A simple blog post about mental health counseling, therapy, and the therapeutic healing process.
Dysfunctional families can exhibit various patterns of behavior and communication that hinder healthy functioning and emotional well-being. While each family is unique in its dynamics, there are several common ways in which a family can become dysfunctional. When clients approach Progress Counseling for family therapy, one of our therapists will help assess goals, history, “what … Read more
Couples counseling, also known as couples therapy or relationship counseling, is a form of therapy that aims to help couples resolve conflicts, improve communication, and strengthen their relationship. There are several different types of couples counseling approaches and techniques that therapists may utilize based on their training and the specific needs of the couple. Here … Read more
There is no single answer to this question as everyone’s needs and experiences are unique. However, if you are experiencing emotional distress, challenges in relationships or primary life roles, or if you feel like you are struggling to cope with everyday life, it may be a good idea to consider seeking therapy. Here are some … Read more
Giving a particular emotion (or experience of it, the story behind it, the feelings about the feeling) is incredibly hard for people who have been socialized like me — the left-brain types, analytical, logical, cognitively focused and attuned usually have a hard time just “feeling their feelings.” The attached caption is a symbol in reference … Read more
Couples counseling sometimes overlaps with seemingly unimportant decisions about where to store the cutlery, which drawer to use, whether to keep the toaster in the cupboard when it’s not in use, and so on. Intimate relationships experience significant ruptures over these mundane things. Related to this, difficulty in the bedroom can be a catastrophe for … Read more
I read a lot, both for my own enjoyment and also to continue my training and development as a therapist. There are a few books that I recommend to fellow clinicians, and once in a while there’s a book that I love — I notice I love a book when I give little quotes, paraphrases … Read more
1) Breathing Exercise 4-7-8 The 4-7-8 breathing technique can be used to relax when you’re feeling stressed or anxious. The exercise helps regulate the hormone cortisol, which controls your fight or flight response. This is important because too much cortisol being released in your body too often can have negative long-term health effects. How do … Read more
Choosing the right therapist can be a crucial step in your mental health journey. Here are some steps to get started, some supporting thoughts for determining what “fit” means for you,” and some ideas for next steps: Remember that finding the right therapist can take time, but it’s worth the effort to find someone who … Read more
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a type of therapy that has been shown to be effective in treating PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). EMDR aims to help individuals process and overcome traumatic experiences by addressing the way that the brain stores and processes memories. During an EMDR session, the therapist guides the individual through … Read more
Some of our clinicians use some form of this template to help our clients practice meditation. You are welcome to use this, modify it, and integrate it into your own mindfulness / meditation practice. Enjoy!