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A good way for you and your partner to start your counseling journey is by doing a simple internet search for “marriage counseling near me” — you should find an assortment of convenient, local options. Keep in mind, when starting your search for “marriage counseling near me,” to screen for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT), who are trained to help couples diagnose their problems and find a way to work on solutions. 

As you search for “marriage counseling near me,” consider the questions below for information on marriage counseling’s key uses, benefits, cost, and where to find treatment — including online options.

Why to Search for “Marriage Counseling Near Me”?

No matter your sexual orientation or partnership status, couples counseling can be a powerful resource. In some cases, couples use marriage counseling as an opportunity to draw closer and better connect with each other. Premarital counseling, for instance, can help individuals gain a deeper understanding of the goals and motivations of their partner before entering into marriage. If you choose to go to an in-person therapist, as opposed to using an online provider, picking a therapist in close proximity will save time commuting. 

Couples may search for “marriage counseling near me” to get help during a challenging period, like the birth of a child or after moving in together. Rough patches in relationships are normal, but when a rift grows between you and your partner, whether due to busy schedules or trouble connecting, it is easy to feel as though there is no light at the end of the tunnel. In trying moments like these, it’s crucial to take that first step and search for “marriage counseling near me” so you can work on strengthening your relationship. Marriage counseling can help address issues such as:

• Repeating the same fight over and over without any resolution
• Disagreements on parenting, finances, or lifestyle choices
• Feelings of inequality when it comes to household responsibilities 
• Issues with sexual or romantic chemistry and intimacy
• Feeling like the relationship is on auto-pilot
• Experiencing a recent tragedy or loss and having trouble processing together
• Dealing with substance abuse, infidelity, or mental health problems
• Feeling unheard, or dealing with a partner who is emotionally unavailable

It is important to note that while couples counseling can be helpful during many periods of relationship strife, if you become fearful of your partner in any way, or your partner’s conduct could be considered abusive, counseling alone is not sufficient. Contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline to get immediate help and support.

What is Marriage Counseling Like?

In a marriage counseling session, your therapist will create a safe environment for you and your partner. You’ll both put time and attention into your relationship and discuss what’s troubling you and what’s really on your mind.

Couples counseling is often short-term and typically includes both partners working with a therapist together (sometimes one partner may choose to work with a therapist alone for a period). While the specific treatment plan will depend on your situation and goals, in general, you will learn skills and strategies to help strengthen your relationship, including:

• Opening communication channels
• Problem-solving
• How to discuss differences calmly and rationally

Before going through with your search for “marriage counseling near me,” you might be wondering: is marriage counseling effective? According to research from the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), 90 percent of couples who try marriage counseling feel their emotional health improve and two-thirds report improvements in their physical health. Perhaps the most impactful statistic of all is that three-quarters of couples see improvements in their relationships after marriage counseling. Rest assured, that marriage counseling has been proven to be an effective method for strengthening relationships. 

How Does Online Marriage Counseling Work?

If your search for “marriage counseling near me” doesn’t yield promising results, or you’re too busy to commit to appointment times, online therapy might be a better option for you and your partner. Reputable providers such as Talkspace provide couples with marriage counseling options that fit their schedule in a safe, HIPAA-compliant environment. With online couples counseling, you and your partner will be matched with a licensed therapist and use your phone or web browser to access private communication channels — text or live video — to share your experiences and work through the relationship challenges. 

An added benefit of online marriage counseling is that you and your partner can speak to a licensed therapist in a private, home environment. Taking part in counseling sessions online also eliminates the need for coordinating busy schedules or a commute to and from a therapist’s office. Online marriage counseling is a helpful option for those who struggle to attend regular in-office visits due to childcare issues, lack of transportation, or live in rural environments.

How to Find the Right Marriage Counselor Near Me

A critical component of finding “marriage counseling near me” is locating the right fit with your marriage counselor. The search can sometimes feel stressful and overwhelming. If you do not already have a recommendation for a marriage counselor, here are some ways to find a licensed professional:

• Contact an online therapy provider, such as Talkspace
• Psychology Today has detailed listings of therapists broken down by state
• Visit the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy directory

How Much Does Marriage Counseling Near Me Cost?

Once you’ve found the right therapist for your needs, your next question may be around cost. Generally speaking, a person can expect online therapy costs to be more affordable than traditional, in-office sessions. With Talkspace, couples therapy is available for $89 to $99 a week, but in-office therapy averages much higher at $100 to $200 a session. 

Start Your Journey

Relationships require work and maintenance, and for many couples, marriage counseling is just the thing to help them move forward through difficult periods. Perhaps there are issues you are not able to resolve on your own, or you want to learn more about your partner before entering into marriage. No matter the challenge, beginning your “marriage counseling near me” search is the first step to bringing you two closer.

