(Photo by Cottonbro)
There is a mental health crisis in our country. Because of the pandemic, the political situation, the economy, and other factors, many, many people are having a difficult time living their lives. We live with uncertainty and the constant bombardment of bad news. No matter where you turn, we find something to worry about and it seems inescapable. Whether it’s the news, social media, the movies, pop-ups on our cell phones, or television shows, we are exposed to mostly negative situations.
Celebrities and athletes, such as Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka, have shown that it is okay not to be okay. The preponderance of online counseling sites and wellness apps demonstrate that people are seeking help. But others are eating too much, have become lazy, and lost their motivation to live life.
These are very emotional times. In that regard, this month’s E-Letter, The Multiple Benefits of Therapy, provides information on how therapy can be very helpful and powerful in improving lives.
KimmelPsychology has provided a monthly E-Letter for over 16 years, that is educational, informative, and helpful. Topics change every month, but the format remains the same; brief information about the topic as well as suggestions for improvement.
You are invited to email your thoughts to Dr. Kimmel at [email protected].
Make sure to read the latest blog addition.
PRACTICE NEWS
KimmelPsychology has committed itself to being available for anyone who is in need of support, therapy, psychiatric consultation, professional coaching, and online psychological and psychoeducational evaluations. We practice telehealth and have also returned to safe, in-office visits. We can be reached by calling our office at 954 755-2885 or by going to the Our Staff page on our website, KimmelPsychology.com.
We frequently post news and articles on our KimmelPsychology Facebook page. Be sure to like us and read our articles.
THE MULTIPLE BENEFITS OF THERAPY!
(Photo by Shvets)
The stigma of having a mental health problem is decreasing in our country. Many people have reached out to get professional help for their problems. However, it is often unclear what are the true benefits of therapy.
The purpose of therapy is to resolve negative emotions and behaviors and to inspire change and improve people’s quality of life. This can be accomplished by developing self-awareness and tools such as improved communication skills and how to manage emotions. This enables people to feel empowered, enjoy life and have better relationships. It is not something to be feared or mistrusted, rather, it is a tool that can create personal success in many areas. What can be better than knowing and understanding oneself and why we do some of the things that we do?
Many of our behaviors today were learned early in our lives. Some were reactions to traumatic situations that we still carry in our heads. We function based on patterns of behavior that were learned at different times, under different circumstances, with different people. Are they relevant today or are they outdated?
In addition, many of us grew up with the teaching to keep personal problems to oneself and that it shouldn’t be discussed with anyone else. “Don’t wash your dirty laundry in public” has been taught to too many people. While it is true that one shouldn’t let everyone know their problems, not discussing internal hurts with a qualified therapist can prevent the resolution of personal problems or relationship difficulties. Too many people learn to live with depression and anxiety or self-medicate to numb their pain. Therapy and sometimes in combination with prescribed medications, can greatly improve the lives of many, many people.
Therapy allows a person to become unchained from the past and develop skills to deal with current issues. Rather than “shrinking’ a person, therapy empowers a person. It addresses both the causes and symptoms of problems and helps to develop tools to deal with current issues.
In therapy, a person can learn what is normal and typical behavior for situations rather than what they think might be normal. Getting another’s opinion allows them to challenge their beliefs and realize that they can be wrong. Sometimes just venting and unloading one’s worries, fears, and angry feelings with a supportive person can be therapeutic in itself. Therapy is mostly done in a supportive, non-critical environment where people do not feel judged or criticized. Having a therapist means that there will always be someone there to support you.
To find a qualified therapist is an easy process. One of the best ways is to ask a trusted friend or physician if they know anyone they would recommend. Another way is to consult your insurance company provider list or online databases such as the Find A Therapist site on the Psychology Today website. Look for an experienced therapist whom you think you could relate to. Choose two or three possible therapists and interview them. You may have to have initial sessions but find someone you are comfortable with, and you believe can help you.
We offer the following information:
THE MULTIPLE BENEFITS OF THERAPY!
“It’s incredibly liberating to spend an hour talking to someone and not caring about what you sound like. It’s about understanding myself. Sometimes I’ll speak to my therapist for an hour a day. It’s become part of my routine…Shakira
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THERAPY!
- Therapy teaches you how to express emotions constructively and appropriately
- It addresses both everyday symptoms as well as the causes of problems
- The effects of therapy are long-lasting; not only are problems solved but tools are developed to help with future difficulties
- Therapy helps to reprogram destructive patterns coming from negative/painful past events
- It allows a person to keep the past in the past
- Therapy can help to get unstuck by building confidence to try new behaviors, be more risk taking, and find additional ways of enjoying life
- In therapy, one can learn what is “normal” behavior
- Therapy is not “shrinking” but empowering; it teaches how to effectively deal with present and future conflicts
- One of the most powerful benefits of therapy is knowing that you are not alone; there is always someone you can call for support
- Many physical symptoms such as sleep problems, sexual dysfunction, and headaches can be resolved through therapy by reducing stress
- Fears of therapy include trusting an unknows person, thinking it will be painful, believing you will be judged, and expecting problems to get worse
- It takes courage to enter a therapeutic relationship
- Being able to relate with the therapist is one of the most important factors for success
- Understand beginning therapy requires a personal commitment to face difficult emotions
- To find a qualified therapist:
- Ask someone you trust if they know of a therapist they would recommend
- Check your health plan provider directory
- Consult online databases such as Psychology Today to get info about a therapist
- Look for an experienced therapist; question how they provide therapy as well as their theoretical orientation
- Choose two or three possible therapists and view their websites for additional information
- If possible, interview them before or during the first session; see how comfortable you are and whether you think they can help you
- Seek professional help if you feel overwhelming loneliness, depression, or anxiety
WE PRACTICE TELEHEALTH AND CAN HELP!Call us at 954 755-2885 or email us at [email protected]
Joel I. Kimmel, Ph.D. P.A. and Associates
5551 N University Drive, Suite 202
Coral Springs FL 33067As always, I am interested in your thoughts. If you would like to respond to this e-Letter, email me your comments at [email protected] and I will publish them next month.
Till August…
The information provided in this electronic newsletter is not a substitute for professional treatment. It is the opinions of the writers and is provided solely for educational purposes. For mental health care, seek a qualified professional.
If you no longer wish to receive future E-Letter reminders, please send an email to [email protected] requesting to be removed from this list.
If you find this information interesting or helpful, please forward this E-Letter to your contacts and friends. Copyright © 2021 by Joel I. Kimmel, Ph.D. P.A. and Associates.
Copyright © 2021 by Joel I. Kimmel, Ph.D.
