#techniques used in interpersonal therapy

[toastsnaffler]

fun sunday afternoon plans my dbt workbook arrived + I have a lecture on adhd + seasonal affective disorder to watch that I signed up for a while ago. maybe either of those will tell me how to survive this winter without killing myself 👍

#its the same dbt book ive used before but i only had a pdf before.. its much easier to navigate/use a physical copy #some of the techniques did help me to reduce bad coping mechanisms significantly last yr. so worth giving it another shot #i dont rly respond well to therapy unless its self administered bc i cant talk to ppl abt my problems + dont trust what they say anyway #its just easier independently in a written format. theyre my issues i got myself into this shit so i can get myself out of it. or not #wish i could at least exercise today but i think it is a chest infection im coming down with. so im not sure i physically can #its painful enough breathing as is. making some lemon honey ginger tea tho so hopefully thatll help #man. the fucking Misery. i hope i make it through this one. sooner rather than later preferably 👍 #.vent #.diaries #i have a book on bpd as well. i dont think i have bpd myself but some of the interpersonal issues ppl w bpd have are similar to those- #i experience so just curious whether itll have any useful advice for managing emotional instability/insecurity in relationships

[bbygirl-obi]

"the jedi don't have therapists-"

jedi philosophy, and in particular the practices and teachings that jedi were expected to implement in their everyday lives, was therapy. dialectical behavior therapy (dbt), to be exact. anyone who's familiar with dbt knows where i'm already going with this, but like genuinely look up the basic tenets of dbt and it's identical with what the jedi were doing.

dbt, to put it simply, is a specific therapy technique that was designed for ptsd and past trauma. it's pretty different from traditional talk therapy. it combines a few different environments (individual, group, etc.), recognizing that no single format of treatment can stand alone.

the key focuses of dbt include:

emotional regulation- understanding, being more aware of, and having more control over your emotions

mindfulness- regulating attention and avoiding anxious fixation on the past or future

interpersonal effectiveness- navigating interpersonal situations

distress tolerance- tolerating distress and crises without spiraling and catastrophizing

i'm sure it's already clear from that list alone how much the jedi teachings correspond with the goals of dbt. the jedi value, teach, and practice the following:

identifying and understanding emotions

mindfulness and living in the present

compassion, diplomacy, and conflict resolution (on interpersonal scales, not just planetary or galactic)

accepting and tolerating certain levels of distress or discomfort (particularly mental, such as discomfort at the thought of losing a loved one to death)

idk man seems almost as if jedi mental health practices and dbt are two sides of a completely identical coin. (fun fact: both star wars and dbt are products of the 70s.)

and guess what? dbt was specifically designed as a treatment for borderline personality disorder. remember that one? or, if you don't, maybe you remember a specific character, the one who was literally used as an example by my professor in my undergrad psych class when she was teaching us about bpd?

tldr: simply existing within the jedi community, practicing jedi teachings, surrounded by a support network of other jedi of all life stages, was the therapy for anakin. even when viewed through a modern lens. it was even, more specifically, the precise type of therapy that has developed in modern times to treat the exact types of mental issues he was struggling with.

#dbt #dbt therapy #dbt skills #dialectical behavior therapy #bpd #borderline personality disorder #anakin skywalker #anakin #star wars #sw #prequel trilogy #prequels #jedi #jedi culture #jedi philosophy #pro jedi #jedi appreciation #jedi order #attachment #non attachment #mindfulness #in defense of the jedi

[gatheringbones]

[“An unfortunate reality that still permeates many psychotherapy offices is the archaic belief that these trauma-bonded relationships can be remedied by teaching problem-solving strategies, communication skills, and conflict-management techniques. While these teachings are beneficial and certainly have their place when working within dysfunctional relationships, it is my personal and professional experience that these interventions do not access the core of what is disconnecting partners, nor do they get to the heart of the matter regarding the pathways that create meaningful change.

During my early years of counseling, helping couples and individuals on their relationship issues, I would also teach my clients how to apply these old techniques and strategies, but I felt a sense of insufficiency and guilt. I knew there was more underneath the surface of what they shared with me, which signaled the deeper issues that were so clear to me I could almost touch them. I knew that these painful tethers bonding my clients in fear and distress were the hidden patterns of unmet needs. I knew this. But how could I help my clients not just understand what was happening but deeply experience it and become conscious of it enough to reach out to their partner with vulnerability and clarity, to show up for their partner with openness and acceptance and make meaningful changes?

So I went on an exploration. I dove into clinical approaches like attachment theory and emotion-focused therapy. I studied somatic therapies and microexpressions and learned the language of the emotional body. I became a student of ancient philosophies, spirituality, and esoteric wisdom to acquaint myself with the meaning of life and become comfortable discussing existential truths that can sometimes paralyze us. I studied interpersonal neurobiology and various sciences to help me conceptualize the human brain and body in a state of connection or disconnection. I absorbed it all. One key takeaway I learned from my immersion into the human experience is this: Our relationships act as a mirror into the depths of our own selves. They show us what we accept, what we reject, and what we hide, sometimes even from ourselves. Our relationship dramas are the reenactments of unresolved traumas still locked within our mind and body, signaling our conscious mind where healing can take place. In this way, the journey to connection with another must be a simultaneous journey through reconnection with the self. This book is that journey.”]

laura copley, from loving you is hurting me: a new approach to healing trauma bonds and creating authentic connection, 2023

#laura copley #brainspace #currently reading #terra preta

[saintsenara]

Wait why do you think Ron and Hermione wouldn’t need therapy? I think they are great together but obviously there are some issues that a little therapy would benefit (especially post war).

thank you very much for the ask, anon - prompted by this post on romione - and i’m sorry if the following statement reads as condescending. it is a bit, but that’s because a lot of ‘go to therapy’ posting annoys me…

ron and hermione won’t need therapy because therapy is not a certificate you get which gives you permission to be a happy adult - and nor is it a certificate you require.

therapy is necessary when you are experiencing something which is detrimental to your wellbeing and will continue to be so unless you receive help. it is not necessary just because you're not a flawless person, or because you experience a temporary negative setback that you feel otherwise equipped to handle.

couple’s therapy is not compulsory to be in a happy relationship - and, indeed, if you don’t want couple’s therapy, that will be a good sign about you and your partner infinitely more often than it will be a bad one.

