Symptoms of Social Anxiety & How to Recognize Them

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Symptoms of Social Anxiety & How to Recognize Them

 

Feeling nervous is often confused with experiencing symptoms of social anxiety. That is why we’ve decided to share critical information about social anxiety. Learn how to recognize the first signs and what to do about them. After all, you might notice someone close to you experiencing symptoms of social anxiety, and you want to help them in the best way possible. Without further ado, let’s learn more about this condition!

 

What Is Social Anxiety?

Fear and worry cause avoidance in social anxiety disorder, which can negatively impact your life. Extreme stress can interfere with relationships, daily activities, employment, education, and other pursuits.

While social anxiety disorder can be a long-term mental health issue, taking medication and learning coping mechanisms in psychotherapy can boost your self-esteem and enhance your social skills.

A persistent and intense fear of social situations is known as social anxiety disorder or social phobia. It’s a prevalent issue that typically arises throughout adolescence. It can significantly affect your life and be upsetting.

Some people find that as they age, things get better. However, in many cases, it requires therapy to go away on its own. Seeking assistance is crucial if you are experiencing symptoms. You can manage it with the help of some treatments.

 

Social Anxiety Symptoms

Shyness or uneasiness in specific circumstances, particularly in young people, are not always symptoms of social anxiety disorder. Individuals’ comfort levels in social settings differ based on their life experiences and personality features. While some people are more gregarious by nature, others are inherently quiet.

Unlike normal anxiety, social anxiety disorder is characterized by worry, anxiety, and avoidance that interfere with relationships, daily activities, jobs, education, and other endeavors. Usually starting in the early to mid-teens, social anxiety disorder can sometimes strike adults or younger children at earlier ages.

 

Emotions and Behavior

These are the signs and symptoms of social anxiety disorder:

  • Fear of being judged negatively in certain circumstances
  • Fear of humiliating yourself or making a fool of yourself
  • Experiencing severe anxiety while engaging or conversing with strangers
  • Fear that people will notice your discomfort 
  • Avoiding social interactions or any other activities 
  • Stay away from situations in which you could be the center of attention
  • Looking for your weaknesses or mistakes after you’ve interacted with others
  • Anticipating the worst outcomes 

 

Physical Symptoms

The following physical signs and symptoms of social anxiety disorder can occasionally be present:

  • Blushing
  • Increased heart rate
  • Shaking
  • Sweating
  • Nausea or upset stomach
  • Having difficulty breathing
  • Feeling lightheaded or dizzy
  • Tension in the muscles

 

Seeking Help for Social Anxiety

If you believe you may have social anxiety, it’s a good idea to contact a general practitioner or primary care provider (PCP), particularly if it’s significantly affecting your life. It’s a prevalent issue, and there are helpful solutions.

While seeking assistance can be challenging, your general practitioner will attempt to reassure you, knowing that many individuals experience social anxiety. To learn more about your social anxiety, they will question you about your emotions, behaviors, and symptoms.

If they suspect social anxiety, you will be directed to a mental health professional for a comprehensive evaluation and to discuss possible treatment options. Without a PCP, you can also refer to talk therapy.

 

Psychotherapy

A well-researched kind of psychotherapy called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is frequently used to treat social anxiety disorder. To reduce anxiety and dread, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) teaches you alternative ways of thinking, acting, and responding to events. Additionally, CBT can assist you in developing social skills, which are crucial for the treatment of social anxiety disorder. CBT is the most researched and effective form of psychotherapy.

A cognitive-behavioral therapy approach called exposure treatment helps you participate in things you have been avoiding by gradually facing the fears that underlie an anxiety condition. Sometimes, relaxation techniques are combined with exposure therapy. When CBT is administered in a group setting, it can also have unique advantages for treating social anxiety disorder.

 

Medications

Medical professionals may recommend medication to treat social anxiety disorder. This disease can be effectively treated with a variety of medications, such as:

  • Antidepressants include serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) 
  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
  • Beta-blockers

 

In addition to being frequently used to treat depression, anti-anxiety drugs like benzodiazepines, SSRIs, and SNRI antidepressants can also help alleviate the symptoms of social anxiety disorder. It can take a few weeks for them to begin operating. 

Antidepressants may have adverse effects like nausea, headaches, or trouble falling asleep. Generally speaking, these side effects are not very serious, particularly if the dosage gradually increases from a low starting point. Discuss any potential side effects with your healthcare provider.

Some of the physical symptoms of social anxiety disorder, like sweating, tremors, and a fast heartbeat, can be managed with the aid of beta-blockers. When treating social anxiety disorder that manifests as “performance anxiety,” beta-blockers are frequently the recommended drug.

 

Support Groups

Support groups are beneficial for many individuals with social anxiety. You can get objective, truthful feedback about how other members of the group perceive you if you are part of a group of people who all have social anxiety disorder. In this approach, you can discover that your beliefs about rejection and judgment are false or misguided. It is also possible to gain knowledge on how people with social anxiety disorder manage and get over their dread of social situations.

Support groups can be found online and in person. Any advice from a support group participant should be utilized carefully and should not replace a doctor’s medical suggestions.

 

Conclusion

Getting knowledge is an excellent method to support someone you love or yourself who might be experiencing social anxiety disorder. Look into the symptoms, find out about available treatments, and stay informed about new findings in the field.

If you feel like you could be suffering from a social anxiety disorder, talk to someone you can trust about how you’re feeling. Make time to speak with a friend or family member you suspect may be experiencing social anxiety disorder to let them know you are concerned and to reassure them of your support.

It’s time to get professional help if your anxiety, or the anxiety of a loved one, begins to interfere with day-to-day activities. Examples include avoiding social situations at work, school, or with friends and family. Consult a medical professional about your mental health.

Begin a guide to getting calm at home.

 

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. 

Should I Try Therapy Again?

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Should I Try Therapy Again?

 

Should I try therapy again if I have tried it in the past?

Absolutely, you should pursue therapy again.

Your therapy journey is much like dating; it’s a process that involves finding the right match.

Just because it didn’t work out before doesn’t mean it won’t in the future.

Every therapist has a unique approach, so it’s important to keep seeking therapy until you find one that truly resonates with you.

The benefits of a successful therapeutic relationship can be profound and life-changing, so don’t hesitate to pursue therapy as many times as needed until you get it right.

