Author: Nuria Higuero Flores, Psychologist
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A Therapist’s Guide to Group Session Rating Scale (GSRS)
The Group Session Rating Scale (GSRS) is an ultra-brief, four-item visual analog scale designed specifically to measure therapeutic alliance in group therapy settings. Unlike traditional alliance measures that focus solely on the client-therapist relationship, the GSRS captures the multidimensional nature of group therapy by assessing both the client’s relationship with the group leader and their…
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Agnew Relationship Measure – 5 (ARM-5)
The Agnew Relationship Measure-5 (ARM-5) is a brief, five-item questionnaire that represents a carefully crafted synthesis of the core elements that define therapeutic alliance, designed specifically for the realities of contemporary clinical practice. Unlike lengthy assessment batteries, the ARM-5 takes a few minutes to complete. Its questions feel natural and relevant, capturing the essential dimensions…
/
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What is Congruence in Counselling?
Congruence in counselling is the ability of the therapist to be present, real, and genuinely themselves in the therapeutic relationship. If a client enters the therapy room, they know immediately whether the therapist is genuine or merely pretending to be professional. This innate sense of genuineness speaks to one of the most fundamental things about…
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What is a Therapeutic Contract in Counselling Therapy?
Therapeutic contracts may seem dull, even unnecessary for some, but without them the integrity of the psychological process falters. With no clear boundaries and a stable structure, the expectations of both parties are bound to differ. Clarifying the relationship, conditions, and points of possible disagreement beforehand is the recipe for success. In this guide, we…
/
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Therapeutic Alliance in Videoconferencing Psychotherapy (A Complete Guide)
The rise of telehealth has reshaped how clinicians build and sustain the therapeutic alliance in virtual settings, a core element of effective treatment. As virtual care continues to expand, many practitioners are learning how to create meaningful client connections through video-based platforms. While this approach offers greater flexibility and accessibility, it also brings important questions…
/
-
Working Alliance Inventory (WAI)
The Working Alliance Inventory was originally created by Horvath and Greenberg in 1989 to assess the quality of the alliance between therapist and client. When it comes to successful therapy, we have known for years that the relationship between therapist and client matters greatly. The therapeutic approach that you use does not matter as much…
/
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How to Deal with Talkative Clients in Therapy
Talkative clients are clients who talk endlessly, fill every silence, and bounce between topics without taking a breath. These talkative clients create special challenges in the therapy room. Good strategies can help sessions be productive while still respecting their way of communicating. This article will examine why some clients talk so much, practical ways to…
/
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15 Tips for Effective Couple Therapy Sessions
Couple therapy sessions are different compared to individual therapy sessions. Therapists have to handle the complex back-and-forth between partners while staying neutral and making sure everyone feels safe enough to be vulnerable. New therapists often find nothing in grad school that prepares them for how intense these sessions can get or how complicated the patterns…
/
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Using the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) in Therapy or Treatment Planning
The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) is an 18-item checklist made by the World Health Organization (WHO) along with ADHD experts, psychiatrists, and researchers to check for ADHD symptoms in adults, since ADHD looks different in adults than in kids. The questions follow DSM-IV criteria but use adult-focused language that shows how symptoms might pop…
/
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Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS)
The assessment of post-traumatic stress disorder needs good tools that help diagnose correctly and plan treatment. Without a comprehensive assessment, clinicians might miss PTSD symptoms or mix them up with other problems. Among these tools, the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale stands out as the gold standard for mental health workers. It gives a structured but…
/
-
A Therapist’s Guide to the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS)
The Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) helps clinicians measure the severity of an individual’s OCD symptoms. This tool has become the standard way to evaluate OCD in both therapy offices and research studies. When first meeting with someone who has OCD symptoms, the Y-BOCS gives clear numbers that show how serious the condition is and…
/
-
Clinical Supervision Models in Counselling
Clinical supervision models provide various approaches based on our stage of development as therapists, the challenges we encounter, and the feedback that best supports our growth. Clinical supervision isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. In fact, the type of supervision that helps a brand-new therapist build confidence isn’t necessarily what a seasoned clinician needs to refine their…
/
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Tips for First Therapy Session for Therapist
The connection built in the first therapy session can shape the entire therapeutic journey. Research consistently shows that the quality of the initial interaction significantly impacts treatment outcomes. It’s a delicate blend of professional skill and raw human empathy—where every word, every pause, and every shift in body language plays a role. There’s a moment—right…
