Choosing A Suitable Therapist For You

 

Source: talkspace.com

It is vital to find a competent therapist that you feel relaxed and comfortable with. Besides, you might have conversations involving awkward topics or perhaps even open up about things you have never disclosed to anybody before.

You would like to work with a professional whom you will express yourself as well as listen to. However, some numerous choices and options selecting a suitable therapist can be confusing.

Scanning through the pages of a directory online may produce thousands of results. How can you choose somebody to work with based on just a photo and a brief bio? Plus, if you were looking for help via therapy online, how would you find a good match when you might be talking to a therapist basically through video chat or text-based chat?

How Crucial Is Finding A Suitable Match?

Someone might have suggested that you work with a certain therapist. Perhaps a friend has told you that this certain therapist helped her so much and that you should call her to schedule an appointment yourself. But do you think this therapist would be capable of helping you too?

It actually depends. The therapist could be competent and skilled, but it would only be as successful if you feel connected to her if you work with her. Hence, the same proficient therapist that positively affected your friend might not work efficiently for you if you do not feel personally connected.

Why? If you are not comfortable with your therapist, or you are worried that she might criticize you, you will most likely not divulge your deepest emotions and thoughts or recognize unbecoming behaviors. If you do not open up about these concerns, you may not get to the core of these concerns and may not get the information you require to make the necessary transformations for your life. In fact, your connection with your therapist, often known as the therapeutic alliance, may be the biggest determining element in how therapy is helpful for you.

Source: pathwaysofpa.com

Therapeutic Alliance

A well-known researcher named Edward Bordin was one of the first to study the impact of a therapeutic alliance. He later discovered that this alliance is not just about the connection between the patient and therapist. This also concerns the agreement on the objectives of therapy and the techniques utilized to attain these objectives.

The patient and the therapist must have a mutual likeness for each other. They must also feel that the communication is good and open, and both should be willing to work with one another.

The concept that the connection between the patient and therapist is vital to efficient treatment has been strengthened by several research studies through the years.

Considerations On Who You Want To Work With

Consequently, it is crucial to find a therapist that you believe you can work well with. Other factors you want to consider include:

Age. Do you wish to work with a therapist who is younger, just around your age, or older?

Gender. Do you feel more relaxed with a woman or a man?

Religion. Would it matter if your therapist were Catholic, Christian, or Muslim?

You may feel that you want to connect better with a much younger therapist. Or perhaps you believe that you would be more relaxed if you communicate with someone your age. It depends upon your preference as to the kind of person you envision expressing yourself too.

Indeed, you might not know whom you want to talk and interact with. That is fine as well. You can typically decide to have no preference at all.

You might be capable of learning a little more regarding the therapists that you have to select from. Remember that many therapists do not want their personal lives to be made public. However, they will frequently share some basic background in their biographies, which can help you try and find a competent person you can associate with before making your first appointment.

Source: onlinepsychologydegree.info

What If Your Therapist Is Not The Right One?

If you eventually realize that your therapist is not the right one for you during your second or third session, or you start to feel like you are not well supported or guided in the therapy process, keep in mind that you always have the right to change therapists.

On the other hand, if you have been through several sessions with your therapist, you might want to honestly open up to her that you don’t feel a connection. It may seem uncomfortable at first, but therapists have these talks frequently. If there is a matter that needs to be tackled, they definitely wish to tackle it with you.

Therapists might also assist you in finding a fellow therapist who is a better match, someone who can more efficiently meet your needs and wants. The kind of approaches therapists provide can vary — some might be able to provide meditations for weight loss or other holistic therapies, for example.

If you feel awkward about having a conversation with your therapist directly regarding finding another therapist, you can still do this by visiting someone at a specific agency. Ask the receptionist in the office to kindly find a new therapist for you.

 

 …

An Overview Of Online Therapy

 

Source: nytimes.com

 Online therapy, often referred also as e-counseling, cyber-counseling, or teletherapy, entails offering support and mental health services through the Internet. These services can be provided through text messaging, online chat, Internet phone, email, or video conferencing. Online therapy or online counseling happens in real-time, like in text messaging or phone conversations, or it can be somewhat delayed, such as using email messaging. Online therapy has its boundaries, but it is increasingly becoming a vital resource for a mounting number of individuals.

Methods

Fundamental instruments for effective online therapy are telephone, email, instant messages, chats, and video conferencing. Although mobile applications have also gained popularity, these methods can be accessed through a laptop or desktop computer.

Online Therapists

Counselors and therapists who do their jobs face-to-face have various licenses and credentials, which goes the same way for online therapists, whose training and credentials also differ. Some web pages guarantee a convenient and fast way to getting an online therapy license, but becoming one takes equal training and education as becoming a licensed face-to-face therapist.

Conversely, the actual online therapy practice is very challenging to manage since therapists can do it from anywhere across the globe, making it hard to implement state guidelines that regulate training, the scope of practice, and education.

Ethics And Guidelines Of Online Therapy

The APA or American Psychological Association provides a suitable ethical structure for utilizing technology in the field of mental health. These guidelines include the minimum practices and criteria needed for ethical online therapy.

