Category: Psychotherapy: Specific Issues Treated & Changes Made
The Good Therapy Blog
May 7th, 2012 |
There are a number of different experiences that can cause a child to develop maladaptive coping tendencies. Children who are emotionally or physically abused, neglected, or raised in extremely stressful environments may internalize their emotions. Likewise, children who have experienced sexual abuse may dissociate as a way of defending themselves from the psychological harm that results from sexual abuse. Trauma suffered in childhood increases the risk for dissociative behaviors. Auditory hallucinations are one form of dissociation and are evident in individuals with mental illnesses such as Read More
© Copyright 2012 by http://www.GoodTherapy.org Therapist Woodland Hills Bureau - All Rights Reserved.
May 7th, 2012 |
As humans, we are wired to be connected. We are an interdependent species, which means we cannot survive alone. This is why relationships are such an important part of our lives and crucial to our well-being. This is also why dysfunctional relationships can take a toll on our self-esteem and quality of life. When was the last time you really took the time to examine your relationships? To do so, ask yourself the following questions:
How important is this relationship in my life?
How much trust do I have in this person?
How much do I invest in this relationship?
How much does this person invest... Read More
May 4th, 2012 |
Everybody has attachments to specific people in their lives. When young, people are attached to their caregivers. As they mature, people may develop strong attachments to mentors, coaches, close friends, and even intimate partners. In adulthood, one of the most significant attachment figures an individual has is that person’s spouse, or committed romantic partner. Attachment relationships can be positive or negative. Strong, loving relationships are deemed positive attachments and promote harmony, respect, and individuality. Emotionally abusive, intimidating, and violent relationships can create... Read More
© Copyright 2012 by http://www.GoodTherapy.org Therapist Encino Bureau - All Rights Reserved.
May 4th, 2012 |
Cognitive fusion is a process that involves attaching a thought to an experience. Cognitive fusion is beneficial in many ways. Through the process of cognitive fusion, people can become interested in story lines in movies and books because they attach their emotions to the events. Hobbies that elicit positive feelings can be enhanced as a result of cognitive fusion as well. Even feelings of love can be influenced by cognitive fusion. But this process can also impair behavior in individuals with certain psychological issues. People who struggle with anxiety and depression experience negative thoughts... Read More
© Copyright 2012 by http://www.GoodTherapy.org Therapist Anchorage Bureau - All Rights Reserved.
May 4th, 2012 |
Conflicts with in-laws are one of the most common sources of stress, and a bad relationship with in-laws can even destroy a marriage. Most people want to get along with their in-laws, and few in-laws want to match the stereotype of a crazy in-law. But all too often, emotions and the stress of daily life get in the way of the best intentions, leading to ongoing problems. If your child is getting married and you want to be a great in-law, or if you’ve been an in-law for a while and just want to be better at it, here are a few simple things you can do.
Support the Marriage
At the core of most... Read More
© Copyright 2012 by http://www.GoodTherapy.org Therapist Glendale Bureau - All Rights Reserved.
May 4th, 2012 |
Existing research has identified a clear link between depression and stress in children of depressed mothers. Additionally, research has shown that stressful environmental conditions can also increase the chance of depression in children. But until recently, few studies have looked at the stress generation pathway through which stressors directly predict depression and stress in children of depressed mothers compared to children of nondepressed mothers. To explore this relationship further and examine gender differences in this... Read More
© Copyright 2012 by http://www.GoodTherapy.org Therapist Silver Spring Bureau - All Rights Reserved.
May 4th, 2012 |
“Kevin” is 51 and was recently treated for colon cancer. His leave of absence at work is almost over. As his return looms closer, he is increasingly anxious. He’s not feeling 100% yet. He still tires fairly easily and has been taking naps every afternoon. He’s not sure he can concentrate fully for extended periods of time. On top of his concerns about his abilities, there is the question about how much he has to tell people about why he has been gone. Does everyone need to know every detail?
