Mental Health First child & adolescent counselings

Child counseling is a type of therapy that focuses on young children, teens, and adolescents with one or more mental illnesses. It also provides aid to youths, who have experienced trauma, and/or who are experiencing a dysfunctional or stressful home environment. Many of the issues these children face mimic the issues adults face in their day-to-day lives. Some of these common issues include anxiety, depression, and grief. The goal of child counseling, however, is to break down problems into manageable parts, so children can better understand and cope with them.

Many children and teens have problems that affect how they feel, act, or learn. Therapy is a type of treatment for these problems. It is a way to get help for your child. In therapy, kids talk and learn how to work out their problems. Going to therapy helps them cope better, communicate better, and do better.

What Problems Does our Therapists Help With?

Our Therapists are trained to help with all kinds of problems. For example, we help kids and teens going through tough times like: family problems, school problems, bullying, health problems. We help with feelings like: sadness, anger, stress and worry, low self-esteem & grief.

Mental Health First helps kids and teens with conditions like:

• ADHD

• depression

• OCD

• anxiety

• eating disorders

• self-injury

• disruptive behavior disorders

• trauma-related disorders

Why Do Kids and Teens Need Therapy?

Kids and teens need therapy when they have problems they can't cope with alone. Or they need help when problems affect how well they do, feel, or act. If things don't get better on their own, kids may need therapy so things can improve. Sometimes, entire families need support while trying to communicate, learn, and create boundaries.

How does our MHF Therapy Work?

In therapy, kids learn by doing. With younger kids, this means working with the whole family, drawing, playing, and talking. For older kids and teens, therapists share activities and ideas that focus on learning the skills they need. They talk through feelings and solve problems. We provide praise and support as kids learn. They help kids believe in themselves and find their strengths.

Therapy builds helpful thinking patterns and healthy behavioral habits. Our therapist might meet with the child and parent together or meet with the child alone. It depends on the child's age. We might also meet with a parent to give tips and ideas for how to help their child at home.

What Happens in our Therapy?

At first, our therapist will meet with you and your child to talk. We will ask questions and listen. This helps us learn more about your child and about the problem. Then we will tell you how they can help. After that, your child will come to more therapy visits at Mental Health First clinic offline or online.

At these visits, your child might:

• Talk. Talking is a healthy way to express feelings. When kids put feelings into words instead of actions, they can act their best. When someone listens and knows how they feel, kids are more ready to learn.

• Do activities. We use activities to teach about feelings and coping skills. We have kids draw or play as a way to learn. We may teach mindfulness and calm breathing as a way to lower stress.

• Practice new skills. Our Therapists help kids practice what they learn. We might play games where kids need to wait their turn, use self-control, be patient, follow directions, listen, share, try again, or deal with losing.

• Solve problems. With older kids and teens, we ask how problems affect them at home, or at school. We talk over how to solve these problems.

How Long Does children & adolescents come to Therapy?

How long therapy lasts depends on the goals you and our child therapist have decided. Most of the time, a therapist will want to meet with your child once a week for a few days to months till the issue is reconciled.

How Can you as Parents Help MHF in therapy?

You can do things to help your child get the most from therapy.

Here are some of them:

• Bring your child to all the appointments. Change takes time. It takes many therapy visits for your child to learn new skills and keep them up.

• Meet with the MHF child therapist as a couple.

• Ask what to do when your child shows problems at home. Ask how to help your child do well.

• Spend time with your child. Play, cook, read, or laugh together. Do this every day, even if it's only for a few minutes.

Parent with patience and warmth. Use kind words, even when you need to correct your child. Show love. Give praise when your child is doing well or trying hard

How Can You Tell If Your Child Needs Counseling?

Well, there are some signs that may signal that your child needs counseling. For instance, a child, who has begun to act “out of character” and/or one who has suddenly begun to have developmental problems or rebel – in ways that are not considered “normal behavior” for children of that age, may need to want to talk to us.  In addition, if your child has experienced a significant trauma (i.e. abuse, the death of a loved one or pet, uprooting, divorce, chronic illness, etc.) recently or in the past, but has not received treatment or therapy for it, he/she will most likely benefit from child counseling.