to be clear from the off, i am not opposed to therapy - it is necessary and lifesaving for a huge number of people - but what i am opposed to is the way that therapy is presented as a curative for anything even remotely imperfect about a person, the way that not wanting to go to therapy is presented - especially for men - as a red flag, and the way that terms which have a genuine value in therapeutic settings are stripped of their context and used to analyse every single facet of human relationships by people on the internet who have no clinical expertise in what they’re talking about.

and something which particularly applies to the discourse surrounding ron and hermione is a pervasive idea that any sort of interpersonal conflict - and, indeed, the possession of any sort of personality trait which contributes to conflict - is automatically grounds for therapeutic intervention.

but this is untrue. conflict can be unhealthy - as can traits which drive it, such as being prone to jealousy, being stubborn, being argumentative - but it is not inherently so. disagreeing with someone - even arguing with them, even losing your temper and shouting at them - is a perfectly natural part of human interaction. it is the context of this conflict - its frequency, what causes it, whether it is accompanied by physical violence, whether the two people in question are able to deescalate the situation, whether the two people in question are willing to apologise and discuss what happened, and so on - which dictates whether it is a problem which requires professional help.

and i mention this because i suspect that ron and hermione’s near-constant arguing is what you’re referring to when you say they have ‘some issues’. but, as i’ve said in the meta which connects to this post, the two of them evidently regard their communication style as beneficial to them both. hermione is someone who thrives on being debated, and arguing back is clearly the way in which she works through issues (she seems to be someone who prefers to sort through problems aloud, rather than in her head, like harry). this is not a benignly admirable trait - and, indeed, it’s clear that many other characters in the series find hermione condescending, irritating, and tactless - but nor is it one which requires ‘fixing’ - if your ‘negative’ traits work for you, you do not need therapy for them.

and this aspect of hermione’s personality does work for her - not least because ron understands it, doesn’t regard it as upsetting or unhealthy, and uses it to communicate effectively with her both when he agrees with her and when he doesn’t. and, because it’s a healthy part of her personality, she is therefore able to learn techniques to manage her impulse to argue and interrupt of her own accord. and that’s fine. you don’t need a professional’s sign off to prove that you’ve performed self-growth.

which leads me on to the fact that i suspect you may also be thinking of ron’s famous jealous streak when you talk about their ‘issues’. as i’ve stated in the previous meta, i think that fandom really over eggs how big of a role this plays in their relationship. ron is jealous of hermione’s teenage boyfriend, hermione is jealous of his teenage girlfriend, this is because they’re teenagers who are attracted to each other and who are acting up because teenagers are often not fantastic at communicating their feelings to other people. this - once again - can be unhealthy, but it is not automatically so. in many cases, it’s just one of the mortifying agonies of growing up - and having been cringe (and even having been actively unpleasant) as a teenager is not something which you need to self-flagellate for once you’ve grown up enough to move past the things that made you cringe or unpleasant.

which is to say, there is no evidence that romione’s twin jealous streaks will endure into adulthood. it’s just as likely that, by the time they’re twenty-five, ron’s viktor-krum-induced flop era is a family joke which has them in hysterics on the sofa as it is that hermione’s walking on eggshells in case another man even looks at her. in fact, it’s much more likely - ron’s arc by the end of the series, as laid out in the conversation he and harry have when he destroys the locket-horcrux, sees him accept that his jealousy of the attention harry gets is unhealthy and become comfortable with his own achievements. hermione’s arc sees her become less inflexible in her thinking, through her acceptance that the hallows are real. they both grow up and will keep growing. they appear to be aligned on all the things that matter - i loathe the suggestion that they’ll meet a stumbling block when ron demands hermione becomes a stay-at-home wife, given that he is shown throughout the series to constantly encourage her ambition and also to love being domestic himself. they’ll be fine.

finally, on your point about needing therapy specifically after the war - yes, undoubtedly seeing loads of children killed in the school you went to for seven years is horrendous, and the idea that ron and hermione might seek out help for trauma connected to the battle makes perfect sense, in a way that them seeking therapy for their relationship as it's shown in canon doesn’t.

but i think it is worth saying - because i know that for people who don’t find themselves traumatised after life-altering events there is often the question of whether there’s something wrong with you, that you should be more upset etc. - that trauma responses are extremely complex and extremely weird. the things that the mind hangs onto can sometimes make absolutely no sense - and, sometimes, the mind hangs onto nothing at all, but goes along happily with the process of contextualising, understanding, and moving on from what’s happened without professional intervention.

requiring help for trauma is not a failing and you’re not a bad person if it’s what you need - it will save your life. but you’re not a bad person - and your traumatic experiences were no less profound - if you don’t need help, either. it’s just the luck of the draw.

and so ron and hermione - who seem to be in a pretty good place post-battle - might find themselves in a less good one in the weeks and months which follow. or they might keep being in a good place. life’s funny like that.

#asks answered #asenora's opinions on ships #romione #ron weasley #hermione granger

[azura-tsukikage]

Integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) principles into your witchcraft practice can add depth and effectiveness to your personal growth and self-reflection. Here are some interesting ways to combine these psychological approaches with witchcraft:

Journaling: Use journaling as a form of cognitive restructuring, which is a core concept in CBT. Write down your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs related to your witchcraft practice. When you encounter limiting or negative beliefs, work on challenging and reframing them, much like you would in CBT.

Mindfulness and Meditation: DBT places a strong emphasis on mindfulness and meditation. Incorporate mindfulness practices into your rituals and spellwork. Pay attention to the present moment, your breath, and your sensations. This can enhance focus and awareness during your witchcraft activities.

Emotional Regulation: Use witchcraft to explore and regulate your emotions. Create spells or rituals designed to help you manage stress, anxiety, or mood fluctuations. This can be a proactive way to address emotional challenges.

Self-Care Spells: Combine witchcraft with self-care techniques inspired by DBT. Create self-care spells and rituals to help you soothe and nurture yourself, especially during times of distress. These can be designed to improve self-compassion and emotional resilience.

Setting Intentions: When you perform spells or rituals, set specific intentions for behavior change or personal growth. Make it a mindful process and use your witchcraft practice as a tool to reinforce positive behaviors or attitudes.

