Therapist Therapy Questions

Therapist For Mental Health

The therapist for their therapy?

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Mental health care has now been made available for everyone, either in-person therapy or online therapy. People who experience mental health conditions used to just suppress their emotions or succumb to self-harm when they have no family support.

Nowadays, families can turn to family therapy, teens can turn to talk therapy, addicts reach out to addiction professionals for addiction counseling, and couples seek the help of marriage and family therapists or psychiatrists. And yes, mental health care is effective if you find the right therapist who can effectively treat mental health concerns, mental illness, and other matters.

Finding The Right Therapist

There are several things that individuals need to learn and consider when it comes to seeking a prospective therapist, also known as a counselor or licensed clinical social worker. Remember that there is a reason why you have decided to find and book an appointment with the best therapist or mental health provider in town to address certain issues and practice self-improvement.

In this article, we are going to give you a quick guide on the type of questions that you can ask your therapist, also called a licensed counselor or licensed marriage therapist. Do not worry because the questions listed below are not offensive but rather helpful on your part.

Questions To The Therapist

How can the therapist help me with my mental and emotional health? What can I do about it?

The necessary information that you need to obtain from your chosen therapists is the educational background, which includes a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree, training, social work, relationships, and the manner in which he can extend his mental health services for your recovery and healing. Elana Schechtman-Gil LMFT once said,

The foundation of therapy is based on the relationship you build with your therapist in treating mental health conditions. When seeking someone such as a therapist or a licensed profesional counselor out, it’s important you feel comfortable with them.”

Do not have second thoughts about asking the trained psychology therapist about the ways he can help or support you with your mental health condition or mental illness, such as generalized anxiety disorder.

It is essential so that you can start checking your expectations about the sessions or services so you can prepare to let go of your past pain.

It can be art, couples, or family therapy, among other types of therapy, and you can opt for individual or group settings to help you improve your self-awareness, relationship issues, irrational fear, and overall well-being, and eventually lead better lives. If you’re looking to find a therapist, it’s essential to consider these options.

Whatever you choose, the core principles of how a mental health professional manages a patient are one and the same. According to research, the trained licensed therapist must practice psychotherapy, have a master’s degree in psychology, and be capable of having a listening ear to his clients.

How To Feel Around The Therapist

“Connecting with a therapist can help you get through the “groundhog day” of never-ending cycles where you feel continually defeated by a mental health condition or any stressful situation.” Chris Oneth LMFT said.

Do not feel bad if you are hesitant at first to deal with your therapist, even if you’re considering online therapy. It is entirely normal to feel that way, especially if you do not trust the other person administering the treatment.

You might think that you won’t see any positive changes, that your potential therapist or mental health counselors may not be able to fix your family relationships, or that he is not capable of providing effective treatment. It’s essential to find the right therapist who aligns with your needs and concerns.

Because of this, it is vital for you to get life assurance from your licensed psychologists or health counselors.

You need to hear it to boost your trust, confidence, skills, focus, and self-awareness in your chosen therapist until you eventually overcome your life challenges.

However, never make the mistake of intimidating or mistreating your trained therapist, or social workers, because it can only make your situation worse.

The Therapist And His Cost Per Session

To find a therapist, remember that deciding to book an appointment with your licensed therapist is not free unless you have found an organization that can sponsor your treatment or your insurance company has insurance coverage for individual or group therapy sessions. You can even consider the different types of therapy such as art therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy.

As much as possible, do not decide to engage in the mental health process of your therapist without coming to an agreement about the terms and conditions between you and your therapist.

When it comes to seeking therapy for sexual assault, it’s important to find a treatment tailored to the individual’s mental and emotional needs. It’s crucial to find a therapist who specializes in trauma and has experience working with survivors of any age group. Couples therapy can be beneficial for partners who have been impacted by the assault, as it can help them navigate the physical and emotional health challenges that arise in the aftermath. Potential therapists should be able to provide a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to work through their trauma and develop coping skills.

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At the same time, do not forget to discuss the amount of money that you need to pay for the therapy as mental health professional fees.

How Long Do Therapy Sessions Take With A Therapist?