  • Operate within the extent of your practice. Therapists must only provide skills and services that they are qualified to offer. If you divulge a matter to your therapist that he is not trained to manage, he must endorse you to another therapist or mental health professional rather than trying to address it himself.
  • Have adequate knowledge of technology. This would involve using tools needed to provide therapy, such as psychotherapy online, and methods to guarantee that patient information remains safe and confidential.
  • Follow pertinent guidelines and regulations. Various states have various regulations and policies that oversee virtual medical services. It will depend on your therapist to follow and be aware of the laws for their corresponding state and location. For instance, in the United States, online people who have gotten specific training and have completed the necessary licensing course are legitimately permitted to call them ‘psychologists.’
  • Pursue knowledge, training, and management. To offer the most suitable care possible, numerous states in America require therapists to be updated with the newest practices and studies. This can entail joining informal and formal workshops and training and pursue online or in-person clinical management when necessary.

Effectiveness

Source: viewpointdualrecovery.com

Studies suggest that doing therapy online is equally effective as conventional in-person therapy. In one particular study, experts revealed that online CBT or cognitive behavioral therapy could successfully treat anxiety, emotional distress, and depression when integrated with clinical care.

Pieces of evidence even showed that online therapy might be more potent than face-to-face therapy. An analysis of 20 studies revealed that CBT done online was more successful than face-to-face CBT at decreasing the level intensity of depression.

Online therapy does present some difficulties, but it has gotten support from many patients who have used online mental health management. In an analysis of studies publicized in the World Journal Of Psychiatry, clients getting mental health treatment using video conferencing claimed high satisfaction levels.

Online Therapy Benefits

Here are among the most common reasons why online therapy has become a popular choice for many individuals who seek mental health help.

  • With online therapy, you will have no worries about your colleagues from work or community knowing about your mental health concerns. Confidentiality is one of the biggest pros of online therapy, and you can schedule an appointment at the comfort of your own home.
  • Cost-Effectiveness. Online therapy gets rid of most of the overhead costs related to location, permitting therapists to provide more cost-effective treatment choices. And remember that there is no charge associated with ‘travel’ or ‘commute’ to your therapy appointments.
  • Ease And Comfort. Online therapy makes it easier for you to choose sessions that match your lifestyle. You can schedule appointments around your family and work responsibilities.
  • There are numerous tangible limitations to receiving therapy. For instance, maybe you are residing in a remote location. Or you cannot access proper transportation, which means that you might need to depend on other family members or friends to get around. But with access to technology, anyone who has an Internet connection can take advantage of therapy without transportation problems.

Source: healthcarefinancenews.com

Considerations

Studies increasingly indicate that online therapy is a very effective choice, although it does not mean that it is perfect for everyone. More major mental conditions, such as schizophrenia, depression, and substance abuse, require more serious treatment regimens.

Talk to your primary physician about online therapy – if it works for your unique situation or if you must only turn to it as a complement to more conventional management options. If you believe that online therapy could work for you, study some web pages and applications that are accessible to identify which option is perfect for your budget and your needs.

 …

How A Counselor Can Help You Get Through Tough Times

Have you ever felt so down, and nothing you do eases the heavy feeling? Tough times are a part of life as we experience problems and challenges. Sometimes, it takes more than support and positivity to get you through. When times get tough, it is okay to ask for help.

Asking for help can be difficult for some people, especially if you feel like a burden. However, we must remember: most are more than willing to help us get through times. Counselors are professionals who know exactly what to do to guide us back on our feet.

Counseling and Mental Health

During the past century, we have placed more and more value on our mental health. The stigma of psychologists and counselors only working with the insane is long gone. As many people face more problems each day, we aim to understand better how our mind works. This way, counselors can better grasp how we can get rid of our negative thoughts and behaviors.

When Do You Need Counseling?

Your mental health is an important component of your overall well-being. It might not be easy at first, but you must seek help when you need to. There is no need to prolong your suffering when help is readily available. Below are some of the most common reasons people seek therapy or online counseling.

  • A Major Change In Life

Some life events leave a negative impact on our lives. The pain from the past and anxiety of what the future holds are thoughts and emotions that are difficult to manage. When the events entail significant life changes, coping can become difficult. A divorce, the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, or a serious illness like cancer, is not easy to handle. A counselor can help you adjust to these changes.

  • A Stressful Environment

The world we live in can become a toxic place, which isn’t ideal for a healthy mental and emotional state. A stressful environment can make our life miserable. A work environment with too many demands and difficult colleagues can be tough. A home built for rest and security can cause stress, especially when conflict is present. A counselor can give you advice on how to deal with the stress your environment causes you.

  • An Unhealthy Or Abusive Relationship

Good relationships are important for support and inspiration to get through tough times. But what if the person meant to care for us is toxic or abusive? A counselor can help you get out of an unhealthy or abusive relationship. Domestic conflicts, marital abuse, child abuse, or sexual problems are examples of unhealthy relationships. Sometimes, counselors might help resolve interpersonal problems and make a relationship with a loved one healthy again.

  • Being A Victim Or A Witness Of A Traumatic Situation

Various events can lead to trauma. Traumatic situations can be anything from assault, violence, or sexual abuse, to natural disasters and accidents. The mental flashbacks that make you feel fear and helplessness may have long-term damaging effects. A counselor can help you deal with the effects of trauma lingering with your second chance at life. You can still enjoy your everyday life after surviving or rising from a horrifying event.

  • An Unhealthy Defense Or Coping Strategy

We all have our ways of dealing with our problems, whether big or small. However, you will need a counselor if your coping mechanisms have unhealthy effects like alcohol dependence, smoking, drug use, oversleeping, overeating, compulsive spending, avoidance, venting, and more. This keeps us stuck in a loop of lows instead of resolving our problems. Developing a healthy coping strategy is the key to getting through tough times.

