Tag Archives: therapist

January 18, 2013 · 7:53 am

5 Ways Motherhood Has Changed Me As A Therapist

How Motherhood Has Made Me a Better Therapist.Kim's Counseling Corner

My son turns 2 years old today. It has gone by so fast and and I haven’t been a mom for all that long, but I know I have definitely changed. Thinking about all the joys and challenges over the last two years, I can’t help but also think about how motherhood has changed me professionally and made me into a better therapist.

1. I am more empathetic to parents. In counseling, we like to believe that we can empathize with just about everyone. After all, pain is pain, joy is joy, etc… no matter what the circumstance. I still think this is true to an extent. But now, when a parent sits across from me and says they are devastated because they don’t know why their child feels so sad, or they want to know where their little angel has gone, I think of my own children. How will I feel if my happy little guy is one day an adolescent who rages in my living room, or if my sweet girl one day talks about hating herself because she is not accepted at school. The pain for me is so unbearable. I channel this empathy towards my clients to help them see better days ahead.

2. I give limited “homework” assignments to parents now. Pre-motherhood, I had all kinds of homework for parents, such as charting 5 different aspects of a behavior during the week (when, where, why, your response, their response…sigh), completing daily exercises with their children, taking personal time out for an hour a day… can you imagine? I am much more cognizant of the daily demands of parenthood. Now, I still recommend personal time for parents, but aim for one hour a week, and my homework assignments are given with more realistic requirements. I get much more follow through now!

3. I am more confident. This increased confidence is not completely due to being a mother, but also due to just having more experience under my belt. However, I do feel that since I am a mom, I can connect better with parents and kids. I also feel more secure in setting personal boundaries for my time and commitments. As a professional who aims to teach healthy boundaries to my clients, being able to set them for my own life is important.

4. My priorities have changed. Now that my family life is set, I can begin working towards long term professional goals that sink with the demands of my family. For example, I hope to establish a successful private practice over the next several years that will allow me to schedule appointments during the time my kids are in school.

5. I have more life experience. No matter what field you work, life experience always give you a leg up. The more I live and the more life phases I enter and travel through, the more I can relate and offer help to others!

Check out these posts too!

Why I Became a Licensed Professional Counselor

Four Play Therapy Skills I Use In Parenting

No Longer a Supermom Wannabe!

 

 

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August 30, 2012 · 6:53 am

Do I Need Counseling? Does My Child or Teen Need Counseling? 6 Questions To Ask

Life is always throwing challenges at us. Some things we handle pretty well, and other things are more difficult to overcome. One question many people have is “When is it time to see a therapist about these issues?” I have come up with a list of questions to ask yourself to help determine whether you or your child will benefit from therapy.

If you answer “YES” to any of the questions below, I suggest you consider seeking counseling from a professional. There are many types of mental health professionals out there, so for help on finding the right therapist, read Finding the Right Type of Mental Health Professional.

Do I need to seek counseling?

  1. Am I having feelings, or behaving in a way, that is negatively interfering in my life?
  2. Have I tried to “fix” my problems on my own and cannot seem to make any significant changes?
  3. Have my symptoms or problems been ongoing for at least 3 months, or “too long?”
  4. Do I have trouble developing or maintaining successful relationships, including romantic relationships, family relationships, professional relationships, and friendships?
  5. Have my friends, family, or doctor suggested I seek help for my issues?
  6. Do I feel or think I need to seek help before things get worse?

Does my child or teen need counseling?

  1. Has our family recently experienced a significant change or transition in our life, such as divorce, remarriage, job loss, and a new baby?
  2. Have I noticed my child or teen is behaving unusual in any way?
  3. Has my child or teen mentioned they are unhappy, anxious, or angry and cannot seem to overcome these feelings?
  4. Have teachers, friends, or community members mentioned they are concerned about my child for any reason?
  5. Have the symptoms or behaviors become worse or remained the same for at least 3 months, or longer than I am comfortable with?
  6. Have I tried to help my child or teen and it didn’t work, or do I feel I don’t know how to help?

How To Find a Therapist:

Ask Your Doctor

Talk to your family doctor, OBGyn, or pediatrician if you feel you need to seek counseling or are unsure. Doctor’s have referrals for therapists in your area to cover a wide range of issues.

PsychologyToday.com Therapy Directory is probably the best resource for finding a therapist in your area. You can read the profiles, which includes contact information, payment options, and backgrounds for the therapists. The professionals have also been verified by PsychologyToday.com as a licensed professional in their state. For an example, you can view my profile.

Check for therapists in network with your insurance company. You can either call the customer service number, or you can look online for this information.

Talk to friends or family for referrals. If you are comfortable with asking, getting a referral from someone you trust is one of the best ways to find a good therapist.

You May Also Like:

Finding the Right Type of Mental Health Professional

Fun and Easy to Make Relaxation Flip Books

Angry Paper Toss

 

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April 23, 2012 · 5:56 pm

Five Qualities of a Good Child Therapist

I probably don’t have to tell you that finding the right therapist to work with  you and your child is key to their success in treatment. If you are seeking help for the first time, or had a negative experience in the past, finding the right professional can be daunting. As a child therapist, I have talked with many parents who have been satisfied or dissatisfied with prior therapists. Using their feedback, as well as my own beliefs about the therapeutic process for children, I feel there are 5 key elements of a child therapist.

1. Knowledgeable:

Your therapist should be knowledgeable in child development, as well as in the problems and concerns you present. Specialized training in working with children, such as a certification in play therapy, is also important. Children are a very special population and require a treatment approach geared towards their developmental level.

2. Loves Children

This sounds obvious, but it is too important not to include. A therapist who claims to work with children should love children! Trust me when I say that your child will know if their therapist is not enthusiastic about them or their play.

3. Parent Involvement

Your child’s therapist should show a willingness to communicate with you regularly. This communication can include feedback from the child’s treatment, parenting techniques, and suggestions for helping the child outside of the session. Parents should also feel open to asking the therapist questions and sharing regular updates on how things are going at home and at school.

4. Coordinates Care with Other Professionals

Children who attend school or daycare are likely exhibiting their behaviors in the classroom. In fact, many parents seek counseling because their teachers have expressed concerns and want help as well. It may also be important to communicate with your child’s pediatrician, especially if medication is involved. A willingness to collaborate with your child’s teachers, doctor, or other providers can further foster their success outside of the play room.

5. Establishes Good Rapport

Just like any other relationship, you will connect with some therapists and not with others. Especially in a field when you are trusting this professional with intimate details of yourself and your life, you want someone you are comfortable with and trust. Your child will feel the same in their sessions so be sure they enjoy being with that individual.

You may also enjoy:

A Simple Explanation of Play Therapy

Bringing Back Old Fashioned Play

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