Make sure to ask about the duration of the professional engagement with your therapist (family therapist, clinical social worker, art therapists, music therapists, and other licensed mental health professionals). This is essential information that you must know even before you have started the therapy sessions to ensure you will achieve a healthy life and focus after treatment.

Do not be ashamed to ask for a timeline for her mental health care
concerning your case because you need to know how long you are going to get in touch with your therapist. However, it is significant to emphasize at this point that the duration or length of the therapy session with a therapist will vary from one case to another. The reason for the difference is that some cases may be severe while others may be light only.

Also, always remember that “While many therapists are qualified to treat common challenges such as anxiety or depression, if you are interested in working with a therapist to address a specific challenge, you should consider looking out-of-network.” Stacy Donn Cristo, LMHC said.

Insights On Therapy From A Therapist

Research says to be polite in asking these questions to your potential therapist. The answers to these therapy treatment questions can help you decide whether or not it is time to continue seeing your therapist or it’s time for a change of therapist.

Make an informed decision based on what your therapist will tell you after inquiring about the matters mentioned above. If you are unsure of how to find the best therapist in town, the most preferable option to choose is to ask for referrals or recommendations from the people around you. Read reviews as well.

FAQs

  1. What is therapy?
  2. What are all the letters behind the name of a therapist?
  3. What are the different types of therapist?
  4. Why do people attend sessions with a therapist?
  5. Does a therapist cry with you?
  6. Can you tell your therapist whatever you want?
  7. Can a therapist actually help?
  8. Why do people see a therapist?
  9. Is there a difference between a therapist and a psychologist?
  10. Is seeing a therapist worth it?
  11. What is a psychologist vs therapist?
  12. What is the highest level of therapist?
  13. Can a therapist diagnose you?
  14. Can I go to therapy just to talk?
  15. How do I know if I need therapy?

What Exactly Is Bipolar Disorder To Cancer Patients?

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Bipolar disorder or also known as manic depression is common in people who have cancer. It becomes the focus of the public eye even though there are a lot of things about it that seems misunderstood. The mental disorder is most known to affect people’s mood that somehow impacts daily life. But is that all there is?

According to studies, researchers don’t know what causes bipolar disorder. However, the concluded risk factors include environmental factors and genetics. According to Simon Rego, PsyD, “some patients with bipolar disorder may have trouble complying with medication and/or dealing with the consequences of the disorder.” Also, some cases show that substance abuse, stress, and lack of sleep contribute to it. However, most people don’t seem to know that bipolar disorder is more than just a single diagnosis. Meaning, tons of different categories make it distinguishable from the others. It is almost a scale of bipolar conditions where symptoms vary from each person.

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Types Of Bipolar Disorder

Some people’s manic depression leaves them energetic and feeling exuberant. Their condition makes them creative and imaginative. Their brain functions double than the usual that’s why they become more hyper and impulsive. This form of bipolar condition is classified as “type 1” or also called as “hypomania.” In some fortunate events, it helps people work and go out without sleep for days. Some symptoms also include extreme manic episodes that can make someone act more unpredictably than the usual. There is an exaggerated sense of importance, grandiose ideas, skill enhancement, and higher sex drive. While hypomania’s high induced qualities are adequately high, its lows are just as extreme. It is essential to udnergo medication and treatment for this case. As John Preston, PsyD insists, “Bipolar disorder is probably the main psychiatric disorder where medication is absolutely essential.”

As mentioned also in KidsHealth.com, Bipolar type 2 is the same as type 1. However, the low moods are more dominating than the high ones. It is called the “rapid cycling” because it can make a person go through four or more periods of manic-depressive episodes within a year. Since bipolar disorder is already a series of uncontrolled emotional turmoil, its type 2 condition makes it 10x more extreme than the usual. It is like feeling everything, and nothing stays the same for a short period. It gets people out of sync with from mental and emotional state.

Cyclothymic” or also known as “type 3” bipolar disorder is somehow the mildest form of mental illness. Due to its several less extreme manic episodes and much lesser intense feelings of depression, it leaves people in a state where it gets easily administered. That is why “Experiencing irritability, hostility, anger, and being sensitive to rejection are all common symptoms when depressed,” says Shannon Kolakowski, PsyD. Though it does not meet the full criteria of a complete mania disorder, it at least stays for two years for adults and one year for children and teenagers. It somehow falls in the middle of severity but still goes through the uncomfortable realm of high and low moods.