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Congrats! You have taken the amazingly brave — and sometimes very challenging — step of searching for “counseling near me.” For many of us admitting that we could use some help managing our mental health is the most difficult step, but know that you are far from alone. Millions of people seek counseling or therapy and these days there are a myriad of wonderful options. Whether you’re looking for marriage counseling, couples counseling, or a counselor or therapist for yourself, read on to learn about the best way to go about your search.

I personally have been just where you are twice in my life, once in my early twenties and once in my late thirties. Both times, I had reached a breaking point and I knew I needed help managing my anxiety and panic disorder. Finding counseling near me felt like a daunting task — an added stress on top of the stress I was already experiencing — but both times I was successfully able to find someone to help me. And you can too!

Looking For a Counselor is a Step by Step Process

I totally understand the overwhelming feeling of starting your search; when I was looking for counseling near me, I almost gave up before I started. You’re not sure where you would even look, who to contact, and what the alphabet soup of credentials, qualifications, and therapy types even mean. The overwhelming feeling can make you want to stop trying before you start.

Deep breaths. You’ve got this. When I started searching for counseling near me, looking for the perfect counselor, it felt easier when I realized that it was a step-by-step process — if you understand each step along the way, it might be easier for you, too.

Remember, too, that you have choices, and that looking for “counseling near me” doesn’t have to feel like a process that is out of your control, or that you just have to “settle” for a counselor who isn’t a good fit. The idea here is to find someone you really feel comfortable with and who can help you address the specific challenges you are facing.

Step 1: Which Kind of Counselor or Therapist Do You Need?

Your first task here is to determine what kind of care you need, and what level of care is appropriate for what you are struggling with; when I was looking for counseling near me, this clarity helped me narrow down my search.

In general, if you are dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, relationship issues, or addiction, doing a simple search for “counseling near me” from a licensed counselor, social worker, therapist, or psychologist is appropriate. These “talk therapists” often practice cognitive behavioral therapy, which can help you unpack your feelings, notice patterns, and suggest methods for managing your emotions. If you’re struggling with relationship issues, also note that marriage counseling and couples counseling can dramatically help you improve any relationship issues you might be having.

If you are dealing with a more serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, psychosis, or borderline personality disorder, a psychiatrist or a psychologist with specific training in your disorder may be more appropriate. A psychiatrist is also the only clinician who can prescribe medication, so if that is something you need, you may consider seeing a psychiatrist. Note that many psychologists will work in collaboration with your in-person or online psychiatrist if medication seems necessary.

Step 2: Breaking Down Credentials and Counseling Types

But what about all the various credentials out there? Let’s say you have decided that seeing a “talk therapist” is right for you. Should you see a licensed professional counselor, a licensed social worker, or a psychologist? What’s the difference?

There are many different types of therapists and counselors, and licensing varies from state to state. When I was looking for “counseling near me,” I wanted to make sure the counselor or therapist I chose was licensed to practice in my state. Once you’ve determined that, you are in good shape. Choosing a licensed practitioner means that your counselor or therapist has achieved the highest level of training in their profession and has spent thousands of hours in a clinical setting under supervision.

The most common counseling licenses include:

• Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC or MHC)
• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
• Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)

The most common social work licenses are:

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
• Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

Other well-known licenses include:

• Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT or MFT)
• Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
• Ph.D. in Psychology

Counselors, social workers, and psychologists specialize in many different therapy modalities, including:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
• Psychodynamic therapy
• Psychoanalysis

You can take some time to research the different therapy types of therapy available to determine which might fit your needs. If that sounds too confusing or overwhelming, you can get a feel for your counselor or therapist’s approach when you speak with them. Most therapists these days take a more holistic approach, drawing from different theories and approaches, meeting each client where they are.

Step 3: Online or In-Person Therapist?

The first time I began my search for counseling near me, there was no such thing as online therapy, at least not as it exists now. Once I found my therapist, I spent almost a decade trekking to her midtown Manhattan office for weekly sessions. But when I became a busy mother of two, it was no longer so easy to make the appointments or find the time to get to them.

My second therapist, who I have been seeing for a few years now, is an online therapist. For me, and many others, online therapy offers all of the perks of traditional therapy, including licensed therapists with top-notch experience and expertise, combined with the flexibility and convenience of having your therapy sessions happen on your own time, without even having to leave your home.

Everyone is different in terms of what they need and what they feel most comfortable with, but I suggest checking out both traditional and online therapy, just as I did when I was searching for “counseling near me.” You can also find an online therapist in your area via Talkspace’s therapist directory in case you want a counselor who understands your environment.

Step 4: How To Search for “Counseling Near Me”

OK, so now that you know what you are looking for in a counselor, where can you find a good counselor you can trust?

One of the difficult things when I was searching for counseling near me was that counselors generally didn’t have their own websites with client reviews on them. So you need to look through variouslists and searchable databases.

