This is a guide for finding a therapist to help with mental health issues.

This is a guide for finding a therapist to help with mental health issues.

This is a guide for finding a therapist to help with mental health issues.

Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing a Therapist

A key element of therapy is finding the right match between the patient and the therapist. Keeping in mind that therapy is work, sometimes painful, can be helpful after you find someone. The benefits of therapy can also be life-changing and rewarding.

Choosing a therapist is a complex process. What are the steps?

  1. Make an appointment with your general practitioner to rule out any possible medical causes for your symptoms. Psychological symptoms can often be confused with physical ones.

 

  1. If you are not in a country that provides free mental health care, such as the UK does, and you have not been able to access other charitable or support groups, find out what mental health coverage is available in other ways, for example, privately. You may need to consult your medical insurance if you hold it.

 

  1. Get two or three referrals before making an Specify age, sex, race, or religious background if those characteristics are important to you.

 

4.Call to find out about appointment availability, location, and fees. Find out if they take your insurance or if they charge by income.

 

  1. Make sure the therapist has experience helping people whose problems are similar to yours. Don’t be afraid to ask about experience and qualifications.

 

  1. If you are satisfied with the answers, make an appointment.

 

  1. During your first visit, describe those feelings and problems that led you to seek help. Find out how the therapist reacts and what options you are given for treatment. Do you feel comfortable with your choices? Are you able to express freely? Do you feel safe?

 

(I can’t remember how many times a client said that they had chosen me and my clinic because during and after us chatting, they felt safe – but it’s a lot) so ensure you feel comfortable to be yourself and speak openly. These feelings may evolve as you chat and even change afterwards, so time your time to evaluate properly.

  1. Be sure the psychotherapist does not take a “cookie cutter” or ”one size fits all” approach to your treatment – different psychotherapies and medications are tailored to meet specific needs. You are an individual and your therapist must show that perspective.

 

  1. After your initial visit, take some time to explore how you felt about the therapist. Is there a connection? Do you still feel comfortable or has anything changed?

 

  1. If everything meets your approval, schedule your next appointment.  If not, go back to the list you gathered in Step 3 and start over again.

I wish you much love and light, I believe you will find your happiness. Blessings.

What is vibration therapy?

What is vibration therapy?

What is vibration therapy?

Vibration therapy is the use of vibration for therapeutic purposes. It can be used on a person, on a piece of equipment, or on an object.

There are many studies that have been conducted in order to understand the effects of sound and vibrations on human health. One thing that is clear is that sound and vibration therapy can be used to relieve pain, reduce discomfort, as well as increase relaxation and feelings of well-being.

Whole body vibration therapy

 

One particularly useful type of vibration therapy is whole-body vibration training. This is when someone lays down and vibrates their body to increase blood circulation and muscle strength. The vibrations also work to stimulate bone growth and improve nerve function. The vibration of sound waves has a substantial effect on our brain and nervous system.

Whole body vibration is also a technique that involves a person standing on a vibrating platform or being fitted with an inbuilt vibrating belt and/or vest. Vibration is transferred from the machine to the person’s tissues, which then stimulates muscle contractions in the legs and buttocks. This has been shown to reduce inflammation by increasing blood circulation, which then speeds up the healing process.

How is it useful for general health?

In an article by the Harvard Medical School, they state that vibration therapy is used to “improve muscle and joint function, relieve pain, reduce swelling, and improve overall functioning” for those who have arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and other conditions.

Vibration therapy can help with chronic pain management. It can be used to help with neck pain that does not respond to more traditional treatments like physical therapy or chiropractic care. Vibration therapy is also one of the only treatments for plantar fasciitis. Though it’s unclear what impact vibration has on muscle tissue after contracting a virus or bacterial infection.

There are many different types of vibration therapy that are available to the public and all of them have their own benefits. Machines that provide this type of therapy to patients include vibrating platforms as well as handheld massagers which allow the patient to self-administer.

Contra indications

Vibration therapy is a technique that has been used for centuries and is still being used today. Whilst It helps to alleviate pain, increases blood flow, relaxes muscles and improves bone density there are still some contraindications.

Some of the contraindications for vibration therapy are: if you have heart disease, ulcers, osteoporosis or cancer.

Benefits for Weight loss, Muscle gain, Improved strength.

The vibration therapy for weight loss is one of the most effective treatments in this field. The reason is that it activates the muscles and promotes better blood circulation leaving you healthier and stronger. There is some evidence that suggests it may also help with muscle gain. Those with experience of these machines often say the vibration makes them work the muscles harder so it also builds strength.

