in menopause. There are different boards depending on what country you live in. If you are in the United States, check them out. 

Why Do I Feel Like This? 

In menopause and perimenopause, varying emotions are common. Changing progesterone and estrogen levels cause many changes in your life like mood swings, insomnia, and hot flashes.

Your ability to sleep may suffer, libido problems may negatively impact your sexual life, and vaginal dryness may make things seem unpleasant. You could think you’re insane because of all these changes, yet we’re here to reassure you that you’re not. Hormonal changes happen! You don’t have to suffer and you can reach out to a longevity specialist. 

Hormone fluctuations occur throughout perimenopause and diminish during menopause, which can lead to abrupt and inexplicable mood swings or seemingly insane behavior. You could think you’re going crazy if you experience increased levels of impatience, anxiety, or melancholy, yet there’s no reason to freak out.

Menopause is a natural aspect of aging for all women, and it brings with it a host of mental and emotional changes that can cause disruptions to day-to-day activities. You should be aware that you are not experiencing menopausal symptoms alone, since around 75% of women encounter emotional issues during this time.

The Bottom Line

Your progesterone and estrogen levels vary during perimenopause and drop sharply during menopause. Due to low hormone levels affecting mood-regulating neurotransmitters, mood swings are common.

Hot flashes, which exacerbate tiredness and irritation and make it hard to fall asleep, are another effect of a fall in estrogen. Without enough sleep, as we all know, everything feels worse, and our emotional stamina is at its lowest.

While most women do not experience severe depression or anxiety after menopause, it is normal for them to have modest mood changes, irritability, and a lack of energy. Additionally, women who have had anxiety or depression in the past are more likely to encounter severe emotional symptoms throughout menopause.

If you’re struggling with your menopause symptoms or have any questions related to them, reach out to your doctor. If you’re noticing mood swings and are not able to function due to emotional bursts, you should consider reaching out to a therapist, as there might be other issues you need to address and work on. 

 

BLISS: Proven Methods for Improving the Female Orgasm

 

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

When to Seek Help for Anxiety & How to Do It

When to Seek Help for Anxiety & How to Do It 

 

If you’ve been wondering when to seek help for anxiety, it probably means you’ve been experiencing certain symptoms for a while and are considering reaching out for support. As with any mental health challenge, professional guidance can be crucial in managing daily difficulties and uncertainties.

 

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a complex reaction to perceived or actual threats, manifesting in behavioral, physiological, and cognitive changes. The brain releases adrenaline in response to these threats, triggering the fight-or-flight response. This can occur in social situations or during significant life events. Sometimes, anxiety symptoms can persist long after the initial stressor, leading to physical symptoms like nausea or high blood pressure. Understanding when to seek help for anxiety is crucial in distinguishing between normal worry and an anxiety disorder.

 

Treatment Options

If you’re unsure when to seek help for anxiety, consider whether your symptoms are affecting your daily life. Consulting with a primary care physician is a good first step. They can identify any potential underlying medical conditions contributing to your anxiety. For more severe cases, a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist or psychotherapist, can provide specialized care. These professionals are skilled in diagnosing anxiety and offering effective treatment options.

 

Psychotherapy

In psychotherapy, a therapist works with you to reduce anxiety symptoms. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is particularly effective, teaching methods to manage symptoms and gradually face anxiety-inducing situations. Knowing when to seek help for anxiety can guide you in finding a therapist who specializes in CBT or other relevant therapies.

 

Medications

Medications can be useful depending on the type of anxiety disorder and any co-occurring conditions. Discussing the benefits and potential side effects with your doctor will help determine if this is an appropriate option for you.

 

Relaxation Techniques

Stress can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. Techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing, and progressive muscle relaxation can help manage stress and anxiety. Recognizing when to seek help for anxiety can involve exploring these techniques to see if they alleviate your symptoms.

 

How to Find Help for Anxiety

Finding the right therapist is a crucial step in managing anxiety. Research potential therapists, consider your therapy goals, and assess your budget and insurance coverage. Personal recommendations can also be valuable, but ensure the therapist’s approach aligns with your specific needs.

By understanding when to seek help for anxiety and exploring the available options, you can take proactive steps toward managing your mental health and improving your quality of life.

 

Quick Ways to Reduce Anxiety and Stress

quick ways to reduce anxiety and stress

 

 

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

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

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

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

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

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

 

Anxiety Counselor: What Is It & How Do They Help?

Anxiety Counselor: What Is It & How Do They Help?

 

If you’re struggling with anxiety, a general therapist might not be the best choice for you, and you should consider seeing someone who specializes as an anxiety counselor. After all, having anxiety is very different from having depression or experiencing difficulties in certain areas, so having a therapist who is skilled in treating anxiety can be very helpful.

If you or someone close to you is struggling with anxiety. Make sure you read this article as we share what you can expect from seeing an anxiety counselor and how they can help you feel better. 

 

What Is Anxiety?

It’s normal to feel anxious in life occasionally. On the other hand, people with anxiety disorders frequently experience intense, overwhelming, and persistent concern and panic regarding routine events. Panic attacks, which are abrupt, intense emotions of fear or terror that peak in a matter of minutes, are a common feature of anxiety disorders.

These uncontrollably intense, out-of-proportion-to-the-real-danger emotions cause disruptions to everyday tasks and can last for extended periods. You could steer clear of certain areas or circumstances to stop these emotions. The onset of symptoms can occur in infancy or adolescence and persist throughout maturity.

Generalized anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, particular phobias, and social anxiety disorder (sometimes known as social phobia) are a few types of anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders can coexist in you. Anxiety can occasionally be the outcome of a disease that requires medical attention.