Remember, therapy is a personal journey, and perseverance is key. The right therapist can make all the difference, so keep searching until you find the one who understands and supports your unique needs.

Consider giving different types of therapy a chance, such as cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, or even group therapy. Each has its own strengths and may offer the breakthrough you need.

@lifecoachingandtherapy

Should I Try Therapy Again? Should I try therapy again if I have tried it in the past? Your therapy journey is like dating and something to try until you get it right. #therapy #therapyjourney #trytherapy #therapist #tiktoktherapy #therapytok

♬ original sound – Life Coaching and Therapy

 

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. 

Stress and Anxiety Difference: Symptoms + Solutions

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Stress and Anxiety Difference: Symptoms + Solutions

 

Are you looking to learn about stress and anxiety differences in order to better understand yourself? In this article, we’ll look closer at the symptoms of both stress and anxiety to learn which treatment options are available to you.

 

Stress vs. Anxiety

There is a fine line between stress and anxiety. Despite the fact that both are emotional reactions, stress is typically the result of an outside factor. A discussion with a loved one or a job deadline are examples of short-term triggers. Long-term triggers include prejudice, chronic sickness, and an inability to work. Stress may cause various emotional and physical symptoms, including weariness, irritation, rage, muscular soreness, digestive problems, and trouble falling asleep.

On the other hand, excessive, ongoing anxiety that remains even in the absence of the stressors mentioned is what characterizes anxiety. Anxiety causes almost the same symptoms as stress, including restlessness, headaches, lethargy, tense muscles, and irritability.

Talking to a mental health professional can help you understand what you are going through and give you more coping mechanisms if your stress or anxiety does not go away or if you feel like your stress or anxiety is interfering with your daily life or your mood.

 

Symptoms of Stress and Anxiety

Most people will get confused about differentiating stress from anxiety because they have similar symptoms. However, there are still certain differences that can help you understand whether you might have anxiety or stress.

These are common stress symptoms:

  • Dizziness
  • Muscle pain or tension
  • Digestive issues
  • Sleeping issues
  • Irritability
  • Headaches
  • Sweating 
  • Feeling overwhelmed or drained
  • Restlessness
  • Appetite changes
  • Increased heart rate

 

When it comes to anxiety, these are the common symptoms that most people experience:

  • Faster heartbeat and breathing
  • Feeling of unease
  • Sweating
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Feeling nervous or tense

 

Stress and Anxiety Triggers

Anxiety and stress differ mostly in the presence of the body’s stress response or the fear of the trigger itself. In other words, stress is typically connected to a certain situation or event, and once that situation or event is done, the stress is gone as well. Yet, with anxiety, you continue to anticipate or fear the triggering event. 

Perhaps you’re nervous about a difficult exam you have coming up, or you’re trying to balance working from home because of your three young children. However, both of these situations trigger your stress, and once they are resolved, your stress will disappear as well. 

This is not to say that stress has no long-term effects. Chronic stress is a result of long-term stress caused by continuous strain, such as demanding work or family obligations, and it can have a significant negative impact on your general health. 

On the other hand, anxiety isn’t usually associated with a single stressor. In some cases, stress might even lead to anxiety. Stressful events that occur throughout childhood, adolescence, or maturity are frequently the cause of anxiety disorders. Early-life stress and trauma are likely to have a particularly significant effect.

 

How to Tell If You Have Stress or Anxiety

Not sure if your symptoms are the result of stress or anxiety? Take a step back and consider your current circumstances. What problems or issues do you often worry about? Would you characterize these worries as threats or unpleasant events? 

If you can pinpoint a particular trigger for your emotions, stress is probably to blame. However, if you’re not sure what is causing you to feel this way, it could be that you’re actually experiencing anxiety and not stress. 

 

How to Manage Stress and Anxiety

While experiencing stress and worry occasionally is normal, there are techniques you may use to help manage them. Observe how your body and mind react to circumstances that cause tension and worry. You can predict your response the next time something similar happens, and it might not be as upsetting.

Stress and anxiety symptoms might be lessened with certain lifestyle adjustments. These methods can be applied in addition to pharmaceutical anxiety therapies.

These are the things that can increase your stress or anxiety:

  • Too much coffee or alcohol
  • Losing sleep or sleep issues
  • Not being physically active enough
  • Being in stressful, dynamic environments 
  • Not participating in activities that bring you joy

 

People who engage in physical exercise can better handle stressful situations. This might be a run, a bike ride, or a group sport. That said, you can also find tremendous benefits from calming exercises like yoga and qigong.

Also, talking to another person about your concerns can reduce stress. You don’t have to wait to see your friends in person to talk to them; you can call them or have a video call with them. Whatever works for you should be used to alleviate stress or anxiety symptoms. 

 

When to See a Doctor 

Anxiety and stress are not necessarily negative traits. People require these instinctive, fleeting responses in order to keep themselves safe. You should see a doctor if you begin to have constant or frequent feelings of stress or anxiety. Only a mental health professional can diagnose you with an anxiety disorder and teach you valuable methods to implement when you feel anxious or stressed.

If you notice any of the warning signs below, make sure you reach out to a doctor or therapist:

  • Excessive anxiety is interfering with your daily functioning
  • You turn to alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism for stress or anxiety
  • You have irrational fears
  • Your sleep quality is worsening, and you have trouble falling asleep
  • You either lose your appetite or have enormous food cravings
  • You feel the urge to hurt yourself, whether it’s physically, emotionally, or verbally
  • You can’t control your negative or suicidal thoughts

 

Taking Care of Your Mental Health 

Humans naturally experience stress and anxiety in response to events that seem dangerous or unsettling. They are a component of the fight-or-flight response, which protects us by preparing the body to handle danger.

Anxiety is the body’s response to stress, while stress is the body’s response to a threat. Relaxation strategies, such as breathing exercises, physical activity, and talking about issues, can help people manage their stress and anxiety.

Anxiety and tension can sometimes take a toll on a person and lead to more serious, long-term consequences. Anyone who feels that stress or anxiety is having a negative impact on their daily life should think about finding a good therapist to discuss their problems with. 

If you want to start your journey at home, get calm with our anxiety therapy video. 

 

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. 

Defining Anxiety: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

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Defining Anxiety: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

 

We’re all talking about anxiety, yet defining anxiety is not as easy as it seems. Everyone experiences anxiety occasionally. An anxiety disorder may be indicated when unexplained sensations of anxiety persist, making it difficult to go about everyday tasks, or happen for no apparent cause.