/
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Self-esteem Treatment Plan: Help Clients Feel Better
There is often an underlying issue when people come to therapy battling depression, relationship issues, or job stress. Creating a self-esteem treatment plan is supporting clients through the nagging inner voice saying, “You’re not good enough.” Not only does it hurt them, but it builds walls around them, impacts their relationships, and keeps unhealthy patterns…
/
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Using MADRS for Depression: A Therapist’s Guide to Better Assessments
Depression assessment tools have come a long way since the early days of psychiatry, and one that has stood the test of time is the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). As therapists, having reliable measurement tools in our clinical arsenal is not only helpful but essential for tracking progress, making treatment decisions, and communicating effectively…
/
-
Conners Comprehensive Behavior Rating Scale (Conners CBRS)
Supporting the mental health of children and adolescents often feels like piecing together a complex and ever-changing puzzle. The Conners Comprehensive Behavior Rating Scale (CBRS) serves as a vital component, offering therapists, parents, and teachers a reliable framework to understand and address behavioral, emotional, and academic challenges in individuals aged 6 to 18. Whether identifying…
/
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Time Management Counseling (Techniques, Tips and Tools)
As psychologists and therapists, we’re in the business of helping others manage their mental health, relationships, and life challenges. Yet one of the most common struggles I encounter among my clients—and frankly, among colleagues as well—is the seemingly simple yet profoundly challenging task of managing time effectively. In my practice, I’ve found that time management…
/
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Treatment Plan for Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are often very complex and affect multiple parts of a person’s life. For many, food is not just food; it is security, punishment, or even a means of self-expression. It is a complex interplay of psychological, biological, and social factors, making recovery a difficult but achievable process.That’s why a structured treatment plan for…
/
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Evidence Based Practice in Mental Health (With Examples)
Evidence-based practice (EBP) in mental health is perceived as the standard for delivering effective, personalized care. By weaving together scientific research, clinical expertise, and the unique needs of patients, EBP transforms treatment into a dynamic, patient-centered process. This approach addresses a long-standing challenge: bridging the gap between groundbreaking research and real-world therapy. In doing so,…
/
-
Conducting a Successful Therapy Intake With Your Clients
That therapy intake session is where everything begins—part art, part science, and completely essential to get right. In those initial 45-50 minutes, we’re not just gathering information; we’re setting the foundation for the entire therapeutic relationship. The questions we ask (and how we ask them) determine whether clients will share what’s truly going on or…
/
-
Clinical Supervision in Counselling
Clinical supervision represents a crucial element of professional development in mental health fields. It is far more than a mere administrative requirement – it is a dynamic, collaborative process that intertwines professional skill enhancement, emotional support, and ethical accountability. Clinical Supervision – Supervisory Relationships Supervisory relationships are a complex blend of professional, education and therapeutic…
/
-
Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R)
The Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) is a powerful tool for uncovering the complexities of psychological distress. Widely used in both clinical and research settings, this self-report questionnaire helps therapists identify and measure symptoms across nine critical dimensions, from depression to anxiety. Its versatility and ease of use make it a go-to assessment for gaining a deeper…
/
-
Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children (TSCC)
Childhood trauma leaves deep emotional and psychological scars, often manifesting in ways that can profoundly affect a child’s development and well-being. It can shape the way they regulate emotions, form relationships, and even impact their physical health. For therapists, the stakes are high—early identification and intervention can make all the difference in helping a child…
/
-
Beck Depression Inventory (BDI): Uses, Reliability, Where to Take the Test
Therapists see the impact of depression in their work every day. It doesn’t discriminate—it affects people of all ages, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Depression often starts as a subtle but relentless shadow, clouding the ability to function or feel joy, leaving clients struggling to explain their symptoms or understand their own experiences. This can make…
/
-
A Therapist’s Guide to Group Session Rating Scale (GSRS)
The Group Session Rating Scale (GSRS) is an ultra-brief, four-item visual analog scale designed specifically to measure therapeutic alliance in group therapy settings. Unlike traditional alliance measures that focus solely on the client-therapist relationship, the GSRS captures the multidimensional nature of group therapy by assessing both the client’s relationship with the group leader and their…
/
-
Agnew Relationship Measure – 5 (ARM-5)
The Agnew Relationship Measure-5 (ARM-5) is a brief, five-item questionnaire that represents a carefully crafted synthesis of the core elements that define therapeutic alliance, designed specifically for the realities of contemporary clinical practice. Unlike lengthy assessment batteries, the ARM-5 takes a few minutes to complete. Its questions feel natural and relevant, capturing the essential dimensions…
/
-
What is Congruence in Counselling?