Affirmations: Develop affirmations that align with your witchcraft practice. These can help reframe negative self-talk and reinforce positive beliefs. Use affirmations in your spells or meditation sessions.

Role-Playing and Visualization: Drawing from DBT, use role-playing exercises in your practice to work through interpersonal or social challenges. Visualization techniques can help you explore various scenarios and develop problem-solving skills.

Identify and Challenge Cognitive Distortions: Similar to CBT, learn to identify cognitive distortions, such as all-or-nothing thinking or overgeneralization, in your thoughts and beliefs related to your practice. Challenge these distortions to promote balanced thinking.

Behavioral Activation: Use witchcraft to inspire or activate positive behaviors. Set goals for your practice, such as daily or weekly rituals, and track your progress. This can help combat depression or feelings of stagnation.

DBT Skills Cards: Create cards or digital reminders with DBT skills or coping strategies that you can use during moments of distress or emotional dysregulation.

By blending psychological concepts like CBT and DBT with your witchcraft practice, you can create a unique and therapeutic approach to personal growth and self-exploration. These integrations can offer powerful tools for addressing mental health and emotional well-being while still honoring your spiritual or mystical path.

#witchblr #witchcraft #witches of tumblr #spiritual growth #psychology #self care #self awareness #healing

[bettersoonx]

Nurturing Healing: The Profound Impact of Therapy on Managing Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

Hey there, fellow BPD warriors and allies! Today, let’s embark on a profound exploration of the vital role that therapy plays in our journey of managing Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).

Living with BPD often feels like navigating a tempestuous sea, where emotions crash against the shores of our minds with relentless force. But amidst the storm, therapy stands as a steadfast lighthouse, guiding us towards calmer waters and brighter horizons.

At the heart of therapy lies a transformative process of self-discovery and healing.

It’s a sanctuary where we can peel back the layers of our innermost selves, revealing the raw, unfiltered truth beneath the surface.

Through introspective dialogue and empathetic guidance, we unravel the tangled threads of our past traumas, illuminating the pathways to understanding and acceptance.

As we traverse the terrain of therapy, we encounter a myriad of therapeutic modalities, each offering unique insights and tools for growth. From the structured approach of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) to the introspective lens of Schema Therapy, we cultivate a rich tapestry of coping mechanisms and self-regulation skills. Through experiential exercises, role-playing, and mindfulness practices, we learn to navigate the ebb and flow of our emotions with grace and resilience.

Yet, therapy is far more than a mere journey into the depths of our psyche.

It’s a dynamic exchange between therapist and client, grounded in trust, compassion, and mutual respect.

Within this sacred space, we find solace in the knowledge that our struggles are met with unwavering empathy, free from the weight of judgment or stigma.

As we traverse the terrain of therapy, we encounter a myriad of therapeutic modalities, each offering unique insights and tools for growth. Among the most commonly used therapies for managing BPD are:

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): DBT is a structured form of therapy that focuses on building skills in four key areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. It helps us learn to identify and change harmful behaviours, cope with intense emotions, and improve our relationships.

Schema Therapy: Schema Therapy delves into the deeply rooted patterns and beliefs that underlie our emotional struggles. By identifying and challenging maladaptive schemas—core themes about ourselves and the world—we can cultivate healthier ways of thinking, feeling, and relating to others.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT targets the negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to our emotional distress. Through cognitive restructuring and behaviour modification techniques, we learn to challenge distorted thinking, develop coping strategies, and create positive change in our lives.

Psychodynamic Therapy: Psychodynamic therapy explores the unconscious conflicts and dynamics that shape our emotions and behaviours. By examining early life experiences and relationship patterns, we gain insight into the root causes of our struggles and work towards resolving unresolved issues.

Mindfulness-Based Therapies: Mindfulness-based approaches, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), emphasise present-moment awareness and nonjudgmental acceptance of our experiences. These practices help us cultivate inner peace, resilience, and self-compassion.

Yet, let’s not sugarcoat the reality:

therapy can be arduous, confronting, and downright messy at times.

We may stumble upon buried memories, confront the shadows of our past, or grapple with the weight of unspoken truths. In these moments of vulnerability, we find the courage to confront our inner demons, knowing that true healing lies on the other side of our fears.

Moreover, the journey of therapy isn’t confined to the walls of a therapist’s office; it extends into the fabric of our daily lives. Through homework assignments, journaling prompts, and real-world applications, we integrate the lessons of therapy into our everyday experiences, transforming theory into practice and insight into action.

In essence, therapy offers us a compass for navigating the complexities of BPD—a guiding light amidst the darkness, a beacon of hope in times of uncertainty. So, to all my fellow travellers on this winding road of healing, let’s honour the transformative power of therapy in our lives and embrace the journey with open hearts and unwavering resolve.

#therapy #bpd support #bpd #bpd safe #bpd thoughts #psychology #bettersoonx #community support #emotional wellness #mental health #self care #actually bpd #bpd vent #actually borderline #fp bpd #bpd journey

[mercifullymad]

Oh my good thank you for the post about ocd

Honestly I feel like it’s one of the diagnoses where all the discourse I see is incredibly medicalized and focused on acting as if ERP is literally the only way to treat it and anything else is A Lie and basically immoral to recommend to someone with ocd, lol

When, in my own experience, erp techniques have helped me break out of a few obsessive cicles, but other therapy approaches have helped me a lot more, honestly

Like. I would love to have a conversation about this, if you want to, because I have a lot to say on the subject, and would love to hear more about your perspective, lol. But yeah, the “fighter” approach is so tiresome. And I really hate that erp culture has people promoting attitudes like communally refusing to provide reassurance to someone with ocd because it’s agreed to be universally Bad For Us, without considering specific circumstances, harm reduction or personal authonomy, to give just one example.

Thank you; I’m glad you liked that post and could relate!

I differ a bit in that I don’t think OCD is not particularly unique in being medicalized; the discourse around nearly every mental illness diagnosis is these days. Nor do I think it’s particularly unique in framing recovering from OCD as a “fight,” either — as I mentioned in the tags of that post, the idea of “[X disorder] fighter” is also very popular in eating disorder circles. 