If you want to learn how to recognize anxiety in yourself and in others, continue reading this article, as we’ll share all the vital information about anxiety.

 

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a complex response to real or perceived threats. It can involve cognitive, physical, and behavioral changes. Real or perceived danger causes a rush of adrenaline, a hormone, and a chemical messenger in the brain, which in turn triggers these anxiety reactions in a process called the fight-or-flight response. Some people may experience this response in difficult social situations or around important events or decisions.

The duration or severity of feelings of anxiety can sometimes be out of proportion to the original trigger or stressor. Physical symptoms, such as increased blood pressure and nausea, may also develop. These responses move beyond anxiety into an anxiety disorder.

Once anxiety reaches the stage of a disorder, it can interfere with daily function.

 

What Is an Anxiety Disorder?

Anxiety disorder is one of the mental health conditions that is impacting more and more Americans every day. You could react with fear and dread to certain items and circumstances if you suffer from an anxiety condition. Additionally, you can exhibit bodily symptoms of anxiousness, including perspiration and a racing heart.

A certain level of anxiousness is normal. If you have to make a big choice, go for an interview, take an exam, or deal with a situation at work, you could feel worried or anxious. Anxiety may even be advantageous. Anxiety, for instance, helps us focus our attention and identify potentially harmful circumstances, keeping us safe.

However, anxiety disorders are more than just occasional bouts of mild worry and trepidation. Anxiety disorders arise when:

  • Anxiety makes it difficult for you to operate.
  • When anything makes you feel something, you tend to overreact.
  • Your reactions to circumstances are beyond your control.

Managing anxiety problems may make daily tasks challenging. 

 

Causes of Anxiety 

Anxiety can arise and persist due to a variety of social and environmental circumstances, which can also impair our social interaction skills. These social and environmental variables might include social demands from society and the workplace, childhood trauma, social isolation, traumatic life experiences, stress from work or school, and issues with one’s physical or mental health. Gender may also be relevant, as anxiety is about twice as common in women as in men.

 

Social Isolation 

When compared to those who report having excellent social ties, individuals who suffer social isolation or loneliness frequently have fewer or lower-quality social contacts. Social isolation may make it difficult to strike up conversations with others, which frequently results in feelings of uneasiness and rejection.

 

Childhood Trauma

Neglect or physical, emotional, or sexual abuse throughout childhood can have a lasting impact on a person’s mental health. Those who have experienced trauma as children may be more prone to anxiety. This may result from modifications to brain development that impact memory, mood management, and our fight-or-flight response.

 

Negative Life Events

Unfavorable experiences in life can also exacerbate anxiety. These are the kinds of things that upset our sense of security or well-being and have a profound emotional impact.

These are some common examples of negative life events that can lead to anxiety:

  • Divorce or ending a significant relationship
  • Abuse or domestic violence
  • Stressful work or education environment
  • Car accident
  • Job insecurity
  • Excessive workload
  • Financial strain

 

Symptoms of Anxiety

Everybody’s experience of anxiety is unique. In addition to effects in other aspects of your life, you may encounter some of the mental and bodily repercussions outlined on this page.

It’s possible that you have dealt with anxiety in ways that aren’t mentioned here.

These are the common physical symptoms of anxiety: 

  • Uncomfort or pain in your stomach
  • Feeling light-headed or dizzy
  • Feeling restless 
  • Frequent headaches or backache 
  • Shallow, fast breathing
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Sweating
  • Sleep issues
  • Grinding your teeth
  • Nausea
  • Panic attacks

 

These are the common cognitive symptoms of anxiety:

  • Feeling tense or nervous 
  • Constantly worrying
  • Seeking reassurance from other people
  • Low mood or depression
  • Rumination
  • Depersonalization
  • Derealization 

 

Anxiety may raise the chance of getting some long-term physical health issues, such as diabetes, stomach ulcers, and heart issues, according to some research. However, there is insufficient data to determine the precise nature of the dangers or the demographics most likely to be impacted.

There may be times when you feel as though your anxiety issues and physical health issues are intertwined since having a physical sickness or impairment can exacerbate your anxiety.

 

Treatment Options for Anxiety

To find out if there is a connection between your anxiety and your physical health, you should first consult your primary care physician. They can look for indications of a potentially treatable underlying medical issue.

If your anxiety is extreme, though, you might need to consult a mental health professional. A psychiatrist is a medical professional with expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues. Psychotherapists and other mental health providers, such as psychologists, are qualified to diagnose anxiety and offer psychotherapy.

 

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, also referred to as talk therapy or psychological counseling, is working with a therapist to lessen the feelings of anxiety that you experience. It could work well as an anxiety therapy.

For anxiety disorders, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most successful type of psychotherapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which is often a short-term treatment, teaches you particular methods to help manage your symptoms and progressively resume the activities you’ve avoided due to worry.

As part of CBT, you will progressively come into contact with the thing or circumstance that makes you anxious in order to gain confidence in your ability to control the situation and your anxiety symptoms.

 

Medications

Depending on the kind of anxiety illness you have and whether you also have other physical or mental health conditions, several drugs can be used to aid with symptoms. Discuss the advantages, disadvantages, and potential adverse effects of drugs with your doctor.

 

Wrap Up

It is possible to lower one’s risk of anxiety disorders. Recall that experiencing anxiety is normal for day-to-day living and does not always signify the existence of a mental health issue.

Having an anxiety illness can make daily tasks challenging. Anxiety disorders are characterized by trepidation, panic, and terror. Physical signs like perspiration and an accelerated pulse are also possible. You don’t have to live this way, though. 

There are several efficient therapies for anxiety disorders. To determine your diagnosis and the most effective course of treatment, see your healthcare physician. Treatment frequently consists of both medicine and counseling. CBT combined with antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs can help you feel your best.

Begin your journey to calm at home. 

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. 

Friendship Therapy: What It Is & Do You Need It? 

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Friendship Therapy: What It Is & Do You Need It? 

 

Friendship therapy helps friends strengthen their relationship by sharing their concerns and working towards the same goal. Although we’re used to hearing about couples therapy as the most popular therapy to go with someone else, friendship therapy can be extremely beneficial for friendships that are facing an obstacle and are uncertain about the best way to solve it. 

