A mental health clinician, referred to as a mental health counselor or therapist, is trained in psychological and psychotherapeutic theories and techniques. Their role involves the mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals who suffer from mental disorders.
Here are the things your Mental Health Clinician Wants You To Know:
- Mental Health is Complex
Mental health is a complex issue, and it’s crucial to understand what mental health clinicians do clearly.
Mental health clinicians are trained in different approaches to psychotherapy, talk therapy, and counseling. They are experts who can help you understand what’s going on with you, learn how to manage difficult emotions and behaviors, and find new ways of coping with stress. - Engaging in Therapy Doesn’t Mean You Are Broken
Therapy is a great place to explore current and past feelings to understand yourself better and approach life with greater clarity. But it’s also a place to seek help for problems and find solutions.
Therapy can be helpful for anyone who wants to improve their quality of life. It’s not just for people diagnosed with a mental illness or who have gone through traumatic experiences. Therapy can help anyone struggling with something — whether it’s an issue at work or school, a relationship problem, or negative thoughts and feelings about yourself. - A Therapist doesn’t need to Agree With You to Be Able to Help
You may be surprised to learn that a therapist’s job is not to agree with you or change your mind.
A good therapist can help you see things differently. Their job is to help you process your feelings and thoughts so that you can make the best decision for yourself.
A therapist’s role does not include telling you what to do or persuading you to see things their way. Instead, they should challenge you to think through various perspectives. A good therapist will ask questions and give feedback about what they hear from you — but ultimately, it’s up to you whether or not you choose to follow through on any recommendations they make. - A therapist is not your friend; their job is to guide and provide you with tools to be your very best self and to feel your best
An excellent certified and licensed therapist will never tell you what to do; instead, they will help you learn how to make the necessary changes to find peace and happiness within yourself.
They are not there to judge or criticize you, but rather, they are there to help you find solutions for whatever prevents you from being happy and provide you with the emotional skills to cope with challenging situations positively. - Not Every Therapist and Client are the Right Fit
Choosing a therapist suitable for you and your needs is essential. Even if they are experienced and highly trained, there might be a better fit for your personality or situation. It’s okay to change therapists if things aren’t working out or your needs have changed over time.
It’s okay to end the relationship. You don’t have to stay just because you’ve started it or you’ve been seeing the same therapist for years. If you think you need a better fit, ending the relationship is okay.
Your therapist should provide you with a positive, safe place to explore uncomfortable emotions. If you are quitting because you are not ready to work on challenging subjects, you may leave your therapist for the wrong reason. Ask yourself if it is the subject or person.
- Having a Mental Health Condition Doesn’t Make You a “Bad” Person
It’s important to understand that mental health conditions are not your fault and are quite common. You don’t choose to have them, and there is no reason why you should feel guilty about them.
There are many reasons why someone might develop a mental health condition. It could result from genetics, childhood trauma, or life events.
- Your Results Are Dependent on You
Your mental health treatment is a process. The quality of your treatment depends on your effort. If you do not follow through, then your therapist will not be able to help you. Working with a therapist or counselor is the best way to improve your mental health. - What You Say in Therapy Stays in Therapy
Your mental health clinician is a professional who has completed training and education in psychology. They have a license to practice and are bound by law to follow the same rules that other medical professionals follow. You can trust that any information you share with them will be kept private.
Therapists are required by law to respect their patients’ privacy, which means that they cannot disclose information about you or your treatment to anyone else without your written consent. Even if someone else asks for information about you, your therapist must get your permission before releasing information, including confirmation that you are, in fact, a patient.
They can only use information from therapy sessions if it is necessary to protect someone’s health or safety or in cases where an individual is at risk of harm due to their behavior (e.g., if they have become violent towards others). - You Are in the Driver’s Seat, Not the Therapist
Therapists are there to help you get to where you want to go. They are not telling you what to do or think. A mental health specialist can guide you along the way. You have power over your life and health.
- You’re Not the Only One With Your Specific Issue
Many people have felt what you’re feeling. Many people have similar experiences facing similar struggles, and many have overcome them.
You are not alone in your mental health journey. You are part of a community of people who share the same experiences, thoughts, feelings, and emotions as you. And many resources are available to help you, from books to online forums to phone hotlines. - Recognizing Your Triggers Is Key
Understanding your triggers is vital to managing your mental health. Triggers can cause you to feel anxious, depressed, scared, overwhelmed, or generally mentally unwell.
Triggers can be physical touch, sounds, smells, visuals, emotions — or a combination. Some people have triggers that make them feel anxious, scared, sad, or angry, while others react with irritability or outbursts of anger. Suppose you notice that specific situations or events tend to trigger these reactions. In that case, you should talk with your therapist about them so they can help identify the cause of these reactions and how you can manage them more effectively in the future. - Therapy Isn’t a Linear Journey
You may think therapy is a linear journey, starting at point A and ending at point B. You go to therapy, talk about your problems, get some insight, and then you’re done.
That is not how therapy works. Therapy is a different journey, not two points, from A to B. It’s a journey that happens in stages and circles back on itself. It’s not just about discussing your problems but finding more about yourself and how you interact with the world around you. And it’s not just about feeling better; it’s also about making changes to help you feel better and develop positive, fulfilling relationships. Therapy is an ongoing process that requires commitment, patience, and trust in your therapist. - Your Therapist Can Tell If You’ve Relapsed
When you seek and are a part of addiction therapy, therapists can identify and help you through a relapse. It’s important to remember that your therapist can spot relapse symptoms and warning signs without passing judgment. Your therapist will know if you have relapsed because it is their job to notice changes in behavior and mood.
Conclusion
Therapists are trained with great empathy and understanding of mental health struggles and can help you get on the right path. We hope this list of tips will be helpful to everyone who is seeking practical advice. Suppose you are dealing with any mental health struggles. In that case, whether it’s addiction, relationships, anxiety, or depression, we encourage you to talk to a therapist and find out the best course of action for your unique needs.
FAQs
You can talk to your GP about a mental illness. Your GP may refer you to another health professional such as a psychologist or psychiatrist (a doctor specializing in mental health), if they feel they cannot help you.
The Different Types Of Mental Health Professionals are the following: Psychiatrists, Psychologists and Counselors/Therapists/Social Workers.
There are many ways to find support groups. You can search online, call your local hospital, or ask your doctor for a referral.
The combination of medication and therapy is often the best treatment approach. If you’re taking medications, talk to your doctor about how they will interact with any other medications you might be taking. And if you’re using psychotherapy, make sure your therapist is licensed and has experience working with people with similar issues.
The most common mental disorders are anxiety disorders, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
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