What the framing around OCD does seem fairly unique in is the insistence that there is only one technique for effectively treating it: ERP. With other diagnoses, such as depression and eating disorders, it’s more accepted that a range of techniques, treatments, and/or approaches might help (talk therapy, medication, exercise, etc). But with OCD, any approach other than ERP is framed not only as ineffective, but actively harmful, and this is where we arrive at the conclusion you mentioned, that reassuring someone with OCD is harmful — or even immoral — and shouldn’t be done under any circumstances. Interestingly, this element of the “morality” around (not) reassuring people with OCD is somewhat less (or differently?) moralized than diagnoses where one specific type of medication is framed as The Only Right Treatment, since reassurance is interpersonal and relational. 

To be transparent, I have not done a ton of structured ERP therapy — I've only done a couple months' worth, and it was over Zoom, so very different than doing it in person, at least if I wanted to "more effectively" address my obsessions and compulsions. I was also wary and critical of the ERP framework going in, which definitely contributed to my decision to end treatment "prematurely" (before being "cured," essentially). However, in my limited experience, I have had a similar experience as you around what ERP has and hasn’t helped. In some areas, repeatedly exposing myself to anxiety-inducing situations helped bring my anxiety down over time. In other cases, it did nothing but perpetually raise my anxiety for the length of the exposure treatment. 

My real gripe with ERP is that it removes even the option of attaching meaning to your anxiety, thoughts, and/or experiences. I understand that framing your thoughts/compulsions as “invaders” to your brain or as “just OCD” as opposed to part of “you” can be relieving. It’s easy to see why, and I have also found this framing relieving at times and in certain situations. But in cases where exposure therapy hasn’t worked, I’ve found the most relief and freedom from exploring what meaning might be found in my experiences (and sometimes this relief and freedom comes from simply reframing/shifting/re-relating how I view and think about my experiences). 

I very much agree with your last comments that believing it is Universally Bad to provide reassurance without considering harm reduction, personal autonomy, and individual circumstances is a harmful (and calloused and depersonalized!) approach. And I would love to hear what else you have to say on this topic!

#ocd

[multiplicity-positivity]

Hey, We were wondering if you have anything on coping with exomemories without the internet?

We have a few methods to stop our headmate from crying (character AI of sourcemates, fanfics, music, playing games) but we don’t always have the ability to go online and I’m afraid of if he panics without anything to help.

Hi! We’d say that a great way to cope with scary, difficult, or traumatic exomemories would be treating them similarly to scary, difficult, or traumatic real memories. Your emotional responses are probably the same for both real memories and exomemories, so treating them similarly might allow you and your headmates to effectively process and move on!

As far as not using the internet to achieve this… you might be able to find some books on trauma recovery at your local library. Depending on the content of the exomemories, you might even be able to find a book specialized to help folks deal with specific situations!

Y’all might also like to work on building skills like emotional regulation and distress tolerance, which may help calm your headmates down when they’re feeling overwhelmed. We’ve written about one such technique here before - you can check out our REST post below!

This skill ^ we learned both in therapy and in our DBT skills workbook. For ANYONE with emotional struggles, whether traumatized or not, honestly we do feel like the DBT skills workbook could be very beneficial. You can purchase a copy for around $15USD on Amazon!

Some of the fictives in our system have been able to process and understand exomemories through discussing them in therapy. If you have a nonjudgemental therapist who your system knows well and trusts, perhaps you can try bringing up these exomemories in a session.

For our system, using things like Character AIs or reading fanfics may tend to plant or center our fictives in their sources and exomemories - which ultimately causes them more longing and heartache and, while it may bring momentary relief, it usually makes their situation much more painful. So for our own system, we try to avoid stuff like that. Y’all may want to consider doing the same, but we know that every system is different!

Finally, we’d like to include some links to resources on grounding. In times when we’re overwhelmed by our past, feel stuck in a trauma memory, or are having a flashback, grounding has been incredibly useful to connect us back to reality and pull us out of our negative thoughts or memories. Maybe it will help y’all? You can memorize a few grounding techniques so that your system can do this even without internet access.

We’ve found that grounding techniques which encourage us to interact with something in the real, physical world help us the most! But every system is different, so experiment with different ways of grounding yourself to find out what works best for y’all.

Good luck with this! We really are wishing y’all the best - we know dealing with painful or unwanted memories, exomemories included, can be quite a challenge.

🌸 Margo, 🖋 Cecil, and 💫 Parker

#exomemories #trauma #grounding #emotional regulation #distress tolerance #long post

[1am-rice]

Things I want to/make someone else do research on:

- SSRI’s as a temporary intervention tool

SSRI’s from my experience are often talked about as something that “initially worked really well” and then “caused more problems than they solved” after long-term use (2+ years). I would be interested to see a clinical trial across 3-5 years of patients receiving SSRI’s for 1 - 1.5 yrs vs patients who remain on SSRI’s for the duration (all groups would also be given free bi-weekly therapy). My hypothesis is that patients who had temporary intervention SSRI’s would see greater long term improvement.

- therapy alongside sex-ed in schools

This study would ideally go alongside vastly improved sex-ed, and would define “therapy” as the usage and teaching of mental health skills in classes holistically, with an on-site therapist for dedicated talk therapy also. This is easy to do really badly, but comes from my experience of tutoring English. Teaching students really basic CBT, DBT and general awareness skills has helped every student I have ever tutored. E.g. in Australian HSC English in the common module students look at human experiences alongside anomalies, inconsistencies and paradoxes, giving students tools such as the wheel of emotions, and the occasional therapy technique to apply to build psychological understanding of characters helps the student in English coursework, and I have often seen the student’s mental health improve simultaneously. Additionally I believe that a baseline understanding of tools that can be used in any interpersonal situation can be very helpful even if the student themselves has no issues in interpersonal relationships, as it allows insight and careful handling. Theoretically this would see students coming out of school with better self-knowledge and coping tools.

- workplace accommodations for high-masking/low level autism

I would like more research to be done in tangible workplace support for “low level” autism. “Low level” individuals are often (if not always) not provided monetary or social support tools - and do not qualify for them. But these individuals (myself included) do need support. I believe further research and records of autistic people in the workplace - given the opportunity to ask for support and that support be given - would allow for genuinely effective and reasonable accommodations to be discovered and/or improved for “low level” ASD individuals to function. This comes from my struggle to find work while attending university- with employers being quite hostile to questions and irregular scheduling requirements. I’m sure those aren’t the only areas that could do with more examination.