So, what are some signs that my child is in distress and could benefit from counseling?

Common signs of mental health issues or psychological distress include:

• Unprovoked aggression

• Leakage of urine

• Difficulty adjusting to social situations and/or new situations

• Recurrent nightmares, night terrors, and/or sleep difficulties like insomnia

• Low grades or a sudden academic decline

• Constant worry and anxiety

• Social withdraw from activities your child once liked or loved to do

• A noticeable and/or sudden loss of appetite and/or extreme weight loss

• Repetitively performing rituals and routines like hand-washing

• Suicidal ideations (thoughts) or attempts

• Your child responds to voices he/she hears in his/her head

• Spending most of his/her time alone or engaging in voluntary social isolation

• Alcohol and/or drug use, abuse, or addiction

• Increased physical complaints, despite a healthy report from a medical professional

• Engaging in self-harm practices, such as cutting oneself

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References

• Van Velsor, P. (2018). Revisiting Basic Counseling Skills with Children. Journal of Counseling & Development, 82(3), 313–318.Ener, L., & Ray, D. C. (2018). Exploring Characteristics of Children Presenting to Counseling for Grief and Loss. Journal of Child & Family Studies, 27(3), 860–871. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-017-0939-6. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/finding-therapist.html

• Talking to Doctors about Mental Health Concerns: A Guide for Parents. (2014). Brown University Child & Adolescent Behavior Letter, 30, 1–2.Lykke, K., Christensen, P., & Reventlow, S. (2013). GPs’ strategies in exploring the preschool child’s wellbeing in the pediatric consultation. BMC Family Practice, 14(1), 177–183. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2296-14-177. 

Mental Health First adult therapy & counselings

(Individual counseling - Couples/Marriage counseling - Family counseling)

Counselling or Talk therapy, is a way to help people with a broad variety of mental illnesses and emotional difficulties. MHF's psychotherapy practices can help eliminate or control troubling symptoms so that a person can function better and can increase well-being and healing. There are several different types of psychotherapy and some types may work better with certain problems or issues.

Psychotherapy may be used in combination with medication or other therapies. Counseling is often used in combination with medication to treat mental health conditions. In some circumstances medication may be clearly useful and in others psychotherapy may be the best option. For many people combined medication and psychotherapy treatment is better than either alone. Healthy lifestyle improvements, such as good nutrition, regular exercise and adequate sleep, can be important in supporting recovery and overall wellness.

Problems being helped by MHF includes

• Difficulties in coping with daily life or adjustment issues like new place/workplace shifting;

• Relationship issues like marriage problems, couple issues and/or family problems, break-up issues, dating problems etc.

• The impact of trauma, medical illness or loss, like the death of a loved one;

• Specific mental disorders, like depression or anxiety, phobias, addiction, anger management, eating disorders, or obsessive-compulsive disorder.

MHF's Therapy Sessions

Our Therapy may be conducted in an individual, family, couple, or group setting, and can help both children and adults. Sessions are typically held once or twice a week for about 60 minutes each time. It requires active involvement of the patient/client for better results. The trust and relationship is essential to working together effectively and benefiting from psychotherapy. Psychotherapy can be short-term (a few sessions), dealing with immediate issues, or long-term (months or years), dealing with longstanding and complex issues.

The goals of treatment and arrangements for how often and how long to meet are planned jointly by the client/patient and  our therapist. Confidentiality is our basic requirement & hallmark as clients share personal feelings and thoughts which is protected by law.

Does Psychotherapy Work?

Research shows that most people who receive psychotherapy experience symptom relief and are better able to function in their lives. About 75 percent of people who enter psychotherapy show some benefit from it. Psychotherapy has been shown to improve emotions and behaviors and to be linked with positive changes in the brain and body.

The benefits also include fewer sick days, less disability, fewer medical problems, and increased work satisfaction. With the use of brain imaging techniques researchers have been able to see changes in the brain after a person has undergone psychotherapy. Numerous studies have identified brain changes in people with mental illness (including depression, panic disorder, PTSD and other conditions) as a result of undergoing psychotherapy. In most cases the brain changes resulting from psychotherapy were similar to changes resulting from medication.