Your best bet is to search through professional psychological organizations, where you will be able to view different counselor or therapist “listings.” You may be able to see a photo of the counselor or therapist as well as their licenses and specialties.

Trusted organizations you can look into include:

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
• American Psychological Association (APA)
• Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies

You may also want to ask for a list of counselors and therapists from your insurance company. The problem here, of course, is that insurance companies usually only give you names but not much background information. You may be able to look up the suggested counselors or therapists in one of the databases above and see if you can glean more information about the therapists who would accept your insurance coverage. If you’re looking for online therapy that takes insurance, get connected at Talkspace and check your eligibility today.

Step 5: Interviewing and Selecting Your Counselor

Whew! You’re almost there. You’ve selected one or more possible counselors and now it’s time to “meet” them.

For many of us, this is actually the most nerve-wracking part of the process. But remember that you are interviewing your therapist, not vice-versa. This is about you finding someone you feel comfortable with — someone who will listen to you without judgement.

I remember all those years ago, calling a short list of therapists that had been provided to me by my insurance company. The first counselors I called seemed brisk and business-like. I knew my therapist was the one for me just by the gentle way she was able to answer my basic questions and help me make an appointment. I felt better just hearing her voice, so I knew she was right for me.

It was a similar experience with my online therapist. Even in her introductory message, I was able to tell that she had the right blend of compassion, humor, and gentleness that I needed at that time in my life. She was able to answer my initial questions in a kind, calming way that made me feel immediately at ease — and I knew she was “it.”

I truly believe that all of us have the “right” counselor or therapist just for us, and following your instincts will serve you well. Keep in mind, too, that you have a choice here. If at any point, you feel that your counselor or therapist isn’t right for you, you can try someone else. With Talkspace online therapy, transitioning to a new therapist is a seamless process — a one-click process — with no extra work. You should only seek counseling with someone who you feel comfortable with and who offers you the tools you need for healing.

When I was searching for counseling near me, it took time and effort to find the perfect therapist — if you put in the time you’ll find a therapist who’s a good fit, too.

The post Looking for “Counseling Near Me?” Use This Guide. appeared first on Talkspace.

Competition at work more often than not leads to stress. Unhealthy stress in turn can create a toxic environment for you and colleagues. Toxic environments, where you don’t feel supported or feel inadequate can hinder productivity as well. Fortunately, there are ways to help mitigate comparative thoughts at work and to help you feel engaged and happier on the job.

Reflect

Often when we compare ourselves to someone at work it is out of admiration and something we wish to find within ourselves. Instead of comparing and focusing on what you don’t have, try to focus that energy to reflect on why you feel that way and where the feelings come from. Ask yourself:

• What do you admire about the person?
• Were they promoted recently? (Perhaps that means you are feeling the need for your own growth)
• Do they receive a lot of recognition?

You might be feeling that you need more feedback on your job performance, more motivation from management, more collaboration with peers.

By reflecting on these moments of comparison and looking inward, you can find out more about yourself and the reasons behind your thoughts.

List Your Accomplishments

It is easy to forget about our own accomplishments when we are constantly comparing ourselves to those around us. The next time you are feeling these comparative thoughts coming on, grab a notebook and start jotting down what — of the things you accomplished in the last year, month, week, even day — you are most proud of. You will most certainly recognize that you have accomplished more than you realized. This list can also clue you in to opportunities for growth and goals that you would like to accomplish in the future.

Goal Setting

Competition isn’t always bad. In fact, there are benefits to a bit of healthy competition to help motivate and inspire us and to become more aware of our goals. Reflect again and what strikes you about someone else, consider how you can get to that goal, and what will help you feel motivated to get there. That person may have traits you admire, but don’t necessarily align with who you are. (E.g.: Someone who is a public speaker might impress you, but that may not be something you want to pursue.) Goal setting can certainly help you reframe your competitive feelings and help you focus on attainable goals.

Spend Time With Your Peers

The best way to understand how your peers got to where they are, is to ask them. Spend time with them. Ask them out to coffee. Compliment them. By creating new friendships — instead of viewing your coworkers as the competition — you can boost your confidence, build your network, and improve relationships. Another way to do this is to ask for feedback on a presentation or project to understand the thought processes of your talented peers.

It is all too easy to compare ourselves to others. But if we have the tools to change our mindset and focus on our professional and personal development, we will be happier and healthier, and more capable of real, sustainable career growth.

The post 4 Ways to Stop Unhealthy Comparison in the Workplace appeared first on Talkspace.

Why Monitor Mental Health?