Congruence in counselling is the ability of the therapist to be present, real, and genuinely themselves in the therapeutic relationship. If a client enters the therapy room, they know immediately whether the therapist is genuine or merely pretending to be professional. This innate sense of genuineness speaks to one of the most fundamental things about…
/
-
What is a Therapeutic Contract in Counselling Therapy?
Therapeutic contracts may seem dull, even unnecessary for some, but without them the integrity of the psychological process falters. With no clear boundaries and a stable structure, the expectations of both parties are bound to differ. Clarifying the relationship, conditions, and points of possible disagreement beforehand is the recipe for success. In this guide, we…
/
-
Therapeutic Alliance in Videoconferencing Psychotherapy (A Complete Guide)
The rise of telehealth has reshaped how clinicians build and sustain the therapeutic alliance in virtual settings, a core element of effective treatment. As virtual care continues to expand, many practitioners are learning how to create meaningful client connections through video-based platforms. While this approach offers greater flexibility and accessibility, it also brings important questions…
/
-
Working Alliance Inventory (WAI)
The Working Alliance Inventory was originally created by Horvath and Greenberg in 1989 to assess the quality of the alliance between therapist and client. When it comes to successful therapy, we have known for years that the relationship between therapist and client matters greatly. The therapeutic approach that you use does not matter as much…
/
-
How to Deal with Talkative Clients in Therapy
Talkative clients are clients who talk endlessly, fill every silence, and bounce between topics without taking a breath. These talkative clients create special challenges in the therapy room. Good strategies can help sessions be productive while still respecting their way of communicating. This article will examine why some clients talk so much, practical ways to…
/
-
15 Tips for Effective Couple Therapy Sessions
Couple therapy sessions are different compared to individual therapy sessions. Therapists have to handle the complex back-and-forth between partners while staying neutral and making sure everyone feels safe enough to be vulnerable. New therapists often find nothing in grad school that prepares them for how intense these sessions can get or how complicated the patterns…
/
-
Using the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) in Therapy or Treatment Planning
The Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) is an 18-item checklist made by the World Health Organization (WHO) along with ADHD experts, psychiatrists, and researchers to check for ADHD symptoms in adults, since ADHD looks different in adults than in kids. The questions follow DSM-IV criteria but use adult-focused language that shows how symptoms might pop…
/
-
Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS)
The assessment of post-traumatic stress disorder needs good tools that help diagnose correctly and plan treatment. Without a comprehensive assessment, clinicians might miss PTSD symptoms or mix them up with other problems. Among these tools, the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale stands out as the gold standard for mental health workers. It gives a structured but…
/
-
A Therapist’s Guide to the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS)
The Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) helps clinicians measure the severity of an individual’s OCD symptoms. This tool has become the standard way to evaluate OCD in both therapy offices and research studies. When first meeting with someone who has OCD symptoms, the Y-BOCS gives clear numbers that show how serious the condition is and…
/
-
Clinical Supervision Models in Counselling
Clinical supervision models provide various approaches based on our stage of development as therapists, the challenges we encounter, and the feedback that best supports our growth. Clinical supervision isn’t a one-size-fits-all process. In fact, the type of supervision that helps a brand-new therapist build confidence isn’t necessarily what a seasoned clinician needs to refine their…
/
-
Tips for First Therapy Session for Therapist
The connection built in the first therapy session can shape the entire therapeutic journey. Research consistently shows that the quality of the initial interaction significantly impacts treatment outcomes. It’s a delicate blend of professional skill and raw human empathy—where every word, every pause, and every shift in body language plays a role. There’s a moment—right…
/
-
Self-esteem Treatment Plan: Help Clients Feel Better
