General – Ascend Psychological Associates

I’m curious, do you have a couch for people to lie down on during therapy?

JeremyMorrisadmin — Fri, 29 May 2020 17:19:59 +0000

Some providers, such as Dr. Morris, do utilize psychoanalytic treatments with appropriate patients and make use of lying on the couch.

However, lying on the couch isn’t for everyone. If you are curious about it for yourself, here are some things to consider

The couch is used when the patient feels ready for it; there is no pressure.
There isn’t a “right” way to use the couch. It’s a different experience for each patient.
The couch can allow for levels of honesty that can refresh a patient’s life.
The couch can facilitate self-acceptance and reduce inhibitions.
The couch can be a place of freedom to discover deeper aspects of one’s pains and passions.
The couch can help a patient become more aware of tension in their body.

One patient said that it helped her feel “freer” so that she could discover the sources of her shame. “I can say all kinds of things now that I wouldn’t be comfortable saying to your face,” she said, “Now, I’ve been able to explore things that I really needed to—stuff I avoided talking about with my last therapist. ”

If a person finds they are holding back honest thoughts, if they feel stuck, or if they are seeking to unlock unconscious motivations, perhaps lying back on the couch is just what is needed.

What’s the difference between different types of mental health providers?

JeremyMorrisadmin — Fri, 29 May 2020 16:55:16 +0000

Since each of these professionals can provide mental health services, it can be confusing to figure out which one is right for you. The best way to explain it is by breaking down the services they provide.

Psychiatrist: A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD) who has done extra training in psychiatry. Psychiatrists are able to diagnose a mental health issue, such as schizophrenia, and prescribe any necessary medication. Some psychiatrists provide therapy to their patients, but due to the shortage of psychiatrists, they usually provide diagnosis and medication management. Psychiatrists may refer their patients to psychologists, social workers, or other counselors for therapy.

Clinical Psychologists: Psychologists have a doctoral degree and have completed 5-7 years of graduate training. They are qualified to diagnose mental health issues, but not prescribe medication. They are trained to conduct psychotherapy and psychological testing. Testing may be personality-based, educational-intellectual, neuropsychological or a combination of those areas. Psychologists also conduct the vast majority of research done in psychology.

Psychotherapists: Psychotherapists are a combination of different degree types. Regardless, they all have earned a Masters degree in psychotherapy, which takes 2-3 years to complete. This would include: Clinical Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors.

Do I really need therapy? I should be able to handle my own problems.

JeremyMorrisadmin — Fri, 29 May 2020 15:53:23 +0000

People who decide to seek out therapy are taking responsibility for their lives by accepting their situation, demonstrating self-awareness, and showing the courage to act. Everyone encounters challenges in life, and sometimes a person’s skills and knowledge can meet that challenge. Sometimes a helping hand is needed. It shows courage, not weakness to accept reality and make a commitment to make positive changes in your life.

Also, we are hard-wired to be in relationships. So, it’s not realistic to think we can solve our problems independently. Self-help books just won’t cut it.

George Carlin, the late comedian, stated it well when he said, “If you’re looking for self-help, why would you read a book written by somebody else? That’s not self-help. That’s help! There’s no such a thing as self-help. If you did it yourself, you didn’t need help.”