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…
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…
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…
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…
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…