As it turns out — just like physical health — waiting until an issue arises is not always the best way to ensure your well-being. Here are three reasons why you should consider a yearly mental health checkup:

• Prevention: This year’s World Health Day theme — suicide prevention — highlights the need to head off problems before they feel insurmountable. A mental health checkup can identify potential problems or stressors early on before they grow into a full-blown clinical condition. In addition, treatment is usually easier in the earlier stages of a problem.
• Education: A checkup also teaches you about your needs, so you have a better understanding of what’s normal for your particular circumstances. For example, people in their 20s might worry about meeting a partner or paying off student loans, while people in their 50s might be dealing with an empty nest and caring for aging parents. The more you know about what’s normal for your life stage and situation, the better prepared you are to deal with challenges.
• Monitoring: At different ages, our risk for certain conditions changes. Regular check-ins with a mental health professional help you be aware of transformations over time. For example, conditions like schizophrenia often present in the early 20s. Additionally, although we all experience some cognitive decline with age, some symptoms suggest problems such as dementia that need further evaluation. Those who have established mental health diagnoses also may need to be assessed for flare-ups. Just like chronic medical conditions such as arthritis or asthma, it’s helpful to check on mental health symptoms to make sure you’re doing ok.

What’s Involved in a Mental Health Checkup?

Unfortunately, unlike regular medical care, where you’re encouraged to get an annual physical, mental health care is often treated differently. Many people don’t seek help until a problem develops, but it’s OK to check on your mental health as a preventive measure, just as you would schedule a checkup with your physician.

While the format of a check-in may vary from provider to provider, there are several areas commonly addressed in a mental health interview. Below, are some of the common topics you might cover.

Sleep and appetite

Changes in sleep and appetite can be early symptoms of a mental health disorder. Similarly, if medical problems or life changes — a stressful new job, a breakup — disrupt these essential functions, mental health can suffer. While it may feel like a chicken-and-egg scenario to discover whether a life event is causing the mental health issue or vice versa, healthy sleep and appetite are important to overall well-being and, if there are significant changes to either, may indicate a mental health issue.

Mood disorder symptoms

Mood disorder symptoms might include sadness, irritability, loss of interest in usual activities, fatigue or extremely high energy, feelings of hopelessness or helplessness, or even thoughts of hurting yourself for others. Any of these symptoms should be discussed during a checkup.

Anxiety symptoms

People with anxiety disorders may experience symptoms such as fear, panic, rapid breathing, or heart palpitations. If there is a history of trauma, they may experience intrusive thoughts or nightmares about the trauma or feel constantly on guard. Anxiety can also cause people to engage in repetitive routines and checking behaviors. Like those above, talk with your mental health provider about these symptoms during your checkup.

Other mental health disorders

Symptoms such as hallucinations, paranoia, confused thinking, or memory problems can reflect other disorders of perception or cognitive functioning. These disorders are less common but tend to be more severe and can greatly impact a person’s life — let your provider know if you have these experiences.

Substance abuse

The therapist will likely assess your use of alcohol or drugs, including how often and how much you use, and whether you’ve ever had any withdrawal symptoms. Therapists usually aren’t required to report illegal substance abuse; they can also explain confidentiality rules so you can feel comfortable being honest (important so they have the full picture of your overall wellness). It’s also vital to give as much specific detail as possible so a therapist can arrange the best treatment for these complex situations.

Stressors and coping skills

Things such as work, friends and family, money, and spiritual needs are also commonly assessed to identify areas for intervention. In addition, a therapist can assess your current coping strategies and their effectiveness, so you can make improvements if necessary.

Should You Get a Mental Health Check-Up?

Our medical culture has only begun to turn the corner — to treat mental health as seriously as physical health — increasing efforts in wellness and prevention to improve our overall quality of life. Luckily, the medical community has come to understand that it’s easier and cheaper to prevent problems than to treat them after they develop, worsen, or become severe.

Mental health professionals know it’s just as important to be proactive with your mental health as with your physical. World Mental Health Day is a good place to start. So, if you’ve ever wondered if you should get a mental health check-up, perhaps the answer is: why not?

The good news is, you don’t have to wait to see a professional in person. You can start online therapy today, or take of one of our FREE assessments:

• Depression Screening
• Anxiety Assessment

The post Mental Illness Awareness Week: The Benefits of a Mental Health Checkup appeared first on Talkspace.

No matter how big or small the challenge, condition, phobia, disorder, or addiction may be, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based psychotherapy treatment method that can help you change negative responses to uncomfortable situations. Chances are, you have already seen this treatment method mentioned in a self-help article or know someone who has benefited from it. It’s a popular treatment method due to its affordability, short-term treatment horizon, and its empirically supported effectiveness. Before diving head first into this form of therapy, consider the information below about its intended uses and key benefits.

