All About Group Therapy
In recent years there has been an increasing demand for mental health services in Canada. The increased awareness of the importance of mental health, reduced stigma, and modern stressors including the pandemic have increased people’s readiness to engage in psychological treatments. Although group therapy is not a new concept, there is increased access to this format of treatment as group sessions are able to effectively target a number of concerns while increasing efficiency and reducing cost. Furthermore, group treatments offer some unique benefits including meeting other people who may have shared experiences as well as opportunities for social connection.
The Effects of Exercise on Mental Health
The health benefits of physical exercise are well understood and it is undisputed that exercise prevents and improves a number of health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease1. However, more recent research shows that the positive effects of exercise are not limited to your physical health. Have you ever wondered why you feel better after your morning walk or trip to the gym? Or what exactly your friend means when they talk about their “runner’s high”? Exercise has been proven to have profound positive effects on mental health and overall wellbeing.
Different Types of Mental Health Professionals and What They Do
Mental health is complex, and requires a variety of different supports and treatments. Seeking help for mental, emotional, or relationship issues can be daunting as there are a number of mental health professionals who are able to provide various services—it can be hard to know where to begin! Finding the right professional will help meet your treatment goals.
A Basic Guide to Understanding CBT
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based therapy, meaning that research findings support its usefulness in improving mental health. Pioneered by Aaron Beck in the 1960s, CBT is regarded as a collaborative process between the counsellor and client with a brief, goal-oriented approach. Through this therapy, you will develop awareness of how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are interconnected, and then use that information to begin challenging old thinking habits and behaviours.
Smartphone Apps to Improve your Mental Health
Not surprisingly, the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the need for mental healthcare, which has in turn led to the development of new online services. In our expanding technological world, there is an abundance of helpful mental health apps and websites to choose from. Like traditional self-help and in-person mental health services, many of these online tools target self-management, challenging unhelpful thinking styles, skills-training, social support, and symptom and mood tracking.
Can Online or Phone Therapy Really Help Me?
Recent weeks have been challenging for many people, with the arrival of COVID-19 leading to a sudden shift to physical distancing and disruption for many in their personal and professional lives. This may be a time when more people than ever would benefit from individual psychotherapy, but may not think this is an option at present, given that in-person meetings are strongly discouraged. Like many clinics, out of necessity, we made the rapid transition from seeing our clients in person for therapy, to working completely virtually. This means that we are “seeing” clients either through an online video medium or telephone.