In this article, we’ll look closer at friendship therapy, who needs it, and what outcomes to expect from it. If you and your friend think that friendship therapy is something that you both need, make sure to share this article with them as well.

 

What Is Friendship Therapy?

One of the most important things in life that you will encounter is friendship. Friendships feed and nourish us, satisfying some of our most basic needs for connection and belonging. However, we can find ourselves lacking the means to provide continuous, loving care for these connections, in part because our culture has long maintained that romantic and sexual relationships are the height of intimacy.

Just as traditional romantic relationships need time, intention, and care, platonic connections are as important to our well-being. During friendship therapy, mental health professionals offer a quiet, judgment-free environment where you and your friend may examine the causes of any lingering issues and use your strengths to forge a consensus, make repairs, and rebuild trust. Friendship therapy offers a space where both parties can hear and be heard, allowing them to make their connection even stronger. 

 

Signs You Need Friendship Therapy

If you have friends, you’ve probably encountered a few bumps on the road several times. It’s normal to have issues in your friendship, whether that’s a lack of communication, misunderstandings, or something else. The problem occurs when these issues are not addressed properly, and you’re unable to find a solution that is satisfying for both of you. That is when seeing a therapist might be beneficial to solve these underlying issues and feel closer to each other. 

These are just some of the common situations in which friendship therapy could be beneficial:

  • Frequent arguments or conflicts 
  • Spending less time together or communicating less 
  • Not being invited to the occasions you used to go together
  • Noticing a harsh tone or negative comments from your friend
  • Noticing you’re not receiving some amount of support you used to
  • Being overly competitive with your friends
  • Changes that concurred in distance or life priorities

 

How Therapy Can Save Your Friendship 

If you’ve found yourself in one of the situations mentioned above, you should consider going to friendship therapy. There are many ways that such therapy can help you navigate your friendship better. More importantly, with friendship therapy, you will learn how to recognize the signs that something is ‘off’ and how to become proactive in solving issues that appear in the future.

After all, therapy aims to provide us with efficient tools to better manage different areas of our lives. Talking to mental health experts allows you to learn from them and become more self-sufficient. Whichever the reason for pursuing a therapist, you will notice more benefits than just solving the issue that was bothering you. 

When talking about friendship therapy, you will learn to communicate more efficiently with your friends. Also, you will learn how to set boundaries and share your needs in a healthy manner. As friendship is a two-way street, you will also learn to listen better and provide your friends with what they need. 

All of this will help you build and maintain more significant friendships while also learning more about yourself. As social beings, we need to get to know ourselves first to be able to get to know others. 

Lastly, it’s possible that the outcome of the friendship therapy is parting ways with your friend. As much as it might hurt, sometimes certain relationships can hold us down or impact us negatively, so it’s best to say goodbye and not hold a grudge.

 

Is Friendship Therapy Right for You? 

One major advantage of therapy for friends who are having trouble communicating openly and healthily is that it provides a secure environment in which such conversations may take place under the supervision of a professional. That way, therapists are able to make necessary modifications in real time if they pertain to communication and conflict resolution.

Not every friendship endures, and going to therapy won’t be worthwhile for every difficult connection you have. However, friendship therapy is absolutely the best course of action if you find yourself in a long-term friendship that truly seems worth preserving and resolving. 

If you have persistent problems in your friendship that you haven’t been able to identify and address on your own, therapy may be very beneficial. To determine whether therapy is the best course of action for you and your buddy, think about scheduling a consultation with a mental health professional before beginning treatment. A lot of therapists are quite willing to talk with you and answer your questions before you enter the treatment session.

 

How to Suggest Therapy to Your Friend 

Make sure you speak about the idea of friendship therapy with your friend. Tell them how much you cherish their friendship and why you think it’s crucial that they try to strengthen it.

Also, you might want to admit that the tough period in your friendship is painful for you, and you want to do something about it. You may say something like, “I know we are both hurting in this situation, and I want us to be the healthiest and closest friends that we can be.”

If you believe your friend might be concerned about the cost of treatment or other practical issues, you can also help alleviate some of their worries by conducting your own research and having a variety of solutions ready for them to choose from. 

Pursuing individual treatment in addition to friendship therapy would be a good idea for people who have issues with their interpersonal interactions. This will provide access to crucial resources for communication and self-care, enhancing relationships with others and yourself.

 

Conclusion

In a secure environment, friends may be more motivated to express what they need from one another. After that, the friendship therapist may help identify the disconnects and offer both friends the tools they require to process, resolve, and recover. A friendship therapist may even assign homework, such as suggesting that friends go on a “date night” to replenish their intimacy reserves and rekindle their bond.

After all, people are social beings. Friendships are essential to our happiness. It is a great shame to lose a friend who holds great significance for you, even if the friendship may still be preserved.

 

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. 

 

Self-Esteem vs Self-Confidence: What’s the Difference?

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Self-Esteem vs Self-Confidence: What’s the Difference?

 

When it comes to self-esteem vs self-confidence, we’re all guilty of sometimes confusing these two terms and thinking they mean exactly the same. However, self-esteem and self-confidence are not synonyms, although they are very similar. 

For you to understand the difference, we will examine these two terms. You will not be confused for long once you understand what self-esteem and confidence are, and it can also help you better understand those around you.

 

What Is Self-Esteem? 

Your self-esteem is your level of self-worth and appreciation. It also includes your life experiences and relationships with other people, shaping and altering your sense of self-worth.

Self-esteem, as the term suggests, is about how we estimate or value ourselves. It’s a concept deeply rooted in our feelings, ideas, and actions. The term ‘estimate’ (aestimare) originates from Latin and means ‘to appraise, value, rate, or estimate.’ Understanding this origin can enhance your knowledge and appreciation of the concept of self-esteem.

Strong self-esteem is a powerful attribute. It liberates individuals from the need for external validation, such as money or prestige. It fosters acceptance of oneself and others, encourages risk tolerance, and opens doors to new experiences. This understanding can inspire and motivate you to nurture your own self-esteem. 

 

What Is Self Confidence? 

The term “self-confidence” describes the assurance we possess in particular areas of our lives. It is our conviction that we can accomplish our objectives and overcome obstacles. Unlike self-esteem, self-confidence is more outwardly focused and frequently easier to develop. 

Since knowledge and experience are the sources of confidence, our confidence level increases with our level of experience. The term “confidence” is derived from the Latin word, which means “to trust.” In other words, one has to have faith in their own abilities and their capacity to interact with others to be self-assured. 