Different Kinds Of Counseling Therapies To Help You Cope

Our thoughts, behaviors, attitudes, experiences, and surroundings can shape how we cope through tough times. Regardless of the reason why we struggle, we must always strive to keep our mental faculties healthy. Some people are good at having a positive mindset in life on their own. But, there is no denying that many people need help. During difficult times, a counselor can help.

Counselors use different strategies of psychotherapy to help their clients conquer their problems. Whether you have a diagnosed mental health condition or not, a licensed counselor is capable of helping you cope. Here are a few techniques that they use to help you think better and handle issues more positively.

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, emphasizes changing and improving the way you think and behave. Unlike traditional psychotherapy, CBT does not dive deep into your subconscious mind. Instead, it focuses on your automatic negative thoughts and behaviors you are used to. Through CBT, you will learn how you can bypass these automatic thoughts and practice better-coping skills.

CBT is an effective strategy for certain types of medical conditions. However, there are certain challenges should you want to try CBT. For one, it can be difficult at first to recognize your negative thoughts. Also, you must commit to change for CBT to work effectively. Once you get through this gradual process, you will learn how to cope better. 

  • Interpersonal Psychotherapy

Interpersonal Psychotherapy, or IPT, works on the premise of a person’s emotion linked to his life events. When people have major changes in their lives, they will also experience a big change in their mood. IPT was designed at first to help people with major depression. However, IPT has also been effective in improving mood. People who are grieving, struggling, or pressured with sudden life changes are only a few examples. 

  • Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Mindfulness-based Therapy, or MBT, is grounded in mindfulness: the state of being conscious with yourself. Often, mindfulness strategies use many meditations to help you become more aware of your bodies and thoughts. Doing so can help separate yourself from any negative thoughts and emotions you might have. People who experience a lot of stress in their lives can benefit a lot from MBT.

Gone are the days when asking for help is a sign of weakness. True strength lies in knowing yourself and your needs. Once you commit to fulfilling your needs and improving yourself, you’ll be a step away from your harsh experiences in life. Difficult times may seem endless, but things will be better, especially if you reach a counselor.

Client-Centered Therapy Overview Guide

Have you experienced undergoing a therapy session and talking to a professional expert? How did the treatment go? There is a counseling approach that focuses on you as a customer instead of as a regular patient. Meaning it’s counseling that’s revolving around you. Let’s discuss this topic further.

It has been a stigma in society that when a person seeks person-centered counseling or consults a professional for help, they are being judged right away. But whether you are suffering from concealed depression, anxiety, or not, you can still seek the guidance of a counselor or a professional therapist.

Understanding The Process of a Counseling Session

Do you doubt this? Take it from Carl Rogers, the one who oped person-centered theory, a well-known humanistic psychologist who introduced a new clinical practice and approach to therapy: Client-Centered Therapy.

This has added a new perception to professional medical advice, patients, and counselors. It has been shown to be beneficial to human existence and to many individuals across the globe.

Let’s talk about the patient’s experience prior to working with a client-centered counselor. Before, the humanistic psychology approach and behaviorism saw people as patients who were sick and in need of a cure. This makes it seem that people, in their own words, need help and are unfit to decide for themselves.

This is what Carl Rogers believed came in to show his dismay. He somehow knew that this type of talk therapy was not sufficient and was less effective.

Rogers formulated client-centered therapy, also known as Rogerian Therapy or Rogerian Psychotherapy. Rogers strongly believed that humans are inherently good and have a strong desire for personal growth. What they strive for is to reach the highest human development, also known as self-actualization.

This is the total opposite of the term of how a ‘patient’ is viewed. Rogers then decided to change it to ‘client.’ A key point in the client-centered therapy approach.

The Foundations Of Client-Centered Therapy

Slowly, Rogers built the foundations of Client-Centered Therapy. In this approach, the patient knows more about themselves than the counselor could ever know. They let the patient explain, which seems to be a humanistic therapy. Patients share stories about themselves; thus, the name is client-centered.

By empathetic understanding of the client’s thoughts and feelings, the counselor focuses on the foreground. The client realizes existing issues, like their self-esteem, how they view their self-direction, and even illnesses like eating disorders, reflect on themselves, and get an idea of what they should do moving forward.

The term client-centered therapy, also known as person-centered theory, is a non-directive form of counseling and psychological treatment that was developed by Carl Rogers in the 1940s and 1950s. It emphasizes the client’s experience and innermost thoughts and feelings, rather than the mental health professional’s own words, meanings, or judgments. The counselor strives to see the world from the client’s frame of reference and to understand their feelings or the other person’s ideas.

The goal of this person-centered approach is to encourage clients to achieve personality development, greater self-understanding, self-awareness, acceptance, and independence. The person-centered therapists strive to create a therapeutic environment that is supportive and empathic. The counselor also works to help clients begin personal growth, improve overall well-being, achieve self-actualization, and generate success through professional medical advice.

Qualities Of Client-Centered Therapy

To reach that aim, Rogers emphasized that the counselor first must possess the following three qualities:

  • Be Sensitive And Aware Of Any Therapy Reactions

Counselors or mental health professionals must be sensitive and aware in such a way of any reactions, emotions, person’s ideas, or changes in individuals as they talk. It is necessary that they focus on active listening to encourage clients to become self-aware.

Summarizing or repeating what the individual has said will make them feel understood and help the client lessen possible personal abuse, recognizing positive growth and overall well-being.

