Finding an Affirming Therapist
Previous PostNext Post ADVICE Finding an Affirming Therapist Finding a therapist may seem daunting, so here are some helpful tips when conducting research. Finding an affirming therapist. Affirming, competent mental health therapists are available to support and help you heal. Here are some helpful tips to consider when finding an affirming therapist. The LGBTQIA+ community encounters stressors that negatively affect their physical and mental well-being. Some of these stressors include rejection, discrimination, violence, unaffirming spaces and/or providers, and health care disparities. These experiences can be traumatic, and lead to feelings of anxiety, fear, helplessness, discouragement, or mistrust. Internal and/or external stressors coupled with trauma can feel overwhelming and as if there is no way out. Affirming, competent mental health therapists are available to support and help you heal. Mental health therapists have varying levels of expertise and utilize a range of treatment modalities. They can help you in areas such as identity exploration, coming out, gender transition, trauma recovery, stress management, and skill building. Looking for a therapist may seem daunting, so here are some helpful tips to consider when conducting your search. Gather Resources. Reach out to your primary care doctor or other trusted providers for a list of referrals. If you have health insurance, log into to your account to search for mental health therapists or call the insurance company directly to request this information. Ask family members or friends for resources too. They may be familiar with clinics or organizations that have connections with affirming therapists. Request a phone consultation. Therapists typically offer brief phone consultations to prospective clients who may want more information about their clinical background, expertise, and special populations they serve. Consultations offer you an opportunity to know the therapist more and determine whether they are a match for your needs and concerns. It is also a great way to get a glimpse of their personality and therapy style. Ask Questions. During your phone consultation or intake appointment with a therapist, you are welcome to ask the following questions, “How are you going to keep me safe?”, “In what ways are you an affirming provider?”, and “What is your experience working with individuals with similar concerns as mine?” It is important to work with a therapist who you connect and feel safe and comfortable with as this will maximize your therapy experience. Finding an affirming therapist. Choose the Right Fit. Once you have completed your search, take the time to compare the therapists whom you spoke with. Trust your intuition. If you later learn you are not connecting well with a therapist, let them know. They can adjust their therapeutic approach to fit your needs and concerns. If that does not work, then it is okay to terminate services. They will gladly assist and connect you with another provider who might be a better fit for you. Affirming therapists are out there to help you begin the healing process. It might take a while to find a match, just remember to be patient and trust yourself and the process. You will be on your therapy journey before you know it! All Posts Advice Couples Therapy EMDR Therapy Health & Wellness Holidays Individual Therapy LGBTQ LGBTQ+ Therapy Links Mental Health Moment Services Teen Therapy Teens Therapist Uncategorized Dante Knew He Had to do Something Have You Suddenly Lost Your Confidence? Try These Tips to Regain Your Swagger! 5 Tips for Gift Giving
6 Self-Care Ideas Amidst Stressful Times
Previous PostNext Post SELF CARE 6 Self-Care Ideas Amidst Stressful Times 6 Self-Care Ideas Amidst Stressful Times Within Your Control I wanted to provide you with 6 self-care ideas amidst stressful times. You may be feeling many emotions right now in response to the overturn of Roe v. Wade and other recent events, such as the mass shooting in Uvalde, TX. It is normal to feel shocked, angry, powerless, unsafe, or all the above. You may have also wondered “What’s going to happen next?”, or “Am I safe here?” Whatever your experience is, it is valid, and you are not alone. Take a moment to pause and reflect on what is within your control. Also, think about the ways in which you can care for your mind and body during this challenging time. The purpose of practicing self-care is to maintain your balance, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Here are 6 self-care ideas that are within your control Schedule a session with your mental health counselor. Use that hour with them to express your frustrations and worries. Practice deep breathing for a minute or two. This technique reduces stress and tension in the body. You can find plenty of guided videos on YouTube. Step outside for fresh air. Notice all the sights, sounds, and sensations at that moment. Take it all in. Set boundaries with yourself. For example, limit your time spent on social media or reading the news. Tap into your religious or spiritual practices or reach out to your faith-based community. Give yourself compassion, whether it is saying an affirmation or acknowledging your successes of the day, no matter how big or small. The future might seem unsettling right now, so I invite you to shift your focus to your present moment. Hold on to that. All Posts Advice Couples Therapy EMDR Therapy Health & Wellness Holidays Individual Therapy LGBTQ LGBTQ+ Therapy Links Mental Health Moment Services Teen Therapy Teens Therapist Uncategorized Dante Knew He Had to do Something Have You Suddenly Lost Your Confidence? Try These Tips to Regain Your Swagger! 5 Tips for Gift Giving
