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Counseling and Psychotherapy Parts 2

Monday, June 29th, 2009

Copyright (c) 2008 Mark Weiss & Counselingbook.com

Counselors and psychotherapists may use many different types of psychotherapy and counseling. This is the second part of a series of articles describing the different types of psychotherapy an counseling.

1) Gestalt psychotherapy counseling

2) Gottman Relationship psychotherapy counseling

3) Hakomi psychotherapy counseling

4) Humanistic psychotherapy counseling

5) Imago Relationship psychotherapy counseling

6) Interpersonal psychotherapy counseling

7) Jungian psychotherapy counseling

1. Gestalt Therapy psychotherapy counseling

Developed by Fritz Perls’ and others in the 1940′s, the basic premise of Gestalt is that “life happens in the present – not in the past or the future – and that when we are dwelling on the past or fantasizing about the future we are not living fully”. Perls, originally a Freudian analyst, was influenced by the principles of Gestalt psychology and existential philosophy. The Gestalt process models the way in which what is directly experienced and felt is more reliable than explanations or interpretations based on pre-existing experiences or attitudes. It is a therapy that takes into account the whole individual and is concerned with both mind and body.

2. Gottman Relationship psychotherapy counseling

Gottman Method Couples Therapy is a structured, goal-oriented, scientifically-based therapy. Intervention strategies are based upon empirical data from Dr. John Gottman’s three decades of research with 3,000 couples. From this research Gottman Relationship Therapy can pin point the factors that distinguish happy, stable couples from unstable couples and provides supportive methods to assist couples in creating the quality of relationship that they have been unable to attain through their own efforts.

3. The Hakomi Method psychotherapy counseling

Hakomi is a body-centered, somatic approach that combines the Eastern traditions of mindfulness and non-violence within a unique Western methodology. In a therapeutic context, the body’s structures and habitual patterns serve as the doorway to unconscious ‘core material’, including the hidden beliefs, relationships, and self-images that shape how we see ourselves.

4. Humanistic psychotherapy counseling

Humanistic psychology is a school of psychology that emerged in the 1950s in reaction to both behaviorism and psychoanalysis. The Humanistic Psychologists were concerned with advancing a more holistic vision of psychology. James Bugental (1964), summarized the humanistic approach in five points: 1. Human beings cannot be reduced to components; 2. Human beings have in them a uniquely human context; 3. Human consciousness includes an awareness of oneself in the context of other people; 4. Human beings have choices and non desired responsibilities; 5. Human beings are intentional, they seek meaning, value and creativity.

5. Imago Relationship psychotherapy counseling

Derived from the Latin word for image, Imago addresses romantic love and provides a framework for couples in therapy. Developed by Harville Hendrix, Ph.D., author of Getting The Love You Want: A Guide For Couples, The Imago Therapy Process teaches couples the stages of romantic love and the ensuing stages of power struggle within relationships to assist clients in developing conscious, intimate, and committed relationships.

6. Interpersonal psychotherapy counseling

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) is a time-limited psychotherapy that was developed in the 1970s and 80s as an outpatient treatment for adults who were diagnosed with moderate or severe clinical depression. The IPT model of psychotherapy / counseling identifies clinical depression as having three components: the development of symptoms, which arise from biological, genetic and/or psychodynamic processes; social interactions with other people, which are learned over the course of one’s life; and personality, made up of the more enduring traits and behaviors that may predispose a person to depressive symptoms.

7. Jungian psychotherapy counseling

Jungian analysis is a method of psychotherapy developed by C.G. Jung, the eminent Swiss psychiatrist (1875-1961). The purpose of Jungian analysis is to transform the psyche, by establishing effective relations between the ego and the unconscious.The process can treat a broad range of emotional disorders such as depression and anxiety, and it can also assist anyone who wishes to pursue psychological growth.

