Mentalyc Blog
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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 […]
Nuria Higuero Flores, Psychologist -
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 […]Nuria Higuero Flores, Psychologist -
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 […]Nuria Higuero Flores, Psychologist -
Client resistance means unwillingness or opposition to change and growth in therapy sessions. This could be conscious or unconscious. Resistance can cause ruptures in the therapeutic alliance and hence it is important to be aware of the kinds of resistance that there are and how a therapist can work with a resistant client. This article […]
Gargi Singh, Psychologist -
The American Psychological Association defines Gender Dysphoria as severe distress that occurs when an individual’s gender identity is not the same as the sex they were assigned at birth. Dysphoria can cause a substantial effect on transgender and non-binary people’s mental and social well-being, which is why it is so crucial for mental health treatment professionals to create customized, comprehensive treatment plans aimed at addressing each client’s individual needs. Whether you have been working with gender-diverse clients throughout your career or are new to this practice, […]
Courtney Gardner, MSW -
Building clients’ self-esteem is more than sharing their experiences during therapy. In many circumstances, therapists must take action to improve their client’s self-confidence. This article aims to guide therapists who seek to improve clients self-esteem. Clients with healthy self-esteem have better mental health outcomes. They also have reduced levels of anxiety and can handle difficult […]
Adesuwa Olajire, LCP -
Clients in therapy display a wide variety of emotions and behaviors, and some may even pose particular “difficulties”. “Difficult” can refer to a variety of things. These are clients who remain aloof and quiet in the sessions, overly chatty, unwilling to participate, or even hostile and aggressive might be considered challenging. Such behaviors presented by […]Gargi Singh, Psychologist
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Podcasts for therapists can be a valuable resource offering insights, strategies, and professional growth opportunities. For the longest time I did not understand podcasts. Listening to podcasts was never a part of my ‘to do’. Not until the time when my supervisor recommended “When Therapy Stalls” for a case I was having a tough time […]Gargi Singh, Psychologist -
For a long time, therapists have taken notes by hand during therapy sessions. However, this traditional method can be overwhelming and time-consuming. To address this, AI clinical note generators were introduced to help therapists save time and improve productivity. These tools assist therapists in writing progress notes and managing their documentation more efficiently. Some therapists […]Adesuwa Olajire, LCP -
At some point or another, therapists learn how difficult it can be to work with manipulative clients who test limits, distort language, and use guilt as a weapon. When this happens, therapists must gracefully walk the thin line between engaging with clients through empathic listening while resisting their client’s attempts at control and manipulation. This article will delve into how to effectively work with clients with manipulative tendencies, why these behaviors occur […]Courtney Gardner, MSW -
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 […]Nuria Higuero Flores, Psychologist -
Progress notes are vital aspects of mental health care. They keep track of the therapeutic process and provide a record of the client’s progress. However, therapists can make mistakes during the documentation, which compromises the effectiveness of client treatment. This can subject clinicians to vulnerabilities related to professional liability. These errors include using unclear language […]Adesuwa Olajire, LCP -
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 […]Nuria Higuero Flores, Psychologist -
In Case You Are Wondering About “What Are Progress Notes in Mental Health and How to Write Them?”, This Blog Is for You! When interviewing new clients, most therapists insist on delving deep into the famous question: “What were the effects and upshots of previous counseling, if any?” This is one of the smartest ways […]
Dr. Salwa Zeineddine -
Whether you’re an Registered Behavior Technician or any other kind of therapist, you’ve probably been jotting down notes ever since you started practicing. However, you may not have received proper guidance on how to efficiently craft them to provide maximum value to your client’s interdisciplinary team. Or, you might be an expert when it comes […]Dr. Salwa Zeineddine -
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 […]Nuria Higuero Flores, Psychologist -
The importance of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) cannot be over-emphasized. Making sure that you and your organization stay compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is of utmost importance with respect to keeping patient information safe. A step in the right direction is choosing the right HIPAA compliant EHR for your practice. […]
Ehab Youssef, Psychologist -
Every therapist knows the importance of protecting client data from prying eyes. However, making a choice from several HIPAA compliant scheduling software could be difficult. In this article, we will be showing you the 10 best HIPAA compliant scheduling software, their features including the pros and cons. Best HIPAA Compliant Scheduling Software in 2024 1. […]Ehab Youssef, Psychologist -
When we meet with a client for the first time, we are not just checking boxes on an evaluation sheet; we are witnessing someone’s courage in seeking treatment and sharing their story. Every question we ask serves two purposes: gathering vital clinical information while also creating connection and demonstrating genuine empathy. Through careful investigation and […]Ehab Youssef, Psychologist -
For therapists seeking to increase their knowledge and improve their practice, selecting the right literature can be life changing. Good books not only offer insights into complex psychological theories and therapeutic techniques but also provide real-life examples that can be used in daily sessions with clients. These books often cover a broad range of topics, […]Ehab Youssef, Psychologist -
DBT is fundamentally concerned with balancing two seemingly conflicting concepts: acceptance and transformations. Dialectical foundation means we can accept the Status quo while at the same time trying to make things get better. Think of it like standing in a doorway: We get to look at things from where we’re at and enjoy what we […]Ehab Youssef, Psychologist -
Couples therapy is a structured way of helping partners navigate relationship problems, improving communication, and reestablishing closeness. A clearly defined couples therapy treatment plan serves as a guide to therapy, offering guidance for sessions and progress monitoring. It helps couples and therapists stay goal-oriented when addressing specific problems that arise in the relationship. Assessment and […]
Silvi Saxena, MBA, LSW -
In the context of mental health, communication skills therapy refers to the abilities individuals utilize to express their feelings, thoughts, and emotions effectively while also understanding the verbal and non-verbal messages conveyed by others. These skills include: Enhancing communication skills is crucial for effective therapy, fostering strong interpersonal relationships, and deepening self-awareness. Importance of communication […]Gargi Singh, Psychologist -
Therapy Shelf and Note Designer are note-writing software platforms used by mental health professionals. They both offer reliable organizing features that provide efficient documentation for therapists. The two software tools help therapists to easily write accurate progress notes seamlessly. Therapy Shelf and Note Designer enables therapists efficiently manage their workflow and provide better services to […]Adesuwa Olajire, LCP