  • Congruence On Both Sides

Empathy will not work in helping the individual see clearly if the counselor is not honest. The client-centered therapists must not pretend to understand, avoid any questions, or fool the patient. They must also be upfront and honest about it, as how the counselor acts in this non-directive therapy.

Client-centered therapy, based on psychotherapy research, has been shown to be an effective treatment for a variety of mental health issues. The counselor in this nondirective counseling provides a supportive and nonjudgmental environment during their psychological contract, in which the client can explore their feelings and things. This type of therapy or therapeutic encounter can help the client achieve growth and develop a more positive outlook on life. It can also help the client to answer any incongruence between their thoughts and their actions given by human nature.

The person-centered therapist should answer the individual and let them know what is happening and the possible reasons why. This is practiced in the client-centered treatment therapeutic process.

  • Unconditional Positive Regard

Part of the principles of this person-centered approach is that having honesty and empathy between a counselor and a patient bodes well. However, if unconditional positive regard is not present, things will fall apart.

You cannot be empathetic if you do not show you care for the client’s point. It comes off as fake and will make the individual pull away. It does not matter if you are honest. If the client does not feel the warmth during a session, they will put their guard up even more.

Kind Of Relationship Built Within – Limits and Boundaries In The Treatment

That is the kind of therapeutic relationship a client and a counselor should have. However, a counselor must be wary of the boundaries. Overstepping too much, and the individual own feelings are awful about it. Interact too little, and the patient may not feel comfortable sharing. In centered therapy, there must be a balance in the therapist-client relationship.

Client-Centered Therapy Effectiveness

The most important thing to have in client-centered therapy to be considered a success is the connection between the client and the person-centered therapist. As mentioned when discussing the qualities of client-centered therapists, if there is a fallout between the two during a session, it will be difficult for the individual to open up again. If that is the case, the therapy might lead to failure.

This approach to psychotherapy, known as client-centered therapy or person-centered therapy, is distinctive in that it differs from other types of therapy. It places a strong emphasis on the client’s perception and understanding of their own insights, matters, and values rather than the therapist’s interpretation. In other words, the client is “in the driver’s seat.” The therapist’s role is to provide support and guidance while the client leads the way through therapeutic talking, with the therapist having a deep desire for the client’s personal growth and well-being.

This is the reason why the client and the …

What Are The Frequently Asked Questions About Concealed Depression

You have certainly noticed how people have consistently avoided and ignored you in social gatherings. You have tried engaging in meaningful conversations with them. You have also offered them your sincerest intentions to help them.

However, no matter how good and true your personality is, there’s always a reason why people don’t like you enough based on what you tell yourself.

People not liking you may be a result of several reasons. They can dislike you based on your personality. It is not a big deal. Some people may have existing misconceptions about you. And you do not owe them any explanation about this. Although, you may have done something enormous to offend them. Regardless, if they seem defensive, guarded, or uninterested in giving you attention, it is a clear indication of how they dislike you.

If in case it’s about your approach despite not being arrogant or your opinions that made others feel uncomfortable, these are still reasons that can trigger the hate. Mind you, you can’t stop people from disliking you even if you initiate good intentions, show them good deeds, or stay nice and caring towards them. People are hateful, and that’s what you should understand.

As far as you are concerned, sometimes it is not about you that they dislike. It may be about their perception of themselves that they see in you. You have to understand that people get threatened when they see someone better than them. It may be the looks, the abilities and skills, status, and even the charisma. Most of the time, people dislike you because they are insecure and jealous. Jealousy is the usual cause of hate from most people in most cases. It is either they want to be like you or at least have something that reflects your personality in them.

People need a reason to hate, which is part of their nature. People crave attention from others because they are unhappy with something in their own life. For these individuals, putting others down somehow makes them feel better about themselves, which is never ok. People don’t like the ones they can’t understand. If you are different from the rest, then expect to be unlikeable.

Whatever the instance is, being likable is a characteristic you can develop. Research has provided evidence that hardworking, trustworthy, and motivated are traits of a socially attractive person.

If you want to be one, you can always modify your behavior towards others. You can commit to changing yourself for the better as long as you dedicate your efforts to chasing greater things in life. Start being productive in making the best version of yourself. Eat healthy foods and exercise more often. You do not have to try harder to make people like you, you don’t have to live in fear that people will dislike you. You just have to like yourself first, and surely, the rest will follow.

Nonetheless, if you are irrationally and extremely affected by your reputation with others, there could be a lingering problem. It is a waste of time if you’re always exerting an effort to make other people like you. You can’t please everyone. When you are less optimistic about your perceived image and other aspects of your life, you could be experiencing a mental disorder.

Depression

When you begin to deal with a mental illness (such as anxiety, major depression, stress, bipolar disorder, etc.), it starts a problem. You might get tempted to hide it from yourself because you won’t want others to know that you are dealing with one. Often, you express different thoughts and emotions using social media. You understand the stigma of mental health issues and most of the time, it is not well accepted in society in this world. Some people will think that these conditions are often baseless and that emotions are invalidated. Hidden depression, as the name suggests, is more difficult to notice. You may intentionally try to hide observable signs, or you may also not learn to recognize your depression symptoms. Often you’ll end up dealing with smiling depression.

Some of the common symptoms of the mental disorder are observable to concealed depression, including:

  • Disorganized sleeping patterns, increased or decreased sleep
  • Fatigue,
  • Severe headache
  • Lack of interest in hobbies,
  • Sense of irritability,
  • Appetite changes, and
  • Low sex drive.

