As we approach a new year, it’s natural to reflect on the past and consider how we can make positive changes moving forward. As a mental health counselor and owner of Mountain Valley Counseling, I want to offer a few thoughts on how we can prioritize our mental well-being in the coming year. First, it’s important to recognize that mental health is just as crucial as physical health. In fact, the two are deeply intertwined. Just as we schedule regular check-ups for our bodies, it’s vital to regularly check in on our emotional and psychological well-being. This can mean anything from seeking therapy, to setting healthy boundaries, to practicing self-care routines that help us manage stress and emotions. The start of a new year can feel like a fresh start, but it’s important to remember that true growth takes time and patience. If you’ve struggled in the past, be gentle…
The Difference Between Complex PTSD and PTSD By Misty Newman, CMHC, Owner of Mountain Valley Counseling Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a well-known mental health condition that can develop after an individual experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. However, not all trauma experiences lead to PTSD, and in some cases, trauma can result in a more complex form of the disorder known as Complex PTSD (C-PTSD). While both conditions involve symptoms of trauma, they differ in their causes, symptoms, and impact on a person’s life. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) PTSD typically results from a single traumatic event, such as a car accident, natural disaster, physical assault, or combat exposure. It can also occur after witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD often include: Intrusive memories: Flashbacks or vivid, distressing memories of the event. Avoidance: Avoiding reminders of the trauma, such…
Small group practices vs. big tech. A good old fashioned David and Goliath scenario.
The Value of Small Group Practice in Mental Health Therapy: A Perspective from Mountain Valley Counseling owner Misty Newman, CMHC By Misty Newman, CMHC In recent years, the landscape of mental health care has seen a significant shift with the rise of teletherapy platforms like BetterHelp. While these services offer convenience and accessibility, they often reduce therapy to a mere transaction—a commodity in a marketplace driven by profit. As the owner of Mountain Valley Counseling, I believe that true mental health therapy transcends this transactional model. Instead, it thrives on the strength of the therapeutic relationship and the nuanced understanding that only a well-trained therapist can provide. The Dangers of Commodifying Mental Health The commodification of mental health services is alarming. Venture capitalists have recognized the profitability of therapy and have pushed for solutions that prioritize rapid, low-cost access over genuine healing. However, mental health care cannot be adequately addressed…
Understanding Gaslighting and Its Impact on Mental Health Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation where a person or group seeks to make someone doubt their own perceptions, memories, or reality. This term, derived from the 1944 film “Gaslight,” where a husband manipulates his wife into questioning her sanity, has become a widely recognized concept in discussions of emotional abuse and manipulation. Gaslighting can occur in various relationships, including romantic partnerships, friendships, family dynamics, and workplace settings. Definition and Mechanisms of Gaslighting Gaslighting involves a series of manipulative tactics aimed at undermining the victim’s sense of reality. These tactics include denying facts, minimizing the victim’s feelings, and presenting false information as truth (Stark, 2018). The ultimate goal is to destabilize the victim’s perception of reality, thereby gaining control and power over them. Gaslighters often use subtle and gradual methods to erode the victim’s confidence in their own thoughts and…
How new age therapies re-brand psychoanalytic concepts that have been around since Freud
How Freud’s ideas show up in new age contemporary therapy modalities Sigmund Freud, often regarded as the father of psychoanalysis, is a figure whose contributions to psychology and psychotherapy have been both revolutionary and controversial. While Freud’s theories have faced significant criticism, it’s essential to recognize that many modern therapeutic approaches and psychological theories have built upon, adapted, or even rediscovered concepts originally proposed by Freud. This essay explores why Freud doesn’t deserve the bad reputation he sometimes gets and argues that many contemporary psychological practices are deeply rooted in Freudian ideas, albeit under different names. Freud’s Legacy and Modern Adaptations Sigmund Freud’s work laid the foundation for much of modern psychology, particularly in the realm of understanding the unconscious mind and the therapeutic process. Freud’s theories, such as the role of the unconscious, defense mechanisms, and the significance of early childhood experiences, have profoundly influenced the field. Over…
Pros and Cons of psych talk
The Importance of Mental Health Dialogue: A Therapist’s Perspective In recent years, discussions around mental health have become increasingly prominent. This shift is visible across media platforms, workplaces, schools, and everyday conversations. As a mental health therapist, I’m often asked whether the increased focus on mental health issues signifies an overemphasis or if it’s a necessary and positive development. To address this, it’s important to examine both the progress made and the potential challenges associated with this heightened awareness. The Evolution of Mental Health Awareness Historically, mental health issues were shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding. Conversations about mental health were often avoided or met with skepticism. Individuals struggling with conditions such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder were frequently subjected to silence, isolation, and even shame. This lack of open dialogue contributed to a significant gap in understanding and support. The modern era has witnessed a paradigm shift. Increased awareness…
Back to School
Are your kids struggling with back to school anxiety? Here are some great tips to help.
Healing Trauma from and honoring all of your parts
The IFS treatment model is becoming quite popular. It is particularly helpful with trauma.
Why having a secure attachment to your therapist matters.
The Impact of Secure Attachment on Therapy Outcomes: A Review of Research Secure attachment in therapeutic relationships is a significant predictor of improved therapy outcomes. This concept, rooted in attachment theory, underscores the importance of the bond between therapist and client in fostering effective treatment. Secure attachment, characterized by trust, safety, and mutual respect, plays a crucial role in enhancing therapeutic processes and outcomes. This review explores research evidence that demonstrates how secure attachment in therapy contributes to better mental health results. Theoretical Background Attachment theory, first developed by John Bowlby and further expanded by Mary Ainsworth, posits that early relationships with caregivers shape individuals’ expectations of relationships throughout life. Secure attachment, formed when caregivers are responsive and supportive, provides a foundation for healthy interpersonal relationships. In therapy, a secure attachment between therapist and client can mirror these early relational experiences, facilitating a more effective therapeutic process. Research Evidence on…
Psychodynamic Therapy is evidenced based and can have more lasting benefits than other models
Insight-Oriented Therapy: Understanding Its Effectiveness Through Research Introduction Insight-oriented therapy, often referred to as psychodynamic therapy, is a therapeutic approach that focuses on uncovering and understanding unconscious processes and early life experiences that influence current behavior. By gaining insight into these underlying issues, individuals can achieve greater self-awareness and resolve internal conflicts. This article delves into how insight-oriented therapy works, its theoretical foundations, and the research demonstrating its effectiveness. Theoretical Foundations Insight-oriented therapy is rooted in psychodynamic theory, which originated with Sigmund Freud and has evolved over time. The core premise is that unconscious thoughts and feelings, often stemming from early life experiences, shape our behavior and mental states. Insight-oriented therapy aims to bring these unconscious elements into conscious awareness, allowing individuals to understand and address them. Key components of this therapy include: Exploration of Unconscious Processes: Patients explore their unconscious thoughts and feelings, often through techniques such as free…