#I’m sure I’ll find more eventually #psych research #if I ever become qualified to do this I will #otherwise I’m hunting down a psych researcher and we’re becoming besties

[serenitypsychiatrytx]

Top 5 Differences between Anxiety and Depression Management and How to Manage Them

Anxiety and Depression management is very important for a successful and happy life; it can really change the way a person feels. Let us understand Anxiety and Depression:

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety, a common response to stress, might be beneficial sometimes. However, for certain individuals, too much anxiety can interfere with their daily tasks and general health state. Symptoms frequently observed include excessive worry or fear about potential future events, a common feeling of restlessness, and quickly becoming annoyed or irritated over small matters.

What is Depression?

Depression means feeling sad and losing interest or joy in things you do. It affects the way someone thinks, feels, and handles their daily life activities. Symptoms might include feelings like thinking you are not worth much or having guilt, feeling very tired and without energy, getting upset or agitated quickly, eating more or less than usual, problems with sleeping and having a hard time focusing your attention.

Now, we will examine the five primary distinctions between handling these two psychological health situations.

1. Understanding the Root Causes

Understanding the main cause behind anxiety and depression is important because they are different. Anxiety happens from too much worry or fear about events that will happen in the future. On the other hand, depression might come from bad experiences before or a chemical imbalance in our brains. Knowing the cause can help you handle your symptoms right.

2. Treatment Approaches

Therapy and medication can assist with both situations, but the types of treatment or drugs may differ sometimes. Take an anxiety disorder as an example; it is common to suggest cognitive-behavioral therapy that aims to change negative thought habits. Treating people for depression could work better with interpersonal methods, as it focuses on issues related to relationships and social support.

3. Coping Strategies

To handle anxiety and depression, having strong coping strategies is very important. People who experience anxious feelings might use methods like breathing deeply or doing meditation to help them relax. People who are feeling depressed may discover that doing some physical activity or taking part in creative things can help to make them feel better. It is very important for you to find coping methods for these feelings that suit your personal circumstances.

4. Social Support

Someone with anxiety may need strong social backing that provides reassurance and encouragement when they feel anxious or uneasy. For a person who has depression, they might need help with everyday activities or arranging to get services for mental health. It is helpful to have people around like friends or family who can offer support when dealing with anxiety and depression.

5. Self-Care Practices

Finally, we think about including habits of taking care of ourselves in our everyday life to help with feelings of worry and sadness. This could include making sure to get enough sleep, eating a variety of healthy foods, doing physical activities often or using techniques such as giving complete attention (mindfulness) and ways to relax. Looking after your body and feelings might help lessen worry or sadness symptoms, as well as make overall mental wellness better.

Conclusion

Understanding where your emotions come from, looking for the right Anxiety Management and using good ways to deal with them is very important in controlling both conditions to have better health. If you know the reason behind your anxiety or sadness, discover how to treat each issue properly, and apply strong strategies against it, you will be able to handle both issues well and make your health better. Call or visit serenity psychiatry today.

#anxiety management #depression management

[dove-da-birb]

🧠

this book better be worth every penny cus wowie that shit's pricey

The price of education; thankfully the rest of my books were open resource!

Chapter 13; Treatment of Psychological Disorders (pg 483)

Psychotherapy: Psychodynamic, Behavioural, and Cognitive Approaches

What are the goals of psychologically and biologically based treatment approaches?

What are the psychodynamic, behavioural, and cognitive approaches to treatment?

Psychotherapy: Humanistic, Interpersonal, and Group Approaches to Treatment

What are the humanistic approaches to treatment?

What is interpersonal psychology?

How does group therapy differ from individual types of therapy?

How effective is psychotherapy, and which kind of psychotherapy works best in a given situation?

Biomedical Therapy: Biological Approaches to Treatment

How are drug, electroconvulsive, and psychosurgical techniques used today in the treatment of psychological disorders?

I landed on the beginning of a chapter, so that's what the chapter covers!

#melice! #ask game #dove's psychology stuff

[existentialbogwitch]

As someone with time blindness, I can say that it feels really weird to be misunderstood.

Neurotypical people don’t understand the mental math I have to go through in order to be anywhere at a particular time.

Let alone the extra steps I have to take to force myself to “stay on task” when I’m getting ready.

I would love adhd medication, but my psychiatrist is (rightfully) concerned that it would exacerbate my anxiety too much. Which is entirely fair.

I’m back on Prozac, 20mgs and it’s helpful but it also makes my anxiety worse.

I’m taking propanol and hydroxyzine in addition to this in order to help me regulate and keep my anxiety at bay. Sometimes it works. It mostly just “works” by making me so drowsy I can’t function at all.

I have been going through the wringer the past few years to try to figure out meds. It has been a journey that I am still working on. It will probably be something I have to “work on” the rest of my life.

Once you realize you’re neurodivergent, you start to focus less on getting rid of bad behaviors and labeling yourself as “broken”, and start to move more toward learning helpful strategies to actually support yourself.

Many of the things that have helped me are sensory related things that also assist in emotional regulation.

If I hadn’t realized I was autistic, I may never have considered using sensory regulation techniques to help calm myself.

It was NEVER mentioned in standard talk therapy.

It wasn’t until I specifically sought out a DBT therapist that I actually started learning things that were truly helpful.

It took me 8 years of therapy to get to this point.

Yes it was a “I think I’m the problem” realization, but it went so much deeper than that.

It has helped me learn to stop beating myself up for being different or having to do things in ways that don’t match neurotypical standards.

I still have a lot to learn and a long way to go.

Especially with regards to interpersonal communication and non violent communication.

I have grown up with passive aggressive adults who communicate largely by airing their grievances out loud while they are doing tasks in a way that makes it extremely unclear as to whether or not their grievances apply to me. It is done in such a way that makes me feel like I am responsible for their pain and I need to help. I have to constantly ask my family if they are mad at me because they do not communicate with me in a healthy way.

I’ve realized that I never learned real conflict resolution skills because my family never attempted to implement them.

