Blog
What is Confidentiality?
Confidentiality is a fundamental aspect of therapy and is essential for building trust between the therapist and the client. We understand that coming to counseling requires courage, vulnerability, and trust. You need to feel completely comfortable opening up about personal issues without fear of judgment or breach of privacy. That’s why confidentiality is so important! La confidencialidad es un aspecto fundamental de la terapia y es esencial para generar confianza entre el terapeuta y el cliente. Entendemos que acudir a asesoramiento requiere valentía, vulnerabilidad y confianza. Debe sentirse completamente cómodo hablando de cuestiones personales sin temor a ser juzgado o violar la privacidad. ¡Por eso la confidencialidad es tan importante!
Externalizing a Part/Symptom using Light Stream Meditation
The concept of "parts work" in therapy is often associated with Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, a therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz. Parts work involves exploring and understanding the different parts of an individual's internal system, each representing distinct emotions, beliefs, memories, and functions.
Anger Iceberg
The Anger Iceberg is a therapeutic technique used in mental health counseling to explore and understand the underlying emotions beneath anger. It is based on the idea that anger is often a surface-level emotion that masks deeper, more complex feelings. The iceberg metaphor suggests that just as only a small portion of an iceberg is visible above the waterline, anger is just the tip of the emotional iceberg.
How to be an ally supporting Transgender and Nonbinary
The first step in becoming a better ally to the transgender and nonbinary is to learn more. There are many things you may not know, and you will probably make some mistakes along the way. It is crucial to understand that it is okay to make mistakes along the way as long as we learn from them. To be an ally is to put in some of the work on your own. It is not the responsibility of the LGBTQ+ community to educate you. You must take accountability and put in work/research.
Managing Teen Emotions
Being a teen is tough stuff. I mean can you remember back to when you were in middle/high school? All of the stress of keeping up with grades, latest trends, parent demands, extracurricular activities, and as if that wasn’t enough, all of the drama! The drama between couples, friends, and home was at times just too much to bear.
Loneliness in the Social Media Age
It is human nature to want to feel belonging. To want to be a part of something. To feel connected to someone or something. COVID felt very isolating for many people. Many individuals had to seclude themselves to avoid COVID or spreading it to others. It was and may still feel like a very disruptive time in society and an individual’s lives. Since then, for many life has felt very different. So, what changed?
Real Talk
Reducing self-criticism is a valuable step toward improving mental health and fostering a more positive self-image. Identify and challenge negative thoughts about yourself. Consider whether these thoughts are based on facts or distorted perceptions. Replace negative thoughts with more realistic and positive ones.
Reinventing Yourself
Take time to reflect on your values, interests, and goals. Consider how your current self aligns with these aspects. This self-awareness can provide a foundation for accepting and understanding your evolving identity. Establish intentions or goals for your self-reflection practice. Outline what you hope to achieve, whether it's personal growth, enhanced self-awareness, or improved decision-making.
Challenging Yourself
Affirmations are positive statements that are repeated to oneself with the intention of fostering a positive mindset and changing one's beliefs or thought patterns. Sylvia Ruiz, LPC-A bilingual spanish therapy latinx latino latina hispanic houston texas 77069
Positive Affirmations
Affirmations are positive statements that are repeated to oneself with the intention of fostering a positive mindset and changing one's beliefs or thought patterns.
Assessing Dissociation
Dissociation is a complex psychological phenomenon characterized by a disconnection between thoughts, identity, consciousness, and memory. It is typically assessed through clinical interviews, self-report measures, and observations of behavior. Dissociative symptoms are associated with various mental health conditions, such as dissociative disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other trauma-related disorders. If you are concerned about dissociative symptoms or are seeking an assessment, it's important to consult with a mental health professional, such as a psychologist, psychiatrist, or clinical social worker. T
Tracking Daily Moods
Mood tracking is a component of a holistic approach to health. It allows you to consider the interconnectedness of factors such as sleep, exercise, nutrition, and social interactions that influence your mental well-being. There are various methods for mood tracking, ranging from traditional journaling to smartphone apps designed for this purpose. Choose a method that fits your preferences and lifestyle. Remember that while mood tracking can be a valuable tool, it is not a substitute for professional mental health care. If you're experiencing persistent or severe mood changes, it's important to consult with a mental health professional for personalized support and guidance.
Benefits of Meditation
Meditation can offer a wide range of benefits for mental health. While individual experiences may vary, numerous studies suggest that incorporating meditation into one's routine can have positive effects on overall well-being.
Just World Myth
The Just World Myth is a cognitive bias or belief that suggests that people generally get what they deserve and deserve what they get. In other words, it implies that the world is inherently fair, and individuals receive outcomes in life that are in line with their actions and character.
Tips on Taking Control
Not focusing on what you can't control is a crucial skill for maintaining mental well-being and reducing stress. Recognize that life is unpredictable, and unexpected events will occur. Embrace flexibility and adaptability. Being open to change and uncertainty can reduce anxiety about uncontrollable factors. Remember that letting go of the need to control everything is a process that takes time and practice. By incorporating these strategies into your daily life, you can develop a healthier mindset and focus on what you can influence positively.
Tips on Grounding Techniques
Grounding techniques can be helpful in managing stress, anxiety, and overwhelming emotions by bringing your focus to the present moment. Engaging the five senses is a common approach to grounding.
How Sport & Performance Counseling Can Benefit Athletes
Sports are not just about physical skill; they also require mental skill. Whether you are a professional, youth, or amateur athlete, mental state plays a significant role in performance. This is where sport and performance therapy can come into play, offering athletes a unique resource to unlock their true potential. So, what is sport and performance counseling and how can it benefit athletes?
5 Steps to Setting Boundaries
From your significant other to your mother, relationships are complicated. This is not to say that relationships aren’t worth it. Though, sometimes it may feel that way. Sometimes you may feel the urge to cut ties because you’re sick of feeling hurt or tired of fighting. At the end of the day, the choice is yours. However, it may be worth exploring the concept of boundaries before burning any bridges.
Journaling for Mental Health
Journaling is a healthy coping strategy that can help reduce mental stress and anxiety, coping with major depressive disorder, and manage symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. The process of journaling is a therapeutic tool that can be practiced at home and at a convenient time, with just the need of a journal and pencil. When we have an overwhelming number of thoughts, good or bad, it can be helpful to write them out and choose what to focus on.
Exploring Our Childhoods As A Means of Growth and Healing
We often do not realize how our childhood experiences influence our interactions and relationships with others as we age. It is not uncommon for people to explain their behavior by saying “I have always been this way.” or “That’s just who I am.” But what if there is something you have been burying inside just waiting to be discovered?