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Bipolar disorder gives cancer patients a series of moods that sometimes last for weeks, months, and even for a year. Other times it only acts on a short period of time such as a couple of days. The flight of emotions takes people to creativity and productivity. However, there are still downsides to it too. The grand ideas of bipolar disorder are prone to delusions and sometimes very disruptive to someone’s life (read further here: sheknows.com) That’s because their brain stimulations differ from others.

Cancer Is Not the End – It’s A Second Chance To Begin Living A Happy And Full Life

Hearing from the doctor that you got cancer makes your world turn upside down.   For a moment, you can’t breathe, you feel dizzy, your vision gets blurred, and you can’t hear anything. Everything stops.  Slowly, you’re coming back, but you think it’s not you anymore.  It’s no longer the life you had.  All the hope is gone.  It’s the end.

source: abcnews.go.com

Continue reading “Cancer Is Not the End – It’s A Second Chance To Begin Living A Happy And Full Life”

Questions About Cancer Remission That People Are Afraid To Ask

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Treating cancer is a grueling process. If one therapy does not work, there are more options to consider that are just as physically, emotionally and mentally draining as the other. The only thing that kept me going back then apart from my desire to live was the hope that my doctor would come to say, “Congratulations, your cancer is in remission.”

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Reinvent Yourself – Life After Cancer

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Life after cancer is not as easy and as simple as just going back to your usual ordinary life.   Many things will change because many things have changed.   Changes will be seen in the people you want to be with and the people who want to be with you.   Additionally, your outlook on life and the things you want to do will also change. Face it, so much will definitely change from the moment you were rushed to the hospital emergency room and now that you’re walking out of those doors.

Psychological and Emotional Challenges

Who wouldn’t be happy surviving cancer?  But there’s a dilemma attached to it.   You get worried when it’s time to visit your doctor. The bad news that might one day come to you saying you got a recurrence is like a nightmare that makes you anxious.

The guilty feeling that you survived while others didn’t is like a dark shadow that always follows you and keeps you awake in deep thoughts at night.

A positive attitude and outlook will help you cope with the stress.  Let go of your guilt feeling because it’s not your fault. Move on and take the chance to reinvent yourself.   You deserve it! 

Where Do I Go From Here? Is There a Future Waiting For Me?

Surviving cancer means you’ve been through a lot of pains and aches.  Continuing your life outside of the hospital facility will never be easy, but surely you will thrive.  There may be some discrimination in your workplace, school environment, and even in your very home.   Be prepared and just be patient. Marc Romano, PsyD says, “Focus on yourself and your own happiness and do not compare yourself to others.”

Talk Therapy Survivor Support Group

To lessen psychological and emotional stress, it is of importance that you join support groups.    Talking to people who experienced the things you’re experiencing now is very important.  They can efficiently guide you through and give you advice because they used to have the same dilemma as you, and they thrived and survived.  Having someone to talk to makes a big difference.  It lightens the burden. “You know the ones—these are the people you know you can always call, text, or email when you need to feel a connection.” David Klow, a licensed therapist said.

Be Productive, Stay Healthy

The boredom of staying in the hospital for months or years gives you the chance to re-think about your life.  It might have made you shift your point of view.  You may have written a list of things you wanted to do once you get healed and discharged from the hospital.

Here it is!  

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Now is the time to check that list.   It may include quitting your old job, learning new things, meeting people, going on vacation, becoming more adventurous, eating authentic foods, eating foods that you missed, bonding with family, going swimming, and more.   There are so many things you can do to be productive and feel accomplished.  Doing the things you love and enjoy while avoiding the ones that will fuel your worries can help you stay healthy.  

Be In Touch

You may be feeling okay, but still, it is essential that you keep in touch with your doctor by going to your regular checkups and having your follow-up tests. “Whether you suffer from seasonal affective disorder or not, the evidence is strong that getting outside just for a little bit can be very helpful,” says Andrea Bonior, PhD, clinical psychologist. Seeing your oncologist and primary physician regularly will keep both you and your doctor updated on your progress.  You may have questions that only they can answer.  Always remember that maintaining your health is not done by you alone.   You and your doctors should work as a team so that you may enjoy the quality life.  