I can do better and I want to learn how to do better.

But I’ve had to do a lot of work on myself in order to learn how to regulate myself enough to have these conversations. I am not quite there yet.

I want to help people, but I have to help myself first.

I am learning, I am growing, I am trying to do better.

I am really really trying to be on time for work so I can be my best self for my students because they deserve that.

I love them and I’m actually really looking forward to going back to teach today.

#personal #rant #autism #I have to go back to work today and I’m just trying to focus on my little music babies

[neurodiversebones]

31 of the autistic prompts with sweets?? autistic sweets means sm to me as i came to a huge realisation he is autistic but isn't aware of it until much later in his life!!! zack + sweets autistic solidarity 👍👍

all the people's mouths are moving / all you hear are car alarms (1/1)

prompt : an autistic character with hyperempathy who struggles to deal with it

rating : general audiences

ship : lance sweets / zack addy

other tags : canon autistic character, autistic lance sweets, hyperempathetic lance sweets, emotional hurt/comfort, fluff, panic attacks

Lance collapsed against his office couch, head in his hands- it was all becoming too much. He felt like he absorbed everything his friends said to him- like their emotions were his own times a hundred. He enjoyed his job- really- it’d been his dream for years. As far back as he could remember, actually.

Emotions were always something easy for Lance to understand. He may have struggled with making friends, or staying still in class, or talking in turn with others, but he always knew how people felt. He could comfort people. He could learn more about them in a short conversation than they’d know about him after months of friendship.

Psychology was the obvious choice, right?

And it was, most days. But today, he was just exhausted. Booth and Brennan were going through an intense case, one that hit close to home for the both of them. A child was involved, which hurt everyone on the team a little more. Between a tough case, therapy sessions, and the interpersonal drama of his friends, he was more overwhelmed than he knew how to handle. His head was swimming with hundreds of conflicting emotions- reds and blues swirled together in his mind, not to make purple, but a mixing pattern that made him feel dizzy and nauseated. 

He leaned back in his chair, closing his eyes and tapping his fingers against each other in some sort of rhythmic pattern. In an attempt to self soothe, he tried using some of the breathing techniques he taught his patients oh so often. What did he need right now? It was hard to push past the thoughts of what everyone else needed to get to his own. Brennan needed to talk about feelings the case was bringing up for her. Booth needed to talk to Brennan about his feelings. His friends needed to be reminded to take care of themselves. His three o’clock appointment needed him to research something before they showed up, but he couldn’t remember what it was.

What did he need?

Zack.

He needed to call Zack.

Zack picked up the phone almost immediately- he always did. “Lance?” He asked, confused as to why he was calling mid-afternoon. Some of the tension in Sweets’s shoulders released just at the sound of his voice.

“Zack, I’m-” Lance tried to get the words out, but his voice was starting to fail on him “I need you. Please.”

“What’s wrong, Lance? You sound distressed,” Zack’s tone was as matter-of-fact as always, and it brought some peace to Lance in his panicked state. 

“I’m… I don’t know. I’m overwhelmed. Just needed to hear your voice.”

There was a pregnant pause while Zack considered what he should say next.

“What do you need?” He asked. “What can I do?”

Lance knew that Zack wasn’t the greatest with emotions. He didn’t always understand what other people were feeling or why. He couldn’t look at a person and tell you about their thoughts. He thought the idea was silly, but was impressed with his boyfriend’s proven ability to do what Zack would have called mind reading if they were in one of the science fiction movies the two of them both enjoyed so much.

Zack, however, was fantastic at following patterns and rules. Once he was told what someone needed, he was a great comfort. Even if he didn’t understand why that would help someone, he would do his best to provide- and honestly, his lack of assumptions and expectations about other’s feelings made things easier sometimes.

Lance thought for a moment before answering Zack’s question.

“I don’t know,” he admitted. “I just needed to talk to someone. Someone who isn’t one of my patients, preferably. I’m just… exhausted.”

“Why don’t you take a rest then?” Zack replied, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. Lance chuckled, and Zack became even more confused. “Why are you laughing? Did I say something wrong?”

“No,” Sweets explained to the other man. “I’m not laughing at you. You’re just… you’re sweet, that’s all.” He blushed as he explained himself, but chose to ignore it for the time being. “It’s a different kind of tired. Emotionally exhausted. I just feel… so overwhelmed by how many people are relying on me right now. It’s like I can’t do anything.”

“Once again, you should take a rest,” Zack repeated his prior advice, and Sweets tilted his head in confusion despite knowing that Zack couldn’t see him. “An emotional rest. Get done what absolutely can’t be pushed to tomorrow, and then go home. It’ll help.”

“But-” Lance started, about to defend his overworking habit before his boyfriend cut back in.

“You’re of no use to anyone if you push yourself too hard. It’s important to recognize burnout as it is approaching, so that the appropriate measures can be put in place,” Zack reminded him. “What would you say to a patient who was feeling the exact same way you are now?”

Damn him. Using Sweets’s own techniques against him. He had a point, but it was mildly annoying to have to acknowledge that he was wrong.

Sweets sighed, giving in. “I would say the exact same thing you are right now.” He took a deep breath, now that the panic had subsided and exhaustion had creeped back in. “Thank you for helping me. I know you’re busy.”

He felt a little guilty for pulling Zack away from his work. There was a lot going on at the lab right now, but his boyfriend had still taken the time to step away and comfort him. That was a big deal for Zack, and he knew it.

“You’re important to me,” Zack stated, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. Sweets blushed like a crushing schoolboy at the statement. He grinned ear to ear before realizing he forgot to reply.

“I love you too,” he said. Those words were difficult for Zack to say, but he’d told Sweets one night that he still appreciated hearing them. He showed it through actions rather than words, and that was enough for Lance. “You should come over later. We can watch movies and I’ll cook.” He invited. “I know you’re stressed right now too.”

He could have sworn he heard Zack smile through the phone. “Star Wars?” he asked, and Sweets laughed, because he would watch anything if it meant he got to spend time with Zack- even something with no explosions, if it came down to that. He told Zack that yes, of course they’d be watching Star Wars, and then overheard Brennan calling him back to the platform.

They hung up, and Sweets felt relaxed for the first time in weeks. Taking Zack’s advice, he cleared his schedule for the day and began to pack up. He had a movie night to prepare for.

