Myths about online mental health care Here are 5 myths about online mental health care. Telemental health is too new It has actually been around for several years. Telemental health is only for the underserved and those who live in rural areas Anyone can use telemental health. It saves travel time, gas money, and can … Continue reading Myths You Need to Know about Online Mental Health Care
Tag: Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Affordable Counseling
How My Pennsylvania Teletherapy Private Practice got Started
Getting started in agencies Since 2011, I worked as a counselor in higher level of care agencies. A ton professional growth occurred during those years. I taught clients how to effectively cope, apply therapeutic strategies, and believe in their own strengths. Days ranged from 8 to 16 hours long. One agency didn't allow for breaks, … Continue reading How My Pennsylvania Teletherapy Private Practice got Started
What National Certified Counselor (NCC) Means to Potential Clients
Counselors can have multiple letters or credentials behind their name. One that most people are familiar with is Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Counselors can be board certified, have a certificate in a specialty (addiction, marriage and family therapy, anxiety...) and treatment method (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focus Brief Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy...). In this article, I'm … Continue reading What National Certified Counselor (NCC) Means to Potential Clients
Distress Tolerance Skills for Managing Stress and Crisis (DBT)
Distress Tolerance (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) When people "cope" with stress and crisis, they find out ways (behaviors) that relieve stress, however, some of these ways come with heavy consequences. Examples of ineffective behaviors are drug and alcohol use, self-injury, gambling, spending money, and overeating.We can learn distress tolerance skills to effectively manage the stress and … Continue reading Distress Tolerance Skills for Managing Stress and Crisis (DBT)
About the DSM-5 and My Thoughts on Diagnosing
As a professional counselor, diagnosing is necessary and guides how we help people. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) is the universal guide on mental illnesses, housing all of the criteria and statistical relevance. The manual is updated every few years, as the mental health field changes and research backs … Continue reading About the DSM-5 and My Thoughts on Diagnosing
How to Ask about Someone’s Mental Well-Being
10 questions to check-in on someone's mental well-being 1. How are you feeling, really? (Mental and physical)2. What's taking up your headspace right now?3. What was your last full meal and have you been drinking enough water?4. Have you been sleeping?5. What have you been doing for exercise?6. What did you do today that made … Continue reading How to Ask about Someone’s Mental Well-Being
Free Positive Thoughts, Take One!
Print out and place this positive thoughts worksheet on your fridge, a bulletin board, work / office common area, etc... where ever you would like to choose a positive thought for the day. Share with your family, friends, and coworkers. You can tear off the positive thought that you would like to carry with you … Continue reading Free Positive Thoughts, Take One!
The Benefits of Keeping a Journal and Journal Prompts
Choosing a journal When choosing what to write in, consider all of your options and what best suits your needs. A journal can be a spiral-bound notebook, which is an easy to find and cheap option. Combination code or lock and key journals can provide privacy and are usually well-made. A journal can be kept … Continue reading The Benefits of Keeping a Journal and Journal Prompts
How to Create a Vision Board
Materials: Poster board or large paper; magazines; newspapers; printed out images from online; quotes; scissors; glue; pen; pencils; markers; stickers; glitter; tiny, lightweight objects (travel ticket; concert ticket; key chain; charm...). Instructions: Ponder and visualize a long-term goal (a few months or years ahead). What does it look like? What are the details of your … Continue reading How to Create a Vision Board
About Emotional Support Animals, Therapy Animals and Service Dogs
Have you ever wondered the difference between an Emotional Support Animal, Therapy Dog or Service Dog? This article is a brief overview of the different animal companions. Emotional Support Animal (ESA) The animal provides therapeutic benefits to the owner at home through companionship. Steps to getting an ESA: Determine if an ESA is right for … Continue reading About Emotional Support Animals, Therapy Animals and Service Dogs