Ethics in counseling refers to the standards and principles that govern the professional conduct of therapists. Ethics refers to the system of moral principles which guide human behaviour. It outlines what is right, what is fair, what is just, and what is good. Ethics in counseling are not mere rules, as a therapeutic space is […]
Therapeutic alliance in group therapy is a complex web of relationships between the therapist and the clients, and the relationship amongst the group members themselves. It is more layered, more relational, and sometimes more fragile. The therapeutic alliance, is the collaborative interaction & connection between the mental health professional and their clients. The bed of […]
Starting your counseling private practice is a career move that is a step into professional independence. It’s where clinical work meets entrepreneurship, where values begin shaping the practice environment, and where your presence can directly support your community’s mental health needs. Counseling Private Practice in Texas When it comes to private practice in Texas, they […]
Treatment plan for OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) involves understanding the amount of impact the obsessions and compulsions have on a person’s life. It is often a debilitating mental health concern with a pervasive effect on many aspects of human life. It shows up in different ways and in different degrees. Therefore, there is no one-treatment-that-fits-all, there […]
The Cognitive Therapy Rating Scale (CTRS) is an evaluative tool used by mental health professionals to rate a therapist’s Cognitive Therapy (CT) skills during therapy sessions. Cognitive Therapy is a type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). It focuses on changing unhelpful thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that negatively affects an individual’s wellbeing. The CTRS is used […]
Building and maintaining a strong therapeutic alliance is a complex process shaped by multiple interrelated factors. The factors influencing therapeutic alliance include characteristics of the therapist, the client, and the broader context in which therapy takes place. This article offers a comprehensive overview of the primary factors that influence the therapeutic alliance, organized into therapist-related, […]
Formulated on the basis of research conducted by William R. Miller and Stephen Rollick, Motivational Interviewing is an evidence-based, goal-directed, client-directed approach to mobilizing a client’s internal motivation to change. Empathically driven, MI works through and beyond ambivalence without confronting or evading it. MI integrates synergistically with the vast majority of treatment modalities, Cognitive-Behavioral, Acceptance […]
Mental health risk assessment is the systematic evaluation of whether someone might harm themselves or others, and yet it’s the most critical skill you’ll never feel fully prepared for. Despite being fundamental to treatment planning and legal documentation, most clinicians still get a pit-in-the-stomach feeling when a session takes a turn toward safety concerns. It’s […]
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is fundamentally about working alongside clients as they dig into their own reasons for wanting change instead of telling them what they should do. We’ve all experienced those sessions where this becomes invaluable. Picture yourself sitting across from a client who expresses wanting something to change, yet somehow, every week feels like […]
The Session Rating Scale (SRS) is a simple but efficient way to get immediate feedback about clients’ experiences in therapy. It shows the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and client during sessions. With the Session Rating Scale (SRS) therapists can find out how the client feels about a session. They can also check if their method […]
The online disinhibition effect is a psychological effect whereby people are more honest, frank, or passionate about themselves within online communities than they would be face-to-face. Therapeutically, this is expressed when clients are surprisingly relaxed sharing confidential, even intimate information within the first phases of the relationship, or when they email emotionally charged messages between […]
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 […]
Clinical notes are part of everyday practice in mental health settings. Each entry records what was observed, discussed, and addressed in session with the client. These notes support accurate documentation. They also guide the next steps in client care. As a therapist, clear writing ensures that nothing important is missed. This article explains how to […]
Billing in group therapy involves understanding specific CPT codes, insurance requirements, and reimbursement structures unique to group treatment modalities. Picture this: You have just finished leading your first therapy group. Eight participants had significant engagement, and everyone left feeling hopeful. You’re riding high on that “this is why I became a therapist” feeling until you […]
Electronic Health Records (EHRs) are digital versions of clients’ paper records. They allow healthcare practitioners to view client records faster and quicker. A typical EHR contains details about the client’s medical history. It also contains treatment plans, medications and details that ensure clients receive personalized care. EHR implementation ensures that practices improve their effectiveness and […]
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 […]
Cultural Competence in therapy is about the therapist being aware, acknowledging, and accepting of cultural differences that might exist between them and the client, treating these differences with curiosity, compassionate inquiry and respect. Cultural competence helps the therapist maintain an unconditional positive regard towards their client, which in turn helps facilitate a strong therapeutic alliance […]
SimplePractice, TherapyNotes and TheraNest are three popular EHRs and practice management software. They have several features that help you streamline your workflow. Before making a choice, it is important for you to know the pros and cons of each EHR system for private practices. Managing your mental health practice is easier when you use a […]
ICANotes and TherapyNotes are two popular EHRs (Electronic Health Records) that health professionals use. To run your private practice effectively, you need the right Electronic Health Record system and Practice Management Software. Without these systems, the paperwork and administrative responsibilities could be overwhelming. In this article, we will examine the features of both options and […]
The most effective therapy techniques and interventions are those that are carefully tailored to the unique needs, circumstances, and readiness of each client. Over the course of my clinical experience, I have come to understand that the power of any given technique is largely dependent on the strength of the therapeutic alliance and the client’s […]
Confidentiality is one of the most essential elements in the practice of counseling, serving as both a legal obligation and an ethical commitment. At its core, confidentiality ensures that personal information shared by clients during therapy sessions is not disclosed without their consent. This principle not only protects the privacy of individuals but also creates […]
In the world of psychoanalysis, the therapeutic alliance is more than just a professional bond—it is the crucible for emotional growth, self-discovery, and psychic integration. Rooted in mutual respect, a shared commitment to the process, and the capacity to withstand emotional turbulence, the alliance in psychoanalytic therapy creates a unique space where the unconscious can […]
In a rapidly evolving mental health landscape—particularly in regions where awareness is growing but accessibility remains inconsistent—therapists with private practice face both a challenge and an opportunity. The challenge lies in navigating a saturated market where simply being qualified is no longer enough. The opportunity, however, is immense: more people are actively seeking support, and […]
The CPT Code 90849 is for multiple-family group psychotherapy, a form of treatment that brings families together to heal. Participants share the therapy space, share their own experiences, support one another, and use this group dynamic to encourage them to grow in one another’s company. This guide breaks CPT Code 90849 down into uncomplicated, practical […]