To help get the most out of our psychotherapy, approach the therapy as a collaborative effort, be open and honest, and follow your agreed upon plan for treatment. Follow through with any assignments between sessions, such as writing in a journal or practicing what you’ve talked about.

So, When to seek help?

People who frequently feel anxious, panicked, or depressed should seek support from MHF Counsellor.

A person may also wish to see a counselor or therapist if they experience:

• uncontrollable or intrusive thoughts

• compulsive behaviors

• insomnia, nightmares, or flashbacks relationship or family conflicts

• the symptoms of an eating disorder

• sexual or domestic violence

• problems with alcohol or drug use

So! what are you waiting for? Tomorrow never comes. You have to do it today!

Come! Let's meet in person

References

American Psychological Association. Understanding psychotherapy and how it works. 2021.

Karlsson, H. How Psychotherapy changes the Brain. Psychiatric Times. 2021

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All you need to know about

Counselling or therapy

Psychotherapy or talking therapy, counselling, or simply therapy—no matter the name it’s known by, mental health counseling can benefit people struggling with emotional difficulties, life challenges, and mental health concerns.

Therapy can help improve symptoms of many mental health conditions. In therapy, people also learn to cope with symptoms that may not respond to treatment right away. Research shows the benefits of therapy last longer than medication alone.

"Medication can reduce some symptoms of mental health conditions, but therapy teaches people skills to address symptoms on their own"

These skills last after therapy ends, and symptoms may continue to improve, making it less likely people will need further treatment. Mental health issues are common. Recent statistics from the National Alliance on Mental Health show 1 out of every 5 Adults lives with a mental health condition, while 1 in 25 adults lives with a serious mental health condition. But only about 40% of people with mental health issues get help.

"Untreated mental health issues often get worse and may have other negative effects"

They could also lead to:

• Inability to work or go to school

• Difficulty in relationships or taking care of children

• Increased risk of health issues

• Hospitalization

• Suicide

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people between ages 10 and 34. About 90% of people who die by suicide lived with a mental health condition.

Is it Therapy What I “NEED”?

Telling someone they should go to therapy or that they need therapy can be stigmatizing. It may be difficult to watch a loved one deal with mental health challenges, but it’s important for people to choose to seek help on their own—as long as they aren’t putting themselves or anyone else in danger. Encouraging someone you care about to look into possible therapy options, even offering to review potential therapists with them, is generally a better way to show support. People who feel forced into therapy may feel resistant and find it harder to put in the work needed to make change. While therapy can help people work through issues that lead to thoughts of suicide, it’s usually not the best option for people in crisis.

"If you are in crisis, you can get help right away by reaching out to a qualified therapist through phone, text message, or online chat"

You may be encouraged to call or visit the nearest emergency room. A therapist can help support you going forward. When any type of mental health or emotional concern affects daily life and function, therapy may be recommended. Therapy can help you learn about what you’re feeling, why you might be feeling it, and how to cope.

"People who feel forced into therapy may feel resistant and find it harder to put in the work needed to make change"

Therapy also offers a safe place to talk through life challenges such as break ups, grief, parenting, difficulties or family struggles or parenting problems. For example, couples counseling can help you and your partner work through relationship troubles and learn new ways of relating to each other. Note that crisis resources, not couples counseling, are typically recommended for abusive relationships.

Am I Ready! to open up with a Stranger?

It may take some consideration before you decide you’re ready for therapy. You might want to wait and see if time, lifestyle changes, or the support of friends and family improves whatever you’re struggling with. The American Psychological Association suggests considering therapy when something causes distress and interferes with some part of life, particularly when:

• Thinking about or coping with the issue takes up at least an hour each day 

• The issue causes embarrassment or makes you want to avoid others.

• The issue has caused your quality of life to decrease.

• The issue has negatively affected school, work, or relationships.

• You’ve made changes in your life or developed habits to cope with the issue

"If you experience any of the following emotions or feelings to the extent that they interfere with life, therapy may help you reduce their effects"

It’s especially important to consider getting help if you feel controlled by symptoms or if they could cause harm to yourself or others.