The Practice of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Serving as a common type of psychotherapy, a person works with a licensed and trusted therapist in a highly structured way to help better manage stressful life situations. The focus is placed on treating a person’s problems and boosting their happiness through better managing dysfunctional emotions, behaviors, and thought patterns. It is solution-oriented, with many therapists encouraging their patients to challenge distorted cognitions and change destructive behaviors throughout the process.
This form of treatment can be experienced on its own or in combination with other types of therapy, serving as an effective means to treat a broad spectrum of mental health issues. According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the emotional challenges this therapy best addresses includes:

• Managing symptoms of mental illness
• Preventing a relapse of mental illness symptoms
• Treating a mental illness when medications are not a preferred option
• Learning techniques for coping with stressful life situations
• Identifying ways to manage uncomfortable emotions
• Resolving relationship conflicts and improving communication skills
• Coping with grief or loss
• Overcoming emotional trauma related to abuse or violence
• Coping with a physical illness
• Managing chronic pain or other medical symptoms

Additionally, this type of therapy can benefit certain types of mental health disorders, including:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Phobias
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Sleep disorders
• Eating disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Substance abuse
• Bipolar disorders
• Schizophrenia
• Sexual disorders

Is CBT Right for You?

As is the case for any type of therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy can be effective for some individuals and may not be quite as successful for others. Broadly speaking, CBT works best in instances where medication alone is not completely effective in treating certain responses. Additionally, since it can be completed in a relatively short period of time, it works well in anticipation of time-sensitive events or experiences, as well as in different therapy settings including online therapy and group therapy. Having motivation to learn practical strategies and implement them in everyday life can also contribute to its success.
On the other hand, if you are unable to commit to the process, CBT is less likely to be effective. It requires full cooperation in attending regular therapy sessions, as well as the ability to carry out additional work in between meetings — including confronting possibly difficult emotions and anxieties. Because the focus is on changing your capacity to help yourself, it is not able to address wider problems negatively impacting you. Additionally, the structure of these sessions may not be suitable for people with more complex mental health needs or learning challenges.

What to Expect in a Typical CBT Session

The treatment itself takes shape as a set number of therapy sessions where the goal is for a person to become more aware of inaccurate and/or negative thinking patterns. Since it is a form of psychotherapy, you can expect the early sessions to mirror a typical initial therapy session — the therapist will likely ask about your goals for treatment, your medical history and a review of the problems for which you aim to get support. The intent of disclosing this information up front is to better formulate an effective response to challenging situations through each session.
Seen in action, a client would bring specific problems to the table for the therapist to help them overcome. Working together, the therapist and client create an action plan to help identify unwanted thoughts or behaviors while working through a means to change them. There are instances where a patient is assigned “homework” to help implement certain strategies and techniques in a set amount of time in between sessions. The therapist then debriefs with the patient during the next session, evaluating what worked, what didn’t work, and areas to tweak the process going forward.

Taking the First Step

While the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy can vary depending on the person and their needs — it remains a proven treatment choice for a broad set of psychological issues. Consider the type of support you are looking for before diving into this form of therapy and consult with your potential therapist to discuss their approach to treatment. You can also leverage the directory of certified therapists through the National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists to locate a professional and start your mental health journey today.

The post What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy? appeared first on Talkspace.

When should you consider couples counseling?

Couples counseling can be influential in improving overall relationship satisfaction. You should consider couples counseling if there is a specific problem you wish to focus on in your relationship, if you wish to gain insight into your relationship, or if there is any issue you think could be helped with a trained, objective, unbiased perspective. Couples therapy is beneficial for any kind of relationship, including: straight or gay relationships, interracial relationships, young teen or college relationships, relationships with a large age gap, and relationships at any stage.

Indicators Couples Counseling Might Work For You

Even the best long-term relationships can hit difficult patches. But don’t turn to therapy only when floating through rocky waters: couples counseling smooths over the rough edges of your relationship, even when most things are going okay. That merry-go-round argument you keep having — about family, the dishes, or your dream home? Maybe it’s time to stop. Research published in the Journal of Family and Marital Therapy shows that 7 out of 10 couples have a positive experience in couples therapy. A relationship counselor can help you and your partner work through the issue.

What is the success rate of couples counseling?

In research conducted by the American Association of Marriage and Family, more than 97% of surveyed couples said they got the help they needed from couples counseling. In addition, 93% of couples said therapy gave them more effective tools for dealing with conflict. Couples counseling works best when both partners start therapy with the mindset of bettering their relationship, being empathetic, communicating their emotions, and listening to one another.

Here are a few indicators that couples counseling might work for you.

1. Arguments are intensifying — or just repeating

Even deliriously happy couples often have their sticking points: the irritating brother-in-law always looking for a handout, the budget, the proportion of rom-coms versus action flicks in your movie-watching routine. You know these arguments by heart.

Don’t let these repetitive spats be the sticking point in your relationship. Working with a couples counselor can help dig into the roots of the problem. Often, more lies beneath the surface than we expected. For example, rom-coms versus action flicks might seem like a simple matter of balance. But in reality, one spouse just doesn’t feel heard.

If you’re increasingly going ’round and ’round in more circles, a counselor can help you figure out why this might be the case.

