CounselorCaleb

05/31/2023

If you want to expand your skill set, I stumbled upon a free Relational Frame Theory training that presents such a complex theory in an easy-to-understand format. RFT is the foundation that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy was built on and takes a fresh approach to the impact language has on our everyday life. Unfortunately, the free version does not offer CEUs.

An Introduction to Relational Frame Theory Eric J. Fox Overview Relational Frame Theory (RFT) is a behavioral account of human language and cognition that emerged primarily from converging lines of research on rule-governed behavior and derived stimulus relations. It is an extension of B.F. Skinner....

05/30/2023

An interesting read on the relationship we have with "negative emotions."

Click here for the audio version of this post When was the last time you were overcome with jealousy? Encumbered by social comparison? Riddled with guilt or embarrassment? How many people do you hate in this world? What lengths would you go to watch them get what they deserve? If you pay close atten...

05/25/2023

It is exciting to see ACT therapy adapted for different issues. Especially when it comes to working with something as complex as shame.

New research shows writing self-compassionate letters may reduce shame.

05/23/2023

I have been reading Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents after being recommended it by several people. It is an intriguing reading into an area of mental health that deserves more attention. If you are looking for resources for your clients who have experienced distant parents in their childhood this book can be an excellent tool.

That said, Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents is tailored towards individuals whose parents met all of their psychical needs but did not meet their emotional needs. It would not be a good fit for clients who experienced physical abuse, emotional abuse, or neglect from their parents. If you have clients that experienced emotional neglect, emotionally distant, or selfish parents this could be a validating read for them.

Below is my Amazon Affiliate link if you are looking for a new book to read!

Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents: How to Heal from Distant, Rejecting, or Self-Involved Parents

05/20/2023

Being a therapist comes with a lot of responsibility. Regardless if we are aware of it or not what we say to our clients carries a lot of weight due to the dynamic of the relationship. We have to hold ourselves to a higher standard in what we say in our sessions. Something we say in passing could have a huge impact on a client's life for better or worse. Always be vigilant and remember you not only represent yourself, but the field as a whole.

05/19/2023

Technique is something taught in your graduate program, however, it can only take a client so far. Research has shown that the most important thing is the relationship between the client and therapist. Learning how to build stronger rapport with your clients will help you and your clients be more successful. This article from the American Psychological Association is an incredible free resource that gives several ideas on how we can improve our relationships with our clients.

A good relationship is essential to helping the client connect with, remain in and get the most from therapy.

05/18/2023

I have been working on updating my Etsy shop with worksheets and interventions I use in my sessions. I have found worksheet handouts as an effective reminder for my clients to use the tools they learn in therapy. The worksheets are adapted from Existential Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, two modalities I have found
incredibly effective!

https://counselorcaleb.etsy.com/

05/17/2023

Covering a client's social media use is something I originally took for granted when I first started as a therapist, but more research has been published showing the impacts of social media on our mental health. It has become common practice for me to question a client about their social media habits during an intake session. Depending on their answers I might recommend they try even one day without using social media and journal their experience.

You will find a link to the study in this post showing that certain social media habits can lead to a decline in one's mental health. If you get a chance this study is definitely an interesting read that can give us insights into our own social media habits and how we can educate our clients on healthy social media use.

The diffusion of social media coincided with a worsening of mental health conditions among adolescents and young adults in the United States, giving rise to spe

05/16/2023

We work in an ever changing field which can be both exciting and intimidating. I challenge my students to find one study a week that interest them that they can apply in therapy.

The article I found this week discusses the experience individuals with internalizing disorders are more likely to have negative consequences from drinking alcohol compared to those without. This can provide a therapist with the data to educate their clients on the negative impacts of driving when they are experiencing depression and/or anxiety.

People with internalizing mental health disorders like anxiety and depression tend to experience more symptoms related to drinking alcohol, even if they drink the same amount as people without these disorders, according to new research published in the journal Alcohol: Clinical & Experimental Resear...

05/15/2023

If you haven't read the APA's recent study on social media use in adolescents I encourage you to take a look.

Social media is one of the most talked about subjects when I'm working with parents who have teenagers so I'm always trying to find more resources on the subject.

This health advisory provides 10 recommendations to ensure that teens develop healthy social media practices.

05/14/2023

I put together a list of books I have read and personally recommended to my colleagues, students, and clients. They can be a powerful tool in validating a client's experience, while also giving them the tools they need to heal.
Use my Amazon Affiliate link and see if there are any books that interest you on my list!

Idea Lists created by

05/12/2023

My Etsy shop is now live thanks to the help of my incredible wife. A Guide for A New Therapist is currently available for purchase. Included in your purchase is a resume template that is formatted for the counseling field.

https://counselorcaleb.etsy.com/