At an online event for mental health practitioners earlier this week, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy emphasized that professional counselors’ role as “trusted healers” in their communities affords them an important opportunity to support clients — and clear up misinformation — as they’re making decisions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. “The
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Master conflict therapy as a critical component of couples and sex therapy
“We just don’t communicate well,” Merle reported in our first session while her husband, Luke, nodded quietly in agreement. Like many couples presenting for couples counseling, Merle and Luke believed “communication issues” were causing much of their relationship distress. As a couples therapist, I knew that “communication issues” could mean
Using existential-humanistic psychotherapy in the treatment of COVID-19 survivors
To say 2020 has been an unusual year would be quite an understatement. As a collective human society, we have all experienced significant alterations to our once normal lives. One factor, COVID-19, has played the predominant role in this process, and some individuals have been affected more than others. My
The power of virtual group therapy during a time of quarantine
In our newfound world of physical distancing, the idea of six to eight people in a confined space might feel counterintuitive to the six-feet-apart mission we still find ourselves trekking in wake of the coronavirus pandemic. Yet the power of a group is exactly what could provide a profound healing
Parent-child interaction therapy for ADHD and anxiety disorders
When one hears the term “parent-child interaction therapy” (PCIT), it might be assumed the therapy’s purpose is solely for that specific use — i.e., for parents to use with their children. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, PCIT can be used in therapy sessions, then the
Counseling Connoisseur: Cannabidiol and mental health therapy
Carol presented with concerns related to continuous panic attacks that were jeopardizing her work as a medical professional. “I can’t think straight when they happen and I cannot be this debilitated when I see patients,” she explained. Carol had also been self-medicating with alcohol on the weekends to “ease the
From the president: Play: A critical modality
The smell of a new box of crayons. The feel of a fresh can of Play-Doh. The sight of little miniatures neatly arranged in a sandbox. The sound of a puppet scene being acted out. These sensory experiences remind many of us of our childhood play with friends and family.
The Counseling Connoisseur: Eco-culture: Clinical application of nature-informed therapy
“Each of us inherits the story of our people, communities, nations, and it is remembered through, with and in the context of the land and seas, and air, and creatures.” — Kimberly Ruffin Anna, a small-framed 15-year-old Caucasian female, sat engulfed by the overstuffed chair in my office. She
Key concepts from Gestalt therapy for non-Gestalt therapists
Several years ago, I attended a reception for a faculty member whom we had recently hired in our department. She had just completed her doctoral degree, and this would be her first academic job. She had received her training in the Midwest in a program known for its emphasis on
Conversion therapy: Learning to love myself again
When I was 14, I came out as gay to my parents. I was confident in my decision and felt ready for the world to meet the real me. Many argue that I was too young, but I had recognized and understood my feelings for a very long time. I