Category: Stress

Psychotherapy: Advantages For Treating Anxiety

11/24/2023

Psychotherapy offers several advantages over medication for treating anxiety:

Addresses the root causes of anxiety: Psychotherapy helps individuals identify and understand the underlying thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors that contribute to their anxiety. By addressing these root causes, therapy can help individuals develop long-lasting coping mechanisms and prevent future anxiety episodes.
Teaches coping skills: Psychotherapy provides individuals with practical skills and strategies to manage anxiety in the moment. These skills may include relaxation techniques, cognitive restructuring, and exposure therapy. With practice, individuals can learn to effectively manage their anxiety without relying on medication.
Promotes long-term resilience: Psychotherapy not only alleviates current anxiety symptoms but also helps individuals develop resilience against future anxiety and stress. By addressing the underlying causes and teaching coping skills, therapy empowers individuals to manage their mental health effectively over the long term.
No side effects: Unlike medication, psychotherapy does not come with the risk of side effects. This makes it a particularly appealing option for individuals who are hesitant to take medication or who have experienced adverse reactions in the past.
Holistic approach: Psychotherapy addresses the whole person, considering not only psychological factors but also social, emotional, and behavioral aspects. This holistic approach provides a more comprehensive and individualized treatment plan.
Empowers individuals: Psychotherapy encourages self-awareness and promotes self-efficacy. Individuals learn to identify their triggers, manage their emotions, and make positive choices for their mental well-being. This empowerment can lead to greater confidence and improved overall quality of life.
Preventive approach: Psychotherapy can also serve as a preventive measure, helping individuals identify patterns and develop coping skills before anxiety becomes a significant problem. Early intervention can significantly reduce the severity and duration of anxiety disorders.

While medication can provide rapid symptom relief in some cases, psychotherapy offers a more comprehensive and long-term approach to managing anxiety. By addressing the root causes, teaching coping skills, and promoting resilience, psychotherapy empowers individuals to take control of their mental health and achieve lasting well-being.

Scott F. Olds is a psychotherapist who is located in Arvada, Colorado. He offers a free 30-minute phone or video consultation. Appointments can be made by calling (303) 817-8369 or emailing [email protected].

The Relationship Between Sensitivity and Boundary Issues

9/22/2023

The Relationship Between Sensitivity and Boundary Issues
Sensitive people are often more attuned to the emotions of others and their surroundings. This can be a gift, but it can also make it difficult to set and maintain healthy boundaries.
Here are some of the reasons why sensitive people may struggle with boundaries:

They may feel guilty or selfish for setting boundaries. Sensitive people often have a strong sense of empathy and compassion. They may worry that setting boundaries will hurt other people's feelings or lead to conflict.
They may have trouble identifying their own needs. Sensitive people may be so focused on the needs of others that they neglect their own. This can make it difficult to know when they need to set boundaries.
They may have difficulty communicating their needs. Sensitive people may be afraid of being rejected or criticized, so they may avoid communicating their needs directly. This can lead to resentment and frustration on their part.
They may have a history of boundary violations. If a sensitive person has experienced boundary violations in the past, they may be more likely to have difficulty setting and maintaining healthy boundaries in the present.

Here are some of the ways that boundary issues can manifest in sensitive people:

They may overextend themselves. Sensitive people may agree to do things that they don't have the time or energy for, simply because they don't want to let others down.
They may have difficulty saying no. Sensitive people may find it difficult to say no to others, even when they don't want to do something. This can lead to them feeling overwhelmed and resentful.
They may be easily manipulated. Sensitive people may be more susceptible to manipulation, especially if they are afraid of hurting other people's feelings.
They may have difficulty trusting others. If a sensitive person has been betrayed or hurt in the past, they may have difficulty trusting others to respect their boundaries.

If you are a sensitive person and you struggle with boundaries, there are a few things you can do to improve the situation:

Learn to identify your needs. It's important to be aware of your own needs and to be able to communicate them to others.
Practice setting boundaries. Start by setting small boundaries, such as saying no to social engagements that you don't want to attend. As you get more comfortable, you can start to set bigger boundaries.
Be assertive. It's important to be able to communicate your needs and boundaries assertively. This means being clear and direct, but also being respectful of others.
Seek professional help. If you are struggling to set and maintain healthy boundaries on your own, consider seeking professional help from a therapist.

It's important to remember that you have the right to set boundaries. You don't owe anyone an explanation for why you need to set a boundary. And you don't have to apologize for setting a boundary. Setting boundaries is a way of taking care of yourself and protecting your well-being.

Here are some additional tips for sensitive people who struggle with boundaries:

Listen to your intuition. Your intuition is your inner voice that tells you what's right for you. If you have a bad feeling about something, trust your gut.
Take time for yourself. It's important to have time to recharge and de-stress. Make sure to schedule time for yourself each week, and do things that you enjoy.
Surround yourself with supportive people. Surround yourself with people who respect your boundaries and who make you feel good about yourself.
Don't be afraid to say no. It's okay to say no to requests, even if they come from people you care about. Remember, you have the right to choose how you spend your time and energy.

Setting boundaries can be difficult for anyone, but it's especially challenging for sensitive people. However, it's important to remember that you have the right to set boundaries, and that doing so is essential for your well-being.

Remember, seeking help is a courageous step towards a more balanced and fulfilling life. You don't have to face these challenges alone.

If you're ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery, growth, and healthier relationships, I invite you to schedule a confidential consultation with me. Together, we can work towards a happier, more harmonious life.

Take the first step towards healing today.