EMDR Therapy and How It Works
Previous PostNext Post EMDR Therapy EMDR Therapy and How it Works Healing Trauma’s Invisible Wounds Let’s Get Down to Brass Tacks EMDR Therapy is often sought out by people struggling with symptoms related to an unresolved traumatic event. EMDR Therapy In today’s world, ‘trauma’ has become more and more emphasized as we have grown into a greater understanding of how it affects so many people. We have learned that it’s not the event itself that is traumatic, but the response to the experience. While there is a common range of traumas, such as personal loss or abuse, war-related experiences, natural disasters, car accidents, and more, trauma symptoms can result from any adversely negative experience. If you are struggling with the effects of trauma or anxiety, you may have heard about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. If you are seeking EMDR therapy, you may be struggling with symptoms related to an unresolved traumatic event. Some people also seek this therapy to help them cope with the symptoms of anxiety disorders like panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and phobias. So, How Does This Fancy Therapy Work? When we have unresolved traumatic experiences, it can lead to unhealthy coping behaviors and possibly physical and psychological symptoms. The goal of this fancy therapy is to help you overcome these symptoms by targeting unresolved traumatic memories. We look at past traumas that are triggered in the present. These are usually traumas you have the same responses to as when you originally experienced the negative event. During therapy, the West Lake Houston therapists will guide you through a number of eye movements (or other bilateral stimulation such as tapping) to help you process your traumatic experiences. The goal here is to reduce activation connected to your memories and reprocess them so you can understand them in a healthier way. Potential Benefits of EMDR Therapy EMDR therapy can help with your reactions and distress by improving your ability to regulate emotions, reduce intrusive thoughts, and increase self-confidence. It allows the brain to naturally heal itself from past psychological injury (as the body does when it is physically injured). It can also help you learn healthier coping strategies for future stressors. If you are dealing with lingering effects of trauma, such as flashbacks and nightmares, it can help you live your life without fear. Are you considering EMDR Therapy? If you have ever considered whether this therapy can work for you, we’d love to hear from you! With the help of a trained therapist, you can take steps towards healing and overcoming your trauma or anxiety that may be holding you back in important areas of your life. We are familiar with the kinds of events we would – hands down – label as traumatic (i.e a major accident), but it’s important to note that there are relational traumas people endure as well. Typically, people find that their triggers most often happen in the context of romantic relationships. Again, it is not the event itself that determines the trauma, but the person’s response to it. If you’re interested in learning more about EMDR therapy and how it can help you, reach out to us today to schedule a free phone consultation. Take the first step towards overcoming your trauma or anxiety today. Contact West Lake Houston Counseling. All Posts Advice Couples Therapy EMDR Therapy Health & Wellness Holidays Individual Therapy LGBTQ LGBTQ+ Therapy Links Mental Health Moment Services Teen Therapy Teens Therapist Uncategorized Dante Knew He Had to do Something Have You Suddenly Lost Your Confidence? Try These Tips to Regain Your Swagger! 5 Tips for Gift Giving
20 Effective Communication Techniques
20 Effective Communication Techniques Previous PostNext Post 20 Effective Communication Techniques Do you struggle with feeling heard when you communicate with others? Here are some techniques you can use now to improve your skills. Maintain eye contact.This shows active listening. Maintain appropriate body language.Consider whether nonverbal techniques could confuse, promote, or negate the message. Use people’s names.Using someone’s name can begin and maintain rapport while reinforcing a sense of belonging. Make it a point to learn and remember the name of the person you were introduced to. To help with remembering say their name as soon as they say it, if the name is difficult to pronounce you should ask them for help in pronouncing it. This shows a genuine sense of respect and personal devotion to the speaker and the conversation. See more techniques and the benefits of using them here. All Posts Advice Couples Therapy EMDR Therapy Health & Wellness Holidays Individual Therapy LGBTQ LGBTQ+ Therapy Links Mental Health Moment Services Teen Therapy Teens Therapist Uncategorized Have You Suddenly Lost Your Confidence? Try These Tips to Regain Your Swagger! 6 Self-Care Ideas Amidst Stressful Times When Will I Start Feeling Better? Grieving for the First Time