However, the less obvious symptoms include forced happiness, a negative outlook on life, loss of concentration, and substance abuse.

If you are interested in the mental disorder and how it can affect your health over a prolonged period, we’ve listed some frequently asked questions about it below.

Is Being Sad All The Time Bad For Your Health?

Yes. The suppression of your negative thoughts, feelings, and emotions for an extended period can physically translate to illnesses. It can be a form of stress caused by grief, anger, or frustrations which can be extremely bad for your mental and physical health. If you’re experiencing negative thoughts or suicidal thoughts and feelings, it is advisable to talk to a friend and loved one who can listen to your vents. If you still have concerns, you can also try counseling with a medical professional. You can be assured that anything you talk about with a psychologist or counselor will be kept confidential.

Can Depression Give You Brain Damage?

Yes. Prolonged effects of depression can damage your brain permanently. Specifically, it can reduce the size of your hippocampus by approximately 10 percent. An individual who suffers from a mental disorder can have problems remembering, recalling, and concentrating.

Is depression considered a serious mental illness?

Yes. Depression is a serious mental illness affecting your ability to function socially. Individuals who experience depressive symptoms require extensive medical treatment and great emotional support.

When left unattended, these may result in severe consequences for both the patient and their families.

What Diseases Are Linked to Mental Health Conditions?

There are various physical diseases linked to depression. These include heart disease, kidney disease, arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and diabetes. There are also existing pieces of evidence linking HIV and AIDs to some symptoms of depression.

Who Is At Higher Risk Of The Mental Illness?

Individuals between the ages of 45 and 65 have a higher risk of acquiring major depressive disorder. Young and older people, on the other hand, have higher tendencies of having severe depression. However, it does not discriminate.

Other factors, such as race, people’s economic background, and family history, may influence the likelihood of experiencing depressive symptoms.

Does depression lower your immune system?

Yes. Chronic or long-term conditions can significantly lower your immune system. The inability to perform social functioning, which influences your physical and mental health, can increase your susceptibility to illnesses.

Nonetheless, pre-existing medical conditions may also trigger symptoms of depression.

What Are The Effects Of Long-Term Depression?

Chronic or long-term depression can ultimately decrease your …

Frequently Asked Questions About Why People Don’t Like You And How To Change That

Have you ever met someone who seems to be just so magnetic? Are there people in your life who seem to draw in an astounding number of people without a sweat? Do you envy their natural capacity to be charismatic or attractive to diverse people? Do not fret. If you are like most people, who are not as liked as the popular kids on the block, there is nothing to fear.

It would be best if you remembered that every individual is unique and has their own significant qualities and the following reasons. Remember that it is not always about the good looks that take everyone by surprise. Sometimes, you just have to let it in on the inner parts and see how amazing one can be with his actions, words, manners, and behavior.

Firstly, we must admit that living without a trusted circle of people is a struggle because some people dislike others. Life would be difficult without any of those individuals, whether it be a romantic partner, a tight-knit group of best friends, or just family members. These are the ones that will vouch for you; genuine friendship is harder to find and keep. These people will become the strong foundation of your character and overall personality. They will help you become exactly who the way you are and who you should be, building up your self-esteem in the process.

Alone And Not Needed

You can get a dog, cat, or any other pet to ease your loneliness and boredom. You can spend time doing things you like and not minding other people’s lives. But having actual human friends is just a different feeling altogether. It creates a different social, mental, and emotional pattern that allows you to develop your skills and grow your strengths and weaknesses. Being surrounded by people who hear you can help you become a better version of yourself.

Unfortunately, there will be times when even the ones you want to spend time with and become part of your life would not appreciate your presence. Not because you are not worthy or anything but because they have their preference of the type of individuals they also want to include in their lives. Thus, you don’t have to feel bad about people not wanting you in their circle. If it is still an issue for you, you can still assess why your likeability is not as good as others. You can begin by identifying and solving common attributes others dislike about you. Being honest with our negative personality traits allows us to accept our issues and, from there, start to figure out ways to be better.

You can always ask yourself, “Do you try too hard to impress your co-workers?” “Are you a very controlling or manipulative kind of person?” “Do you whine and criticize inappropriately or excessively?” “Are you being a drama queen or rude towards other people?” “Are you that self-centered friend that blames everyone except himself?” If you can answer these negative but straight-to-the-point queries of “Why don’t people like me?” you can begin changing yourself for the better.

There are just so many certain things you could get wrong and feelings you can affect in a worse way. It would be best if you nipped these in the bud before these behaviors become bigger struggles and become permanent attitudes. Surely, you will get disappointed and upset when people try to tell you to go off when all you want is for them to like you.

But consider that, like you, there are also some qualities that you would and won’t tolerate in other people, like having poor personal hygiene or having a negative light overall. So if you can position yourself and move passed into thinking that you are not lovable because of who you are, you might want to reevaluate your actions and behaviors that might affect your ability to make friends socially. What is off-putting about the way you socialize or treat other people?

Aside from the social aspect of getting people to like you, it is also essential to consider the consequences of the success of your professional life. If trying so hard to get people’s attention is your main, try switching to something worthy of a quality relationship. Instead of just wanting people to like you instantly and expect them to be your friend, build a first impression that caters to your self-confidence, sensitivity, respect, and love for others. Be mindful that you can only make people like you when you know when to like yourself first.

You must take responsibility now if you value your sphere and professional track. Initiate change within yourself to get people to like you more.