 

Therapy for Anxiety

You don’t have to live with anxiety and dread, whether you’re experiencing panic attacks, obsessive thoughts, constant worries, or an overwhelming phobia. Therapy is frequently the best course of action for many anxiety disorders, and treatment can be helpful. This is because, in contrast to anxiety medications, anxiety treatment addresses the root cause of the issue as well as its symptoms. 

Finding the root reasons for your anxieties and phobias, learning how to unwind, adopting a more positive outlook on life, and improving your coping and problem-solving abilities are all possible with the support of therapy. Therapy teaches you how to use these techniques and provides you with the means to overcome anxiety.

Since anxiety disorders vary widely, treatment should be customized to your unique symptoms and diagnosis. For example, you will receive a different course of therapy if you have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) than if you are experiencing anxiety attacks. The kind and degree of your anxiety problem will also determine how long therapy takes. Nonetheless, a lot of anxiety treatments are only temporary.

Although there are many other kinds of treatment used to address anxiety, exposure therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are the most popular methods. Any anxiety treatment can be used on its own or in conjunction with other forms of treatment. Individual or group therapy for those with comparable anxiety disorders might be used for anxiety treatment. However, the objective remains the same: to reduce your anxiety, relax, and face your anxieties.

 

How Can an Anxiety Counselor Help You?

Notwithstanding their licensure or number of clinical hours, not all counselors provide the same services or possess the same experience. If two counselors work exclusively with anxiety. For example, one may provide cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) while the other would solely do exposure treatment. Therefore, it might be helpful to explore treatment modalities, specialties, and strategies before choosing a counselor. 

Finding mental health practitioners who work in these fields after researching different kinds you might be interested in for your specific symptoms could be a useful place to start. You may also get in touch with an anxiety-focused counselor to find out which method they think will work best for your circumstances.

Experience does not always correlate with a field’s licensing and training requirements. A counselor with years of expertise in treating anxiety may be able to help various clients by drawing on what they have observed to be effective in the past. However, because they have recently finished school, newer providers may also be conversant with more sophisticated treatments as they often supervise more seasoned specialists. 

 

I’ve Found My Anxiety Counselor, Now What?

Some mental health providers may limit their client interactions to in-person sessions. On the other hand, many counselors now only or mostly provide text, phone, or video sessions. These virtual formats could be more pleasant for those who suffer from anxiety and might also be more practical for people who reside in remote places or have difficulty finding a suitable provider nearby. 

To help you decide, you may evaluate online and in-person counselors’ availability and testimonials. 

Prepare a short list of questions to ask possible therapists to learn more about them and see if they are a good fit for you. A lot of providers will offer a short email consultation before the first session to answer any questions you may have. Here are some examples of questions you could ask: 

  • Are you working with clients who struggle with anxiety?
  • Do you have experience treating symptoms similar to mine? 
  • What do the people you work with do to control their anxiety?

 

Conclusion

It’s a common misconception that treatment will make you feel better immediately. Sometimes, this might be the case, yet more often, therapy requires time. However, you frequently have worsening symptoms before improving ones. Interestingly, feeling worse is often a sign of getting better, which makes sense when you think about it.

When you decide to go to therapy, it is usually because you have not been able to deal with your anxiety on your own. As you go through therapy, you will learn more about what is making you anxious. The process will not always feel pleasant, yet in the end, it will be helpful.

 

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

Work Stress Therapy: A Path to Managing Work Stress More Efficiently 

Work Stress Therapy: A Path to Managing Work Stress More Efficiently 

 

We spend so many hours working that it is not surprising that more people are interested in work-stress therapy. Feeling good about your work environment can be challenging when you have a lot of responsibilities and obstacles. 

Mental health professionals say that people who work in stressful places or who get stressed out a lot at work have chronic stress. Having a lot of stress in your life can have long-term effects on your physical and mental health. 

Discover methods that can stop some stressful events from happening and how work stress therapy can help you handle the stress you experience at work.

 

What Causes Stress at Work? 

Stress at work is affecting workers’ health and happiness, as well as the efficiency of businesses around the world. Work-related stress happens when someone has to deal with too many demands at work.

Various situations can result from work stress. A person may feel pressured by their work when their demands—such as long hours or heavy workloads—beyond their capacity. Unexpected changes, disagreements with coworkers or superiors, and threats to job security, such as potential layoffs, can also cause stress at work.

When talking about symptoms of work stress, these are the most common ones: 

  • constant or frequent fatigue
  • muscular tension
  • headaches
  • heart palpitations
  • sleeping difficulties
  • gastrointestinal issues 
  • anxiety and negative thoughts
  • irritability

 

What is Work-Stress Therapy?

Seeking professional help from a therapist is a must when someone is stress level gets so high that it is hurting their mental health. Too often, people do not care about treatment. After all, how can a therapist make their office feel different? That is not what the treatment is meant to do, though. Therapists help people deal with stress in a healthy way, which is good for their mental health.

There are different types of therapy that can help you manage your work stress, depending on the therapist you choose, your needs, and your specific situation.

 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) aims to treat a range of mental and behavioral health issues. Counselors using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) assist patients in seeing the strong links that exist between their ideas, emotions, and actions. The first step in creating techniques to manage negative thoughts and emotions, lessen the stress they produce, and curtail any resulting harmful actions is to recognize what negative thoughts and feelings are.

 

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Many mental health professionals advise using DBT, a type of stress reduction, in addition to more conventional therapies like CBT. While DBT doesn’t “cure” stress, it does improve coping mechanisms like emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. People with long-term mood disorders and eating disorders are among those who use this method to get better. DBT therapists help clients with work stress therapy by incorporating mindfulness into their daily lives, which makes a big difference in the quality of their lives. 

Although these two approaches are the most common in treating work stress, other therapy approaches that can be beneficial are psychoanalytic therapy, EMDR, or sometimes medication. 

