Counsellor or Psychologist: What’s the difference?

Counsellor, psychologist, social worker...these terms are often used interchangeably with everyone in the same “therapy” bucket. In fact, each title comes with a different level of education and experience. As part of connecting with different therapists to find the right fit for you, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what each position can offer to help you on your journey.

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Taming Tension In Recovery by Kimberly Hayes

Jennifer Berard Psychology is happy to introduce guest author, Kimberly Hayes. This article focuses on alternative therapies and healthy hobbies that individuals may want to consider on their journey to recovery. 

Taming Tension in Recovery

Not everyone has the funds or the flexibility to attend an inpatient or residential treatment program to help them address addiction. Yet, they might not be willing or able to successfully embark on the path to sobriety on their own. 

 

People who are discontinuing drug or alcohol use and detoxing in their early days of sobriety may need aggressive interventions including behavioral counseling or medication to manage withdrawal symptoms or help prevent a relapse. Health professionals might also need to address other conditions, including anxiety and depression, that often go hand in hand with substance use and abuse. 

 

Alternative Therapies

 

Complementary treatment including nutritional therapy and meditation training might be integrated into some of these early stages of rehabilitation. They can also be part of a care and maintenance program designed to help those in recovery maintain mental, physical, and emotional health long term. Then there are ongoing strategies that the person in recovery can implement themselves to help manage the stress that comes with work, relationships, and so many other aspects of everyday life in today’s world. 

 

For example, individuals in recovery might use chiropractic care, acupuncture, and physical therapy to help them control chronic pain and other medical issues without the use of prescription opioid painkillers or other drugs, especially if they present a relapse risk. They might also discover healthy hobbiesto help them manage stress and maintain mental wellbeing on their own.

 

Healthy Hobbies

 

Indeed, many people in recovery find it can be challenging to adopt constructive ways to occupy the time they spent pursuing and consuming the substances they once abused. Exercise, especially when done outdoors, can be an excellent way to stave off stress. And you don’t need to train for a triathlon to reap rewards. In fact, a recent study found just five minutes spent in green space is enough to lift people’s spirits. So even a short stint gardening or a walk around the park on your lunch hour can help relieve stress by getting you up, active, and out of doors.

 

Writing, especially if it’s in the form of journaling, can also help tackle tension because it allows you to put your negative thoughts on paper and into perspective. A journal is also a great venue for expressing gratitude and practicing positive thought patterns.

 

Reading for pleasure is another a great way to use your downtime productively while still reducing stress. In fact, research has shown readingcan reduce muscle tension and even lower your heart rate. And the body tends to experience a relaxation response faster when you spend time reading than when you devote downtime to listening to music or sipping a soothing cup of hot tea. 

 

Like reading, deep breathing can reduce your heart rate. And it can be used at almost any time you find your heart racing. Progressive muscle relaxation can also help relieve stress in any setting. All you have to do is tighten and release muscles, beginning with your largest muscle group, until you've tamed the tension throughout your body. 

 

When you have more time on your hands, consider giving some of it away. Volunteering is another mood-boosting pursuit that is beneficial to both the volunteer and the organization they are serving. You might consider volunteering at a local animal shelter since studies show interacting with animals can provide a mood boost. Or you could donate your time and effort to a homeless shelter or nonprofit educational organization to name just a few options.

 

Alternative treatments like yoga and chiropractic care probably won’t be the starting point in your recovery journey. But they can help someone struggling with substance abuse get on the right track and stay there for the long haul.

 

Author

 

Kimberly Hayes enjoys writing about health and wellness and created PublicHealthAlert.info to help keep the public informed about the latest developments in popular health issues and concerns. In addition to studying to become a crisis intervention counselor, Kimberly is hard at work on her new book, which discusses the ins and outs of alternative addiction treatments.

To every single person who has shared and trusted me over the years, I offer the most heartfelt thank you. If it was for a moment or a year, I am always and forever humbled.

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An Open Letter from a Therapist to His Clients

Dear Fellow Travelers, I’ll be the first to admit, writing a letter like this is unusual. We’re not supposed to talk in public about what we talk about in private. You’re supposed to hide your decision to see me, as if it means you’re more damaged…

ARTISANCLINICAL.COM

 

chronic Stress

Do you suffer from chronic stress? It's hard not to be plagued by feelings of stress but its effect on our brain function, especially over long periods of time, is significant. This short video helps to outline the impact of chronic stress and the importance of self care. 

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How chronic stress can affect the brain's size, structure, and how it functions:

I have been on the front lines of addiction treatment in various capacities for nearly 17 years and this couldn't be more true. For so many, drugs and alcohol are the only things that comfort the trauma that many of us could not even begin to imagine. Those who find recovery are amazing and inspiring because they keep going and they keep fighting when so many would give up. I have witnessed so much hurt and pain but I have been present for so many miracles. If you're in the fight keep trying. There are so many of us that see you and support you. 

#yyc #counselling #therapy #depression #anxiety #emotionalregulation#askforhelp #stressmanagment  #addiction #loveyourself#addictionawareness #fentanyl #opiate #opiodecrisis

 

Professionals

A reminder for all of us out there in the helping professions. It's important we invest as much time taking care of ourselves as the people we help. 

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5 Simple Self-Care Tips for Therapists, Body Workers, and Coaches

Most of us who decide to dedicate our career lives to a “helping profession” such as therapy, counseling, coaching, massage, energy work, yoga instruction, or…

DIANEPOOLEHELLER.COM

 

Stress

"If the stress response is not processed, it remains in the tissues of the body. When a subsequent stressful event that does not pose a serious threat occurs, the traumatic memory is recalled."

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Stress: It’s Not in Your Head, it’s in Your Nervous System

How to release traumatic memory that could be stored in your body.

UPLIFTCONNECT.COM