The “Therapy Skills” category is dedicated to providing mental health professionals with practical advice, strategies, and insights for improving their therapy skills. This category covers a broad range of topics, from specific types of therapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, accelerated resolution therapy, and trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy, to treatment issues that may arise when working with different populations, including children, adults, and families. The goal of this category is to help mental health professionals hone their therapy skills and develop a toolbox of effective techniques for working with clients. Whether you’re just starting out in your career or you’re an experienced practitioner looking to expand your skill set, you’ll find valuable guidance and resources in the “Therapy Skills” category of our blog. In this category, we’ll also address common challenges that mental health professionals may encounter in their work, including working with clients who are resistant to therapy, dealing with complex mental health issues, and managing crises such as suicide or the death of a client. By providing insights and strategies for navigating these difficult situations, we aim to help mental health professionals provide the best possible care to their clients.
The fields of psychology and comic books have had allegorical overlaps since the early days of superhero media with therapists namechecking Superman’s strength of character when discussing role models with clients. But it took until the 1960s before mental health practitioners began intentionally integrating superhero media into dedicated interventions, often focusing on youth empowerment. As…
Video games have evolved from a niche hobby to a diverse pop culture phenomenon that permeates modern society. As gaming’s influence has grown, therapists have taken notice of its impact and potential utility as a counseling tool. Integrating appropriate games into mental health treatment (see Geek Therapy) can enhance the therapeutic alliance, provide symbolic starting…
While historically seen as a fringe culture, comic books, video games, fantasy/sci-fi, and tabletop gaming now make up strong mainstream entertainment markets. Mental health clinicians have taken note of peoples’ innate draw towards these leisure “geeky” pursuits. Some providers now leverage clients’ geeky interests to enhance therapeutic alliance, engagement, and outcomes. This approach has been…
While we tend to think of gaming as just entertainment, research shows strategic games of all kinds have significant mental health benefits. When facilitated effectively, tabletop roleplaying games (RPGs), board games, card games, and even activities like escape rooms and scavenger hunts can build social skills, self-esteem, emotional regulation, and more. In this blog, we’ll…
As rates of obesity continue rising, more of our clients are considering weight loss surgery, or “bariatric surgery,” as a treatment option. As mental health professionals, we play a key role on bariatric surgery eligibility assessments. Our job is to dig deep into a client’s psychosocial functioning to determine if they have the readiness to…
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder rarely occurs in isolation. Up to 80% of individuals with ADHD have at least one comorbid psychiatric or neurodevelopmental disorder. As therapists, being aware of common co-occurring conditions allows for proper diagnosis, treatment planning, and improved patient outcomes. Some typical comorbidities include learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and…
Many individuals with ADHD struggle with executive functioning deficits that significantly impact their daily life. We can improve assessment and treatment only if we understand this connection. Executive functions like working memory, inhibition, mental flexibility, and organization allow people to set goals, plan, start tasks, focus, remember details, and manage time and emotions effectively. Those…
Individuals with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have a higher risk of developing substance abuse disorders compared to the general population. It’s important that we understand the connections between ADHD and substance abuse in order to best treat our patients. The impulsivity and behavioral disinhibition that characterize ADHD can make experimenting with drugs and alcohol more…
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often presents differently in girls and women than boys and men, which can make it more challenging to identify. The stereotypical symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity may be less overt, leading to missed or late diagnoses. As clinicians, we need to better understand the unique ADHD profiles girls and women may…
Determining differential diagnoses between anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and bipolar disorder poses an ongoing clinical challenge. While the DSM-5 delineates diagnostic criteria, real-world presentation often blurs boundaries between conditions. For example, generalized anxiety disorder criteria include restlessness, fatigue, concentration problems, and sleep disturbance – symptoms mirrored in major depressive disorder. And bipolar patients in a…