Mark Weiss

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How To Reduce Mental Disorders

Thursday, June 25th, 2009

Mental breakdown is described as the sudden, acute attack that occurs in the mind. Such clinical depression or anxiety disorder in a healthy person can deteriorate his health adversely. Under too much stress, the body and the mind is not stable and starts functioning in a wrong manner.
Nervous breakdown is another name for mental breakdown and in such a condition a person is unable to do his day to day activities in a normal way. The symptoms of nervous breakdown are severe attack of mental illness. It may be either in form of anxiety or depression. Due to the mental illness, a person is unable to perform his daily routine as done by a normal person.
A brain with excessive stress is the first indicator of a nervous breakdown. Feelings of lethargy, constant pains and aches, scratchy and inflamed skin, lowered body resistance are also signs of an imminent breakdown. Repeated sensations of vomiting and gastric problems like stomach cramps gastrointestinal ulcers, colitis and diarrhea over extended periods of time might be indicative of a nervous breakdown.
Causes of Mental Breakdown

There are a number of reasons for mental breakdown and some of them are the chronic and unresolved grief, unemployment, academic problems, career burnout, social stress, post war trauma, chronic insomnia and other sleep disorders, divorce, death of a near one, a traumatic, violent experiences, deception by a loved one. Sudden Mental illness may be differentiated and classified as clinical depression, bipolar disorder, severe stress, anxiety, psychosis etc.
Other factors for mental illness

Clinical depression is a severe mental disorder where in a person is sad due to no reason and does not feel like doing anything. He is depressed and extreme depression might lead top a person committing suicide.
Depression that leads to loss of pleasure in all most all the activities, a person does not react to any pleasurable stimuli and excessive guilt is known as the depression with Melancholic feature. Another feature is characterized by mood reactions, gaining of weight, and increase in appetite this is called as Atypical depression.
There are other types of depression like Dysthymia, Bipolar I Disorder, Postpartum depression, premenstrual depression, premenstrual dysphoria, recurrent brief depressive disorder. Sometimes depression may be a heredity disorder. The shortage of neurotransmitters, the communication system of the of the brain and body is disturbed.
How to reduce mental disorders?

There are a number of antidepressant drugs that modify certain levels of neurotransmitters namely the serotonin and norepinephrine. Medication and psychotherapy are two types of treatments. Regular exercises and dietary supplements have had a significant effect. Medicines that reduce symptoms of depression and thus help in reducing the mental disorders are serotonin reuptake inhibitors, citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine and sertraline.

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What is Counseling

Thursday, June 25th, 2009

Imagination can be a wonderful thing, but it can also cause some people to be mistaken about what something actually is. Where counseling is concerned, thanks to Hollywood and well written books, people who have never been to counseling think you go in, sit on a couch and talk while some guy with a notepad takes down notes about you. Counseling is not entirely like that. Basically, counseling is where a professional will give advice, opinions or direction based on what the patient has discussed with them. In some ways, a counselor could almost be seen as a guide. Counseling is done in an informal and comfortable environment where the patient is free to discuss what bothers them. They are free to express their feelings and emotions to someone they know are listening to them.

It’s easy for people who don’t really know what counseling is to not realize there are many different types of counseling for different problems. Counseling is very much like therapy in that there are individual areas in which counseling focuses on. It is not simply one broad thing that one person covers. There are actually different subjects that different counselors will specialize in. There is marriage counseling, family counseling, career counseling, mental health counseling, substance abuse counseling, debt counseling, child development counseling and grief counseling, to name a few.

Marriage counseling is where a couple will go see a counselor to help settle difficulties in their marriage and to work through any problems they may have. Some couples even go to marriage counseling before they tie the knot to ensure they keep and maintain the strong bond they have through a long and happy marriage. Family counseling comes in, more often than not, when parents are having difficulties with their children. Parents can bring their children in and speak with a counselor who can then help them work through their disagreements. Career counseling focuses on individuals who are trying to find the right career to go into, as well as for people who are in a career but are thinking of a change or looking for a way to advance in their current career. Mental health counseling is for people who may be suffering from a form of depression, or who may suffer from some other mental condition. Substance abuse counseling focuses on those who wish to get over an addiction, such as alcoholism, so they can better their personal lives. Debt counseling is for people who might be in debt and they need help in managing their finances properly. Other people may not necessarily be in debt, but they are looking for some education on how to manage their finances properly. Child development tends to deal with younger kids who may need help in learning to focus, learn how to deal with their emotions properly, learn how not to be anti-social and how they can build more self-confidence. Grief counseling typically deals with those who have lost a loved one, either tragically or by natural causes.