Returning to work is a common source of stress for people coping with cancer. It’s important... Read More
May 3rd, 2012 |
Suicide has been researched at length in recent decades. With the current economic downturn, suicide rates have increased. Understanding what factors make someone more vulnerable to suicide is imperative in order to prevent this rate from rising even further. Previous research has shown that the existence of a mental health problem increases the risk for suicide. Posttraumatic stress, depression, and eating and food issues can put someone at increased risk for suicide.
Stressful live events (SLEs) also directly impact the rate of suicide. Individuals who experience significant losses to... Read More
© Copyright 2012 by http://www.GoodTherapy.org Therapist St. Louis Bureau - All Rights Reserved.
May 3rd, 2012 |
Alcohol dependence is a worldwide concern. Individuals who are addicted to alcohol experience social, economic, and relational challenges that can put a strain on the people they are closest to and their communities at large. Those who struggle with alcohol problems often have trouble maintaining healthy relationships with family members, and children of alcoholic-dependent individuals are at increased risk for maltreatment. Additionally, people who are addicted to... Read More
© Copyright 2012 by http://www.GoodTherapy.org Therapist Berkeley Bureau - All Rights Reserved.
May 3rd, 2012 |
At one extreme among inflexible people is obsessive-compulsive disorder—people who must perform a ritual to be sure something is done “right,” whether it’s checking the locks or the bank balance—but there are gradations all along the way to the other extreme. Those gradations may include people who seem quite normal; they’re pleasant, fun, kind, and friendly—until you cross them. Then watch out.
Inflexible people are not that way because they enjoy being rigid and controlling. If you stop and think about it, the idea that someone is controlling because they enjoy it makes no sense.... Read More
May 3rd, 2012 |
Young adults are under an immense amount of social and peer pressure. The ideal body image portrayed to most young adults is one with lean muscle mass and minimal body fat. Achieving this type of body requires extreme discipline and attention to diet, exercise and sleep. However, our culture conveys the image that this type of physique can be achieved through dietary supplements and pills alone. Teens and young adults who strive to attain this type of unrealistic body image may see their peers, mentors, and even celebrities... Read More
© Copyright 2012 by http://www.GoodTherapy.org Therapist Philadelphia Bureau - All Rights Reserved.
May 3rd, 2012 |
Saturday April 28th was my 11th Ocha Birthday. That is to say it was the anniversary of my initiation as a Yoruba/Lucumi Priest of Obatala (April 28, 2001). To me, it’s as important a date as my natal birthday. Traditionally, to mark the anniversary, we purchase food and cook for the Orishas (the divinities we worship), read each Orisha we have with Obi (4 quarters of coconut), and generally strive to have a peaceful and meditative day. Sometimes, if possible, we open our homes to other Orisha Priests to come and salute our Orishas and to offer their blessings. Since I was in a somewhat isolated... Read More
May 2nd, 2012 |
Caregivers are individuals who are responsible for the physical well-being of a family member. Caregivers in general are more likely to experience increased stress than noncaregivers. But for those who care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, heart disease and depression are two main concerns. Previous research has shown that depression can put people at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), including caregivers, as measured by their sympathetic nervous system. Specifically, researchers can use a noninvasive technique called brachial... Read More
© Copyright 2012 by http://www.GoodTherapy.org Therapist Denver Bureau - All Rights Reserved.
May 2nd, 2012 |
Visual and auditory impairments are common traits of schizophrenia. Individuals with schizophrenia often experience language problems that can lead to hallucinations and distorted thinking. Another common issue that people with schizophrenia face is the inability to accurately process written words. The way in which people process words and comprehend written material is essential to overall quality of life. People with literacy challenges have more problems communicating with others and are less able to maintain daily... Read More
© Copyright 2012 by http://www.GoodTherapy.org Therapist New York Bureau - All Rights Reserved.