Successful experiences usually result in increased self-confidence, which increases self-confidence in those domains even more. Most people, however, rely more on their self-confidence than on improving their self-esteem to be happy. The issue with this is that, unless we rise to a new challenge, our success is usually fleeting. 

 

Impacts of Low Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence

Low self-confidence or self-esteem are common problems for many people. For some, it just affects certain circumstances, while for others, it can be crippling or limiting.

If you lack these qualities, individual unpleasant or disappointing events might negatively impact your self-esteem or confidence. This might lead to a vicious loop of self-fulfilling prophecies, discouraging you from attempting them because of your pessimistic outlook on the future. Of course, this produces unsatisfactory results.

For example, if you lack confidence in yourself and receive negative feedback from your boss, you may think, “What else can I expect? I am stupid. This experience proves it, so I may as well give up.”

If you feel good about yourself and get negative feedback from your superior, you could ask yourself, “Where did I go wrong? I’ll research it so that I can improve next time.” You don’t feel less of a person despite your disappointment with the poor evaluation.

 

How to Improve Your Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence

Luckily, there are many ways to improve your self-esteem and self-confidence. After all, these two terms have a great impact on all areas of your life, so it’s in your interest to improve them. 

 

Start with Self-acceptance

Regardless of the circumstances, feeling better about yourself and other people is facilitated by increasing your self-acceptance.

We all make mistakes, and accepting them can make your life a lot easier. By engaging in self-acceptance exercises, you can:

  • Acknowledge that making mistakes is a vital part of learning 
  • Consider how you could approach challenges differently or change your approach to get different results.
  • Review your actions and try to change them without self-blame.

 

Learn More about Yourself

Pay attention to the situations or ideas that make you feel more or less confident or good about yourself. Be honest and list all your accomplishments, big and small. Once you are used to celebrating small wins, you will feel more confident and encouraged to tackle bigger projects. Knowing your strengths, weaknesses, and accomplishments helps. 

Consider that you are the only person with you 24/7. As you are beginning to learn more about yourself, focus on your own growth – which is something you are actually in control of. This means considering your goals and the aspects you would like to enhance or modify.

 

Challenge Your Thinking Patterns

When describing oneself to others or to yourself, be mindful of the words you use. We frequently show others more generosity and kindness than we do ourselves.

Acknowledge and confront your inner critic and try to convert them into your friend, not your enemy. After all, our inner critic is trying to protect us from negative experiences, and acknowledging its function allows you to become friends with it.  

Pay attention to the messages that help you respect who you are, and ignore the ones that doubt your worth or capacity. Use affirmations and constructive self-talk to rewire your brain every day, wherever you are.

 

Make Positive Changes in Your Life

To boost your confidence and sense of self-worth, you could decide to make some adjustments in your life. Consider the things you can change to feel better about yourself. For instance, you could wish to change your career, relationships, education, or acquire new skills.

Create a strategy that will entail specific objectives you want to achieve. Also, provide a timeline so you don’t feel stressed about this strategy of positive change. If it feels overwhelming for you, divide the objective into actionable steps and add them to your calendar. That can save you time and energy and keep you accountable at all times. 

 

Final Words

Whether you have low self-esteem or self-confidence, accepting that you’ve got the power to change it is crucial. As people, we’re all different, and we have unique experiences in life that can result in lower self-esteem or self-confidence. However, there are many ways for you to change that and start living a more confident, richer life! 

If you continue to struggle with boosting your self-esteem or self-confidence, consider reaching out to a therapist and working on it with them. Therapists can help you acquire a valuable set of techniques for this area and discover what is causing your low self-esteem or self-confidence. 

 

If you want to start your body journey at home, I invite you to learn more in our at home therapy video.

Body Image Therapy: Learn Positive Body Image

Couples Communication Strategies

 

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. 

Can You See Two Therapists at Once?

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Can You See Two Therapists at Once?

 

Are you wondering, ‘Can you see two therapists at once?’ If so, we’ve got some good news for you: You can see as many therapists as you want. However, keep in mind that it will be difficult to achieve progress if you’re talking to more than one therapist and if these therapists aren’t coordinating care with one another. 

On the other hand, you may see a different therapist for your marriage or relationship and a different one for your private life. These kinds of therapies would not conflict with one another because their objectives are different. To gain a better understanding of whether seeing two therapists is a good or bad idea, let us first look at the reasons why someone chooses to see a therapist. 

 

Reasons to Seek a Therapist

Seeking professional help for mental health issues has been stigmatized and characterized as something that “only those with mental disorders need.” This is because healthcare in the United States only covers therapy if you have a diagnosis. 

However, many people, regardless of whether they have a documented mental diagnosis, might benefit from therapy or coaching. If someone chooses to attend therapy, it can significantly improve their overall mental and emotional well-being.

Many people may benefit greatly from effective therapy. Nonetheless, it is crucial for some individuals, particularly those who struggle with mental illnesses like anxiety, depression, addiction, or other disorders. With the help of therapy, you can overcome the many challenges of life and lead a more fulfilling life. It can help you better understand your experiences and how they impact your well-being. Like visiting the dentist or doctor for regular checkups or wellness tests, talking to a therapist can help you maintain good mental health. 

These are the most common reasons why people decide to see a therapist:

  • You have intense feelings of sadness or hopelessness
  • You can’t find a solution or explanation to your challenges and issues
  • You use unhealthy coping mechanisms (alcohol, drugs, porn)
  • You or someone close to you is dealing with a chronic health condition
  • You’re going through a big change in your life
  • You’ve recently lost someone
  • You have family issues
  • You feel the need to talk to someone 

 

Seeing More Therapists

So, when is it recommended to see more than one therapist? If you are looking for a therapist for the first time, it could be helpful to schedule initial sessions with a few different therapists before selecting one. 

Another reason why someone might see two mental health professionals is if they complement each other. For instance, you might see your psychiatrist about the medications you’re taking and your therapist to discuss things that are bringing stress into your life. 

Another possible situation would be visiting one therapist for couples counseling with your spouse and another for individual concerns like anxiety or parenting. However, sometimes, these two therapies will not work well. For instance, you may be addressing sexuality issues with your partner while also beginning therapy to process the experience of a sexual trauma. If these therapists were not coordinating care, your individual work could be impacted if your couple therapist was focusing on strengthening the physical connection. 