The areas of counseling mentioned above are only a few of the many that are actually out there in the world today. It is a very broad area that covers just about any subject a person would seek counseling in if necessary. It is nothing to fear and has come a long way from the old stereotype. In the end, it is only fear and misunderstanding that prevents many people from opening up to the idea of counseling.

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Mental Disorder and Its Natural Herbal Cure

Sunday, June 21st, 2009

A very common problem now a day is mental disorder. It is a very general term that covers all the problems that are related to our mind. These problems arise when our mind is hit harshly by external and internal problem. These problems are the facts that are consciously or subconsciously not acceptable to our mind. This unwanted feeling of acceptance of the result of the given problem leads to the creation of psychic disease, which is termed as mental disorder. Our body’s mechanism is such that it tries to come in harmony by it self but if the person is not able to come out of the problem that is prevailing, it leads to mental sickness. This results in imbalance in mind; behavior, attitude, reactions, tolerance, manners, actions and outlook or simply we can say the person becomes abnormal in his day-to-day activities. These conditions can involve any person, of any age, either of the two sexes, of any place and of any socioeconomic background. Ayurveda has mentioned lot about mental disorders under the heading “UNNMAD”.
Now two types of queries might be sticking your mind.
1. How to cure mental sickness?

2. How to maintain stable state of mind that keeps us away from having these problems?
Answer to your query is only one i.e. AYURVEDA and YOGA
Basic principal on which ayurveda was designed was how to maintain a health of a healthy person and how to cure a diseased person. First of all I will mention about some urges which person should adapt of a peaceful living as mentioned in ayurveda. These are called “dharniye Vega” or the urges that should be adapted in life. These are: -
1. Should not be greedy

2. Should not be afraid of any one

3. Should not be short tempered

4. Should not be jealous on anyone’s success.

5. Should not speak bad words to any one.

6. Should always be helpful to others.
There are certain herbs that are mentioned in ayurveda, which has wonderful effects in treating mental disorders, and improve brains efficiency.
Some of those are mentioned below
1. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) Commonly known as Indian Pennywort is generally found everywhere in India especially above 4000 ft. of height. This herb is most extensively used in Indian system of medicine as brain tonic and stress reliever. Due to its laghu (light) gunna (property), it is able to affect mind very easily thus giving mind a nourishment to develop. It is considered to be the nerve stimulant that helps in perceiving in better reflexes from brain. It is considered to be a nerve-rejuvenating herb, which has been used by ayurvedic practitioners un reluctantly since ages in any condition in which brain is found affected or in psyche related disorders. Good results have also been found in epilepsy attacks. Its action as non-sedative tranquilizer has made it a drug that can be used in anxiety and hypertension. Whole plant part is used in preparing medicines.
2. Ashwagandha (withania somnifera) commonly called winter cherry is one of the herbs that produce wonderful results in problems caused by vata disorders. Its main function is to maintain the harmony of vata whether it aggravates or become suppressed by effects of other dosha. Because of its ushan virya (hot potency) it acts directly on unstable vata thereby helping vata to remain in stable state. Thereby having good effect on nervous system, circulatory system as well as joint related problems. Ashwagandha plays major role in suppressing anxiety and hypertension. It has proved very affective in relieving stress and stress related problems. It has given wonderful results in joint pains and arthritic conditions. It has also proven it worth in improving body immunity and bodies overall strength to fight against the disease. It has also been found effective in treating weakness and mental fatigue of the body. Good results in depression and other mental ailments have also been seen. Plant part used is root.
3. Memocare: A rich mixture of herbs likes Brahmi, ashwagandha, mulethi, red chandan and vacha. It blends of most powerful herbs that have time proven results in promoting mental health and fighting against mental ailments. As mentioned earlier ashwagandha and Brahmi has a great efficacy in treating mental disorder along with it memocare contains mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), which is sheet (cold) virya in property helps in improving mental strength and increase mental alertness. It has been rated one of the best medya rasayan as mentioned by charaka in his book charak samhita. Due to its property it has also been found very effective in treating anxiety and hypertension. It has been found effective in curbing depression and mind related problems. It has also been found effective in treating headaches and rheumatoid arthritis. It also possesses properties that lead to development of good quality of sperms. It has been found useful in providing strength to our nervous system and thereby helpful in countering nervous disorder. Being sheet virya in property it finds use in skin related problems
Plant part used is root. Along with mulethi it also contains Vacha (Acorus calmus) commonly known, as sweet flag is an herb very much in use in India presently by ayurvedic doctors. Its main property is of ushan virya that make is kapha vata suppressor and pitta increaser. Its actions also possess the property of pain reliever and anti-inflammatory. It is generally found in damp climatic condition with the height of 6000 feet. Because of its property it is also known for anti depressant and stress reliever. Moreover it is also consider good as brain tonic. It improves general body condition and helps in marinating normal mental structure. Plant part used is root and lower part of stem.