This article will address a few of the most frequently asked questions about why people don’t like you. We will also discuss what you could do to reverse your circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions On Reasons for Others’ Dislike of You And How To Change That

Why Do People Don’t Like You?

Generally, there is a particular reason or set of reasons why someone may not like you. It may not be apparent to you, but someone who dislikes you has a prejudice toward you in one way or another.

A leading cause could be jealousy or envy. If they see something you have that they do not, you might have the success that they want. It could be as simple as your new car or your capability to travel. Others could show hate or dislike towards you out of attention-seeking behaviors, trying to rile you up to get others to like them more. It could also be because of your sexual orientation, or it could be off-putting for them.

It could be due to misunderstandings, failed conversations, or misconceptions about you.

How Do I Get People To Like Me?

It is another question that can have so many possible answers. The main thing to get people to like you is acknowledging that not everyone will.

Once you fully understand that reality, you can begin working on people you can sway or persuade to like you. It helps to be very positive and authentic and treat everyone respectfully regardless of whether they like you.

Listening to others and asking questions are also effective strategies to show your attentiveness toward them; being a good listener is one trait you want in a friend, increasing your chances of liking you. Another tried and tested approach is to dedicate time and effort to getting to know people better. Be present with them in a conversation, and engage and hold eye contact when talking to them.

Is It OK Not To Like Everyone?

Absolutely! You are a person not born in this world to please everyone. With virtually limitless reasons why someone would dislike another, going out and getting …

Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy Dogs

In recent times, using therapy dogs has been a way to provide rehabilitation to different kinds of patients. When school shootings happened in America, therapy dogs were used to get students back into class and alleviate their anxiety by going to school.

Because of the effectiveness of having therapy dogs around regarding relieving tension and stress, numerous colleges opted to have regular therapy dogs on campus.

As students go through academic stress and all the other adjustments they have to make to get accustomed to university life, therapy dogs have proven to provide a space for calmness.

When life gets tough and its seasons become stormy, we may need a dose of sunshine. A great way to get that golden ray of sun is through head-patting your local Goldie. Animals can provide unconditional support and affection.

For thousands of years, people have sought out companionship from furry friends. Pictures of cute animals have been shown to induce happy and joyous feelings within us.

As highly visual beings, visual cues affect our moods. The constant smile receiving belly rubs can provide that sense of safety and affection patients healing from trauma may need.

For more information, here are the frequently asked questions about therapy dogs:

What are the best therapy dogs?

Therapy dogs have to be mature enough to comfort their owners, so the breed is not much of an issue. As long as they learn how to be obedient and supportive, any dog can be a therapy dog. If you already have a dog of your own, you can also train them per your doctor’s instructions.

How do I train my dog to be a therapy dog?

You first have to train your dog to follow commands. Then, you have to help them develop social and communication skills. This way, they can read social cues and learn when you need comfort and affection. You can also train your dog more easily by enrolling him in AKC training classes.

What is a therapy dog used for?

Therapy dogs provide comfort and support for people experiencing anxiety, depression, and other mental health illnesses. You will find therapy dogs in nursing homes, hospitals, retirement homes, and stressful places such as colleges and libraries.

What is the best therapy dog for depression?

While there are no specific breeds for battling depression, studies show how hunting dogs help reduce cardiovascular disease risks. Thus, golden and Labrador retrievers make excellent therapy dogs. They’re friendly, energetic, affectionate, and are trained easily.

They also love playing outdoors, which means they can help you get back to physical activities and socializing with others.

Can I train my dog myself?

Yes, you can train a dog yourself. You can start by teaching your dog the basic commands such as sit, stay, or down, among others. You can also further train your dog by building your chemistry with them through verbal and non-verbal cues.

Your dogs should learn how to stay calm when needed, especially during your check-ups. After sufficient training, you can ask your mental health provider for an ESA letter.

How long does it take to train a therapy dog?

Training for therapy dogs usually lasts a year and is much shorter than service dog training. However, the duration also depends on the dog’s personality and previous history — service dogs for disabled kids might need different training, for example.

The training requires them to learn how to read social cues, initiate and engage in activities, and cope with stressful situations.

How can I certify my dog as a therapy dog online?

You can get an ESA letter from therapists or doctors familiar with the Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Law. You can easily search for telehealth services through referrals and ESA doctors.

Just be careful of online platforms claiming “instant approval” as other states do not recognize some of their certifications.

Do Therapy Dogs actually work?

According to studies, therapy dogs increase happy hormones while decreasing stress hormones. With their destressing effect, they also minimize cardiovascular disease risks by lowering blood pressure.

They also provide companionship, thus helping reduce loneliness in patients. If you have anxiety, depression, stress, or PTSD, your doctor may prescribe you this therapy.

Do Therapy dogs help with anxiety?

Yes, therapy dogs can help with anxiety. They help lift your mood whenever you’re down. Therapy dogs will also offer themselves for petting to help you ease your mind. With these simple acts, they can help regulate your thoughts and emotions.

Therapy dogs with service training can also help by bringing your phone or medication during panic attacks.

Can dogs sense anxiety?

Dogs are known to sense anxiety and stress. They can observe mood changes early on and comfort you before your situation escalates to a panic attack. Dogs are also known to share your feelings of stress and anxiety when exposed to such emotions chronically.

Do dogs remember people?

Dogs remember people, although not in the same way human memory works. Dogs are known to have a short-term memory, but they do have an impressive associative memory. This fact means they associate certain moments with people and feelings.

