Counseling | Health Blog

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Counseling: How to Select the Best Counselor-from Cary, Barrington and Crystal Lake

Friday, December 25th, 2009

Do you feel overwhelmed? Are you considering getting help to deal with your problems?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 25 million Americans need professional help to deal effectively with feelings and problems that seem beyond their control. These include problems with family, unemployment, death, depression, anxiety, relationships and substance abuse.

Those stresses and conflicts can be burdensome as well as significantly debilitating; sometimes we need outside help from a professional in order to work through them. Using therapy, counseling, hypnosis and personality testing, psychologists help millions of people of all ages live healthier, more productive and higher quality lives.

Consider Therapy If…

1. You feel a prolonged sense of powerlessness or sadness and your unhappiness continues looming over you like a gray, dark and threatening cloud.

2. You are having abnormal difficulty fulfilling everyday responsibilities and carrying-out tasks: For example, you have a bad temper and your job performance and marriage are suffering as a result.

3. You worry all the time, anticipate the worst or are always on edge.

4. Your behavior is becoming harmful to yourself and/or others: For instance, you are abusing alcohol, taking drugs illegally or becoming careless, negligent or aggressive.

What Is a Psychologist? What Is Counseling? How does it all Work?

Psychologists who specialize in psychotherapy, counseling and other forms of psychological treatments are highly trained professionals. They have particular expertise in the areas of human emotions, psychological testing and the diagnosis and treatment of emotional problems.

They help patients to improve their feelings and attitudes and to develop healthier, more effective behaviors. They use scientifically proven techniques to help people modify their thoughts, feelings, and resolve conflicts.

The word psychotherapy is used interchangeably with the word counseling in this article; this therapeutic or counseling process is a collaboration between you and your psychologist in which you discuss the causes of your conflicts and worries and ways to meet your goals and resolve them.

Counseling or psychotherapy provides a supportive non-judgemental environment in which you can talk openly and privately about your innermost concerns and feelings. Psychologists emphasize confidentiality and will also provide information about those rare exceptions when it may not apply.

How Can I Find a Psychologist who Can Help Me?

To find a psychologist, start by asking a family member or friend who may have undergone treatment with someone. You can also ask your minister, physician, chiropractor or another health professional. Call the Illinois or American Psychological Association. Call a local university or college psychology department and speak with one of the professors. You might also ask a nurse you happen to encounter when getting other healthcare services.

What Should I Ask About when Considering who I Should Choose…?

Remember that a psychologist and you work together. Personalities and rapport are important. Once the psychologists credentials and competence are verified, your level of personal comfort with him or her becomes crucial; a good rapport is critical. It is important that you feel relaxed and trusting.

Questions To Ask…

Are you a licensed to practice independently in this state? What are the three types of cases you deal with the most and how many years have you been practicing psychology?

What experience do you have in helping people specifically with my types of problems?

Are you certified as a diplomate (specialist) in any area–for example, working with children, families or substance abuse?

What kind of counseling techniques do you use, and has research proven them effective for dealing with my kind of problem?

What are your fees? (Fees are usually based on a 45- minute to 50-minute session.). Do you have a contracted rate with my insurance carrier? If so, what would be the co-payment I’m required to make at each visit? How many sessions would you recommend?

What type of insurance do you accept? Will you bill and accept payment from my insurance company directly? With what managed care or insurance companies are you affiliated? Do you accept Medicare or Medicaid?

Finances…

Many insurance companies provide coverage for mental health services. Check with your insurance company to see if your policy covers them and, if so, whether or not you are required to use one of their network providers.

This also applies if you are enrolled in an HMO or other type of managed care plan. Learn how much your insurance company will reimburse you for mental health services and what limitations may apply.

If you do not have a private health insurance or employee assistance program available to you, you may have to pay for your services out-of-pocket. A few psychologists and most non-profit community counseling agencies operate on a sliding-scale fee policy, where the amount you pay depends on your income.

Also, some state Medicaid programs provide for limited mental health services from psychologists if you are considered economically disadvantaged.

What is the Difference Between Christian Counseling and Psychotherapy?

Sunday, October 25th, 2009

In a report published in the January 1994 issue of Psychological Science a review of 42 different studies comparing professionally licensed and paraprofessional therapists determined that professional psychotherapy is no more helpful than paraprofessional counseling. In fact, 12 studies found that paraprofessionals such as pastors are more successful than psychologists and psychiatrists in meeting the counseling needs of distressed individuals. Studies since that time have not dispelled these findings and a June 2005 article in Psychology Today confirms that individuals are abandoning psychotherapy and flocking to Christian counseling.

