Initially, I was a skeptic. I am not really about joining something unless I actually see some value in it. So when my supervisor came to me and “suggested” Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) training, her push for it really made me uncomfortable. I went in and needless to say, questioned everything- and truth … Continue reading Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
You have a great life. You love your career. Your relationship with your parents has improved tremendously. You are in a good place romantically. But you still struggle with anxiety. You repeat the mantra you grew up with: “there are so many others who have it much worse than you; be thankful for what you … Continue reading Are you even allowed to have a mental illness?
In the list of unknown reasons for someone experiencing mental health disorders, Munchausen Syndrome or Factitious Disorder listed in DSM 5 peaks curiosity. What is Factitious Disorder? In simple terms, it is presenting self or someone else (by proxy) as sick or impaired in some way. It includes signs and symptoms that may not have … Continue reading Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy
During my years working with ‘victims’ of domestic violence, I noticed a common theme- most did not recognize that emotional abuse was a form of abuse. The best way I could describe emotional abuse was by comparing it to an accident. It’s easy to treat the physical cuts or bruises because you can see it … Continue reading Recognizing Emotional Abuse
Does anyone else think that it is extremely unfair that naptime is not built into our day as adults? What if I told you that we would perform our duties better if we allow ourselves that standard 20-minute power nap sometime during the mid-day… would you believe me? Just when I start to underplay the … Continue reading Need for Sleep
How do you tie your shoelace? Who taught you? Do you know who taught them? Chances are that it was a parent or a family member who taught you just like they were taught by the generation before them. When we talk about family “inheritance,” we mostly assume money, traditions, or even genes but it … Continue reading Generational Trauma
Talking about your mental health struggles is difficult; you don’t know how others will react to your needs. But how do you talk to someone else about possibly seeking help when they are in complete denial? It is probably one of the most difficult problems out there. As a therapist working with adults, I run … Continue reading Talking about Mental Health
Let’s start today with a pop quiz. What is Mental Health? a) Understanding what mental issues we struggle with. b) Understanding our overall well-being. c) A diagnosis so we can get help from insurance. d) Everyone is just crazy! If you answered B, you are correct! Mental health is so much more than just understanding … Continue reading What is Mental Health?
Humans are social creatures. I am not talking about introverts vs extroverts; instead, I’m talking about our need for support from each other. We have a need to connect to others- to understand where we belong. Because we are multifaceted, our treatment needs to be a holistic approach. In order to fully understand the developmental … Continue reading Does my therapist really need to know that?
Reading the name “Adjustment Disorder” makes ‘it’ sound so simple- having a hard time “adjusting.” Anyone who has experienced it will tell you that minimizing the impact of Adjustment Disorder can have a lasting impact on your mental health. Adjustment disorder is sometimes called “situational depression” because it mirrors many symptoms of depression such … Continue reading Understanding Adjustment Disorder
zenergy-counseling.com 