Category: Counseling

I write on this interesting topic so liberally because that’s how we should think about it. In my line of work as a therapist, I have met clients weighed down by scary and, tormenting dreams that almost render them dysfunctional because of the level of attention they chose to give them. From a psychological point of view, dreams occur during sleep in two durations:  (REM sleep) the deep sleep and non-REM sleep (light sleep). The dreams that occur during deep sleep are not usually remembered because of the low levels of brain activity. Nonetheless, from research, various scientists point that the said dreams are usually very positive and full of wonderful memories which we can never recount in the conscious state. On the other hand, the dreams that occur during…

In your notebook put down self-rules and goals to be achieved Find a role model who does what you want to achieve best, observe them interact with the fear-inducing stimulus and then emulate their achievement. For instance, people who struggle with anxiety in public speaking can observe another speaker with the same struggles do a presentation and note their strong points.Use physical restraint to control unwanted behavior for example place a restrictive duration on the amount of money you want to save in your bank or a specific amount of money that you need to use.Rearrange the environment to present only wanted cues for your wanted behavior ie study from the library instead of doing it at home.Change the people around you- to achieve the wanted behavior. this may mean…

 Structural therapists identify three basic types of boundaries: • Clear Boundaries:  Clear boundaries are “normal” boundaries that allow for close emotional Contact with others while simultaneously allowing each person to maintain a sense of Identity and differentiation. The families can be supportive, look out for each other’s wellbeing, and promote peaceful activities. • Enmeshment and Diffuse Boundaries: Diffuse or weak boundaries lead to relational Enmeshment. Families with overly diffuse boundaries do not make a clear distinction between members, creating a strong sense of mutuality and connection at the expense of individual autonomy. Common Characteristics noticeable in the families include; interrupting one another or speaking for one another, Mind reading and making assumptions, insisting on high levels of protectiveness and over concern, Demanding loyalty at the expense of individual needs, Feeling…

It is free from magic and helps the individual to see a source of ideal power which is continuously working in his life.Is it socially effective in ways that help the individual strengthen his sense of community with others in sharing the love of Christ?Does it emphasize the worship of God, other than people or other godsDoes it demonstrate humility in the acceptance of all people in their failures, race, and class?Accepts the existence of God, and the trinity.Shows love and concern to its followers in obedience to God’s word.Helps individuals rise above condemnation of sin to embrace the totality of life and forgiveness as decreed by the word of God.Emphasizes scripture as that ultimate truth in life.There is freedom for people to live their lives independently while maintaining communal…

Identify your type of communication in the family Satir (1967) in her growth model described five communication stances: congruent, placator, blamer, super reasonable, and irrelevant. These stances are used as a means of “survival” in childhood during difficult times. However, everyone uses one of these to some extent as they move from one life stage to another in their family interaction. The negative side of the use of these stances is the feature to become permanent ways of communication to hide the reality of one’s real feelings from and others. Placator The placator hides his or her feelings of low self-esteem and weakness by trying to please others, to satisfy his or her emotional survival depends. They participate in remorseful, uncertain, and meek communication that is designed to please others.…

Often professional helpers, are exposed to trauma, crisis, and tragedies in their line of work.  Through these experiences, it is possible for the impact to create negative emotions and burnout. Debriefing is a necessary procedure for helpers: to prevent burnout, Self-care and to remain competent. Types of burnout Burnout can be defined as the generalized state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion counselors experience by long term involvement in emotionally demanding situations. various types of burnout are explored below: Compassion fatigue/secondary trauma-experience of diminished or exhausted compassion-normative response that helpers have in helping. The exhausted compassion can be a reaction to social problems, hunger, and famine that are devastating. The experiences can equally lead to susceptibility to illness, intrusive images, nightmares, numbing or distancing from clients, psychological depression, grief, sadness,…

The perception that suicide is the only alternative to some unsolvable problems- most people who go through suicidal ideations and attempts are practically looking for solutions to their problems most times.  The inability in problem-solving and mood regulation often causes insecurity, low self-efficacy, and self-esteem, but it can also lead to anger and aggressive behavior, an emotional crisis that reduces the emotional expression to tearing and extreme emotional expression.Escaping from pain or stress-psychosocial factors such as stressful environments, negative life experiences, and violence at home. The said factors often seem to provide the background history of most suicide cases, not only specifically against the individuals but more as a presence of deficient coping skills and resilience in life.Aggression turned inward- exaggerated occurrences of self-blame, self-criticism, and self-dislike, contribute to higher…

Mental health: can be defined as cognitive-behavioral emotional wellbeing. It is all about how people think, feel, and behave. •Mentally healthy -as a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively, and can make a contribution to his or her community Outcomes of poor mental health: risky behavior, self-harm, stressful conditions, gender discrimination, social exclusion, unhealthy lifestyle, physical ill-health, and human rights violations. Common conditions Adjustment disorders(stress) •Mood disorders- extreme moods that become maladaptive (depression and various types of depression) •Anxiety disorders- extreme fear and worry •Personality disorders-unhealthy patterns of thinking and behaving Symptoms to watch on mental health Cognitive-thoughts thought content, patterns of thoughtBelief system-physical/supernatural •Emotions-pleasant/non-pleasantEmotions-pleasant/non-pleasantmemory-positive, negative memoriesVegetative symptoms-Sleep-inability to fall/stay asleep, few hours of…