When exploring different options for therapy and therapists, it’s important that you acknowledge the importance of a healthy therapeutic relationship and therefore avoid several types of therapists. The first kind of counselor you should avoid is the Conflict of Interest Therapist: or in other words, a counselor that your close…
Anybody who has been exposed to a traumatic experience in some capacity can develop PTSD. Symptoms of PTSD can vary from person to person, but affected individuals typically experience hypervigilance, mood changes, and loss of concentration. PTSD can improve or worsen, depending on how severe the disorder is and how…
Ask Yourself: What Am I Looking to Accomplish? First, ask yourself what you want to accomplish. Do you want to go on an exploration of what happened in your childhood? You may want to find a therapist who specializes in psychodynamic therapy or even hypnotherapy. Are you looking for someone…
Therapy is becoming increasingly popular and better trusted in our society, but some still wonder: how is it beneficial? And, how exactly will it help me? The answer isn’t simple or clean-cut, as every individual’s experience with therapy differs—depending on factors like age, duration of sessions, and issue at hand—but…
A mental health professional’s ultimate mission is to help his or her clients live their very best lives—which takes patience, understanding, and support. What I mean to say is therapy is a safe place: you don’t have to worry about being judged or ridiculed—your only worry should be getting down…
Religion and spirituality have played major roles in the lives of Black men and women since the days of slavery and before. The connection with God has been significant in helping individuals and families cope with loss, mistreatment, and the hardships of life. It would stand to reason because of…
Many view mental health as a taboo topic of conversation. Some of these people simply don’t want to talk about it—but others actually don’t feel comfortable talking about it. In fact, they’re scared of talking about it. Why? Because of the many stigmas that surround mental health… which are overwhelmingly…
Stigmas surrounding mental health exist in all groups and societies, but are particularly prevalent in the African-American community—making the concept of therapy or counseling a foreign one, at best. Some individuals simply don’t understand the practice, while others frown down upon it… leaving those in the community who struggle with…
Let’s face it, counseling is often a difficult choice to make. Deciding to allow someone in on those thoughts and feelings that perhaps you haven’t shared with family and friends often leaves one feeling anxious. Although counseling has become more acceptable across the board, when you look at who is…
No two therapy sessions are just the same—because no two people are just the same. We all have different problems. We all heal at different rates. And we all respond to therapy in different ways. But that’s not to say common themes don’t emerge—such as those that appear in counseling…
According to Alisha Powell, licensed clinical social worker, “counseling for Black men and women needs to be rooted in person-centered therapy. Most don’t come into therapy wanting to be told that everything will be okay and that they shouldn’t worry,” she says. “It’s important to create a safe space for…
You may have heard of a little something called online counseling—but you might not know all that much about it. Basically, online counseling is therapy conducted via telephone or video chat. It’s particularly helpful for certain individuals, such as those who have trouble opening up to the counselor in a…