 

Other Ways to Cope with Work Stress

Besides therapy, there are other things you can try to help alleviate stress and feel more relaxed at work. Knowing how much impact work has on our private lives as well makes it even more necessary to approach stress the right way.

It is important to keep track of your medical visits because stress has been associated with certain medical conditions. Making an appointment with your healthcare provider will assist in ruling out any potential medical issues that could be causing your symptoms. Additionally, your doctor can help you create a healthier diet and recommend avoiding coffee as a way to manage stress.

Try mindfulness exercises like meditation through classes or applications. Studies have indicated that these techniques, many of which are straightforward enough for you to include in your workday, might help lessen the anxiety symptoms that may accompany work-related stress.

Discussing your job stress with your boss might be beneficial, especially if you have the help of a therapist, to see if you two can come up with any solutions. Speak with an HR specialist as well, if there is one at your place of employment. You can involve HR if you think that harassment or discrimination at work is the cause of your stress. You can also ask union resources for assistance if you’re a member of one.

Consider adding rewarding activities to your everyday life and reducing your body’s stress reaction by engaging in the visual, performing, and creative arts. Maintaining interests outside of work may also be a helpful reminder that life is more than just your job.

Lastly, consider spending more time in nature. Going for long walks in nature and exploring new parks, mountains, or woods can help you feel more relaxed, grounded, and connected with your surroundings. The sun, fresh air, and movement are three things that can help you improve your mood and make you feel relaxed almost immediately. If your work is stressful, aim to walk every day for at least 20 minutes. 

 

Conclusion

If you believe you are experiencing stress at work, you should get adequate help. It’s easy to believe that the emotion will pass or that everyone experiences it in the same way, yet ignoring it and not addressing it can only make you feel worse. Work should normally make you feel happy, especially when you spend so much time there. You ought to be content and pleased with your accomplishments.

Everyone will inevitably experience unpleasant days where they feel worn out and uninspired. However, if you carry these feelings with you every day, they will eventually get to you. Long-term stress may have a negative impact on your life, both psychologically and physically. 

Seeking a good therapist and prioritizing your mental health are crucial to managing stress. The sooner you start working on it, the sooner you will feel better. Don’t forget that by taking care of yourself, you become a better partner, mother, daughter, and friend, as you’ll have more energy and capacity for everyone around 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

How To Convince Someone To Go To Therapy With You

How To Convince Someone To Go To Therapy With You

 

If you’re in a relationship or a marriage, you have experienced the good and the bad and might be wondering how to convince someone to go to therapy with you. No relationship is perfect, and it requires a lot of communication to understand each other’s needs and wants, so talking to someone who might guide you both to become the couple you want to be could be the solution you need.

If your partner or spouse doesn’t feel as strongly about the benefits of therapy as you do, give them some time. In the meantime, do your best to share everything they will get from sessions and work with you on strengthening your union.

 

The Power of Couples Therapy

Marital therapy, couples counseling, and couples therapy are other names for couples therapy. It’s a form of family therapy that can help examine why two individuals disagree. This kind of relationship therapy also emphasizes communication skill improvement for a romantic relationship to recover and flourish. Marital counseling or couples therapy may have numerous advantages when two people are committed to it. It may play a crucial role in establishing a partnership based on trust, respect, and concern for one another.

The advantages of relationship therapy can vary depending on the pair seeking assistance. The greater the level of commitment both you and your partner are prepared to make to your relationship, the more likely it is to succeed.

Having someone you both trust is essential when looking for a competent couples therapist. After hearing what you both say, your therapist may provide frank, fair, and impartial comments. Hearing what someone else says about our relationship gives us a fresh perspective. That impartial third person can hear all sides and provide you with insightful comments and suggestions on different areas of your relationship or marriage. 

 

How to Convince Your Partner/Spouse to Go to Therapy with You

If you’re certain that you want to try therapy, yet your partner doesn’t agree, be patient. There are certain things you can do to help your partner understand how therapy can make your relationship and your individual lives better. 

 

  • Ask Them Why

Before judging or encouraging your partner to try couples therapy with you, ask them for their reasons. Why don’t they like therapy? Are they afraid of something? What do they think might happen? Understanding why your partner doesn’t consider couples therapy a good idea might help you understand each other better. Once you know their reasons, it will be much easier to know your options.

 

  • Share Your Reasons

Oftentimes, your partner might assume that by going to therapy, you’re expressing your unhappiness about the relationship. Explain to them the real reasons why you think therapy would benefit your relationship. For instance, you might want to feel closer to them, work on setting boundaries that would work for both of you, or look to solve a recurring argument in a relationship.

 

  • Connect with a Couple That Goes to Therapy

Do you have a friend who went to or is going to couples therapy with their partner? If they are willing to share that experience, this might show your partner that it’s not at all as they imagined it. Also, if they hear from someone else about the numerous benefits of couples therapy, it might be more effective. 

 

  • Talk about Boundaries

When trying a new thing, especially as a couple, it’s important to establish boundaries. Your partner might feel insecure about certain topics or areas of their life, so respecting their needs is essential before going into therapy. Allow them to gain trust in your therapist first. They might need more time than you to open up about certain things, yet once they feel secure enough, they will feel more open to the idea of sharing more vulnerable experiences or thoughts.

 

  • Test the Idea

Explain to your partner or spouse that you can try different therapists before you commit to the one you both like. Not only that, you can get them to be more interested in couples therapy if you tell them that this doesn’t have to be a commitment at all. Suggest trying one session and seeing how they feel about it. With a good therapist, they will probably want to give it another shot before you start going to therapy regularly. 