The vibration therapy for weight loss usually includes a set of exercises, like squats, push ups and crunches, which are done while you are on a vibrating platform. As a result, your muscles get activated and they start to contract which leads to better blood circulation. This kind of treatment is also great because it promotes relaxation and reduces stress levels.

Conclusion:

The vibration therapy for weight loss is an excellent way to lose weight with no known side effects.

Other benefits:

Lower Blood pressure

According to health line – A 2012 study examined the effect of arterial stiffness using vibration training. The participants performed exercises on the plate and at the end of 6 weeks they all had a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure.

Improved body composition

Couple with dieting and aerobic exercise a group lost more weight whilst using the vibrating plate than those who solely used diet and or exercise.

Disclaimer Note: It’s important to note though, that just because something is natural does not mean zero risk. While many vibration therapies are very low risk there still may be complications, contraindications and contra-actions.

The internet is full of information on how you can cure yourself with natural remedies, fitness equipment and more, but we recommend that you seek out a Qualified Natural Practitioner, fitness instructor, chiropractor, Osteopath or vibration plate expert and always consult a Doctor before trying any new things. Never stop taking any prescribed medication without speaking to your health practitioner first.

 

When Should You Go To Therapy?

When Should You Go To Therapy?

When Should You Go To Therapy?

Accepting The Help You May Need We’ve all had some tough times through the years – it is simply natural for things to go up and down from time to time, following the natural cycle of life. Sometimes it can be hard to admit to yourself and others that you’re worried or have a problem, especially if you’re shy or introverted.

People often experience difficulty when they have to open up for the first time and share their inner worries. However, it is ultimately better to do so as this is the only way to seek help from anyone. In fact, going to therapy for professional assistance is quite common nowadays, and that is indeed a good thing!

Some reassuring numbers we can share with you to prove that therapy is nothing to be ashamed of, for instance, is that one in every eight adults has gone to therapy in the last year. So you see, it’s something most people do and more people should do.

But how to figure out if therapy is something you need or would benefit from?

Let’s answer this and more questions!

Question Yourself!

Whether you have a minor or a major issue with how you perceive, feel and act, one thing is for sure – You have unlimited access to your self-awareness and consciousness. Before you decide to get help from another person that has those, make sure to use your own to the best extent possible!

One of the best methods to do so is to… Ask yourself questions! Here are 4 questions you should ask yourself and answer, to find out whether or not professional help is needed in your case.

Am I Happy?

This seems like a pretty basic question but may prove challenging for some people, especially if they aren’t introspective. Happiness is the ultimate goal for most of us, and as such, it’s hard for us to accept that we aren’t always experiencing it. This is why some people choose to go to therapy – to understand their momentary negative emotions and become more accepting of them.

A different perspective is that some people are too busy and sometimes neglect their own feelings because they lack time to reflect on them.This often leads to feelings of pressure or agitation, which need to be battled with the help of a psychologist.

Am I Avoiding Something?

A frequently used defense mechanism is to try your best to ignore your problems. People tend to avoid what they’re uncomfortable with, with the hopes that it will fix itself or disappear completely, but this happens rarely. In fact there is the opposite correlation – the more we brush some things off as not important, the bigger their adverse effects turn out to be.

This is why you should regularly ask yourself if you are actively or subconsciously avoiding something. If there is, you should search for a therapist that can help you understand why and how to deal with it more healthily.

Am I Confused About Something?

Confusion is a regular part of life – regardless of age, gender, nationality or culture. There isn’t a single person who knows and has always known all of the answers to the mystery of life. We live in a time when it’s easy to feel overwhelmed because of the speed at which some things happen, and how much people expect of us.

Oftentimes, this leaves us confused and worried. Indeed, life is full of contradictions and complications, so questions are entirely natural, and finding your personal answers may prove to be a daunting task. This is why many people start therapy – thoughts like ‘where should I study?’, ‘why do I feel this way?’ and  ‘what should I focus on?’ are often why individuals decide they need assistance.

The good thing here is that most psychologists are always happy to help, as they LOVE solving the puzzle of the human brain!

Do I Have The Skills & Knowledge To Improve?

Progress, in general, is what most of us strive for. However, it is not always as simple as it sounds, as we are often met with different trials and tribulations along the way. This can leave us wondering what our next step should be. With this in mind, we can say that many people try to find assistance regarding their self-improvement. And that, my dear friends, is done in …

You guessed it – A Therapy office!

