About Therapy by Dr. Beverly Pedroche

 5 Lessons I Learned From My Dog My dog is awesome-sauce! But in addition to being man's, or in my case, woman's best friend, he is an incredible teacher of some pretty valuable life lessons. From Baxter, I have learned: 1. Communicate your needs. Make requests of others. When Baxter wants a walk, he growls at the front door. When he wants a treat, he stares at the treat jar and licks his lips (yes, I googled it. Dogs have lips...well, lip-like structures). When he wants to be petted, he nudges me with his cold, wet nose. Yet we "sophisticated" human beings stink at asking for what we want. Instead we expect others to know what we want. I, as a therapist, see this communication style in couples therapy. "He should know I want flowers for our anniversary." "By now, she should know that I don't like to drive long distances. I want her to drive." Ultimately those sessions end with someone frustratedly saying, "How would I know that? You never...

  The Darkside of Therapy “Go see a therapist,” they said. “You’ll feel better,” they said. Well, take it from a therapist (who has been in therapy), there’s more to the story…   If you think you’re going to go to a therapist, tell them your problems, get some quick answers that solve all your life problems, and walk out feeling better, you’re wrong. Here’s what actually happens in those “therapeutic safe spaces.”  You’re Going To Feel Like Crap!  Yep, it’s true. Therapy is exhausting.  You’re Going To Look Like Crap, Too!  Forget the eye make-up. Bring your jade roller for those puffy eyes instead. Those damn therapists find a way to get the waterworks going. It’s some kind of weird therapists sorcery. You walk in with some pep-in-your-step ready to talk about your new car and you leave looking like a hot mess. It’s Like Being Back In School.  Homework? Seriously? I just gave you $150 and you’re telling me that the “growth” happens outside of session....

10 Tips for Mental Wellness During COVID-19 The outbreak of COVID-19 is causing an increase in emotional distress including anxiety, depression, and feelings of powerlessness. Here are some actions that you can take to take care of your mental health during this time of uncertainty: 1. Get Moving!  I see you there...on your couch...for the upteenth hour this week. This tip is for YOU! When you exercise, the brain releases feel good chemicals called endorphins. Who doesn't want more feel good chemicals??? Research has proved that exercise reduces depression and anxiety, improves self-esteem, and serves as stress relief. It's freaking science people! Get moving and feel better! You don't have to run a marathon of buy a state-of-the-art home gym. Do something you enjoy. Take a long walk with Fido, stretch while listening to your favorite tunes, jump on the trampoline with the kids, or challenge your best friend to a virtual competition of who can do the most body ...

Sober And Still Unhappy You admitted that you have a problem, that you were powerless and all that jazz. You survived the physical detox process that, by the way, was not a mere "7 to 10 days." You're feeling like a crazy person. You're not exactly sure what serenity feels like, but this definitely is not it. Your emotions are all over the place. You can't cope with the slightest discomfort. Everything is stressing you out. Reading this article is stressing you out and you're ready for me to just get to the point, right? So, What Exactly Is Wrong With You? Dual Diagnosis...Maybe... When an individual suffers from both addiction and a mental disorder (such as depression or anxiety), it is called a dual diagnosis. The risk of relapse is high for those who are dually diagnosed unless the individual seeks treatment for both the substance abuse and the mental illness. According to Oltmanns and Emery (2007), approximately 40% of people with alcoholism hav...

Reasons NOT to Use Your Insurance for Psychotherapy So, you're interested in getting some therapy and you have insurance. Perhaps you've even selected a therapist. What else is there to think about other than scheduling, right? Well, keep reading... A Psychologists' Perspective I believe that they duration of treatment (number of sessions), what is addressed in treatment, and the type of treatment provided should not be dictated by your insurance company (people who have never met you and may not even be medical professionals). These decisions should be made jointly by you and your therapist. Unfortunately, insurance can become a hindrance to obtaining effective, specialized mental health treatment. A Clients' Perspective As the recipient of therapy, here are just some of the reasons to consider not using your insurance for therapy: Control of Treatment You may choose the professional who you believe is the most competent to treat you. If you use your ...

Yet Another Blog Post about Gratitude (Read this One) It’s that time of year where every other blog post is about gratitude.  ‘Tis the season, right?  According to David Steindl-Rast, a Catholic Benedictine monk, scholar, and author, who has inspired generations with his inspirational messages about finding gratitude in every moment of life, "The root of joy is gratefulness."  Well, who doesn't want joy?  But how does one do about becoming more grateful? The Stack of Blank Gratitude Journals Most people have heard of a gratitude journal.  Oprah kept one daily for a decade and recommended that we all follow suit.  But if you can barely remember or find time to brush your teeth before bedtime, you may find it hard to consistently keep a gratitude journal.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great idea with many benefits. I have a collection of lovely journals including several attractive ones with motivational quotes on the cover that I just had to h...

‘Tis The Season To Be…Stressed! 5 Tips for Coping with Holiday Stress If buying the perfect gift that’s likely out of your budget, baking an exquisite dessert that can could compete with those made by Martha Stewart, attending drunk Uncle’s holiday party, decorating your home to look like a photo straight out of Town and Country magazine, all while managing your usual daily responsibilities leaves you feeling overwhelmed, you aren’t alone.  Stress, anxiety, and depression can crush your holiday spirit and be detrimental to your physical and mental health.  Here are some practical tips to help you fend off the holiday blues:  1. Just Say No.  I recently heard a quote that is my new favorite:  By saying yes to one thing, you’re saying no to something else.  I tried to find the original author, but it appears that many people are taking credit for this brilliant thought.  By agreeing to participate in a 3 rd Secret Santa, are you taking an h...

What is Psychotherapy? Good news!  You don’t have to lie on a couch and blame your mother for all life’s problems. Psychotherapy is the process of meeting with a therapist, if it’s with me – a psychologist, to resolve problematic issues through talk-therapy. Through therapy, you will gain improved understanding of your own thoughts, feelings and behaviors, learn skills to cope with your difficulties, and obtain guidance.  It’s different from just talking to a friend because therapists are trained to utilize scientifically validated techniques to help you live a healthier and more content life.  It’s an interactive process and depending on the therapists’ orientation (a fancy term for the way the therapist understands and treats your problems), both you and the therapist will be talking to some extent.  For many people, just having a place to share their feelings openly, without fear of judgment, is helpful.  What To Expect in a Psychotherapy Sess...

If you're concerned about a friend, this is a cute and short video about friends helping friends and when to suggest that a friend seek professional help. Click here to learn more about Dr. Pedroche