Narrative Therapy helps people explore their stories by helping them identify and understand the different parts of their story, and how those parts interact with each other. This can be helpful for people who feel like they are stuck in a certain story or cycle, because it can allow them to see new possibilities for themselves.
Psychodynamic Therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on the unconscious mind and the relationship between the therapist and patient. It aims to help people understand their thoughts and emotions, and to resolve conflicts and problems in their lives.
A counselling therapist is a trained professional who helps people deal with the challenges in their lives. Counselling therapists use a variety of techniques to help their clients, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, problem-solving, and interpersonal psychotherapy. They also provide support and guidance during difficult times. If you’re considering counselling as an option for treatment, be sure to find a therapist who is registered with the College of Alberta Psychologists and has a valid licence to practise. With the right therapist, counselling can be a valuable tool for making positive changes in your life.
Therapists’ notes, also known as process or progress notes, typically contain a summary of the content discussed during the session, any observations about the client’s mood or demeanor, interventions or techniques used, and plans for future sessions. These notes are kept confidential and are mainly used for the therapist’s reference to track progress and ensure continuity of care.
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) works by adhering to the core principles of DBT; mindfulness, acceptance, distress tolerance, and emotional regulation. DBT starts by learning to become more aware of our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours in the present moment. Learning how to accept ourselves and our experiences, even if they are unpleasant as well as learning to cope with difficult emotions and situations without making them worse. As a result, you can learn to control your emotions in healthy ways.
The initial stage of counseling, often considered the most crucial, sets the tone for the entire therapeutic journey. During this stage, the counselor focuses on building rapport and establishing a trusting relationship with the client. This foundational trust is vital because it makes the client feel safe and comfortable, which is essential for effective therapy. Clients are more likely to open up and share their thoughts and feelings in a space where they feel understood and accepted. This stage also involves setting clear expectations and goals for therapy, providing both the counselor and client with a roadmap for the sessions ahead. Establishing this connection and framework early on paves the way for more in-depth and meaningful work in the subsequent stages of counseling.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) has been found to be effective in reducing the risk of relapse in people with depression. It is also effective in treating other conditions such as anxiety, stress, and chronic pain.
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental illness. It often includes unstable moods, relationships, and self-identity. People with BPD may experience intense emotions and problems coping with them. They may have impulsive and self-destructive behaviors, such as substance abuse, gambling, risky sexual activity, and eating disorders. BPD can be very difficult to manage and treat. If you think you might have BPD, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional. Treatment can help you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Counselling typically follows a series of steps that form the foundation of the therapeutic process. It begins with the initial assessment or intake, where the counsellor gathers information about the client’s background, concerns, and goals. The next step involves establishing rapport and building a trusting relationship between the client and the counsellor. After rapport is established, the goal-setting phase takes place where the counsellor and client collaboratively set objectives for therapy. The core part of counselling involves the intervention phase, during which various therapeutic techniques are employed to address the client’s issues and work toward their goals. Throughout this phase, the counsellor engages in ongoing assessment to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. Finally, once goals are met or significant progress is made, the counselling process moves to termination or conclusion, where the counsellor and client review the achievements and discuss strategies for maintaining progress. Often, a follow-up appointment may be scheduled to check in on the client’s well-being after the end of formal counselling. These steps may not always be linear and can sometimes overlap or be revisited as needed.
ADHD is considered a neurodivergent condition. This means that it is a neurological difference that affects how a person thinks, learns, and behaves. Consider neurodivergence as a spectrum with different levels of severity. ADHD falls somewhere on this spectrum. Some people with ADHD have mild symptoms, while others have more severe symptoms that significantly impact their daily life. However, all levels of severity are valid and should be respected.
If you think you have ADHD, you should talk to your doctor or reach out to a private psychologist for an assessment. Many people with ADHD find it helpful to see a therapist or counselor who specializes in ADHD, as they can provide specific guidance and support. At Human Integrated Performance, we provide ADHD assessments and provide ADHD therapy services to help people with ADHD manage their symptoms and lead more successful lives.
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