Final Thoughts

Regardless of whether you have a specific goal and direction or just know you want to improve your life and yourself in general, you will likely find some answers and inspiration through the help of a psychologist. Statistics show that therapy is incredibly beneficial for most people.

Clients report that their lives have positively changed in many aspects and that they often wish they would have started earlier. Reports show that thanks to therapy and medication, people move in the right direction to better their lives and leave their past behind.

Psychologists have a positive influence on many aspects, including but not limited to suicide rate, drug abuse, trauma, and more, and that is only true because their clients took that first step to go to their office.

And Remember

Therapy works for people with different backgrounds and problems, and it works even if one does not have specific such! You’ll often hear many people say that their psychologist’s office is the safest place in the world for them. A place free of judgment, where they can share anything and work through their issues with the best individual means for the person.

All of these statements point to the fact that therapy is beneficial and that you shouldn’t worry about anything regarding the process itself because you will be in the trusty hands of a professional.

Why choose natural therapies?

Why choose natural therapies?

Why choose natural therapies?

When it comes to numerous health challenges, issues, and worries, many people turn to natural solutions. Many people feel that the harmful ingredients in over-the-counter and prescription pharmaceuticals can truly harm a person’s health.

It’s important to remember that we may sometimes need pharmaceutical intervention and that should not be overlooked if it’s really a necessity but if we can use a natural solution it is of course nice to have that choice.

The good news is that various natural therapies may be used to improve one’s health. You’ll find a wide range of suggestions to adopt to maintain and optimize a healthy lifestyle listed throughout this post on remedies that don’t require medications. If you want a more natural approach, they could be perfect for you!

1. Herbalism

The usage of natural herbs is a very common kind of treatment among many people. With a little investigation, you’ll find that there are literally thousands upon thousands of herbs to choose from. You can choose one that is suitable for almost every form of health problem. Herbs can be bought in different categories, such as bitter, aromatic, nutritious, astringent, and even gummy. There are teas and tisanes, poultices and oils, flowers, roots, leaves, barks and more.

2. Light therapy

Another form of natural medicine that can be incredibly beneficial to a person’s general health when suffering from a medical problem or condition is light therapy. Individuals with fibromyalgia, for example, benefit from light therapy to increase and optimise Melatonin production in the body. When it comes to managing the sleep cycle, this component is essential. Light therapy can also be used to treat seasonal affective disorder and other light therapies can treat skin issues, such as acne, rejuvenation, wrinkles and more.

3. Aromatherapy is another type of natural remedy that has proven to be effective for many people. Essentially, this form of therapy employs natural and essential oils to induce a specific mental state but also applied topically the oils penetrate into the skin with many therapeutic benefits. Aromatherapy can be applied by massage or inhalation.

4. Exercise

Believe it or not, simple exercise has now been accepted as an essential to improving one’s health. You don’t have to go to the gym, run ten miles or do cardio for hours a day but you must do something. Stretching, for example, can improve the amount of oxygen delivered to the body’s various components. As a result, cell synthesis increases, assisting in the creation of a natural immune system boost. Get out for a walk or a jog, do some stretching yoga asana exercises, or simply go for a swim if you want to be healthy. Just get moving

5. Meditation and Mindfulness has been practiced throughout history to achieve a greater state of mind and a higher level of ideal health. Mediation may be just what you need if you’re seeking an easy, low-stress way to deal with any health issues that arise. Mindfulness teaches us to be present without judgement and has huge health benefits associated to it especially with stress reduction.

6. Acupuncture is a type of alternative medicine that relies on the insertion and manipulation of needles to treat pain and illness. It originated in China and is now taught and practiced all around the world. Even though numerous medical studies have failed to resolve the debate over this sort of treatment, the scientific study continues to try to show or deny its health advantages and medicinal value.

For people who find results and relief in this amazing treatment it can be truly life changing. Acupuncture is used to treat post-operative nausea, vascular headaches, labor pain, menstrual cramps, migraines, osteoarthritis, dental pain, tennis elbow, and persistent lower back pain, fertility, among other conditions. Inspection, auscultation and olfaction, inquiry, and palpation are all conventional methods of diagnosis used by acupuncturists.

The face and tongue are the focus of inspection, whereas auscultation and olfaction cover the entire body. Chills, fever, sweat, hunger, thirst, adequate taste, bowel habits, pain level, sleep, menses, are some of the questions that may be asked during a consultation. Palpation is looking for tender spots on the body and checking the right and left radial pulses. Despite using needles many people report that they are barely felt and that it is a very relaxing and calming therapy.