 

Downsides of Seeing Two Therapists at Once

Although there are several valid reasons why seeing two therapists at once makes sense, it still has certain downsides that you need to be aware of. 

Some people think they can solve their problems more quickly by seeing multiple therapists for the same problem. If this describes you, know that seeing more than one therapist will not actually expedite the healing process.  

On the other hand, if you’re determined to see two therapists with two different approaches, make sure both therapists are aware of it so they can adjust their interventions for you to benefit from it. 

 

Therapy Benefits

Keep in mind that most people decide to see a therapist because they are aware of the potential benefits it might have for their lives. That said, be aware of the fact that seeing more therapists might limit those benefits and make it difficult for you to experience them. 

 

Improve Communication Skills

You may develop constructive and good communication skills with the help of therapy. You can successfully manage almost every aspect of your life if you have strong communication skills. Therapy may help you develop the skills you need to feel secure when talking with people, regardless of whether you tend to avoid conflict, lose your temper easily, or experience nervousness during direct conversations.

 

Improve Conflict Skills

Therapy may be helpful if you struggle to resolve conflicts of any kind in your life. By working with a mental health professional, you may gain the skills necessary to confidently ask for what you want from relationships and circumstances, create healthy relationship boundaries, and communicate your needs clearly. Anyone may benefit from learning conflict resolution techniques, and the more adept you are at handling it, the more successful you will be in managing many other facets of your life.

 

Increased Self Awareness

A person can get a deeper understanding of themselves through therapy, including their emotional and mental well-being, past experiences, and general behavior. You may learn how your own ideas, feelings, and behaviors could be holding you back from advancing in life and living a better, healthier existence through self-reflection.

 

Develop Coping Skills and Strategies

If you want to take on any of your challenges or make changes in your life, you must have a strategy. Therapy for mental health issues teaches you how to create effective coping mechanisms. Equipped with these adaptive techniques, you can counteract obstacles in your life. You can progress and get over almost anything that attempts to get in your way if you know how to resolve conflicts and challenges constructively and in a peaceful 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. 

Healing the Wounds Within: The Power of Therapy for Trauma

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Healing the Wounds Within: The Power of Therapy for Trauma

 

Therapy for trauma exists because trauma can leave deep scars on one’s psyche, affecting every aspect of life. Nowadays, therapy is a potent tool for recovering from past trauma and taking back control of one’s life. We will examine the healing power of therapy for trauma.

And provide an overview of the different techniques that can support the healing process.

 

Understanding Trauma

Trauma, whether caused by mistreatment, mishaps, or other upsetting events, frequently leaves a lasting impact on a person’s mental and emotional health. Trauma’s aftereffects can include crippling anxiety, intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and even physical symptoms. Healing from trauma takes more than just time; it requires deliberate effort and professional guidance to truly break free.

 

The Power of Therapy

Therapy serves as a safe haven for trauma survivors, providing them with the support and tools needed to navigate the complex landscape of recovery. By addressing the root causes of trauma and its associated symptoms, therapy offers individuals the opportunity to rebuild their lives on a foundation of resilience and emotional well-being.

 

  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a widely recognized and effective therapeutic approach for trauma. By exploring the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, CBT empowers individuals to identify and challenge negative beliefs and thought patterns that perpetuate their trauma-related distress. Through this process, individuals can regain control over their emotions and reclaim their lives.

 

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is a specialized therapy that targets traumatic memories and works to reprocess them, freeing the survivor from their lingering emotional impact. By utilizing bilateral stimulation techniques, such as eye movements or tactile taps, EMDR helps individuals process trauma in a way that reduces its intensity and disrupts its negative hold on their lives.

 

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT is particularly effective for individuals who have experienced trauma and struggle with emotional regulation and interpersonal difficulties. This therapy equips individuals with vital skills to cope with intense emotions, enhance mindfulness, and improve interpersonal relationships. Through DBT, trauma survivors can gradually regain control over their emotional responses and develop more fulfilling connections with others.

 

The Journey to Recovery

Starting therapy for trauma is an act of courage and self-care. Therapy is highly individualized, so finding the right therapist and modality is crucial to healing. Incorporating self-care practices, including exercise, meditation. And creative outlets, into the recovery process can serve as a valuable complement to therapy.

 

Conclusion

Trauma does not have to define a person’s life indefinitely. Therapy has emerged as a beacon of hope for trauma survivors, offering a path towards healing, growth, and liberation from the scars of the past. Whether through CBT, EMDR, DBT, or other therapeutic modalities, individuals can reclaim their lives and embrace a brighter future. Take the first step today and embark on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and transformation.

Remember, healing is possible.

 

 

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. 

 

Mental Health Text Support and Counseling Services

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Mental Health Text Support and Counseling Services

 

If you are looking for convenient and efficient mental health tools, consider mental health text support. This form of therapy is becoming popular among people of all ages, and it’s proven successful in helping them solve different problems and improve various areas of their lives. 

 

Text Therapy

Text therapy, or texting a therapist, is a rapidly growing trend, particularly among those needing assistance. It’s a simple process: sessions are conducted through messaging platforms like emails, chat messages, online chat rooms, or audio messages sent from your computer or phone. For many, these text-based treatment services offer a more accessible and comfortable option.

It is a communication channel for progressing in weekly sessions gradually and at your speed, not a crisis text line for mental health emergencies. Depending on your chosen platform, you can use features like texting therapy between treatment sessions.

It allows scheduled doctor or psychologist appointments, but it is not live all the time, like Zoom. An increasing number of people are adopting text therapy to address various mental health concerns, ranging from eating disorders to anxiety, thanks to the growth of telehealth through online therapy providers and the majority of cell phone plans that enable unlimited messaging. Texting a therapist seems less exposed than interacting with them in person for many individuals.

 

Benefits of Mental Health Text Support

There are several benefits to text therapy. Each person’s assessment of the significance of these text therapy benefits will differ. 

It’s possible that someone has social anxiety and doesn’t want to discuss their problems over a meal with an unknown person. Some people might not have the time to fit in one additional visit a week due to their hectic work and personal schedules, or they could have young children at home whom they cannot leave alone because they cannot find a babysitter. 

It might feel like pressure when you are in front of a therapist for an in-person session, and you are aware that the timer is running out and that you only have 30 or 60 minutes available for a weekly live appointment. As a result, it might be very challenging to take in the knowledge and genuinely respond to the queries being asked of you. 

