About Therapy by Dr. Beverly Pedroche

  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.  You’re Going to Get Called Out O

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

Overcoming The Mental Illness Stigma 5 Ways You Can Help One in five Americans, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), experiences a mental illness in their lifetime and one in twenty-five experiences a a serious mental illness that interferes with or limits one or more life functions. Despite these numbers, according to www.mentalhealth.gov, only 44% of adults with a diagnosable mental illness and less than 20% of children and adolescents receive treatment. While there are many reasons for this gap in care, one of the most commonly reported reasons for not receiving treatment is the stigma.  What Is Mental Illness Stigma? Mental illness stigma occurs when someone views a person in a negative way because they have a mental health disorder. It is a mark of disgrace that differentiates one from others, a negative belief system and negative behaviors that creates a prejudice which leads to damaging actions and discrimination. Stigma has been described as a

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

I Don't Have Time For Therapy... And Other Reasons to Consider Online Therapy So, you're interested in obtaining psychotherapy but don't want to take off hours from work to drive to a therapist's office, meander around searching for parking, and then drive back to work after an emotionally-laden session. I don't blame you. Wouldn't it be nice if your therapist could just come to you? Well, I've got good news. Keep reading. What is Telepsychology? Telepsychology is one term used to describe psychotherapy services offered via phone, interactive video, email, or text messaging. You may have heard these services referred to as distance therapy, e-therapy, virtual therapy, or web therapy. In this blog, I will be speaking of telepsychology services that are provided real-time via on-line video. Reasons to Consider Online Video Therapy: Confidentiality. Unfortunately, it is not unusual for clients to worry about the stigma of seeing a therapist. T

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