#autistic pride #my writing #my fics #lance sweets #zack addy #polarduo #bones #bones tv #bones on fox #bones (2005) #bones fic #bones fanfic #bones fanfiction

[gradsnail]

Cultivating Mushrooms in the Forest: A Metaphor for Teaching

Forest-farming mushrooms is a process in which a person encourages mushroom growth on prepared logs, optimally located under the forest canopy. The mushrooms that grow in this natural environment are healthier than mushrooms planted in gardens. The wild specimens produce nutritionally-dense fruit that we use for culinary and medicinal purposes (Schultz 2020). 

Mushrooms are adorable and trendy, and public awareness of fungi’s usefulness seems to grow every year. I chose mushroom cultivation as my metaphor for teaching, because I believe that a good teacher is to the forest-farmer as the student is to the mushroom. Students are as diverse as the myriad species of mushrooms; each is an individual with amazing potential to contribute positively to the world. The teacher goes to meet the student where they are (the forest), prepared with an understanding of what the student needs, in order to encourage their growth. I imagine that the growth the students experience due to their relationships with the teacher is primarily with their knowledge and skills, but also more broadly in regard to their overall ability to thrive.   

The Teacher as the Forest-Farmer

Each mushroom requires different conditions to be the most productive. This connects with the necessary, ongoing research and learning to which teachers need to commit during their careers. For example, I think that it is important for teachers to learn about their students– their backgrounds, their special needs, their interests, etc. Schools are culturally diverse places. I think it is necessary for teachers to actively learn about the cultures represented in their student body, in order to honor their needs and avoid unintentional discrimination or bias. 

The forest is a dynamic setting. Every year can be different, as weather patterns change, animals migrate, and human activity fluctuates. A teacher needs to adjust their approach to every new class with the same patience and willingness to learn that they exhibited when they earned their credentials.  

The Students as the Mushrooms

There are so many different fungi species, and scientists continually discover new ones! Every student has a unique identity, and it is important to honor that in order to know how best to help them grow. 

Mushrooms are natural community builders, much like the social nature of humanity. Mushrooms manage the mycelium, the mysterious and near- magical threads of connections running beneath the soil, between the forest’s organisms (Hart 2019). I think this is an apt representation of the complex web of relationships students form inside and outside school, as well as the sensitivity children have for their surrounding environments. These interpersonal and environmental relationships contribute positively, or negatively, to the student’s ability to succeed academically. We as teachers should be mindful of the mycelium.  

Measuring Mushroom Health   

In order to adjust their teaching techniques to achieve positive results, educators rely on concrete plans to assess success. The fruiting of the mushroom, which indicates the health of the organism and the effectiveness of the forest-farmer’s intervention, can relate to the ways in which students exhibit positive changes after taking a class. I hope that students will leave my classroom with the passion to continue exploring art. I also hope that students leave with the skills to think critically about making and meaning, a curiosity about art history, heightened observational skills, and more. Art can help students study other subjects as well, and I hope that students utilize different art-based techniques to succeed in their other classes. Finally, utilizing art therapy can cause wonderful changes with mental health. These are all different fruits my mushrooms can express.   

Because of the mycelium and the complex web of life that makes up the forest, mushrooms depend on each other for survival. You can measure how different factors surrounding the mushrooms affect the resulting fruiting. 

 I want to acknowledge the diversity of shapes that fruiting mushrooms can take, because I think that reminds us how every student is different, and the results of their studies will be just as different. You cannot compare the very different species of fungi to each other in order to determine if your forest-farming is effective. Instead, you observe over time, building up an understanding of how the mushrooms are changing (hopefully improving) in comparison to themselves. 

Finally, mushroom cultivation has a very close relationship with sustainable land stewardship and forest conservation (Hart 2019). The degree to which the mushrooms are able to continue to fruit year after year can indicate how sustainable the methods are. I think that the positive results that come from the teacher-student relationship should be sustainable, and the lessons the teacher imparts should continue to produce positive results well after the direct interaction ends.   

Just like the actual mycelium, the surrounding, connecting factors in a students life can be complex and sometimes hard to identify. What are some factors that impact a student’s educational success? 

Also, what kind of mushroom are you? 

Forest Farming (2019, August 26). Main Steps Involved in Forest Farming of Specialty Mushrooms. Retrieved September 9, 2023, from https://forest-farming.extension.org/main-steps-involved-in-forest-farming-of-specialty-mushrooms/

Hart, S. (2019, September 30). Fungi-- The Key to A Successful Food Forest. Retrieved September 9, 2023, from https://gardenculturemagazine.com/fungi-the-key-to-a-successful-food-forest/

How, When and Why of Forest Farming Resource (n.d.). How, When, and Why of Forest Farming. Cornell Cooperative Extension. Retrieved September 9, 2023, from http://hwwff.cce.cornell.edu/learningf7e8.html?unit=4

Schultz, P. (2020, June 5). Farming Mushrooms in the Forest: An Opportunity to Grow Something New. Forest Stewardship Notes. Retrieved September 9, 2023, from https://foreststewardshipnotes.wordpress.com/2020/06/05/farming-mushrooms-in-the-forest-an-opportunity-to-grow-something-new/

#art #education #grad school #art teacher #mushrooms #mycelium

[solhwellness]

Different Types of Psychotherapies: Exploring Your Options | Solh Wellness

Several psychological therapies provide useful strategies for overcoming life's problems when it comes to improving your mental health. These treatments, often known as talk therapies or psychotherapies, offer a framework for comprehending and controlling your ideas, feelings, and behaviors.

Let's look at the various forms of psychological therapy available:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

A well-known treatment method called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) aims to recognize and alter unfavorable thought patterns. By recognizing and addressing these ideas, people can manage disorders like anxiety, melancholy, and stress efficiently. Through CBT, you acquire practical abilities to change your negative thinking.

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) 

DBT combines techniques that encourage mindfulness with cognitive behavioral treatment. Those who struggle with strong emotions, risky behavior, and interpersonal problems benefit the most from it. DBT teaches individuals how to control their feelings, strengthen interpersonal bonds, and encourage self-acceptance.