Some people are better at communicating in writing than they are in person. People process and react to information more effectively when they put their thoughts in writing and reflect on the therapist’s answers. It can facilitate introspection and help people see things that could have been handled differently when they reflect on their experiences and recollections. Also, you are always welcome to message your therapist. Even though they might not answer immediately, you can still record the words. 

When conversing via texting as opposed to face-to-face therapy or speaking in front of a support group, some people claim to feel less scrutinized. No matter what kind of treatment you receive, your therapist should never judge you. However, the patient may experience judgment since they deal with many challenging feelings, such as guilt and shame. 

 

How to Start with Text Support

Usually, the process starts with you responding to questions that enable the service to match you with a therapist who can provide the level of care you require. Depending on the service you use, you might not be able to choose your own therapist.

After you’ve found a therapist, you may begin exchanging texts outlining your goals for treatment. Most text therapy programs offer unlimited text messaging. Additionally, some provide voice and video chat, although these may come at a somewhat higher price.

At any point, you can text your therapist. You can generally anticipate a response within a day; however, they might not respond right away, particularly if you text them late at night or early in the morning.

Additionally, you can ask for a “live text” session, in which you and your therapist text back and forth in real-time. This enables you to discuss problems whenever they come to mind.

Text therapy provides anonymity, much like in-person therapy.

The app could gather data, so be sure to read the terms of service and privacy regulations. However, your conversation with your therapist is private and will not divulge any personal information.

 

Cost of Mental Health Text Support

One of the reasons why many people choose text therapy over other types is that it’s more affordable. Depending on the platform you choose and the other services you utilize, text therapy might cost different amounts. However, the cost is typically lower than it would be for in-person counseling.

For instance, BetterHelp charges between $60 and $90 a week. Depending on the package you select, Talkspace might cost anywhere from $70 to $110 each week. Some places, like our group, charge based on which therapist and how many minutes. 

 

In Final Words

Getting the right kind of help is crucial if you’re struggling. Numerous people benefit from text therapy, and it could also be beneficial to you. However, you might not see much of a shift if you have trouble connecting with your therapist. It could be time to look into alternative strategies, including video counseling or in-person therapy, if you are not seeing any progress with text therapy. 

Keep in mind that every person is different and what works for your friend might not work for you. That is why it’s important to keep in mind that you can always try different types of therapy and switch to a more convenient one for you if the chosen one doesn’t work. Schedule a text session with one of our staff members today. 

 

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

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

Get to know 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

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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. 

 

Relationship Therapist Near Me: How to Get Help Right Away

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Relationship Therapist Near Me: How to Get Help Right Away

 

If you were looking for a ‘Relationship therapist near me’ on Google, you’re determined to start going to therapy sessions. Regardless of your reason for seeking therapy, finding a good mental health expert focused on relationships and marriages is now easier. You can easily find a therapist in your area, read other clients’ reviews, or even learn more about the therapist on their website.

Consider online sessions if you’re in a rush and want to talk to someone as soon as possible. This will give you more options to choose from, and you’ll likely find a therapist to talk to, even on the same day. To help you choose the right relationship therapist, we’ve decided to take a closer look into how to tell a great therapist from an average one and what else you should pay attention to when making the choice. 

 

What Is Relationship Therapy? 

Relationship therapy, sometimes referred to as couples therapy or counseling, is a kind of psychotherapy that aims to assist clients in strengthening their love relationships. By working with a therapist, couples can address problems in their relationships, practice communication, enhance their relationships, and settle disputes.

Relationship therapy may be beneficial at any point in a relationship, even though it’s frequently utilized to address issues. Counseling that enhances communication and connection can still benefit those in pleasant, healthy relationships.

 

What Does a Relationship Therapist Do? 

It’s crucial to recognize the distinctions between what a relationship therapist does and what a regular therapist offering individual therapy does. Relationship issues might occasionally resolve themselves if one partner seeks private therapy to address their issues. However, a relationship therapist aims to improve the quality of the relationship by talking to both partners. 

Often, one or both partners lack certain skills to build a quality relationship. Learning how to communicate, listen, compromise, and trust are not skills we all possess at the same level. Without them, the relationship might become complicated and often toxic. To avoid getting to that point, partners tend to seek a relationship therapist, whether online or in person, to work on those areas and strengthen their bond. 

If you’re not sure how a relationship therapist can help you, these are some of the things you can expect:

  • Ask you and your partner questions to get to know you better
  • Determine a relationship goal with you and your partner
  • Tap into the certain issues that are causing you to discuss, fight, or isolate from each other
  • Suggest exercises on the spot or at home to better understand each other
  • Teach you techniques to use when focused on a similar challenge or situation
  • Dig deeper into your past romantic and family-related experiences to understand why you react or feel a certain way

 

Benefits of Relationship Therapy

Relationship therapy is really effective, especially if couples seek help before issues are too severe or complex to handle on their own. Couples that seek relationship therapy before allowing conflicts to develop should anticipate some of the following advantages:

  • They will have better and healthier communication practices
  • Couples will be more equipped to decide important matters together
  • Spouses or partners will be able to handle problems more easily
  • Learning healthy conflict-resolution techniques (e.g., improving listening skills and spotting misconceptions)
  • Help couples understand their true intentions and needs

 

What to Expect from Your First Session

If you’re thinking about getting counseling, you undoubtedly want to know how relationship therapy works. Therapy sessions will probably not be extremely confrontational in the beginning. This is due to the fact that relationship therapy starts with your therapist asking you and your partner questions to learn about your background and the causes of your marital or relationship issues.

Every partner will get an opportunity to speak and present their perspective. The relationship therapist could even ask for separate sessions from each spouse after the first one so that they can discuss things that they might not feel comfortable discussing with their partner.

 

How to Find a Relationship Therapist

A variety of professionals, such as licensed clinical social workers, licensed counselors, registered marital and family therapists, and clinical psychologists, can provide relationship therapy. Though their term refers to “marriage,” keep in mind that relationship therapy is beneficial to single people as well. However, if you really want someone who is experienced in relationship topics, you will want to seek a relationship therapist. 