Contact Scott Olds at (303) 817-8369 or email at [email protected] for a free and confidential evaluation by phone or video.

Trauma, Emotional Intelligence, and Learned Patterns

9/15/2023

Trauma is a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that can have a lasting impact on a person's life. It can affect a person's physical and mental health, their relationships, and their ability to cope with stress.

One of the ways that trauma can impact a person is by affecting their emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand and manage one's own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. When a person experiences trauma, they may develop unhealthy coping mechanisms that can damage their emotional intelligence.

For example, a person who has experienced abuse may learn to suppress their emotions in order to cope with the pain. This can lead to difficulty identifying and expressing emotions, which can make it difficult to build healthy relationships and manage stress.

Another way that trauma can impact emotional intelligence is by creating learned patterns of behavior. These patterns are often developed in childhood as a way to cope with the trauma. For example, a child who is neglected may learn to become self-reliant and independent. This pattern of behavior can be helpful in some situations, but it can also make it difficult to form close relationships as an adult.

A psychotherapist can help a person who has experienced trauma to improve their emotional intelligence and break free from learned patterns of behavior. This can be done through a variety of techniques, such as:

Emotional awareness: Helping the person to identify and understand their emotions.
Emotional regulation: Teaching the person how to manage their emotions in a healthy way.
Interpersonal skills: Helping the person to develop healthy relationships.
Cognitive restructuring: Helping the person to challenge negative thoughts and beliefs that are associated with the trauma.

By working with a psychotherapist, a person who has experienced trauma can learn to heal and rebuild their emotional intelligence. This can lead to a better understanding of themselves and their emotions, as well as the ability to build healthy and fulfilling relationships.

In addition to the techniques mentioned above, a psychotherapist may also use other approaches, such as:

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): This therapy helps to reduce the emotional and physical symptoms of trauma by stimulating the brain's natural healing process.
Somatic Therapy: This therapy helps people to release the physical and emotional tension that is associated with trauma.

The best approach for a particular individual will depend on the nature of their trauma and their individual needs. A psychotherapist can help to assess the best approach and provide the support and guidance that the person needs to heal.

If you or someone you know has experienced trauma, it is important to seek professional help. A psychotherapist can help you to understand and heal from the trauma, and to improve your emotional intelligence and break free from learned patterns of behavior.

For help overcoming trauma, contact Scott Olds at (303) 817-8369 or email at [email protected] for a free phone or video evaluation.

Shame As It Relates To Caregivers of the Chronically Ill

8/11/2023

As a psychotherapist and in my personal life, I have seen firsthand the impact that shame can have on caregivers for the chronically ill. Shame can be a powerful emotion that can lead to feelings of isolation, inadequacy, and worthlessness. It can also make it difficult to ask for help or support.

There are a number of reasons why caregivers may feel shame. They may feel ashamed of the illness itself, or of the way it has changed their lives. They may feel ashamed of their own limitations, or of the things they have to do to care for their loved one. They may also feel ashamed of the financial or emotional burden that the illness has placed on their family.

Shame can have a significant impact on a caregiver's mental and physical health. It can lead to anxiety, depression, stress, and burnout. It can also make it difficult to cope with the demands of caregiving.

If you are a caregiver for a chronically ill loved one, it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are many other caregivers who are going through the same thing. You are not to blame for the illness, and you are not inadequate. You are doing the best you can in a difficult situation.

If you are struggling with feelings of shame, there are things you can do to cope. First, it is important to talk to someone about how you are feeling. A therapist can help you to understand your shame and develop coping mechanisms. You can also find support groups for caregivers, where you can connect with others who understand what you are going through.

It is also important to remember to take care of yourself. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, and exercise regularly. You should also make time for activities that you enjoy. Taking care of yourself will help you to be better able to cope with the demands of caregiving.

If you are struggling with feelings of shame, please know that you are not alone. There is help available. Please reach out for support.

Here are some additional resources for caregivers who are struggling with shame:

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers a caregiver support group program called "Family-to-Family." This program provides education, support, and resources to family members and friends of people with mental illness.
The National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA) offers a variety of resources for caregivers, including a website, a helpline, and a bimonthly magazine.
The Caregiver Action Network (CAN) offers a variety of resources for caregivers, including a website, a helpline, and a toolkit for managing stress.

Please remember that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you cope with the challenges of caregiving.

If you are struggling as a caregiver and need help, contact Scott at (303) 817-8369 or [email protected].

Counseling Services In Arvada, CO
The Hope Blog

Psychotherapy: Advantages For Treating Anxiety

The Relationship Between Sensitivity and Boundary Issues

Trauma, Emotional Intelligence, and Learned Patterns

Shame As It Relates To Caregivers of the Chronically Ill

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Categories

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Call Scott at
(303) 817-8369 or email at [email protected] for a free phone or video evaluation.

Convenient online scheduling, 24 x 7.

Counseling Services In Arvada, CO​The Hope Blog

Psychotherapy: Advantages For Treating Anxiety

The Relationship Between Sensitivity and Boundary Issues

Trauma, Emotional Intelligence, and Learned Patterns

Shame As It Relates To Caregivers of the Chronically Ill

Author

Categories

Archives

​Call Scott at​(303) 817-8369 or email at [email protected] ​for a free phone or video evaluation.​Convenient online scheduling, 24 x 7.

Counseling Services In Arvada, CO
The Hope Blog

Call Scott at
(303) 817-8369 or email at [email protected] for a free phone or video evaluation.

Convenient online scheduling, 24 x 7.