 

  • Find the Common Objective

Besides sharing your reasons why you want to try couples or marriage therapy, also try to focus on the common goal. For instance, if you’re engaged, you can tell your partner that you want to be even more intimate with them as you’re approaching marriage. Or, you might want to start working on some issues before you go on a longer vacation together. Framing the idea of therapy as a tool to enjoy something that matters to you both might improve the chances of your partner actually going to therapy with you. 

 

  • Know When to Quit

If your partner is certain that they don’t want to go to therapy even after trying all these suggestions from our list, respect it. Maybe it’s not the right time for them to do therapy. However, this doesn’t mean that you can’t open up this subject with them in a few months. Be mindful of how your partner feels, and instead of forcing a solution, try to be more supportive. 

 

Conclusion

There is no doubt that any relationship can benefit from therapy, even the one that ended. However, we are not all aware of the benefits that couples or marriage therapy can bring to our relationships. If your partner or spouse doesn’t want to go to therapy, talk to them about it. Ask them about their reasons and think about ways you can make them feel more comfortable with that suggestion. Also, if you’re not in therapy and are only considering couples therapy, think about finding a therapist for yourself and working on improving your mental and emotional health. In the end, there are so many things we can give to ourselves without expecting to receive them from someone else!

 

 

 

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

Musicians Mental Health: Are Musicians Getting the Support They Need?

Musicians Mental Health: Are Musicians Getting the Support They Need?

 

As a society, we rarely talk about musicians’ mental health. A career in the music industry, regardless of your status, comes with a lot of challenges that other professionals don’t experience. Constantly hustling for the next project, trying to establish yourself on the market, and creating an audience are just a few of these challenges.

These challenges, unique to the music industry, can take a significant toll on mental health. The constant stress and uncertainty about the future can make it difficult to remain unaffected by the world around you. It’s a situation that demands attention and action. That is why there is a growing need to discuss the mental health of musicians, provide strategies to improve their quality of life and encourage them to seek help when necessary.

 

What Impacts a Musician’s Mental Health?

Musicians have higher rates of mental illness than the rest of the population. The music business is finally taking action to help musicians’ mental health. However, there are still a lot of conversations that need to be held in order to determine how to help these professionals, as their lifestyles often make it difficult to attend therapy like other professionals.

One of the main factors contributing to musicians’ mental discomfort has been identified as money concerns, along with the erratic nature of their profession. Being the one that your entire family or your partners depend on can make things even worse. Due to that, it’s not uncommon for musicians to feel guilty for choosing to pursue music instead of obtaining a “proper job.” 

Another problem is irregular work schedules and late evenings, which affect friendships, relationships, and family life. To make ends meet, many musicians work several jobs, frequently without breaks, which results in physical and emotional burnout.

Performance anxiety in musicians is another issue that can arise unexpectedly and impact even the most certain performers. Discrimination, bullying, and compulsion can also cause severe mental discomfort, especially in people who are already mentally vulnerable. Women, in particular, brought attention to the pervasive harm that sexual harassment and sexism do in the music business. Even decades later, the music industry still doesn’t provide the same level of support for both female and male musicians. 

 

What Type of Support Do Musicians Need?

Musicians should have access to different support resources that can help them deal with the common challenges of this industry. Many studies have shown that the majority of musicians have experienced anxiety, depression, burnout, band dynamics, stage fright, work-life balance, competitive environments, and so on.  

Without a doubt, these problems can affect their mental health if not treated on time. As musicians are constantly working to gain more success, they might need to ignore their mental health and their need to achieve their goals and please everyone around them. That is why musicians, as well as people in their professional and private lives, need to be reminded of how crucial their mental health is and that dealing with their issues on time allows them to be even more successful. 

When it comes to support and help that can be of value for musicians, there are different forms and resources to consider, depending on their personality, needs, preferences, and schedule.

 

Therapy

As a musician, you probably won’t be able to attend in-person therapy every time. However, many therapists are now having online sessions, so you can easily talk to them while on the road or even in a different time zone. Having a therapist can help you better deal with the challenges in your musical career and also help you balance your professional and personal lives. Therapists help their clients by teaching them helpful strategies for dealing with stress, anxiety, and depression. 

 

Support Groups

Sometimes, it helps to remind yourself that you’re not the only one going through something. Contrary to what it seems from the outside, the world of musicians is often lonely. Even during concerts and tours, you’re constantly going back to your hotel room and struggling to lower the adrenaline you need to perform. Joining a support group might help you find people similar to you who can help you go through these situations. Also, you will be able to exchange your experiences and learn from each other. 

 

Books and Podcasts on Mental Health 

Besides going to therapy or joining a support group for musicians, you can also read books or listen to podcasts on mental health in your free time. Such resources can offer great comfort and ideas on how to approach the challenges in your music career. For instance, you might learn techniques to calm yourself before going on stage or how to approach conflict in your band.

 

Journaling

If you’re a musician, chances are you’re great at expressing yourself— one way or another. Why not write your feelings and thoughts in a journal and take them with you everywhere you go? This way, you can be sure that everything you’re expressing is in a safe place, and you can always revisit some of those moments to see how much you’ve grown over time. 

 

Find What Works for You

All of the above-mentioned ways can help you feel better. However, we can’t stress enough how important it is for musicians to get support from mental health professionals. Ask for recommendations from colleagues you trust or search online to find the right therapist who is skilled to talk to professionals like yourself. Don’t forget that investing in yourself is the best thing you can do for your career and personal life. 

Your mental health impacts every aspect of your life, and it’s up to you whether you’ll allow it to impact it positively or negatively. Whichever issue or challenge you’re facing at the moment, a good therapist can help you overcome it. Besides that, you will notice that your life is improving as you start learning from the therapy process. While searching for the right mental health professional, do your best to eat healthy, sleep enough hours, and try to relax during the day as much as possible, as these are the three pillars of a happy, balanced life.