• Overwhelm. You might feel like you have too many things to do or too many issues to cope with. You might feel like you can’t rest or even breathe. Stress and overwhelm can lead to serious physical health concerns.

• Fatigue. This physical symptom often results from or accompanies mental health issues. It can indicate depression. Fatigue can cause you to sleep more than usual or have trouble getting out of bed in the morning. 

• Disproportionate rage, anger, or resentment. Everyone feels angry at times. Even passing rage isn’t necessarily harmful. Seeking support to deal with these feelings may be a good idea when they don’t pass, are extreme compared to the situation, or if they lead you to take violent or potentially harmful actions.

• Agoraphobia. People with agoraphobia or fear being in places where they might experience panic attacks or become trapped. Some people may become unable to leave their houses.Anxious or intrusive thoughts. It’s normal to worry about things from time to time, but when worry takes up a significant part of your day or causes physical symptoms, therapy can help you deal with it.

• Apathy. Losing interest in usual activities, the world around you, or life in general can indicate mental health issues like depression and anxiety.Hopelessness. Losing hope or motivation, or feeling as if you have no future, can indicate depression or another mental health condition.

• Feeling hopeless from time to time, especially after a period of difficulty, isn’t uncommon. But when it persists, it may lead to thoughts of suicide.

• Social withdrawal. Many people feel better when they’re able to spend at least some time alone. Introverted people may need even more time alone than others. But if you feel distressed around others or fear being with other people, therapy can help you understand and deal with these feelings.

What If!! It didn't WORK?

Sometimes therapy doesn’t help right away. Even in an ideal therapy situation, it can take time for symptoms to improve. Going to therapy and seeing no change may cause frustration. It may seem like a waste of time and money. But many people go to therapy as there are good results.

Sometimes therapy doesn’t help right away. Even in an ideal therapy situation, it can take time for symptoms to improve

Other factors can impact how effective therapy is. There is no single, correct approach that works for everyone. Not every therapist will work for everyone, either. Having a negative experience with a particular therapist or a certain type of treatment can make it hard to try therapy again, even if you want support. It can help to look for a therapist who treats what you’re experiencing. If you don’t have a diagnosis, you can talk to potential therapists about your symptoms. An ethical therapist will let you know if they’re able to treat your concern. If they can’t, they may be able to recommend someone who can. Keep in mind different approaches may be better for different issues. Being misdiagnosed can affect how treatment works. If you didn’t feel heard in therapy before, or if you experience different symptoms, a different therapist might be a better fit for you.

I would Like to try and I am Hopeful!!

When you try therapy, you may be thinking about the possible drawbacks. Cost might be a concern for you. You might also be aware that therapy is often difficult. Trauma or other painful events from the past can be frightening to remember, much less discuss with someone else. Even if you aren’t dealing with trauma, working through challenges isn’t easy, and therapy isn’t a quick fix. Therapy also requires honesty, with yourself and with the therapist you work with. But if you’re willing to do the work, therapy can be rewarding. It’s a safe, judgment-free space where you can share anything, with a trained professional who is there to help.

Here are a few benefits of therapy:

You’ll learn more about yourself. Therapists listen to your story and help you make connections. They might offer guidance or recommendations if you feel lost, but they don’t tell you what to do. Therapy can empower you to take action on your own.

Therapy can help you achieve your goals. If you aren’t sure of what your goals are, therapy can help you clarify them and set realistic steps to meet them.

Therapy can help you have more fulfilling relationships. Whether you’re single or in a relationship, therapy can help you address difficulties with relating to others, such as insecurity in relationships or difficulty trusting your partners.

You're more likely to have better health. Research supports a link between mind and body wellness. Untreated mental health issues can impact physical wellness. On the other hand, people in good emotional health may be more able to deal with physical health issues that arise.

Therapy can lead to improvement in all areas of life. If you feel like something is holding you back from living life as you envision it, therapy can help you address this. When you aren’t sure what’s keeping you from making change, therapy can help you discover the answer.

Thank you for reading!