But, what is the difference between Christian counseling and psychotherapy? More importantly, is the Bible and Christian counseling sufficient for the counseling needs of individuals in today’s complex, modern society?

At their core, the difference between Christian counseling and psychotherapy is simple. Psychotherapy is based on scientific studies and therapies formed to address the findings of such studies. Christian counseling is based on the teachings of the Bible and, specifically, faith in Jesus Christ as described in the Bible. This raises the question: Is the Bible, a 2000 year old text, sufficient for counseling in today’s complex, modern society?

Is the Bible Sufficient for Counseling?

One good place to examine this question is the Bible. [You may question whether the Bible is the proper authority to reference to determine if it is sufficient for counseling, but referencing the Bible to determine if it is sufficient for counseling is no different than referencing a particular book on psychology to determine if it states it is sufficient for psychotherapy.] Does the Bible teach that it is sufficient for counseling?

Second Timothy 3:16-17 provides guidance as follows:

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. (New Living Translation)

This Bible passage provides us with the following insights:

· All Scripture is inspired (or breathed) by God;

· All Scripture (not just parts of it) is useful to teach us what is true;

· All Scripture is useful to make us realize what is wrong in our lives (which is the reason most individuals seek counseling);

· All Scripture is useful to correct us when we are wrong;

· All Scripture is useful to teach us to do what is right; and

· All Scripture prepares and equips us to do every good work.

Similarly, Christ in the Sermon on the Mount, provides a parable that illustrates how individuals can survive the storms and turbulence of life:

Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash. Matthew 7:24-27

Jesus makes it clear in this parable that those who apply God’s Word to life will be able to withstand its storms. Those individuals who do not follow the teaching contained in God’s Word do not have a solid foundation and will find life collapsing around them when they suffer the storms of life.

The Bible teaches that man is a moral being with the ability to know and choose between right and wrong (Joshua 24:15; Deuteronomy 30:19). God is the One who determines right and wrong (Genesis 2:16-17; John 12:48; Romans 2:16). As a moral being with the ability to choose between right and wrong, man is responsible for his choices and behavior (Ezekiel 18:4; Romans 14:12).

Additionally, the Bible explains how being without sin is man’s “normal” state of intended existence (Genesis 1:27, 31). Man lost his normality when he sinned (Genesis 3:6-19) and the image of God in all people has been marred by the curse of sin (Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:10-19). In fact, all humanity is sin cursed and, as a result, all people are abnormal (Romans 3:23).

The only normal person who lived his entire life free of sin is Jesus Christ (Hebrews 4:15). Normality is learned through studying Jesus Christ, not through the research of sin cursed people studying other sin cursed people.

The way to become more normal is to become more like Jesus Christ, which is the goal for every Christian (2 Corinthians 3:18; 5:9; Romans 8:28-29). The manner of change from abnormal to normal is also described by the Bible (Ephesians 4:22-24; Colossians 3:9-10).

Thus, from God’s Word pastoral counselors have specific time tested facts instead of a theory of psychotherapy. The Bible is filled with actual instances of abnormal behavior and God’s specific response to such abnormal behavior. The Bible is also filled with instruction on how to change from abnormal to normal and live a normal life.

In other words, the Bible provides solutions to the issues and problems man faces every day (Romans 10:9-10; Romans 6:17; Luke 10:27). In addition to providing solutions and a process for change (Ephesians 4:22-24), Scriptures describe life resulting from applying the solutions it provides.

So, What is the Difference between Christian Counseling and Psychotherapy?

The answer is simple: Psychotherapy is based on scientific theory and Christian counseling is based on Biblical fact. Biblical counseling is the oldest and most reliable form of counseling in the world dating back thousands of years. Christian counseling has been consistently proven to work – psychotherapy has not. Moreover, Biblical counseling is less expensive than psychotherapy, usually requires only two to six months of weekly sessions, and seldom involves prescribing expensive pharmaceutical drugs.

For more about Christian counseling go to www.lifepointecounseling.com.