Psychodynamic Therapy 

This therapy focuses mostly on the unsolved problems and unconscious mechanisms that influence your ideas and behaviour. To uncover ingrained patterns and advance consciousness and personal development, psychodynamic therapy digs into past interactions and experiences.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)   

ACT places a strong focus on accepting one's ideas and feelings as opposed to trying to repress them. It helps people define their values and make a commitment to upholding them. This therapy effectively treats anxiety while enhancing general wellbeing.

Mindfulness-Based Therapies  

Self-awareness and present-moment awareness are encouraged in therapies that place a strong emphasis on mindfulness. These therapies include:

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR):Through the practice of moderate yoga and mindfulness meditation, MBSR aims to reduce stress and promote emotional control.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): Since the MBCT program combines cognitive therapy techniques with mindfulness training, it can benefit people who have recurrent depression.

Humanistic Therapies  

The goals of humanistic therapies are the pursuit of self-actualization, self-growth, and self-discovery. These consist of:

Person-Centred Therapy: In the encouraging, nonjudgmental environment of this treatment, people can examine their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

Gestalt Therapy: The value of fully experiencing the present moment is emphasized by gestalt therapy. It promotes self-awareness and accountability.

Family Systems Therapy

Understanding how a person's ties with their family impact their mental health is the aim of family systems therapy. It tries to promote harmony within the family and communication.

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)  

In IPT, emphasis is placed on interpersonal and communication skills. Both treating depression and resolving interpersonal conflicts can be done using it.

Narrative Therapy  

Examining the narratives we tell about our lives is an essential component of narrative therapy. Retelling and recreating these tales can offer people fresh perspective and a sense of empowerment.

Behavioural Therapy  

Behavioral therapy seeks to alter a behavior by identifying the reinforcers of that behavior. For phobias, OCD, and other conditions, there are two methods of treatment: behavior modification and exposure therapy.

Last but not least, each therapy has its unique technique and benefits. A licensed therapist can help you discuss your options and help you discover the option that best suits your needs. Remember that choosing the ideal approach could need some trial and error because therapy is a collaborative process. By incorporating psychological treatment into your regular routine for maintaining your mental health, you may offer yourself the resources you require to live a more balanced and fulfilling life.

At Solh Wellness, we take great care to fully understand the range of mental health issues and offer treatment that is uniquely tailored to each potential client. Our therapists are skilled at adapting the course of treatment to meet the demands of the patients. In order to assist you practice mindfulness and self-care, we also provide resources and techniques.

#Cognitive Behavioural Therapy #Dialectical Behavioural Therapy #Humanistic Therapies #Narrative Therapy #Interpersonal Therapy #Family Systems Therapy #Acceptance And Commitment Therapy

[sexologist8787]

Effective Early Discharge Treatment in Delhi: Consult the Best Sexologist

Premature ejaculation, commonly known as early discharge, can be a distressing condition that affects many men. If you're in search of effective treatment options for early discharge in Delhi, it is crucial to seek the expertise of a reputed and experienced sexologist. By consulting a knowledgeable sexologist, you can receive personalized care and guidance to overcome this concern. In this article, we will delve into the significance of consulting a sexologist, the benefits it offers, and the various treatment options available in Delhi to effectively address early discharge.

The Importance of Consulting a Sexologist for Early Discharge Consulting a sexologist for early discharge provides several advantages, including:

Specialized Expertise: Sexologists possess specialized knowledge and expertise in the field of sexual health. They understand the complexities of early discharge and its underlying causes. By consulting a sexologist, you can benefit from their comprehensive understanding and receive accurate information, guidance, and customized treatment options tailored to your specific needs.

Confidentiality and Comfort: Early discharge is a sensitive issue that can cause embarrassment and affect one's self-esteem. A sexologist creates a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental environment for patients to openly discuss their concerns. This ensures that you can share your symptoms, experiences, and concerns without fear of stigma or judgment.

Personalized Treatment Approach: Sexologists adopt a personalized approach to treatment. They evaluate various factors contributing to early discharge, including physical, psychological, and interpersonal aspects. By identifying the root causes, a sexologist can develop a tailored treatment plan that addresses your specific needs, helping you achieve long-lasting results and improved sexual satisfaction.

Premier Treatment Options for Early Discharge in Delhi Delhi offers a range of premier treatment options for early discharge. When consulting a sexologist, they may recommend one or a combination of the following treatments based on your individual circumstances:

Behavioral Techniques: Behavioral techniques aim to enhance ejaculatory control and increase sexual satisfaction. These techniques involve exercises such as the start-stop technique and the squeeze technique, which help individuals develop better control over their arousal and delay ejaculation. A sexologist can guide you through these techniques and provide ongoing support.

Medications: In some cases, medications may be prescribed to manage early discharge. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and topical anesthetics are commonly used to delay ejaculation and prolong sexual encounters. It is crucial to take medications under the supervision of a qualified sexologist to ensure their safe and effective use.

Counseling and Therapy: Psychological factors, such as performance anxiety or relationship issues, can contribute to early discharge. Sexologists may recommend counseling or therapy sessions to address these underlying concerns. Through counseling, you can gain insights into your thoughts and emotions, develop coping strategies, and improve communication, ultimately enhancing your sexual well-being.

Lifestyle Modifications: Certain lifestyle modifications can have a positive impact on early discharge. A sexologist may advise changes in diet, exercise, stress management techniques, and overall health improvement. These modifications complement other treatment approaches and contribute to long-term enhancement of sexual experiences.

Take the First Step Towards Overcoming Early Discharge

If you are dealing with early discharge and seeking effective Early Discharge treatment in Delhi, consulting a reputable sexologist is a crucial first step towards regaining control and enjoying a fulfilling sexual life. With their expertise, personalized care, and access to various treatment options, sexologists can guide you on the path to overcoming early discharge and achieving improved sexual satisfaction.

Remember, early discharge is a common issue that can be successfully addressed with the right professional assistance. Take the initiative to consult a best sexologist in Delhi and embark on a journey towards a more satisfying and fulfilling sexual experience.

#best sexologist in Delhi #premature ejaculation #early discharge treatment #early discharge treatment in delhi #premature ejaculation treatment in delhi #doctor for premature ejaculation treatment #doctor for early discharge treatment in delhi #early discharge #sexologist in delhi