Ketamine Therapy Group coming to MVC in March.
Exploring Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy at Mountain Valley Counseling: A New Group Therapy Experience Starting in March 2025 Mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and chronic pain often feel overwhelming, and despite treatment, many individuals find it difficult to experience lasting relief. Traditional therapies and medications may not always provide the results that individuals seek, leaving many in search of alternative options that offer deeper, more profound healing. That’s where ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) comes in. At Mountain Valley Counseling, we are excited to announce the launch of our new KAP group therapy sessions, beginning in March. This innovative treatment combines the healing properties of ketamine with the power of psychotherapy, providing a unique opportunity for personal growth and emotional healing. What is Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy? Ketamine has long been recognized as an effective anesthetic, but in recent years, it has gained recognition as a promising treatment for mental health…
Creating joy around the holidays for yourself
Making the holidays enjoyable for yourself is all about being intentional with how you spend your time, energy, and resources, and not feeling pressured by external expectations. While it’s easy to get swept up in the busy, social, and often overwhelming nature of the season, you have the power to create a holiday experience that truly nourishes you. Here are some ideas for making the holidays more enjoyable and fulfilling for you: Focus on What Brings You Joy The holidays don’t have to look like a Hallmark movie or the picture-perfect social media posts you see online. Instead, think about what truly brings you happiness and peace. Is it cozying up with a good book? Spending time outdoors? Cooking your favorite comfort food? Find small, simple pleasures that make the season feel meaningful to you, rather than trying to meet others’ expectations. Tip: Make a list of things you enjoy…
C-PTSD and PTSD. Similarities and differences
Understanding the nuances between C-PTSD, PTSD, and Trauma As a mental health professional and the owner of Mountain Valley Counseling, I often encounter individuals who struggle with the effects of trauma in various forms. Two terms that frequently arise in my practice are Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD). While both conditions stem from experiences of trauma, they manifest differently and can lead to various emotional and relational difficulties, including anxiety and depression. Understanding these differences and similarities is crucial for effective treatment and healing. PTSD is typically caused by a single, traumatic event, while C-PTSD is usually caused by long-term or repeated trauma. C-PTSD can develop from childhood trauma, such as abuse, neglect, or witnessing a kidnapping. It can also be caused by other types of trauma, such as living through war, being a prisoner of war, or experiencing chronic intimate partner violence. Often people…
Mental Health and the problem with “quick fixes”
Why Mountain Valley Counseling Emphasizes Deeper Healing At Mountain Valley Counseling, our mission transcends merely addressing the immediate concerns of our clients. We believe in the importance of delving deeper into the underlying issues that contribute to presenting problems. While short-term therapies can be effective for some, they often fall short in facilitating profound self-understanding and addressing the root causes of distress. By utilizing approaches rooted in psychoanalytic, psychodynamic, and depth psychology traditions, we aspire to support clients on a journey toward lasting change and emotional well-being. Understanding the Limitations of Short-Term Therapies In today’s fast-paced world, there’s a significant emphasis on quick fixes and immediate results, particularly in the realm of mental health care. Insurance companies often favor short-term therapy modalities, pushing therapists and clients toward solutions that promise rapid improvements. These approaches can certainly alleviate symptoms in the short term, but they frequently overlook the complexity of human…
Suicide Awareness Month
Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month 2024: Supporting Others and Self-Care September is recognized as Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, a crucial time to shine a light on mental health challenges and the importance of providing support to those in need. This year, Mountain Valley Counseling wants to focus not only on how to support those struggling but also on the necessity of self-care for caregivers. Understanding the Context In recent years, suicide rates have tragically increased, highlighting a growing mental health crisis. Factors contributing to this rise include: Social Isolation: The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated feelings of loneliness and disconnectedness. Many individuals are still grappling with the emotional aftermath, which can lead to increased suicidal ideation. Economic Stress: Financial instability, job loss, and the rising cost of living can overwhelm individuals, creating a sense of hopelessness. Access to Mental Health Resources: Despite growing awareness, access to mental health care remains limited…
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…
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…
Smiling depression…
Do you or anyone you know suffer from “smiling depression?”
Are you resistant to starting therapy?
Why is it so difficult to go to therapy?