This content has been updated from previous article on October 4, 2020. In the realm of mental health and emotional well-being, seeking communal support and guidance has become increasingly popular and effective. Group settings offer unique environments for individuals to share experiences, find solace, and work through personal challenges. Two common forms of group settings, often used interchangeably but with distinct purposes, are Group Therapy and Support Groups. Understanding the differences between these two can significantly impact the type of assistance one seeks and the benefits one receives. So, what’s the difference? And how can someone determine which type of group best fits their needs? To find out, we chatted with licensed therapist Aimee Smrz, PhD. Dr. Smrz works in our offices in Massachusetts and helps patients cope with a wide variety of issues, including anxiety, chronic pain, depression, childhood trauma, and relationship problems. After earning her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Adelphi University, Dr. Smrz completed a postdoctoral fellowship with Harvard Medical School and Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates. She then continued her work at Harvard Vanguard until transitioning to PCA/CFPS recen...

This content has been updated from previous article on October 25, 2020. Mental health care is not a one-size-fits-all type of healthcare. Much like with physical health issues, people with mental health conditions need varying levels of care based on the severity of their symptoms. However, it can be hard for people to determine the right level of care for a loved one in a mental health crisis. The standard level of care often entails weekly appointments with a therapist and periodic medication management check-ins, but it may not suit everyone’s needs. In cases where an individual’s mental health condition poses an immediate threat to their physical well-being, a more intensive care plan becomes imperative. Such situations could involve severe, acute conditions like active suicidal ideation, intense self-harm behaviors, or psychosis. In these instances, a higher level of care, such as inpatient hospitalization or a day program, may be necessary to provide immediate support, safety, and specialized treatment to stabilize the individual’s mental health and prevent harm....

This content has been updated from previous article on December 15, 2020. When you’ve lived with a mental illness for a long time, you can start to believe that you will always have negative thought patterns. For example, people with chronic Anxiety disorders may assume they will always worry a lot. People with depression may not see a way to be consistently happy or even content. Trauma survivors may believe that they will forever be on-edge. With a mindset like that, it’s easy to lose all hope. One relatively new, hard-to-pronounce concept offers optimism: neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity, or the brain’s ability to rewire and adapt, can benefit virtually everyone. It’s not limited to specific groups; rather, it’s a fundamental property of the human brain. People of all ages and backgrounds can harness neuroplasticity to enhance cognitive abilities, recover from injuries, or overcome various challenges. It’s particularly valuable for stroke patients, those with learning disabilities, individuals seeking to improve memory or motor skills, and even those looking to optimize cognitive function. Brain training exercises, therapy, and mindfulness techniques can all tap into neuroplasticity’s...

Couples therapy is essential for fixing relationships, but people think you only need it when something is wrong. There are many reasons why people seek out couples therapy; these include but are not limited to navigating communication issues between partners, life transitions like marriage, parenthood, and retirement, as well as crisis points like dealing with infidelity, addiction, or major marital conflicts. Relationships are beautiful, complex, and sometimes challenging journeys. When couples face obstacles, seeking professional help through couples therapy can be crucial to healing and strengthening their bond. Understanding your initial motivation to seek therapy is the first step in the journey to couple’s therapy. Once you’ve read the advice columns, listened to the podcasts, and talked to your partner, then you are ready. Ready to let someone else into your relationship: a therapist. But knowing where to start is challenging. What to ask them and what to expect from couples therapy can be daunting....

Family dynamics can often be complex, shaped by a multitude of influences and events. When these lead to persistent conflict, miscommunication, or emotional distress, Family Therapy can serve as a potent treatment. Families may consider therapy at various stages of their lives to navigate challenges and strengthen their relationships. Families with school-age children may seek therapy to address communication issues, academic stress, or behavioral concerns. Newlyweds may opt for premarital counseling to enhance communication and build a strong foundation for their marriage. Blended families may benefit from therapy to navigate the complexities of integrating different family dynamics and foster unity. Families post-divorce may seek counseling to co-parent effectively and manage emotions during the transition. Empty nesters might seek therapy to cope with the significant transition of their children leaving home and rediscover shared interests. Furthermore, families experiencing major life changes, such as relocation, loss, or financial stress, may find therapy helpful in processing emotions and fostering resilience....

The Importance of Choosing a Therapist for You Mental health has become a significant focal point in our society, and for good reason. Although previously overlooked, mental health conditions are commonplace, and significantly impact wellbeing in a multitude of ways. As such, finding an experienced mental health professional for optimal care is paramount. Understanding the Role of a Therapist A therapist’s responsibility encompasses the evaluation of both mental and physical realm of psychological issues. Being medical practitioners with a focus on mental health and substance misuse disorders, they have the ability to identify conditions, offer treatments, and deliver diff...

New Depression Medications Bring a New Dawn to Treatment 60 years ago, Prozac brought a seismic shift in Depression treatment, shining a new ray of hope into millions of lives. Today, we stand at the threshold of another breakthrough – a new throng of antidepressants, promising yet another transformative shift in mental health care. Welcome to a new era of hope and recovery. Then and Now – From Prozac to Auvelity®, Spravato® and Zulresso® The percentage of U.S. adults who report having been diagnosed with depression at some point in their lifetime has reached 29.0%, nearly 10 percentage points higher than in 2015 according to the research conducted by Gallup. The percentag...