 

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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

Effective Strategies for Preventing Burnout in the Workplace

Effective Strategies for Preventing Burnout in the Workplace

 

In today’s work environment, preventing burnout in the workplace has become increasingly crucial. The rise in employee burnout across various industries, particularly in the tech sector, highlights the need for effective strategies to manage and prevent this issue. Understanding and implementing these strategies can significantly enhance employee well-being and productivity.

 

What Is Employee Burnout?

Employee burnout refers to a state of physical or emotional exhaustion, often accompanied by feelings of emptiness and helplessness. While not classified as a medical condition, burnout can lead to or exacerbate mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. Recognizing the symptoms of burnout, such as frequent headaches, fatigue, and lack of motivation, is essential for early intervention and recovery.

 

Strategies for Preventing Burnout in the Workplace

  1. Seek Employee Feedback

Regularly soliciting feedback from employees is a key strategy for preventing burnout in the workplace. Engaging with team members helps identify potential issues before they escalate into burnout. Addressing concerns promptly and ensuring employees feel heard can prevent dissatisfaction and reduce the risk of burnout.

  1. Be Mindful of Workload

Managing employee workload is crucial for preventing burnout. Overworked employees are at higher risk of burnout, so it’s important to ensure that workloads are manageable and align with each employee’s capacity. Monitoring performance and being proactive in adjusting workloads can help maintain a healthy work environment.

  1. Provide Flexible Scheduling

Flexible scheduling is another effective approach to preventing burnout in the workplace. Allowing employees to design their own work schedules can enhance job satisfaction and reduce stress. Flexibility helps employees balance their personal and professional lives, leading to lower burnout rates.

  1. Implement a Good PTO Policy

A robust paid time off (PTO) policy is essential for preventing burnout. Encouraging employees to take their allotted PTO helps them recharge and return to work with renewed energy. Cultivating a workplace culture that values and supports time off can significantly impact employee well-being.

 

In Conclusion

Preventing burnout in the workplace is essential for maintaining a productive and healthy work environment. By implementing strategies such as seeking employee feedback, managing workloads, offering flexible scheduling, and promoting a good PTO policy, companies can create a supportive atmosphere that reduces burnout and fosters overall employee satisfaction.

 

 

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

Losing a Parent – How to Cope

Losing a Parent – How to Cope

 

We all know that losing a parent is a significant and challenging event that can be difficult to cope with. It is like loss of a piece of ourselves. Upon losing a parent, we often find ourselves unsure of how to navigate the world in their absence. Even if their passing was expected, it will still cause emotional distress and even trauma. 

Coping with the loss of a parent is not an easy thing to do. There will be changes in how you feel and what you need, and you may feel completely lost. All of that is more common than you think. 

 

Each Feeling Is Valid

Instead of fighting your sadness, you can learn to cope with it by understanding how it works. As a normal and natural reaction, some people try to bury the painful emotions that accompany loss. In an attempt to keep their strength up, some people may feel compelled to turn to their jobs, alcohol, or other distractions. However, until you allow yourself to feel your emotions, this strategy will not help you manage and process them.

Emotional outbursts or emotional isolation from other people can result from suppressing your emotions. When you give yourself permission to mourn or face your pain, your body starts to heal. While distracting yourself and using other coping mechanisms to get through the day are acceptable, doing so repeatedly could be harmful to your health. The act of validating one’s emotions enables the development of coping mechanisms and resilience in the face of bereavement. 

 

Ways to Cope with the Loss of Your Parent

Self-care, coping strategies, and mindfulness practices all contribute to the process of accepting one’s loss and the accompanying emotions. There is no definitive approach to mourning, no specific period during which one can expect to feel better, and no sequential stages or checklist items to complete. It may be difficult to accept this by itself.

 

  • Build a Support System

You might want to use a friend, family member, group therapy, or a grief counselor as part of your support system. According to research, talking to a close friend or family member who has also lost a parent may help. Support and guidance from loved ones can be beneficial for young people and middle-aged adults who have lost a parent. Choose people who will support and listen to you, because talking about your feelings with them might help you regulate them.

 

  • Write a Letter to Your Parent

It is possible that you had something you wanted to talk about or work out with your parent before they died. Many are upset that a parent did not share family recipes, missed a graduation, wedding, or other important event, or had unresolved disagreements or talks.

Write a letter to your deceased parent. Focus on what you regret not telling them, what you want to thank them for, and what you want to continue as their legacy. This letter is to digest and release anything you have held onto. As you write, remember that the letter will not be sent. It may help you feel better about your relationship with your deceased parent, but it will not erase the pain. If you are able, burn the letter in a safe way after writing it. 

 

  • Take Care of Yourself

Grief typically impacts daily life. Some find work comforting, but do not return before you are ready. Some immerse themselves in their work, taking on more than they can to avoid climbing the uncomfortable wall.

Finding balance is very important. An occasional distraction is fine, as long as you set aside time to deal with your feelings. You might also want to ask people who will support you to join you on things like walks, workouts, trips to your favorite restaurant, and so on.

 

  • Go down Memory Lane

Protecting the memory of a parent who has died might be scary, but if you talk about these memories often, you will make sure they do not fade. As a parent, you may tell your kids about your grandparents or continue family traditions you loved.

Though it might hurt at first, remembering may make you feel better as the stories come back. As you might expect, not everyone has good memories of their parents. Without talking about or processing your parent’s death, it may be harder to recover. It might be easier to handle if you open up to someone you trust.

 

  • Talk To a Therapist

After your parent’s death, consider seeing a therapist to teach you how to cope with the loss of a parent. Therapists often specialize in bereavement.

As you process the complex emotions of loss, a therapist can help. Grief counselors can help you adjust to life without a parent and teach you coping skills.