2. Your arguing style has changed…or wasn’t great from the start

Let’s make one thing clear: arguing isn’t bad, per se. Even 20-years-married couples will probably find new things to argue about. Expecting two different people to agree 100 percent of the time is absurd.

The key is how you argue. Do you consider your partner’s point of view? Or are all arguments focused on your feelings and your feelings alone? Speaking of those feelings, are they calmly discussed, or do you resort to yelling?
No amount of therapy will make you and your spouse magically agree on everything, but a counselor will help you argue better and more productively.

3. Something feels off

Relationships have their hills and valleys. Some days you’re riding a high, so in love with your partner you think you might burst. Others…not so much. Perhaps you’re irritable, feeling neglected, or just yearning for me-time. If your relationship has felt “off” for a while, consider meeting with a counselor.

A therapist can help you and your partner pinpoint the reasons for the slump and develop proactive and effective solutions. Perhaps you need a fun trip with your favorite friends, or maybe the solution is as simple as equitable housework. Together, you can push out of your relationship valley and into a new high.

4. You or your spouse cheated

Infidelity can wreck a marriage — but it doesn’t have to be the end. Whether you and your partner are hoping to heal after cheating or break up with minimal pain, a couples counselor can help.

Your therapist can help you work through the scary questions, like “Why did this happen?” and “Does this mean you don’t love me?” They will also help uncover the subconscious reasons behind the affair. Together, you can address the issues that led to infidelity — and recover from the pain it wrought.

5. Your communication could use work

Ah, “communication.” One of those psychology buzzwords that you know you should work on, but never quite know how. Enter your couples counselor, who is trained to identify poor communication patterns and offer tools to improve.

Not sure if your communication could use some work? Here are some signs to look out for in yourself or your partner:

• Frustration after conversations
• Negative responses to helpful suggestions
• Focusing on personal shortcomings instead of the bigger picture
• Frequent passive-aggression and sarcasm

Even if your communication skills are decent, a checkup never hurts. Remember that couples counseling doesn’t have to be a life-long commitment. For some couples, like Pink and her husband, regular therapy helps tremendously. Others prefer occasional sessions, or going only for a few months.

Don’t think of couples counseling as suitable only for “damaged” relationships, you may find that therapy transforms your great relationship into a fantastic partnership.

The post 5 Reasons Couple’s Counseling Is Not Just for Crisis appeared first on Talkspace.

While seeking professional help from a counselor is obviously valuable in intense, overwhelming, or complicated situations, it’s also an incredibly beneficial tool to help build positive mental health habits — even if nothing is “wrong.” Having this preventative care mindset can help you keep your emotional well-being top of mind and process your concerns before they become problems.

Counselor vs. Therapist

Although the terms counselor and therapist are often used interchangeably, as both professions are mental health practitioners, there is a difference. In general, counselors are more limited in their scope of work. Although in some states, counselors receive additional training so they can administer psychometric assessments, most are limited to performing only certain types of tests, under certain conditions. Therapists, on the other hand, have a broader scope of work and broader range of potential titles. Therapists can be licensed professional counselors, psychoanalysts, marriage counselors, social workers, and life coaches.

As a rule of thumb, “counselor” is an umbrella term for both licensed clinicians with advanced degrees and those offering other forms of counseling (such as a religious leader who provides counseling); “therapist” is a broader umbrella term for professionals who are trained — and licensed — to provide a variety of treatments in more specific and regulated ways.

Finding the Right Counselor for You

When seeking a counselor or therapist, it is important to find a practitioner who will best suit your goals and needs.

Before committing to a counselor, you will likely ask him or her questions regarding availability, cost, specialization, as well as about his or her experience. In addition to these queries, consider asking:

• What is your approach to clients?
  Some counselors are very hands-on and active during appointments, challenging you and helping to reframe things, while others take a more passive role. It’s important to know what’s best for you and find a counselor that uses a style that feels comfortable for you.
• What are your areas of expertise?
  While you don’t need a reason to see a counselor, you likely have some topics already on your mind. Ensure the professional you’re speaking with specializes in these areas. Examples include issues specific to LGBTQ individuals, veterans, minority groups, or couples.
• How does the type of treatment you offer work?
  If you’re new to the mental health space, you’ll want to know what you’re getting into. Ask for a run-down of what sessions typically look like, what form of therapy they typically practice (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, etc), and how progress will be measured.

3 Ways Counseling Can Enhance Your Life

The thought of seeing a mental health counselor may bring up images of you laying on a leather couch, reopening childhood wounds and pouring your heart out to a stranger sitting across from you — one who says little but takes a lot of notes. Often, however, a counselor can simply be someone who listens to you describe what’s going on and helps you reframe problematic ways of thinking. You likely have your own go-to coping mechanisms for when problems arise, but don’t dismiss professional counseling – getting your thoughts out in the open benefits your wellbeing a number of ways, and having extra support to handle life’s challenges can help keep you from feeling.