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Career Prospects in Community-based Mental Health in Maryland

Wednesday, June 17th, 2009

There is a lot of prospect in community-based mental health careers both in the state of Maryland and all over the country. This is because for years now, there has been a lot of emphasis on prevention and reduction of inpatient hospitalization for all illnesses, including mental illness. This might primarily have been intended for cost control, it has also facilitated quality and access. The second reason why career prospects in community mental health are many is that there is currently a severe shortage of mental health workers in all sectors. The 2007 Maryland Mental Health Workforce White Paper revealed that the number and complexity of mental health problems experienced by children and their families have increased over the past decade. It further said, “At least one in five children and youth, or 20%, experience a mental health disorder. The crisis of mental health in the United States is such that 75-80% of youth with mental health diagnoses receive no services, and services received are often inadequate”. Thirdly, there is inadequate diversity among the few mental health workforce. For example, 28% of Maryland population is of ethnic minority but only 12% of mental workforce is of ethnic minorities. Furthermore, there is an acute shortage of African American males in mental health workforce.

1. Outpatient Mental Health Clinics (OMHC)

Outpatient mental health clinics provide therapy, counseling, medication management, social skills teaching, and case management services to individuals with severe and chronic mental health problems. Career prospects available in OMHC include:

Therapists and Counselors: New regulations require therapists and counselors in OMHC to have a minimum of a Masters degree and a license (such as LGSW, LCSW, LCSW-C, LGPC, LCPC, RNC, APRN/PMHN) in nursing, social work, psychology, counseling, or psychiatric rehabilitation. Also, an RN without a Masters degree but with an RNC from ANCC can be employed as a therapist. Salaries are very attractive.

2. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Programs (PRP)

PRP programs are an extension of the services provided to the patient in the OMHC. A PRP may stand alone or be an additional service to an OMHC. The purpose of PRP is to promote the rehabilitation, integration and improved quality of life for the patient at home, school, work and community. It aims at helping the patient to function at his or her optimum best in life. The counseling can be done at the Program office (onsite) or at the patient’s home (offsite). PRP counseling could be about a wide range of topics, including anger management skills, social skills, assertiveness skills, medication compliance, coping with symptoms, managing peer pressure, taking a bus, determining bus route, drug and alcohol, gang prevention, sex education, STD education, accessing community resources such as food stamps, affordable housing, bus pass, ID card, driver’s license, job search, preparing for job interview, keeping a job, improving attention in school, completing homework and school projects, respect of authority, etc.

Even though a mere one-year work experience in a mental health setting or having an AA degree qualifies one to be a PRP counselor, PRP programs prefer to employ persons with a BS degree in any health or mental health related field such as nursing, social work, counseling, psychology and rehabilitation. PRP counselors are usually paid $14 or more per counseling session. Each client receives 2 to 8 counseling sessions per month.