Be Kind to Yourself

Grieving a parent can leave you confused, hurt, and lost, regardless of your relationship with them. Remember that everyone mourns differently, and that is healthy. Slow down and be kind to yourself as you grieve.

 

 

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

Communication Conflict Examples & How To Resolve Them

Communication Conflict Examples & How To Resolve Them

 

There are many examples of communication conflicts you will encounter in your life. Although we all communicate daily, that doesn’t make us experts. Many factors impact how we communicate with others, leading to conflicts. Whether you’re trying to communicate with your boss, romantic partner, friend, or family relative, conflicts will occur, and that is completely fine.

What you need to learn is how to solve these communication conflicts so they don’t affect your relationships. In this article, we’ll share some common communication conflict examples and suggestions for resolving them. After all, conflict is an opportunity to improve communication and feel closer to the other person, not something that should end the relationship.

 

What Is Conflict?

Conflict can be described as expressing disagreement through words or actions with another person. You and the other person have different wishes, needs, and objectives that interfere with each other, preventing harmonious communication. For conflict to exist, there needs to be a stated struggle.

However, conflict is not a simple disagreement. People who are interdependent, relying on each other in some capacity, get into arguments. When one’s actions impact another’s well-being, dependency occurs. Relationships with high levels of dependency, such as those between close friends, family members, and coworkers, are more likely to experience conflicts.

 

Elements of Conflict

Interpersonal conflict does not exist when two individuals are not dependent on one another, regardless of disagreement. Conflict arises when their goals differ. The lack of resources, such as money, time, power, and space, is a common factor in conflicts. Genuine conflict also arises when one party’s actions affect the other’s pursuit of their objectives.

 

Examples of Communication Conflict

When discussing conflict, it’s essential to remember that it can be direct and indirect. A direct conflict involves verbalizing perspectives and struggling to find common ground. An indirect conflict is less apparent, where hurtful behavior replaces open arguments.

 

Conflicts Over Power

Conflicts over power occur in work environments and romantic relationships when one person believes the other is behaving negatively. For instance, if your boss wants you to stay late for a new project, and you disagree, it becomes a conflict over power if they disregard your feelings.

 

Conflicts in Romantic Relationships

You might argue with your romantic partner over power if they make all the important decisions without your input. Expectations in relationships can also lead to conflicts. For example, if your partner doesn’t prioritize spending time with you, it might cause frustration.

 

Family Conflicts

Family conflicts are natural due to different personalities and generations maintaining close relationships. Unhealed childhood traumas often cause adult family conflicts. Open communication is challenging with multiple family members, increasing the likelihood of conflicts.

 

Resolving Conflicts

Speak directly with the person you have issues with, assuming no danger of physical harm. Direct discussions are more successful than complaining to others or resorting to indirect actions. Plan and choose a peaceful setting for the conversation.

Avoid hostility, as it hinders the other person’s ability to listen and understand your concerns. Be open-minded, listen actively, and focus on mutual understanding. Honest, kind communication is essential for resolving conflicts effectively.

By learning to navigate communication conflicts, you can improve your relationships and foster healthier interactions.

 

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

 

Harmonizing Minds: How Music Helps Mental Health

Harmonizing Minds: How Music Helps Mental Health

 

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

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

 

Why Music Is Important to Us

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

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

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

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

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

 

Music & Healing

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

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

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

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

 

Ways Music Can Help Mental Health

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

 

  • Trauma Healing

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

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

 

  • Social Connection

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

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

 

  • Empowerment

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

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

 

Conclusion 

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

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

 

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

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

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

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

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

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

Couples Coach: Why Every Couple Needs One

Couples Coach: Why Every Couple Needs One

 

A couples coach helps couples and also persons individually in marriage and love engagements. They can provide you with methods to increase closeness and pleasure as well as instruct you on how to resolve conflicts. Without a doubt, we can all benefit from talking to a couples coach. 

Find out what you can expect to gain if you start seeing a couples coach in your area or even online, how it feels to talk to an expert on couple and marital topics, and everything else you might be curious about. 

 

Definition of Couples Coach

A couples coach may assist you in establishing goals together, addressing any issues that could be preventing you from achieving these objectives, and enhancing your daily relationship. They can also work separately with partners or work only with one partner because the other one is unwilling to seek counseling. 

The purpose of coaching is to encourage individuals to identify and achieve their objectives and ambitions. This is the same procedure, yet it takes place inside the partnership framework in couples coaching. A relationship coach may assist a couple in finding answers by helping them understand what’s bothering them in their relationship and their goals.

Through couples coaching, you have the potential to grow and find fulfillment both within and outside of your relationship. It’s a journey that can inspire and motivate you, as individuals seeking couples coaching often have a clear desire to strengthen their relationship and are actively seeking assistance to achieve this.

 

Benefits of Couples Coaching

Coaching is a flexible approach that can be applied in many different ways and areas. In the context of the couple’s coaching, the pair will identify them, either in front of the session or in real-time. 

 

Understanding the Main Challenges in Your Relationship

Recognizing the barrier to change is the first step toward making a change. This may seem simple, but it can be challenging to pinpoint the issue because of the intricacies of a relationship. Couples coaching can assist you in taking a deep breath and seeing behind the surface to identify the real barrier. You may start working on getting over it as soon as you identify what it is. 

 

Improve Communication

Communication is at the heart of all relationships, and it can often be a stumbling block when something is wrong. There may be a need for more communication or a conflict in communication style. A relationship coach can use questioning techniques to help you identify the problem and the best way to move forward. Together, you can create a plan to improve communication and reach your relationship goals. 

 

Work on Vision for Your Future

Conflict can arise when two persons in a relationship have radically divergent values and future goals. Yet, sometimes, we need more time to investigate and find out whether this is the case. Couples counseling offers the chance to identify your guiding principles and ideal future self. With your coach’s help and advice, you may work on resolving any conflicts and aligning your values and future vision. 