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Counseling Careers Mean Stability and Opportunity

Wednesday, October 21st, 2009

A recent report lists professionals in counseling and social work as the eighth most sought after U.S. job candidates, enjoying a median annual salary of between $35,000 and $45,000. This unique fusion of grounded scientific knowledge and passionate human interaction is fast becoming the career opportunity of the new decade.

Counseling Career Profile
Counseling is a blanket career title that represents a variety of specialty categories. Counselors traditionally work with patients to identify, manage, and treat the mental, emotional, and psychological challenges they face daily. Just a few of the problems counselors seek to rectify include:
• addictions and substance abuse
• family, parenting, and marital problems
• suicidal tendencies
• stress management
• self-esteem issues
• aging and mental and emotional health

Typical working environments for counselors include hospitals, medical facilities, schools, or clinics. They may work for a professional group or in a self-employed capacity. Some continue on to become researchers and teachers, preparing the next generation of counselors for service to the community.

A Needed Career
To discover the unique benefit of choosing counseling as your profession, you need look no further than at a 2006 National College Health Assessment survey. This survey, conducted on U.S. campuses, reported that 35 percent of students reported feeling functionally depressed at least once in the previous year and that about 10 percent of those surveyed seriously considered suicide. In short, the demand for counselors may be far greater than expected.

Inside Higher Ed, a Web site dedicated to trends on global college campuses, echoes this sentiment. It cites a report by the American College Counseling Association that placed the number of college counseling directors at 91.5 percent who have noticed an increase in students with severe psychological problems. And that’s just at the collegiate level. The truth is that qualified counselors are needed in virtually every age and socioeconomic category.

Counseling in the Numbers
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, counselors held about 635,000 jobs in 2006. Overall employment of counselors is projected to grow by 21 percent for all specialties combined through 2016. The hot counseling niches for employment opportunity through 2016 should be substance abuse and behavioral disorders at 34 percent growth, mental health at 30 percent, and marriage and family therapy at 30 percent.

As with most service industries, annual salaries for counselors vary by experience and specialty. In 2007, these specialties earned the following annual median salaries:
• Substance abuse and behavioral disorder: $35,580
• Mental health counselors: $36,000
• Marriage and family therapists: $43,600
• Educational, vocational, and school counselors: $49,450

To Enter This Career Path
Potential counselors usually complete a highly selective process of education and licensure that meets standards established by state and federal governments. An undergraduate degree in counseling, psychology, or similar humanities-based field of study can be the first step, followed by a master’s degree in a complimentary field. Once your graduate work has begun, you’ll typically choose an area of specialty such as elementary or secondary school counseling, rehabilitation counseling, or career counseling. In the end, certification with the National Board for Certified Counselors is also highly recommended.

Learn More About Each Other Through Pre Marriage Counseling

Wednesday, July 1st, 2009

In a survey of over 3,000 homes across 4 states, published by Scott Stanley for the Journal of Family Psychology (March, 2006), suggest that pre marriage counseling really does help couples deal with money issues. This survey showed that couples seeking marriage family counselors were 31% less likely to divorce than those who did not. They also reported lower marital dissatisfaction and conflict and greater levels of commitment.

Pre marriage counseling can be seen as a prenuptial, which may offend some people. However, as counseling for couples becomes more common, this is less of an issue. The California Association for Marriage Family Therapists developed several criterion to help guide you. Pre marriage counseling can be beneficial for those with a history of abuse, failed marriage, or commitment issues. Minor obstacles can easily progress to full-blown catastrophes, so addressing them early and professionally is important.

On your first pre marriage counseling session you will receive a Pre Marital Inventory (PMI) test. The quiz examines areas like interests, expectations of your marital roles, religious beliefs, finances, children and parenting, and sexuality. This test identifies your strengths and weaknesses and arms you with the tools to have a successful marriage.

Financial problems are the leading cause for divorce, so money is often a primary reason couples seek pre-marriage counseling. Mental health counselors profess that control is at the root of the argument. One person often assumes control of the finances, causing stress in the marriage. Though difficult, couples should deal with finances as a team and marriage counselors can help make this a smooth transition.

Pre marriage counseling is also important because those entering a marriage often have false conceptions. A popular but mistaken belief is that the main factors contributing to a long marriage are luck and love; instead, commitment and companionship actually play a more important role. Christian marriage counseling before the wedding ensures that your marriage begins without a hitch.

Counseling and Psychotherapy Parts 2

Monday, June 29th, 2009

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