Here are three more ways counseling can benefit your life:

1. Objective accountability for your goals

Whether you want to mend your relationship with a family member or finally start your own business, talking to a counselor can help you overcome the mental blocks that have kept you from meeting these goals. That person can also help break down something that seems impossible into easier to meet goals and keep you accountable throughout the process.

2. It can help you help others

By talking through your own experiences and emotions, you can also help those around you build a better vocabulary of their feelings, too. Your friends, loved ones, and coworkers will notice that you’re more open to discussing your challenges and emotions and this behavior will encourage them to express themselves more freely. This is an especially important skill to model and teach to children.

3. You will experience better physical health

Poor mental health can affect your body’s ability to make healthy decisions and fight off chronic diseases – which can lead to serious health complications such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and obesity. So, while historically there has been a clear distinction between mind and body, we’re increasingly discovering that the two are interwoven, and when it comes to wellbeing, should integrated. Being good to your mind is also good for your body.

While counseling does take time, if you give it a chance it can help you develop better coping skills, stronger relationships, and a better sense of yourself. You can begin your online counseling experience now with Talkspace.

The post How Mental Health Counselors Help Change Your Life appeared first on Talkspace.

If you’re looking to make some important changes in your life, here are some thoughts to get you unstuck.

It All Starts With Self-Reflection

Getting your life unstuck can be a big challenge, and it always starts with a bit of self-reflection and exploration. In order to move forward you’re going to have to slow down and take stock of your life first. This means that you should set aside some time for quiet reflection without input and feedback from others. This can be hard to do with competing priorities and responsibilities, but it’s a necessary step.

When you sit down to reflect, ask yourself the following:“

• Where am I now?
• What is my life like?
• Am I doing the work that I hoped that I would do?
• Are my relationships succeeding?
• How would I want them to be better?

It’s imperative that you be as specific as possible, and to explore with a curious, non-judgemental mind. There are no right or wrong answers here! Being vague and broad with what you want will not only leave you feeling worse, but also make it difficult for you to take concrete action later on. It’s hard to problem-solve when you don’t know the actual problem, isn’t it?

Reconnect Your Purpose

Often when we can’t move forward, it means that we’re missing purpose and inspiration. From an existential perspective, we need purpose as humans. That purpose could be quite broad (working to reduce instances of cancer) but could also be smaller (to help support my team at work). Each purpose is valuable and valid, no matter what it is.

Take some time to explore what you have been most passionate about in the past. Ask yourself, “What motivates me?” or “What has driven some of my decisions so far?” Those questions might help you identify a purpose that you’ve long been disconnected from.

Take a Peek into the Future

As a therapist, I’ve worked with many clients who have come into the therapy space feeling stuck or confused about their path in life. One of the exercises that I find most helpful is an envisioning exercise. For some, looking into the ideal future can be very informative.

If you’re feeling stuck, try to imagine your life 10 years from now. Think about where you will be living, who you will be with, what you’ll be doing, etc. Create a mental picture of what that ideal life could look like. Maybe that’s what your heart desires!

Once you take a peek into the future then you might be able to start crafting a rough outline to get there. And remember, even if you pivot or change directions several times (most people do!) you still have made some progress.

Try Something New

Often, when we feel like we are in a rut, it’s an indication that something needs to change. Sometimes we don’t even know what that change is. When you don’t have insight into what needs to change, it can be helpful to try something new. Anything out of the ordinary, or that breaks your current routine, might give you some helpful guidance toward your next steps.

This could mean reading a new book for pleasure (which maybe you haven’t done in a while) or attending an event you wouldn’t normally attend. Taking a moment to step outside of yourself can jostle your system into feeling something new. Reacting to new stimuli might also leave you feeling inspired, and able to connect to a part of yourself that has long been forgotten.

Sometimes trying something new can be the catalyst for other changes in your life.

Work With a Therapist

If you’ve tried out some of the suggestions in this article and still can’t find your way out of the rut, it may be helpful to work with a therapist to help you examine what’s holding you back. Seeking support isn’t an indictment of weakness or incapability. Having an outside, professional perspective might help you get to the bottom of your “stuck-ness” and help you craft a plan to move forward.

In my work, I’ve often met with clients who have tried many things on their own but found themselves frustrated with their change process. Change is quite difficult! Sometimes this can lead to feelings of self-doubt and negative self-talk which may exacerbate ongoing mental health issues. If you have any doubt about your ability to move forward, consulting with a therapist will be insightful and help you identify and work through the barriers without judgement and self-criticism.

The post A Therapist’s Guide to Getting Unstuck appeared first on Talkspace.

It’s almost superhuman how therapists work with their clients on such a deep level, while maintaining their energy at home, in their own personal lives, and confronting their own challenges.