 

Get to Know Each Other Better

Although it can arise in any relationship, long-term couples are more likely to have this issue. Since we are all constantly evolving, there may be moments when you feel that you don’t know your spouse as well as you once did or that you take one other for granted. Couples counseling allows you to rediscover one another and find little ways to show each other greater appreciation. This promotes a happier relationship overall by removing any misunderstandings that typically arise. 

 

Couples Coach vs. Dating Coach

While a dating coach focuses more on the first phases of meeting and dating, a relationship coach assists you in achieving pleasure in long-term partnerships.

A dating coach helps you become more confident in your ability to have conversations. They show you how to transition from shallow discussions to more meaningful and exciting exchanges. Alternatively, they show you how to flirt on a first date without appearing obnoxious or needy. A dating coach may also teach you how to be more sensual and provide you with tools for seduction. Finding a relationship coach who specializes in both sex and dating might be beneficial because not all dating coaches help with sexual confidence.

On the other hand, a couples coach encourages you to be more genuine and close with your current spouse while also assisting with communication improvement. They provide skills like communicating empathetically, being vulnerable, and listening intently. More importantly, they may demonstrate how your well-established character methods obstruct your ability to form close relationships. With the help of a competent relationship coach, you may change your unpleasant routines to dynamic, present-day interactions.

 

Before You Start Seeking a Couples Coach

Use our search engine to locate a relationship coach if you’ve decided to pursue couples counseling. You may go through their profiles to learn more about each person and how they approach this task. Once you’ve connected with someone, contact them to schedule a consultation.

Here, you may discuss your coaching goals and learn more about them. This will guarantee that you are working with the appropriate coach and that this is your best strategy. You can then discuss future meetings, including their frequency. 

When you approach coaching with an honest and open mind, you can make the most of your time together and begin the path to a more satisfying and joyful relationship. 

 

Conclusion

Lack of time, routine, and everyday life in a relationship can all lead to love fading away. Relationship crises are almost inevitable when there is a lack of trust and an unappreciative manner of communicating. Relationship issues can arise even in good unions due to ingrained communication and behavior habits or unreasonable expectations. To restore ease in their relationship, many people, however, never even consider couples counseling. connection to the experience.

Old or unresolved frustrations can lead to withdrawal in one or both relationships. However, couples counseling may assist in identifying possible points of contention in the partnership and resolving long-standing issues. It is really important to have the capacity to handle challenges and resolve problems in a suitable way.

 

 

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

High Functioning Anxiety Test: Find Out Where You Stand

High Functioning Anxiety Test: Find Out Where You Stand

 

We’ve created this high-functioning anxiety test to help people who feel like they are results-driven but have a complicated relationship with success better understand themselves. Because this type of anxiety is not as obvious as, let’s say, social anxiety, it is difficult to realize if you struggle with it, not to mention other people around you. The purpose of this test is to provide a deeper understanding of themselves to those who may not easily recognize this form of anxiety, which is not as apparent as social anxiety, hence making it challenging not only for individuals to identify, but also for those around them to comprehend.

If you constantly find yourself pursuing the next objective without experiencing a sense of fulfillment, it is possible that you might be dealing with high-functioning anxiety. In order to enhance your comprehension of this condition, take a moment to respond to the following set of questions. This will help determine whether or not you exhibit signs of high-functioning anxiety.

High-functioning anxiety is a form of anxiety characterized by individuals who appear to have their lives together, accomplishing a great deal and meeting their responsibilities, all while battling intense internal pressure and worry. External observers won’t easily recognize the inner turmoil that often accompanies these highly functional individuals.

It’s important to note that high-functioning anxiety is not a clinical diagnosis, but rather a descriptive term used to encompass a particular set of behaviors and thought patterns. On the outside, people with high functioning anxiety may appear successful and confident, but on the inside they frequently struggle with self-doubt, perfectionism, and a crippling fear of failure.

 

High Functioning Anxiety Test

 

  • Do you feel like you are always worried about something, whether it’s health, family, your job, or something else?
  1. Definitely 
  2. Occasionally
  3. Not at all

 

  • Do you always aim to achieve perfection, even if no one will notice the result? 
  1. Definitely 
  2. Occasionally
  3. Not at all

 

  • Do you find it difficult to fall asleep, have nightmares, or have a low sleep quality?
  1. Definitely 
  2. Occasionally
  3. Not at all

 

  • When in a stressful situation, do you feel so nervous, afraid, or stuck that you can’t decide what’s best to do at the given moment? 
  1. Definitely
  2. Occasionally
  3. Not at all

 

  • Are you self-critical or hard on yourself?
  1. Definitely
  2. Occasionally
  3. Not at all

 

  • Do you struggle to relax, even when everything is completed on your to-do list?
  1. Definitely
  2. Occasionally
  3. Not at all

 

  • Does your mind produce worst-case scenarios or prepare negative outcomes before the situation even happens?
  1. Definitely
  2. Occasionally
  3. Not at all

 

  • Do you often catch yourself analyzing and overthinking everything?
  1. Definitely
  2. Occasionally
  3. Not at all

 

  • Do you seek assurance and validation from others instead of relying on yourself?
  1. Definitely
  2. Occasionally
  3. Not at all

 

  • Do you worry that your actions will disappoint your loved ones, regardless of your intentions?
  1. Definitely
  2. Occasionally
  3. Not at all

 

Results

Pick the answer that you have chosen the most times by adding up all of your answers.  After that, look for it below and read what it says. Seeking help from a therapist can help you learn better ways to deal with high-functioning anxiety. You will feel more relaxed, happy, and energized once you start treating your anxiety.

