Psychologists must be cautious when naming a disorder for a client. Several mental health conditions share overlapping traits, which can increase the risk of misdiagnosis. An inaccurate diagnosis can lead to ineffective treatment, so it is essential that clinicians take the time to assess symptoms thoroughly. Our primary responsibility is to ensure that every client... Continue Reading →
Emotions can be powerful, confusing, and sometimes difficult to put into words. Many people know they feel “bad” or “off” but struggle to explain exactly what they’re feeling. The Emotion Wheel, developed by psychologist Robert Plutchik, was designed to solve this problem by offering a clear, visual way to identify, organize, and understand emotions. By... Continue Reading →
Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) describes a difference in how the brain interprets and responds to sensory information. This includes input from sight, sound, touch, taste, smell and movement. For people with SPD, everyday sensory experiences can feel overwhelming, underwhelming or confusing, making daily life more challenging. While SPD is most often identified in childhood, it... Continue Reading →
Being intentional about your thoughts can be a weird concept. It’s hard to think about how you can control your thoughts when they just naturally pop into your head. Well, practicing positive self-talk can actually shift the structure of your natural thoughts. Do you find yourself constantly identifying the negatives in situations, worrying... Continue Reading →
This is a huge debate within the field of psychology. It is essentially genetics versus nurture. To better figure this out let us define each. Nature refers to our DNA and what qualities and traits we receive by just being born. Nurture refers to how our experience shapes us. Charles Darwin tilted more to the... Continue Reading →
Setting boundaries is a form of self-care, even though we usually think of relaxation techniques or pampering when we think of self-care. However, when you set boundaries in your relationships, you are protecting yourself and caring for yourself. Creating healthy boundaries will allow you to be your own person while still having intimate relationships and... Continue Reading →
If you have ever been in counseling, you may have heard your counselor refer to the “DSM” during a session. Or, even better, perhaps they have pulled out the DSM during session and have gone through specific material with you. DSM is the acronym for The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. It is... Continue Reading →
Although I identify as a Black person of African and Caribbean heritage, and American socialization, I am still struggling with the word “Black people.” As I selected those two words as the first for the title of this blog, I imagine that some people may feel certain ways when they read it. They may wonder,... Continue Reading →
Emotions are signals our bodies send us to tell us what is happening in any given situation. Regulating our emotions is so important, especially if we tend to experience them intensely or we act out on them in unhealthy ways. Below are some questions you can cycle through when an overwhelming situation arises to slow... Continue Reading →
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