Asking friends and family for recommendations can be a more successful method of starting your search for a therapist, even if most people’s first instinct when seeking one is to head online. There are dozens of licensed therapists in your area, so choosing one should not be difficult. If you want to broaden your choice and seek a certain profile of therapist regardless of their working area, consider online sessions, which are equally efficient and could help you with anything you need.

 

Online Relationship Counseling

If you and your partner find that traditional in-person therapy isn’t working or isn’t possible, online therapy may be a great alternative. There are several reasons to consider trying online counseling. For instance, your spouse and you don’t share a residence. This may be relevant to those in long-distance relationships or separated individuals contemplating a permanent break. 

Or, you have to travel quite a bit for work. Thanks to online choices, people may benefit from therapy regardless of their location or how hectic their calendar is. Sometimes, traditional treatment does not feel comfortable for you or your partner. For some people, receiving therapy in person might be difficult, awkward, or even anxiety-inducing. Relationship counseling may be easier to obtain with web-based tools.

 

Work Together Towards Your Relationship Goal

You could discover that counseling is beneficial if your relationship is having problems. A therapist may help you and your spouse identify the underlying causes of your issues, develop fresh lines of communication, and fortify your bond.

You and your partner may resolve any issues you may be facing and strengthen your relationship by agreeing to seek therapy together. Talk to each other and choose the therapist together. Don’t forget that relationships require work, and sometimes, getting help from a relationship expert is just what you need to feel closer to each other and become more intimate than ever before. 

 

Couples Communication Strategies

 

 

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?

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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 

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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 Do You Let Go of Resentment?

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How Do You Let Go of Resentment?

 

So, how do you let go of resentment? After all, humans are supposed to feel all emotions, yet there are a few that might cause us more harm than good in the long term. One of them is resentment. Feeling resentful can limit your freedom, so you might be curious to learn how to let go of it.

In the sections that follow, we’ll discuss typical causes of resentment, the long-term effects of holding onto it, and practical strategies for coping with this difficult feeling.

 

What Is Resentment?

An unpleasant emotional response to mistreatment is known as resentment. Resentment can stem from a variety of things, yet in most situations, it stems from a perception that someone else has treated you poorly or harmed you.

It’s common to feel disappointed and frustrated in life. However, these emotions might lead to resentment when they become too strong. When this happens, relationships could get damaged or terminated, because both trust and affection have been severely impacted by it. Recognizing this, it becomes urgent to find ways to cope with resentment.

Anger, disappointment, bitterness, and hard feelings are just a few of the complex emotions that a person harboring resentment may experience. Therefore, acknowledging these emotions and understanding that they are a natural part of the resentment process is important.

 

Signs of Resentment

It might be difficult to spot resentment in others. This is due to the fact that it’s a complex emotion that may simultaneously incorporate a wide range of emotions. In general, someone who is resentful believes they have been wronged. That is why they might:

  • Feel tension whenever they’re with someone they think has mistreated them
  • Refrain from arguing with someone
  • Dwell on the event or exchange of ideas
  • Talk about someone behind their back
  • Refuse to acknowledge their feelings or to discuss the matter at all
  • Withdraw both physically and emotionally from the person they have grudges against

 

When talking about emotions that are connected with resentment, most people who have experienced it also notice they feel other emotions, such as:

  • Anger
  • Bitterness
  • Frustration
  • Hard feelings
  • Hostility
  • Uneasiness

 

The Benefits of Resentment

As we know, an emotion is not good or bad on its own. For every bad thing that happens because of resentment, there are also good things that happen because of it. To let go of something, you need to understand it better and be grateful for the message or release that it was a coincidence.

Therefore, these are just a few ways that short-term resentment is trying to help you:

  • Protect yourself from getting hurt again
  • Make you feel safe from experiencing vulnerability
  • Advocate for your own self-worth and integrity
  • Develop a sense of power and control in your life
  • Avoid difficult situations and conflicts
  • Avoid responsibility

 

Letting Go of Resentment

Consider talking to your doctor if you think that your resentment is getting out of control. They might suggest that you see a psychiatrist or psychologist and talk through your emotions and let go of the resentment this way.

The solution for resentment might differ from person to person, as the causes are not the same in every person. Thus, forgiveness and coming to terms with what happened so that you may go on with your life are crucial steps on the healing journey.

1. Learn What’s Holding You Back

What emotions come up for you when you think about letting go of resentment? It’s common to experience a wide range of emotions when trying to let go of resentment, particularly if the resentment has been carried out for an extended period of time. These feelings include resistance, fear, and rage.

2. Self-Love First

Some people use resentment as a coping mechanism to deal with uncomfortable or difficult feelings. However, long-term effects may result from this, even if it feels comforting at first. Having compassion for oneself promotes healing and enables you to deal with your suffering in a compassionate and conscious manner.

3. Be Empathetic

Finding out why the thing or someone made you angry enables you to identify possible miscommunications. Additionally, try to look at things from a different angle to see if you might lessen your resentment.

4. Practice Gratitude

It’s common to become overwhelmed by everything going on around you. Nevertheless, concentrating on the positive aspects of your life may increase your level of happiness and optimism. Reflecting on the things and people you have gratitude for may also be beneficial.

 

Why You Should Let Go of Resentment

Research has shown that holding onto resentment is not good for your physical and emotional well-being. It also indicates that holding grudges raises blood pressure and heart rate, heart disease, and causes chronic agony.

Worse than that, clinging to bitterness and anger has been connected to anxiety, depression, sexual dysfunction, and shakier interpersonal relationships—romantic, parent-child, and professional.

Stress chemicals like cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine are released into your brain when you spend the whole day dwelling on your pain, anger, and resentment toward a certain individual. This is because your brain actually feels as though it is being attacked. Consequently, your limbic system remains active as a result of all these stress chemicals, which means the thinking and rational parts of your brain are turned off.

 

In Final Words

It’s common to experience resentment, anger, or bitterness in response to not being treated how you want or deserve. However, hanging onto these emotions too long might be detrimental to your physical and emotional well-being.

There are numerous potential causes of this complicated feeling. For instance, feelings of being mistreated, taken advantage of, or not being heard can lead to resentment. It’s commonly described as an outraged sensation. Regrettably, bitterness can give rise to other negative feelings and ideas. If you don’t control resentment, it can eventually ruin relationships.

You can mend broken relationships and get over grudges. Seek counseling if you’re still having problems. These days, you have the choice of working with a typical in-person therapist or one of the numerous providers of online therapy.

 

 

 

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

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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.