-Team Mental Health First

References:

• Benefits of talking therapy. (2018, May 12). NHS. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/benefits-of-talking-therapyCho, J., Martin, P., Margrett, J., MacDonald, M., & Poon, L. W. (2011). The relationship between physical health and psychological well-being among oldest-old adults. Journal of Aging Research, 2011. doi: 10.4061/2011/605041Connection between mental and physical health. (n.d.). Canadian Mental Health Association. Retrieved from

• https://ontario.cmha.ca/documents/connection-between-mental-and-physical-healthCuijpers, P., Sijbrandij, M., Koole, S. L., Andersson, G., Beekman, A. T., & Reynolds III, C. F. (2013). The efficacy of psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy in treating depressive and anxiety disorders:

• A meta-analysis of direct comparisons. World Psychiatry, 12(2), 137-148. doi: 10.1002/wps.20038Ellertson, S., Lian, G., Vincent, S., Folk, M., & Folk, J. (2018, November 20). 15 reasons why some people don’t find therapy helpful. Retrieved from https://www.anxietycentre.com/anxiety-tips/15-reasons-why-some-people-dont-find-therapy-helpful.shtmlFor a healthy mind and body…talk to a psychologist. (n.d.). American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/talk.aspx

• How do I know if I need therapy? (2017, July 31). American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/seeking-therapy.aspxHunsley, J., Elliott, K., & Therrien, Z. (2013, September 10).

• The efficacy and effectiveness of psychological treatments. University of Ottawa. Retrieved from https://cpa.ca/docs/File/Practice/TheEfficacyAndEffectivenessOfPsychologicalTreatments_web.pdfMental health by the numbers. (2018).

• National Alliance on Mental Health. Retrieved from https://www.nami.org/learn-more/mental-health-by-the-numbersRecognition of psychotherapy effectiveness. (2012). American Psychological Association. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/about/policy/resolution-psychotherapy.aspy

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Privacy & Professionals Involved in Therapy

What about my privacy?

Seeking help is a very private matter and we take your privacy very seriously. The effectiveness of therapy depends on people feeling safe when talking to their therapist. Psychologists and anyone whom they are supervising have an ethical and legal obligation to maintain the confidentiality of their clients by not providing any information about therapy sessions to third parties without the client's permission. Our privacy policies are reviewed with you before starting treatment at the Mental Health First clinic.

What is the difference between a psychologist, psychiatrist, and psychotherapist? Which one do I need?

Psychologists, psychiatrists, and psychotherapists all provide psychotherapy. Their training and licensing requirements are different. Of all three designations, psychologists have the most extensive training in psychotherapy and mental health diagnosis, and the majority of research and development of effective psychotherapy approaches are conducted by psychologists. They majored in Psychology at the University level either in Masters or PhD in Psychology.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor

They completed their medical school just like any other medical doctor. They then complete a residency in psychiatry where they receive training in medication management, diagnosis, and psychotherapy for a range of mental health disorders.

A psychotherapist or a Psychologist is a certified professional from a particular school of therapy from any one or two out of six schools of psychotherapy

They would have trained in direct certification from them. They may or may not have pursued Psychology Major degree in any. If not done University study in it, then they can still provide therapy assuming they meet certain minimum requirements. But under expert supervision only and cannot function independently on their own. Whereas with a University degree, it is only an additional certification.

Beware of fake professionals!

For anyone not trained as a physician or psychologist, beware from them. Just by reading some psychology notes or books doesn't make a person a psychologist. It requires years of rigorous training & supervision to understand the human psyche.

Ask for certifications before proceeding forward and protect yourself from all fake professionals claiming to be psychologists, just because they can listen well.

How long are the sessions and how many sessions do I need?

Psychotherapy sessions are booked for 60 minutes and we usually recommend weekly one or two sessions, although this depends on the issue at hand, as a client’s goals may require more or less time. Many people like to know in advance how many sessions will be required given the time and cost involved in attending therapy. This is difficult to anticipate as it is different for each client and requires an initial consult to be able to advise you on this. As registered health professionals, we are obliged to provide treatment only if we believe it will be effective and to provide no more or less than what is necessary.

Thank you for reading!!

- Team Mental Health First

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