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Individual Therapy

About the 4 Attachment Styles

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attachment

By Ashley Barnes, M.S. Attachment As human beings, we are highly social creatures who depend on connection with others to survive. Attachment theory posits that our earlier connections with caregivers shape and influence how we move through the world and romantic relationships. The development of one’s attachment style is understood to be influenced by the following factors: Inconsistency/unpredictability or consistency/predictability in your early environment Temperament Relational trauma Your primary caregiver’s capacity to attune to your needs when you were a baby/child John Bowlby, founder of attachment theory, conducted extensive research on attachment. Psychological researchers continued to expand on his theory, including Mary Ainsworth; Ainsworth created the “Strange Situation” study in the 1970s where toddlers between the ages of 12 to 18 months reacted to a situation in which they were briefly left alone and then reunited with their mother.  Based on the childrens’ responses, Ainsworth concluded that there were three …

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What to Talk About in Therapy

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What to Talk About in Therapy

Medically reviewed by Mark Hrymoc MD If you’re considering therapy, you may be wondering what to talk about in therapy. Most therapists are good at helping you transition from one topic to the next. Because most people have lives that are busy and overloaded with obligations, you will likely find you have more issues to discuss in session than you have time. Sometimes, you aren’t sure what to discuss in therapy, and that’s okay. It happens. To reduce the times that this occurs, list various life topics, and refer to them before or during your session. When listing topics, you can choose broad and narrow issues to discuss. Also, don’t feel obligated to engage in deep conversations until you and your therapist have established a trusting relationship. In the first therapy session, your therapist will explain how therapy works and may ask questions to help them assess your mental health …

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7 Questions to Ask a Potential Therapist

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questions to ask a potential therapist

Medically reviewed by Mark Hrymoc MD If you’re considering therapy, you may be wondering which questions to ask a potential therapist. The American Psychological Association surveyed therapists; most reported more clients seeking treatment today than ever. These increases put more demands on therapists, with four out of ten reporting they cannot meet all their clients’ needs. Issues like lack of specialty training, technology, and available hours are vital issues they face, points you should be aware of before choosing a therapist. There are numerous other answers you need to choose a treatment provider. To help, create a list of questions to ask them during the interview process. Essentially, you are hiring a professional to provide the services you need.  This article will share some questions to ask a potential therapist. Questions to Ask a Potential Therapist Knowing which questions to ask a potential therapist before starting treatment as a client …

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How to Prepare for Your First Therapy Session

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How to prepare for your first therapy session

Have you thought about seeking individual therapy but are reluctant to make an appointment? Or do you make an appointment but cancel it the next day? You are not alone, and for many, the reason is that you did not know how to prepare for your first therapy session. Being unprepared can create anxiety and anxiety-related symptoms. To get rid of anxiety, most people will eliminate the cause. For example, you make an appointment with a therapist. In the days before the appointment, your anxiety levels rise and cause discomfort. You cancel the meeting, and the anxiety fades. Although your anxiety over the appointment disappears, your original problem remains. The good news is that there are things you can do to ensure you follow through with your first therapy session without anxiety. Below are examples on how to prepare for your first therapy session that will make you feel prepped and …

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The Many Benefits of Cognitive-behavioral Therapy

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benefits of cognitive-behavioral therapy

There are many benefits of cognitive-behavioral therapy. Suppose you met the partner of your dreams today. You think about them all day and with each thought, you feel happy and excited. Eventually, you think about them so much you decide to send them a message and ask them on a date. Now suppose you have been married for years. A recent argument over finances ended with your partner saying some very hurtful things to you. You have been reliving that moment in your thoughts. To cope with the stress your thoughts are creating, you decide to go to a bar for a drink.  As you can see, what you think influences how you feel. And your feelings influence how you react or behave. Thoughts are like the first domino that leads to the falling of other dominoes represented by Cognitive-behavioral therapy your feelings and actions. What if you could learn how …

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