therapy – Page 2 – BUCK BLACK THERAPY

Nerves and First Visit

A lot of people are very nervous about their first visit to a therapist. Whether this is their first time in therapy or if this is the first visit to a new therapist, it can be very nerve-racking! It may take some pressure off to realize that a first visit is a time for both client and therapist to get to know one another. There are no obligations at this point to have further sessions. If you like the therapist, then you can schedule a another appointment. If you do not care for the therapist, then you can let the…

Mental Health vs. Mental Illness

We hear so much about Mental Illness on a regular basis. That is one of those terms that is frequently thrown around. Actually, I don't care for the term at all. Who wants to be told they have a Mental Illness? I doubt many do. I come from the perspective of Mental Health. Instead of concentrating on illness or problems, I help my clients focus on the positives. Just think, if a therapist focuses on the symptoms of Mental Illness, most of the time and energy is spent discussing the problem, which is demotivating. When the focus is on Mental…

Yearly Mental Health Checkup

You are supposed to get a yearly physical, right? What about a yearly mental? :) How many people check their mental health on a yearly basis--even if there does not seem to be a problem? Few people actually do this. However, I can think of at least one of my friends that does something like this. Why go for a mental health exam if you do not need it? There are so many people that have stress creep up on them without seeing it. This is a great way to use the help of a professional to see if stress…

Marriage Counseling

People often come to me for marriage counseling. Actually, I prefer to call it couples counseling because I see all types of couples- many who do not fit into that marriage category. I come from the perspective that both people in the relationship have some responsibility for the good things in the relationship, as well as the bad stuff. Often I get a partner in the relationship or marriage who states that it is all the other person's fault. As we talk more, it becomes more and more apparent to both people that there is responsibility on each side. In…

Marriage Counseling as a Last Resort?

I see a lot of couples in my office who are striving to better their relationships and, often, save their relationships. The disturbing trend I see is couples therapy or marriage counseling being used as a last resort. Many couples will tell me that they have tried psychiatric medication (often antidepressants) and different forms of arguing, as well as separations, threats of lawsuits, and who knows what else. Of course...this is all before trying couples therapy. The problem I see is that many couples do not look for finding ways to better their communication, appreciate one another, or develop ways…

Couples Therapy as a First Resort

Couples often hurt…they have arguments that seem to last forever…maybe each argument reverts back to those old hurts that occurred months or even years ago. Many couples can relate to these arguments that never end and never resolve anything. Actually, these types of arguments usually just make the couple grow further and further apart. Should you only change the oil in your car when the engine is about to lock up? Should you only go to the dentist when you fear you are about to get dentures? Why is it that couples often wait until they are on the brink…