We recently asked Talkspace therapists a few questions about how they support their own mental health and wellness. Did you know that therapists also seek therapy and counseling? Their answers, and more insight into the lives of therapists, are below.

How do you personally preserve your mental health, considering you help others do the same on a daily basis?

“I’ve been a therapist for going on 25 years and know that maintaining my own mental health and practicing self care is vital, personally and professionally. Given the intensity of the work we do as therapists — being present for the pain, suffering, trauma, and despair of others, while actively working to help them — means that taking care of oneself is crucial in order to be present for my clients.

Just like on an airplane, you need to put your oxygen mask on first before assisting others.”

– Jill E Daino, LCSW (New York), Talkspace Therapist

“A quote by Dr. Sigmund Freud inevitably comes to mind, “no one who, like me, conjures up the most evil of those half-tamed demons that inhabit the human beast, and seeks to wrestle with them, can expect to come through the struggle unscathed.” After hearing that for the first time, I make sure to dedicate enough time to safeguard my mental health, with the goal of offering better services to my clients and surviving in a fast-paced profession.”

– Cynthia Catchings, LCSW-S (Virginia), Talkspace Therapist

“When I’m seeing clients, I make sure to take 5-minute “mindfulness” breaks throughout my workday to make sure that I’m fully focused and present in my work with clients. I try it have a set “off” time each day—where I’m done responding to emails and doing anything work related.”

– Rachel O’Neill, Ph.D., LPCC-S (Ohio), Talkspace Therapist

What does self-care look like for you as a therapist?

“The years of being in supervision groups, personal therapy, and having trusted colleagues to openly discuss the impact the work has been invaluable. Without the ability to process what we hear, the pain and suffering of others sits within us and can be experienced as its own form of traumatization — or compassion fatigue as it is sometimes referred to in the literature.”

– Jill E Daino, LCSW

“One thing that I try to make my own is that my list of self-care activities is unique to my needs, interests, and likes. These activities include things that bring me pleasure and replenish me. If an activity encompass learning, traveling, and spirituality, it’s perfect for me.

Another important part of my self-care is my own personal therapeutic process. A therapist in therapy is most of the time a great therapist.”

– Cynthia Catchings, LCSW-S

“I work to engage in positive health self-care at least once a day. A few days a week, I go for a run. I spend quality time with my spouse and children. I read books that are not related to counseling at least occasionally. I also see a therapist of my own every couple of months as a check in.”

– Christine Tolman, LPC

How do you set boundaries between your work and your personal life, considering the weight of the subject matter in daily practice?

“All therapists, including myself, have our particular credentialing field’s Code of Ethics. This Code of Ethics specifies that when we get licensed, we will be monitoring our own physical, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being when engaging with clients. If we want to provide our clients with the best possible sessions, we must be at our best, and to do that, we need to take care of ourselves.”

– Cynthia Catchings, LCSW-S

“I am very mindful about what I share with clients. If I feel it will help them, I will share a story from my personal life. If I am sharing because of a personal internal need, I check myself and do not share that information.”

– Christine Tolman, LPC

“I make sure that I have an off button. I care deeply about my clients — both past and present — but I also need to be able to leave my work at work. I try to have a bridge between home and work. Whether I’m working in my office or my home office, I try to take a few minutes at the end of each day to tie up any loose ends, review my to-do list for the next day, and give myself just a few minutes of breathing room before I transition into my other roles (wife, mother, friend).”

– Rachel O’Neill, Ph.D., LPCC-S

What’s something beneficial you’ve learned in your practice with others that you now carry into your personal life?

“One of the most helpful things that has been also beneficial in my own life is the use of small mindfulness practices. And given the availability of easy to use apps now, it’s that much more accessible for most people.”

– Jill E Daino, LCSW

“I have learned to be more compassionate and thoughtful in my experiences with strangers. Often the way you treat others says more about yourself than the other person, so I try not to personalize it when someone is not kind to me. I have also learned that almost everyone has insecurities of some kind, and it is not healthy to dwell on them. As a result, I feel more confident in my own abilities.”

– Christine Tolman, LPC

“I’ve learned that my clients are resilient. In order to be helpful to them, I need to be sure to incorporate resiliency, wellness, and self-care into my own life. It’s a little cliche, but I find it helpful to remind myself that self-care isn’t selfish. It’s okay to set boundaries. It’s okay to say no and It’s okay to have an off button.”

– Rachel O’Neill, Ph.D., LPCC-S

Thank You to Therapists Everywhere!

Speaking openly and honestly with therapists is what makes our breakthroughs possible. We’re honored that these Talkspace therapists have chosen to share more about their personal and professional lives.

Together, we continue to fight stigma around mental health by having these conversations. If you’re looking to open up and begin your therapy journey, Talkspace is here for you today!

The post 4 Therapists Open Up About Caring for Their Mental Health appeared first on Talkspace.