7. Music and Sound

– Many people embrace music as a natural cure for their health problems. There are many various types of benefits that can be obtained just by simply listening to music. Circulation can be improved, and stress levels can be reduced, among other things. Suppose you’re seeking a unique method to make the most of your resources while also improving your physical well-being.

In that case, you’ll love the therapeutic benefits that come from listening to various forms of music. Professional music therapists treat all kinds of conditions mental, emotional and physical. Similarly, Sound therapists use various forms of vibration and sound tools to realign and balance the body’s energy systems and may use chimes, bowls, gongs and more. It is a hugely relaxing experience.

As you can see, there are a plethora of natural therapies available to people just like you! These are just 7 of the literally thousands of therapies now available worldwide. It’s critical to remember that this is an extremely short list with only a few samples of therapies that you might find intriguing. You can choose which one to use, or you can use more than one! That’s the beauty of natural remedies: the possibilities for selection and use are endless! Mix and match and keep exploring until you find those which speak to you, above all enjoy the journey.

 

 

The benefits of aromatherapy for Men

The benefits of aromatherapy for Men

The benefits of aromatherapy for Men

As we all know, aromatherapy has been around for centuries and is a commonly used therapy for many, especially women.

However, it is less likely that you will find the words man and aromatherapy in the same sentence. It is rather funny that, as I myself as an Aromatherapist do treat a lot of men and they love it! and I just thought a lot about this and realised that despite my male clients, it is still promoted very much towards women or as a more feminine therapy.

Having said that, if you ask most guys what they know of Aromatherapy, you may well still receive a rather vacant stare in return as they draw blanks as to what you are even talking about. Those who have already experienced it though will speak proudly of how it helps and I have had many friends of friends come through my male client’s recommendations.

The truth is that Aromatherapy has many properties that will benefit men in today’s society. In the modern world, men must deal with different types of stress than they did in hunter-gatherer tribal times.  This isn’t to say, however, that the amount of stress is not the same, it’s just a different type. The way I see it, the stress in our present-day is more of a mental fight. I am able to reflect on numerous major benefits but below I am going to let you in on male client’s comments and experiences and the major benefits that have taken place in their lives as a result of Aromatherapy. (with their permission of course).

Within the scope of this article, we will explore how Aromatherapy benefits men in modern society.

If there are any of you who do not know what Aromatherapy really is, it might be a good idea to start at the beginning and especially if you are a male reader wanting to find out how this can help you. I welcome you.

As it turns out, modern Aromatherapy was actually identified by a Frenchman named Rene Maurice Gattefosse in the 1920s. So, ladies we must be thankful to our lovely male counterpart for that. I know I am:)

Since Mr. Gattefosse was prone to burns in his lab, due to his own personal experience, he became somewhat of an expert on burns. During a fright, Mr. Gattefosse accidentally set his arm on fire and doused the fire with lavender oil.

As a result, Gattefosse reported immediate pain relief and an incredibly rapid recovery process with minimal scarring. Comparing his recent burns to the previous ones, he knew he had discovered something. As a result of the incident, Gattefosse dedicated himself to the study of Aromatherapy.

So there you go guys, nothing to be intimidated about when it comes to men’s aromatherapy.

One client states ” It has been most helpful in coping with the high levels of stress in modern life that I have experienced in my life. Until I tried Basil Oil, I was at the worst of my depression. A smell of Basil Oil is necessary to fully understand its properties. Basil oil gives me a fresh feeling at the end of the day. I have more quality time with my children and strangely I am able to let go of the stress I have had during the day. As a result, I am able to think clearly about positive aspects of life and bring myself to a pleasant place. Lemon oil has also worked for me, but I prefer Basil oil. You might want to give both a try”.

Amazing eh?  When thinking about Aromatherapy for men think about how it can help during sickness. Let’s face it most men turn to kittens when a cold strikes. As a client once stated to me, ”Aromatherapy can restore you to the ‘testosterone-injected beefcake’  you once felt you were”. Ok, so I smiled, but if it works for them, who am I to say otherwise. I think it’s amazing.

Here’s another client. He states

”Let me introduce you to my two new friends, Eucalyptus oil and mint. If I’m suffering from a cold or flu, this little combo is a real knockout. I suggested to my mates that they try it out the next time they get sick.  Also, another amazing essential oil I found is Yarrow oil it can also get rid of most cold and flu symptoms. It is obvious that this will only treat the symptoms, not the cause, but once you are feeling positive, it should be enough to keep you feeling positive”.

I know what you’re thinking, as a Naturopath, Aromatherapist,  I must have just the best male clients, and I taught them well:) Indeed I have:)

Let’s continue on.