They may not know who you are precisely, but they know they love and care for you.

How do you calm a stressed dog?

You can calm down a stressed dog the same way you keep yourself relaxed. You can walk them around and engage them in physical activities. A simple touch or stroke will also help them calm down.

Music, massage, and snuggly blankets are also known to tone down their stress and anxiety.

What is the difference between a service dog and a therapy dog?

A service dog is for people with disabilities, while therapy dogs are for anyone in need of emotional support.

Service dogs are trained more extensively to help blind people walk and find things. They can also help mentally ill patients by bringing them medication or assisting them in doing their tasks.

Oppositely, therapy dogs mainly provide comfort and support by keeping you calm or accompanying you during a panic attack. Therapy dogs also have fewer privileges and pass to restaurants and malls as compared to service dogs.

How do I train my dog to be an emotional support dog?

You can train your dog to become an emotional support animal through the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program. Many dog therapy organizations require this program. However, you still need to obtain an ESA letter before your dog can be considered an emotional support dog.

If you’re training a dog yourself, make sure they can provide comfort and follow specific instructions. You can instill these skills by regularly teaching your dog thrice a day with 10-15 minutes per session.

How do I find a legitimate emotional support animal?

You can train your pet to become an ESA, or you can find …

Nurturing Community Improves Your Mental Health

Mental illnesses have been prevalent in the United States, with over 46.6 million adults affected. From this group, only 42.6% have received mental health services. These statistics show how mental healthcare remains to be inaccessible for most people.

Dealing With Psychological Wellness

As a result, some people have sought out options to control stressful situations and avoid triggers. For some, caring for their mental health means belonging to a support group or a community.

While it is essential to seek medical care services for your mental health conditions, it is also beneficial to surround yourself with a nurturing community. Before we discuss its benefits, we have to determine first what constitutes healthy communities.

A Nurturing Communities Improve Mental Health

There are many different types of community. A group of friends supporting each other can be a community, the same way that your neighborhood is, too.

You can be living in different types of communities, and the best way to take advantage of this is by finding a healthy one.

According to the Center for Disease Control, healthy communities continuously improve physical and social environments to maximize their people’s potential.

With this definition, we can understand that it is not enough to surround yourself with people and call it a community. You must immerse yourself with people who nurture you for the best.

Here are some of the benefits of belonging to a healthy community.

Live Within A Safe Space

Within a caring environment, people get to feel a sense of belonging. They can express themselves more without the fear of judgment.

Sure there will always be criticisms as you go on a journey to self-realization. But a community that cares will give you constructive feedback instead of dragging you down with negativity.

Hearing constructive criticism from your friends will make you feel secure because you know that they mean well. Your mental health can benefit from the people who don’t want to harm your overall well-being.

Living in a safe space also applies to its literal meaning. Staying in healthy residential communities may help lessen the chances of mental stress and depression. Aside from that, incorporating green spaces is also helpful in keeping your mind and body healthy. A green space is a necessity these days.

Do Something Active Regularly

Studies have shown how participation in organized physical activities boost your self-esteem and social skills. The Department of Health suggests that you try participating in weekly sports games or social meetings with your neighbors. It can be beneficial for your blood pressure and overall physical needs. It’s important that you focus on a healthy diet and a clean lifestyle.

With a safe space, you can avoid or at least lessen the impact of life and work stressors on your mental health. Knowing you have a safe space may also help you focus on yourself and your better mental health.

Empower Yourself

A community may be a single solidified group, but it is still composed of individuals with personal strengths and weaknesses. They could be children of your family as members of your community.

According to researchers, living within a nurturing community gives you a sense of purpose. No matter how big or small your role in your group is, you know you are contributing to something larger than life.

Think of yourself as a puzzle piece to a bigger picture. Every single detail has a purpose that only it can fulfill. Without even just one piece, the outcome would be different, and the image wouldn’t have its meaning in full.

If you are still unsure of what your strengths and weaknesses are, your communities can help you. You can try out skills and talents with them.

With their constructive criticisms, you will discover which skills you need to improve and what talents you’ve already perfected. By knowing your strengths and weaknesses, you can affirm your purpose and boost your self-esteem.

Learn And Grow Collaboratively

Being with people with a positive mindset and a winning attitude will help you realize your goals better. You can set goals for yourself and the community.

Social connections with a healthy person will also inspire you to create positive change, not just for yourself but also for them. This way, you can combat several factors like risk of depression, stress, anxiety heart disease, or any other physical health problem.

Having a healthy group of friends can also help you avoid or change unhealthy behavior. You can learn healthy coping mechanisms from them, and they can learn from you, too.

For example, you can also exercise, volunteer to a school or start a community garden to encourage people to create green space and grow your own healthy food.

Green spaces are also good to have in poorer neighborhoods as they can be an additional stream of income for the communities and one of the solutions to the health problems of the people. These examples can change lives.

Taking steps for constant improvement will also feel easier to do with a community that encourages you to grow.

Healing Is Not Always Linear

At times, it may get hard to quantify your progress, especially when your steps are small and change is gradual. A community will be able to nurture you by giving you an external perspective. In this way, you would be able to track your progress better.

Gaining access of a healthy community also requires your participation within their environment. Maintaining your relationship with your people involves both giving and taking.

Both of you need to benefit from the relationship. Remember also to play your role and help others get through their situations and achieve their set goals.