 

Most A Answers

If you responded to most of these questions with ‘Definitely,’ this could mean you are experiencing high-functioning anxiety. Not only that, it prevents you from enjoying your life because you are constantly living in the future, fearing something or thinking about how to ensure a bad situation never happens. Trying to control everything is tiring, and learning how to let go will help you feel better. 

 

Most B Answers

Although your results show only a few symptoms of high-functioning anxiety, it doesn’t mean you should ignore them. When you don’t treat your anxiety, it will continue to grow. There is always an underlying issue that needs your attention and care. It would be wise to find a therapist and work on your anxiety before it takes more of a toll on you. 

 

Most C Answers

Great news! You don’t have high-functioning anxiety. This means you probably live more in the present than in the future, have a strong sense of self, and don’t spend your time worrying and overthinking. However, we encourage you to take a few more tests throughout your life to make sure anxiety doesn’t crawl its way into your life. Focus on the things you are doing well and continue doing so to ensure your mental, emotional, and physical well-being!

Understanding high-functioning anxiety is crucial, as it can significantly impact an individual’s well-being and overall quality of life. By recognizing and acknowledging these patterns, individuals can take steps towards managing their anxiety, seeking support when needed, and implementing strategies to find a healthier balance in their lives.

Remember, this test is designed to provide insights and raise awareness, yet it is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. If you suspect that you may be dealing with high-functioning anxiety, it is recommended that you consult with a mental health professional who can provide tailored advice and support based on your specific circumstances.

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

Anxiety and Depression Therapist Near Me

Anxiety and Depression Therapist Near Me

 

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

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

 

Definitions of Anxiety and Depression

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

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

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

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

 

Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression

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

These are the most common anxiety symptoms:

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

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

These are the common symptoms of depression: 

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

 

Anxiety and Depression Therapy

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

 

Interpersonal Therapy 

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

 

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

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

 

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) 

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

 

Eye Movement Desensitization Resolution (EMDR)

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

 

Somatic Therapy

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

 

Finding the Right Anxiety and Depression Therapist

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

Quick Ways to Reduce Anxiety and Stress

quick ways to reduce anxiety and stress

About Life Coaching and Therapy

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

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

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

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

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

Tips to Improve Confidence

Tips to Improve Confidence

 

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

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

 

What Is Confidence?

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

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

 

Ways to Improve Your Self-Confidence

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

 

Start Accomplishing Small Things

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

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

 

Don’t Compare Yourself to Others

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

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

 

Get Inspired By Others

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

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

 

Exercise

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

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

 

Be Kind to Yourself

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

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

 

Face Your Fears

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

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

 

Final Thoughts

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

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

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

 

Body Image Therapy: Learn to Love Your Look

body image and social media

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

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

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

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

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

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

LGBTQ+ Sex Education: Equal and Inclusive Sex Education for All 

LGBTQ+ Sex Education:

Equal and Inclusive Sex Education for all 

 

All youth deserve a comprehensive sex education, including LGBTQ+ youth. Yet many sex education classes do not include the LGBTQ+ community at all. This keeps LGBTQ+ students from learning about safe sex and health interactions and creates a school environment where they are mistreated. 

There is tons of evidence that comprehensive sex education reduces high-risk sexual behaviors, promotes safer sex practices and prevents pregnancy and STIs among youth. Furthermore, LGBTQ youth are more often affected by negative sexual health outcomes. Unfortunately, this is a population that is removed from the conversation during sex education classes. 

 

Current Sex Education promotes prejudice or ignores LGBTQ+ youth

Most US states do not require sex education programs to include sexual orientation, and many teach that same-sex is “bad” and “undesirable.” 

This provides LGBTQ+ youth with an environment that will promote discrimination, bullying, and hate. This stigma and discrimination against LGBTQ+ youth can cause mental-health issues and substance use abuse among LGBTQ+ youth. Promoting a safe and inclusive environment for those students can reduce suffering and improve mental health and school performance. 

 

Including LGBTQ+ youth in sex education classes benefits all students

Sex education that includes everyone affirms LGBTQ+ youth, normalizes different identities. And teaches cis and straight students to interact respectfully with queer people. Inclusive sex education and honest conversations about sex and gender can help people come to terms with their own identities and decrease harmful stereotypes. 

Incorporating a comprehensive sex education teaches all students about consent and how to navigate difficult and awkward conversations regarding sex. Learning about consent, boundaries, and safe sex is essential for all students, regardless of their sexuality or gender.

Additionally, learning about sexuality and gender in sex education classes promotes positive outcomes for LGBTQ+ youth and helps to normalize and affirm their identities. This will reduce bullying and stigma and teach cis and straight students proper terminology and ways to respectfully speak to their peers. 

 

Sex Education should not be a “one-size-fits-all” approach 

Sex education should value all identities and incorporate LGBTQ+-specific content. This should include specific struggles that members of the LGBTQ+ community face, such as coming out, STI protection, and gender identity formation. 

All young people should learn about healthy sex and relationships.

Ignoring many students due to outdated views on heterosexuality is unacceptable and unsafe.

 

What would LGBTQ+ inclusive sex education look like in practice?

LGBTQ+ inclusive sex education would address sexual health information for people of all identities. It would educate students on safe sexual practices and give them tools to navigate boundaries and consent. Also, it aims to tackle LGBTQ+ disparities and challenges, allowing students to discuss sex and gender.

It would also educate students on pronouns and the difference between sexuality and gender identity. It would not only focus on heterosexual relationships or stigmatize queer relationships. Further legislation should be passed in order to mandate that schools be inclusive of all students in order to foster positive relationships and identities. 

 

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

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

Get to know Melody Atkinson, LMFT-A by making an appointment. Her specialization is trauma-informed practices, alternative methods to explore ADHD, LGBTQIA+ relationships, and identity.

Start your journey here with Melody.

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

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