Mother’s Struggling with Addiction
Mother’s Struggling with Addiction Previous PostNext Post Mother’s Struggling with Addiction Life in recovery is a moment-to-moment effort. The journey to recovery is not easy, we applaud your efforts in taking back your life and getting back to your kids. It will be difficult but you do not have to go through it alone. See this article; a firsthand account from a brave mother here on Psychcentral. At West Lake Houston Counseling Kathleen Paul, LPC specializes in addiction. If you are a person struggling to maintain sobriety, we encourage you to reach out today. All Posts Advice Couples Therapy EMDR Therapy Health & Wellness Holidays Individual Therapy LGBTQ LGBTQ+ Therapy Links Mental Health Moment Services Teen Therapy Teens Therapist Uncategorized Have You Suddenly Lost Your Confidence? Try These Tips to Regain Your Swagger! 6 Self-Care Ideas Amidst Stressful Times When Will I Start Feeling Better? Grieving for the First Time
Depression in Black Women
Depression in Black Women Depression in Black Women Depression in Black Women is often overlooked. It can not only impact your mental health but physical health as well. But this is not something we have to ‘just deal with’. There is help. Seeking treatment is not a sign of weakness. Saying, “I need help”—and then actually getting that help—shows just how strong you really are. Click the link here to find out how to know if you are depressed. We are here for you at West Lake Houston Counseling. Reach out now to find someone to speak to regarding your mental health needs. All Posts Advice Couples Therapy EMDR Therapy Health & Wellness Holidays Individual Therapy LGBTQ LGBTQ+ Therapy Links Mental Health Moment Services Teen Therapy Teens Therapist Uncategorized Have You Suddenly Lost Your Confidence? Try These Tips to Regain Your Swagger! 6 Self-Care Ideas Amidst Stressful Times When Will I Start Feeling Better? Grieving for the First Time
5 Tips for Mental Self-Care in a Toxic Work Environment
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5 Tips for Navigating a Distanced Holiday
5 Tips for Navigating a Distanced Holiday Previous PostNext Post 5 Tips for Navigating a Distanced Holiday The Thanksgiving holiday is associated with contact and fellowship with family and friends. This year, COVID-19 has overshadowed numerous birthdays, life events such as weddings, and other opportunities to come together and celebrate. The recent spike in new COVID-19 cases reminds us that we are not “out of the woods” as the virus continues to spread. If the need to distance this holiday is causing you to feel sad or down, you are not alone. Here are 5 Tips for Navigating a Distanced Holiday to help you to have a more fulfilling experience: 1. Don’t Bottle Your Emotions: Whatever your feelings may be, they are real and valid. It’s okay to feel sadness and grief over what you believe may be lost as a result of distancing from others. Bottling these feelings will only intensify them, so allow yourself those moments and be present with them. 2. Allow Yourself to Grieve with Anticipation: It is easy to look at where we are now and only be able to consider the sad aspects of it (no children running around the table, no playing cards, no gathering around the TV for the football game), but remember to reflect on those past holidays with joy and anticipation that one day, we will return to a more normalized way of gathering and sharing in these good times together 3. Be Open to Creating New Meaning: The last several months have required us to develop a whole new way of connecting with each other. Traditionally, there would be no question as to whether gathering would be a part of sharing good times with others. Steer clear of the belief that you cannot create meaning during this holiday. Decide on how you want to feel this holiday (joy, connection, gratitude) and think of creative ways to achieve this. One example might be making a list of the top 3 people in your life you wish to express gratitude to, playing a virtual game with loved ones – there are a TON out there, or learning to make a new dish and sharing it virtually. The possibilities are endless. 4. Remember Your “Why”: Keep in mind the reasons for this distance in the first place. For many of us, we are distancing so that we may anticipate future gatherings and celebrations together. By keeping others safe, we increase their chances of living more fully in the future (vulnerable persons in particular) 5. Find a Way to Help Someone: A powerful antidote to seasonal depression, grief, and sadness is to find a way to be of support to another person. This might include a phone call/video chat, donating to a non-profit organization, or driving food/items to someone who is unable to prepare their own meal. Finding creative ways of being helpful to others is a legitimate and promising way to cope with your own emotions this holiday, whatever they may be! May you enjoy a safe and pleasant holiday! All Posts Advice Couples Therapy EMDR Therapy Health & Wellness Holidays Individual Therapy LGBTQ LGBTQ+ Therapy Links Mental Health Moment Services Teen Therapy Teens Therapist Uncategorized 5 Tips for Gift Giving How to spot love bombing Finding an Affirming Therapist