Take Action And Find A Community

With all these benefits—safe spaces, empowerment, and growth—you may feel excited about belonging to a nurturing community. Find solace in your existing circles, may it be your relatives, your friends, your neighbors, or your colleagues.

You may also search for a new community to immerse yourself in. You can start by volunteering for advocacy-driven organizations or by sparking up a new hobby or interest.

Aside from joining different groups, you can also be a part of a community through a therapist. If you struggle with mental health issues, seeking a therapist would help you control your situation.

A therapist will provide you with steps toward self-betterment and a support system to help you get through your healing process.

FAQs

Positive Effects Of Animal Therapy On College Stress 

“Some stress on a person is a normal part of everyday life. This ‘good stress’ called ‘eustress’ can help propel you forward and motivate you to achieve goals.” Aarti Gupta, PsyD, a clinical director says. Stress comes in different forms. Whether it be a self-induced one or provided by people around us, we tend to feel anxious about things which are out of our control and our comfort zones. Stress is a natural reaction of our bodies to demands or threats.  

 

 

Why Having A Pet Is Good For Your Family

Adopting a pet can bring an incredible change for your family. Whether you’re planning to adopt a dog, cat, fish, bird, or other animals, it has an overall positive impact.

And it’s not only for the humans in the family but for your adopted pet as well. Animals can keep you company through life’s ups and downs, and they will never get tired of being with you. With that, there are many ways why having a pet is excellent for your family.

Here are some benefits of keeping a family pet:

Pets Can Ease Stress And Improve Your Mood

Taking care of pets and merely being around them can give you a sense of relief from stress. Animals can do unexpected fun things that can bring a good laugh.

Moreover, sharing your space with a pet can highly improve the family’s overall mood. By taking care of a pet, you’re also making valuable memories to keep for your family.

Spending time with pets have also been shown to boost feelings of pleasure. Thus, they can offer comfort and companionship that is different from human relationships. 

Pets Can Boost Child Learning

If you have young kids, having a pet to take care of at an early age can boost their learning.

Since pets are good listeners, a child may feel more comfortable practicing sharing stories with them than another person. Knowing the breeds of pets can also allow them to enhance their learning when it comes to animals.

Taking Care Of Pets Can Teach Children About Responsibility

They develop a sense of responsibility by doing small but crucial tasks. It can be by replenishing the dog’s water bowl, cleaning the fishbowl, giving treats to the cat, and more. Hence, it also results in children getting more involved with household chores.

Furthermore, by learning and understanding the needs of a family pet, they get to practice being a good pet owner.

Pets Can Improve Your Physical Health

Training and playing with your pets can be a great physical activity. House dogs, in particular, can help with that because of their nature. You can enjoy your daily walks and playtime with your furry friend and get active together as well.

Training them and teaching them simple tricks can also be an excellent way to sweat. You’re not only improving the dog’s skills, but you can keep your family in shape as well.

Pets Are A Constant Companion

Whether at work or at home, pets are constant companions that you can rely on during difficult days. They can give you unconditional love and comfort when you feel like the world has turned its back on you.

Pets can help you or a family member process difficult emotions and bounce back from a setback, like how service dogs for disabled kids can be a great comfort.

Owning Pets Can Boost Children’s Self-Esteem

Taking care of a pet can boost children’s self-esteem and accountability. They can take pride in taking care of a smaller being even at a young age. It is in a tie with pets teaching children about responsibility.

Since dogs, for example, are naturally loving towards humans, children feel more free being themselves around them. Even when they’re alone, having a pet to play and interact with is a fantastic support system for young children.

Having A Pet Fosters Social Interactions

Aside from being good friends themselves, pets can also allow you to improve your social interactions. Pets help humans enhance their social skills by boosting owners’ self-confidence and self-esteem. 

It can start from only going around the neighborhood and striking up a conversation with neighbors who are also pet owners. By posting pictures of your pet online, you can garner reactions that can turn into meaningful interactions.

For young children, on the other hand, playing with an animal can bridge the connection between playmates. It is because children can gather up more courage to interact with another child with an animal.

Caring For A Family Pet

The majority of animals that you can keep as pets live a 15 to 20 years lifespan. Thus, you can expect that it is a long-term commitment. While having a pet is fun and beneficial, you also have to prepare for their long-term care. Here are some factors to note of before adopting a pet:

 

  • Allergies

 

First and foremost, know if specific allergies run in your family. You can talk with your doctor on how to address this. For some, they expose young children to pets early on to see if they’re child has allergies. 

 

  • Work Load

 

Assess how much you can commit to devoting your time and attention to raising and taking care of a pet. Since older family members can be busy, children help take care of family pets. It’s also great to assign tasks to each family member to know which will do each chore.

 

  • Lifestyle And Advantages

 

Think of your lifestyle and what benefits you want to gain from owning a pet. Some people lean on low-maintenance pets, while some seek comfort and active interactions with pets.

 

  • Household Age

 

Consider the age range of each family member. Some child and elderly members of the family can not match well with fragile or hyperactive pets.

 

  • Adopt Or Shop

 

Plan where and how you will get your family pet. The best path is to adopt pets from a shelter and screen the shelter for any behavioral issues. You can also buy small pets from pet stores such as hamsters, rabbits, fish, turtles, etc. 

Things To Consider When Owning A Pet

While you may own a pet for only a limited number of years, it’s a different story for them. Pets will devote their whole life being with your family. You have to have compassion,  commitment, and dedication in taking care of a pet.

Hence, if you choose to adopt a pet, make sure to be a responsible pet owner.

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