Men can also benefit from aromatherapy in the case of skin burns. As we all know, guys are prone to getting, cuts, scrapes and burns. A nasty work-related scrape or burn on the leg can be a real downer for the weekend, especially when you had planned a footy match with your pals. There is nothing fun about getting burns on your skin, but luckily, as mentioned previously, lavender oil is a great way to relieve them.

And another such client stated.

”When I burnt my leg at work, I thought that was it and I couldn’t play soccer, but after a few days applying lavender, it was so much better, that I was able to go back the next weekend. It’s amazing stuff. – I carry it with me now at work.”

He also reported ”I also tried Bergamot for cold sores combined with Eucalyptus oil and it provides amazing relief. Thankyou”.

In the future, aromatherapy for men is more likely to be commonplace than it is today. My partner also uses various oils and diffuses them or uses them through inhalation or in massages. I know from personal experience that it has had a tremendous effect on my relationship at home after a stressful day. We are both calmer.

Whenever he’s sick, he’s less miserable, and if by chance he gets minor damages when out working or playing sports, he’s covered there as well.

Overall, aromatherapy can be very beneficial to men. If you are having trouble overcoming stereotypes, keep in mind that it is making your life easier. When it comes to aromatherapy, there are a few risks, and you’ll need to become informed about the techniques involved to achieve your desired results.

But don’t be shy gents, let’s get you using aromatherapy and booking in your appointments to learn how this amazing and tried and tested therapy can help you, and you family.

Blessings

 

What are the ways Reiki Energy Therapy can enhance your personal development?

What are the ways Reiki Energy Therapy can enhance your personal development?

What are the ways Reiki Energy Therapy can enhance your personal development?

Being in a constant state of development and improvement is part of the human experience. Although you may be familiar with Reiki, you might not be familiar with how it can be used to raise your level of personal development. Practitioners of Western Reiki use 5-7 hand positions. These hand positions aim to affect the recipient’s chakras or meridian points, areas everywhere on the recipient’s body that contain theoretical sacred energy reserves.

To promote wellness and healing, the practitioner places his hands in hand positions near the body’s energy centres. The practitioner may lightly massage the chakra or tap the meridian points to help release the ki or energy.

But How Does Reiki Help You Develop Yourself?

You might be wondering how Reiki could benefit you in your quest for a deeper understanding of yourself since it’s not scientifically proven.

Here are some points to think about:

It will induce relaxation which gives you space to heal. Relaxation can be gained by practising Reiki. The person receiving Reiki usually lies down on a massage table and remains completely still and quiet. While the process is going on, you’ll likely feel very relaxed, reducing stress and you may even drift off into a trance like sleep.

Its unique and will open your mind.

Reiki is a therapy with a unique quality and it is hard to find another experience that is comparable to Reiki. To participate in Reiki will be a new and different experience for you-it will open your heart and expand your mind. You might even become interested in the healing arts after experiencing Reiki. Many people who have had reiki sessions have gone on to train as practitioners.

It creates powerful suggestions. In reiki treatment sessions, practitioners will recommend ways to balance your chakras and meridians. These suggestions can have a tremendous impact.

While you’ll be relaxed, you may be more open to taking in the suggestions and making the adjustments that will ensure you feel better.

It boosts positivity and well-being. Taking part in Reiki can boost your well-being. Whilst Reiki hasn’t been scientifically proven to have any effect, when you do anything to feel better, it can be helpful since you’re addressing the issue and we all know that once we start to address an issue, just the fact that we have made the decision to work on it, helps us in most cases, to feel better. As an alternative to medication, Reiki may be an effective strategy.

It can change your perspective.

You may gain a new perspective and benefit from self-improvement through the intriguing healing art of Reiki. When life gets tough, sometimes it’s nice to try something new, different, and a bit unusual. The experience will relax you, boost your well-being, and add to your unique experience of life. Whenever we have one unique experience, we also may seek out others so it’s again opening the heart and mind.

If you are looking for better health and increased self-development, consider learning this unique healing art form.

Disclaimer Note: It’s important to note though, that just because something is natural does not mean zero risk. While many natural therapies are very low risk there still may be complications, contraindications and contra-actions.

The internet is full of information on how you can cure yourself with natural remedies, therapies, fitness equipment and more, but we recommend that you seek out a Qualified Natural Practitioner, Reiki or Energy medicine expert and always consult a Doctor before trying any new things. Never stop taking any prescribed medication without speaking to your health practitioner first.

This article is for entertainment and informational purposes only.