Lauren Bittner Lauren Bittner

Breaking the Silence: Men's Mental Health and the Path to Therapy

In the landscape of mental health discussions, there exists a silent epidemic that often goes unnoticed: the struggles faced by men. Society's expectations, cultural norms, and ingrained stereotypes often dictate how men perceive and express their mental health issues. Consequently, many men suffer in silence, hesitant to seek help or even acknowledge their own struggles. In this blog post, we delve into the unique challenges men encounter regarding mental health and the importance of breaking down barriers to therapy.

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Faith & Mental Health

Incorporating faith into mental health treatment can be a valuable approach for individuals who draw strength and support from their religious or spiritual beliefs. It's important to note that this approach should be implemented in collaboration with mental health professionals who are respectful of an individual's faith and cultural background. Here are some ways to incorporate faith into mental health treatment:

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What is somatic body work in therapy?

Somatic therapy is an approach to psychotherapy that focuses on the mind-body connection and the ways in which emotions, thoughts, and past experiences are stored in the body. The term "somatic" refers to the body, and somatic therapy recognizes the intricate relationship between the body and the mind.

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Lauren Bittner Lauren Bittner

What is parts work?

In Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, the term "parts" refers to different aspects of an individual's personality that are believed to exist within their internal system. These parts can be thought of as subpersonalities or distinct psychological entities with their own thoughts, feelings, and perspectives. The goal of IFS therapy is to help individuals develop a healthier relationship with their parts, promoting self-awareness, self-compassion, and integration. Here's an overview of how parts work is typically approached in IFS therapy.

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EMDR, mental health, therapy, counseling, trauma Lauren Bittner EMDR, mental health, therapy, counseling, trauma Lauren Bittner

What is EMDR?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a type of therapy used to treat symptoms of trauma, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. It involves having the patient recall distressing memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as following the movement of a therapist's finger with their eyes, to help process and integrate the traumatic experience. The theory behind EMDR is that the stimulation helps to "unlock" the memory and allow for more effective processing and healing.

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Therapy for Teens

Research shows that a teens relationship with their therapist is the biggest indicator of decreased negative symptoms and increased positive outcomes. Finding a therapist who has great clinical skills in addition to being relatable, down to earth and trustworthy make all the difference for teens.

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mental health, mood, wellness, therapy, counseling Lauren Bittner mental health, mood, wellness, therapy, counseling Lauren Bittner

How to Handle Mood Swings

Therapy can be a helpful tool for managing mood. Various types of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, can help individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to mood difficulties. Additionally, therapy can also provide individuals with coping skills and support to navigate difficult experiences and emotions. It's important to work with a qualified therapist who can tailor treatment to your specific needs.

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Listening to Your Body

It is important to listen to your body and pay attention to its signals in order to better understand and care for your physical and emotional needs. This can be especially helpful in the process of "reparenting" your inner child, which refers to the process of healing and addressing unresolved emotional issues from childhood.

When we reparent our inner child, we can learn to recognize and meet our own emotional needs in a healthy and supportive way. We become the safe, attentive and nurturing adult we needed when we were little. This is deeply healing and helps to restore your relationship to yourself and your ability to believe and value what you are feeling physically and emotionally.

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Understanding Somatic Work

The mind and body are connected, and this connection is particularly important when it comes to healing from trauma. Trauma can have both physical and emotional effects, and addressing both of these aspects can be crucial in the healing process.

One way to address the mind-body connection and work towards healing from trauma is through somatic practices. Somatic practices involve working with the body and its sensations in order to address physical and emotional issues.

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Starting Therapy: When to Start and Why

There are many different reasons why someone might consider going to therapy. Some common reasons include experiencing significant stress or anxiety, struggling with relationship problems, feeling depressed or sad, struggling with substance abuse, dealing with a major life change or transition, or experiencing trauma. If you're not sure whether therapy is right for you, it can be helpful to consider some of the following questions:

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Healthy Coping Skills for the Holidays

The holiday season can be a stressful time for many people. Between the demands of gift shopping, cooking and hosting parties, and juggling family and work commitments, it can be easy to become overwhelmed. Here are some healthy coping skills to help you manage stress during the holidays.

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10 Ways to Improve Your Relationship Without Your Partners Help

Written by Allison Middleton, LSW an Individual and Couples Therapist

You have likely found your way to this article because you realize that something in your relationship has to change for you to experience the intimacy, connection, or communication you desire. Maybe you have tried subtly nudging your partner in the direction you would like them to go, or perhaps you have boldly declared what changes you are wanting to see. Change is not easy and you are not alone if you find that you and your partner are stuck and now you are wondering, how can I change my relationship without my partner's help? Here are 10 ways to take back your power and make the change you want to see!

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