Don’t Stay Stagnant

Surviving cancer is a blessing – a hope you can give to others who were in the same situation as you were in.  Many challenges await you but don’t let those negativities make you stagnant.  You endured a lot of trials.  It’s time to be positive about things.  Your life now is no longer about cancer.  It’s a chance to reinvent yourself.  Not everyone has that second chance.  

Exercise Prevents Cancer

At a glance, it may look like simply exercising to lose weight and be fit, but not after you finish reading this.   

There are groups of people who exercise to keep their body fit or to attain their desired body figure.   There are also those who exercise for long-term benefits.  The former can easily give up exercising especially when they get frustrated when they don’t achieve their goal.  The latter will make exercise a habit because they know that besides losing weight, there are more benefits to it.

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Surviving Cancer With Early Detection

 

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There are many people who have actually survived cancer.  Statistics have shown that all cancers combined, 67% of those diagnosed with cancer survived five years or more from 2007 to 2013.   Early detection played an important role in surviving cancer because of higher chances of successful treatment.

 

Importance of Early Detection

Being diagnosed and receiving proper treatment early on can definitely save the cancer patient’s life.  Once it spreads, treatment is much more difficult and complicated.

 

Stop Being Cancerphobic

Cancer is considered one of the most feared disease.  Its emotional impact is too distressing.  Why?  Because of the idea that we will die.  But come to think of it, there are many things other than cancer that can cause a more dreadful death, not to discount the fact that some types of cancer can now be treated successfully.  It is important to educate yourself on the signs and symptoms of cancer and being aware of your family history and other risk factors.  Low awareness and denial can lead to late diagnosis which could mean a low survival rate.

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Curable Cancers

The Big “C” may not yet stand for a cure, but remission gives cancer patients a chance for a longer quality life.  Staying cancer-free for 5 years after the diagnosis has greater chances for recovery.   It’s not an assurance, but a good sign, a big HOPE.

 

Here are some types of cancers that can be cured with early detection and proper treatment.

  • Prostate Cancer.  There is almost a 100% 5-year survival rate with local and regional prostate cancers.  Survival can also depend on the type of cancer and the stage of the disease.
  • Thyroid Cancer.  Thyroid cancer is not a common cancer.  It is usually treated with surgery and radioactive iodine.  Type of treatment depends on age, type of cancer and the stage of cancer.
  • Testicular Cancer.   Stage 1 of this type of cancer means that it hasn’t spread beyond the testicles and have a 99% survival rate.  To those whose testicular cancers have metastasized, there is a 96% survival rate.
  • Melanoma.  This cancer that starts in the skin has 91.7% chance of survival.   This can easily be seen by the naked eye even in its early stage.  Melanoma can be removed surgically.
  • Breast Cancer.  Early stages of 0 and 1 have 99 to 100% chances of survival.   The earlier it is detected, the easier to treat compared to when it had already spread.
  • Lung Cancer.   Screening helps greatly.  Lung cancer is a very common type of cancer and if detected early on can effectively be treated with surgery. There’s also a chance of getting cured.
  • Bowel Cancer.  Nine out of ten bowel cancer patients can survive the disease for more than 5 years if diagnosed at an early stage.

 

Cancer can happen to anyone.  It’s a serious disease that we must not ignore.    Education and early diagnosis can tremendously give you a greater advantage for a successful treatment.  Some cancers can still be prevented by avoiding the risk factors.   There are some types of cancers that, when detected early on, can give you a chance of cure with screening, surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

 

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Sometimes it is our fear that worsens the situation. Instead of feeling fearful, it is more important to understand cancer and how effective treatment can be.  It may be one of the deadliest diseases according to WHO, but with early detection, surviving cancer is possible.

Can A Person Survive Cancer?

To find out that someone has cancer can be truly heartbreaking. The pain can become more extreme when the person inflicted with this kind of sickness is someone close to your heart. Many questions would soon enter your mind. The primary issue would be: What are the chances of survival? A lot of people would probably answer in the negative. As we probably know, there is still no existing antidote or cure for cancer on its terminal stage.

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