3. Expanded School-Based Mental Health (ESBMH)

In addition to the school clinic, some schools also have an ESBMH clinic. A therapist assigned from an OMHC manages each of such clinics. Apart from providing therapy to troubled kids sent to the therapist’s office from the class or principal’s office, the therapist also serve as a resource person to the school staff regarding particular children, issues or topics related to mental health.

4. Crisis Response Programs (BCRI, BCARS)

Mental health professionals are also needed in crisis centers where services are provided for anyone in mental health crisis. The two main centers in Baltimore are Baltimore Crisis Response, Inc. (BCRI) and Baltimore Child and Adolescent Response System (BCARS). For employment inquiries, please call 410-433-5255. There are positions that do not need a Masters degree.

BCARS website provides the following information about what they do:

BCARS is a mobile crisis response service that provides emergency contact with mental health professionals throughout the city. Dedicated crisis clinicians staff the program as part of a continuum of clinical care provided by the Catholic Charities.  The Johns Hopkins Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry provide psychiatric consultations to the program.  BCARS assists children and families facing psychiatric and psychosocial crises by providing hospital diversion and immediate intervention and respite. For information or assistance, please call the BCARS hotline (410) 752-2272. It is available 24-7.

BCRI web site provided the following information: about what they do:

HOTLINE: The telephone crisis “hotline” (410-752-2272) is available 24 hours a day and is staffed by trained counselors who have the ability to provide information and referral to the network of human services in the Baltimore metropolitan area. The counselors also provide supportive counseling, dispatch emergency assistance and link callers with more intensive BCRI services.  In FY 2004 – 34,852 and FY 2005 – 30,257 calls were received on the Hotline.

MOBILE CRISIS TEAMS: Mobile crisis teams are comprised of mental health professionals including psychiatrists, social workers and nurses who can be dispatched to community locations to provide immediate assessment, intervention and treatment. Teams operate from 7:00am till midnight seven days per week. Currently the teams average over 2000 responses per year.

IN HOME SUPPORT: Persons experiencing a mental health crisis can often be maintained in the community through regular visits from the BCRI mobile crisis teams. An average of 350 people a year is cared for in this manner.

RESIDENTIAL CRISIS BEDS: Baltimore Crisis Response, Inc. operates 18 psychiatric crisis beds. Crisis beds are not new to Maryland. However, since its inception, BCRI has operated with an average length of stay of 4.5 days compared with the historical statewide average of 16.5 days.

PUBLIC EDUCATION AND TRAINING: BCRI provide public and professional education and training on a wide range of mental health related topics including: suicide prevention, crisis intervention, mental illness, and stigma.  Training has also been provided to members of the Baltimore City Police Negotiation Team, over 3,000 patrol officers, Housing Police and Sheriff’s officers. Through special grants and contracts, BCRI has provided training to Baltimore City Public School teachers and guidance counselors, clergy, 911 operators, shelter care staff and others.  Public education is also provided via a cable television program called “Mental Health Matters”.  This program provides practical information regarding mental health issues and community resources.  BCRI has also offered professional training conferences, workshops and symposia.

ADDICTIONS SERVICES: In response to the growing need for addictions treatment services BCRI has expanded and now provides a 10-day residential detoxification program for chemically addicted and dually diagnosed persons.  There are currently 16 beds operated for this purpose.

5. Group Homes

Direct care staff and counselors are needed in group homes to manage, care and support the residents in the areas of activities of daily living, behavior management, life progress, and community living. Employment preference is usually given to individuals who have a degree related to health or mental health. Salary rates are very attractive. New regulations now mandate each group home especially for children to be managed by a Program Administrator (PA) who must possess at least a BS degree in any field but preferably in a health or mental health related field. Program Administrators are very well paid, depending on their education and experience and the size and intensity of the group home.

6. Private Practice

There are a lot of prospects for licensed mental health professionals with at least a Masters degree to establish their own private practice. The practice could be in the area of clinical, research, educational, or consultancy.

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