There is often an underlying issue when people come to therapy battling depression, relationship issues, or job stress. Creating a self-esteem treatment plan is supporting clients through the nagging inner voice saying, “You’re not good enough.” Not only does it hurt them, but it builds walls around them, impacts their relationships, and keeps unhealthy patterns…
/
-
Using MADRS for Depression: A Therapist’s Guide to Better Assessments
Depression assessment tools have come a long way since the early days of psychiatry, and one that has stood the test of time is the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). As therapists, having reliable measurement tools in our clinical arsenal is not only helpful but essential for tracking progress, making treatment decisions, and communicating effectively…
/
-
Conners Comprehensive Behavior Rating Scale (Conners CBRS)
Supporting the mental health of children and adolescents often feels like piecing together a complex and ever-changing puzzle. The Conners Comprehensive Behavior Rating Scale (CBRS) serves as a vital component, offering therapists, parents, and teachers a reliable framework to understand and address behavioral, emotional, and academic challenges in individuals aged 6 to 18. Whether identifying…
/
-
Time Management Counseling (Techniques, Tips and Tools)
As psychologists and therapists, we’re in the business of helping others manage their mental health, relationships, and life challenges. Yet one of the most common struggles I encounter among my clients—and frankly, among colleagues as well—is the seemingly simple yet profoundly challenging task of managing time effectively. In my practice, I’ve found that time management…
/
-
Treatment Plan for Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are often very complex and affect multiple parts of a person’s life. For many, food is not just food; it is security, punishment, or even a means of self-expression. It is a complex interplay of psychological, biological, and social factors, making recovery a difficult but achievable process.That’s why a structured treatment plan for…
/
-
Evidence Based Practice in Mental Health (With Examples)
Evidence-based practice (EBP) in mental health is perceived as the standard for delivering effective, personalized care. By weaving together scientific research, clinical expertise, and the unique needs of patients, EBP transforms treatment into a dynamic, patient-centered process. This approach addresses a long-standing challenge: bridging the gap between groundbreaking research and real-world therapy. In doing so,…
/
-
Conducting a Successful Therapy Intake With Your Clients
That therapy intake session is where everything begins—part art, part science, and completely essential to get right. In those initial 45-50 minutes, we’re not just gathering information; we’re setting the foundation for the entire therapeutic relationship. The questions we ask (and how we ask them) determine whether clients will share what’s truly going on or…
/
-
Clinical Supervision in Counselling
Clinical supervision represents a crucial element of professional development in mental health fields. It is far more than a mere administrative requirement – it is a dynamic, collaborative process that intertwines professional skill enhancement, emotional support, and ethical accountability. Clinical Supervision – Supervisory Relationships Supervisory relationships are a complex blend of professional, education and therapeutic…
/
-
Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R)
The Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) is a powerful tool for uncovering the complexities of psychological distress. Widely used in both clinical and research settings, this self-report questionnaire helps therapists identify and measure symptoms across nine critical dimensions, from depression to anxiety. Its versatility and ease of use make it a go-to assessment for gaining a deeper…
/
-
Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children (TSCC)
Childhood trauma leaves deep emotional and psychological scars, often manifesting in ways that can profoundly affect a child’s development and well-being. It can shape the way they regulate emotions, form relationships, and even impact their physical health. For therapists, the stakes are high—early identification and intervention can make all the difference in helping a child…
/
-
Beck Depression Inventory (BDI): Uses, Reliability, Where to Take the Test
Therapists see the impact of depression in their work every day. It doesn’t discriminate—it affects people of all ages, cultures, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Depression often starts as a subtle but relentless shadow, clouding the ability to function or feel joy, leaving clients struggling to explain their symptoms or understand their own experiences. This can make…
/