Liz LeGary specializes in early childhood therapy. (Photo submission)
Liz LeGary, a certified clinical social worker with United Community & Family Services (UCFS), said in an interview that as mental health support has become a hot topic and more accepted, more people are seeking mental health support. says there is.
To find the right therapist, you first need to identify what concerns you and what you’re seeking guidance for: post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, child problems, etc. Most Our clinicians specialize in specific issues, but may also take on clients with other concerns.
Ways to find a therapist include asking a friend or doctor, calling 211, or visiting a health center’s website. Another option is to go online to Psychology Today or Google and enter the type of treatment you’re looking for and your town to find therapists near you and their contact information. Many providers include a biography.
If you’re looking for someone to help you with meditation, tapping techniques, eye desensitization and reprocessing, etc., ask those questions before you book your first appointment. Legaly said he could provide it.
Once you’ve chosen a provider, she suggested conducting an in-person “interview” with that provider to determine if you’re compatible.
Watch out for the red flags, Legaly said. “Boundaries are really big.” Clinicians are taught in school that they shouldn’t share personal stories and experiences. Notice if your provider is a little more “I’m all and you’re all that comes in”. If not comfortable, find out whether it’s the office location, the room space, or the clinician, he can even make a second appointment to confirm this feeling.
As the client develops a relationship with the clinician and “deep dives into their current symptoms,” for example, what they initially thought was anxiety or depression may actually be related to gambling problems or other problems. President of Behavioral Health Services at UCFS, which has a Substance Abuse and Gambling Treatment Division.
At this time, clients can continue treatment with the same clinician if they have the appropriate expertise or are connected to someone else, Hinchey said.
LeGary believes it’s beneficial for outpatient clinicians to provide “real world” homework. Because the therapist usually only sees his clients once a week, he for 45 minutes to he an hour in a controlled environment. Homework may include practicing meditation and other coping skills, or it may be simpler, such as identifying the source of your anxiety or anger or keeping a journal. For children, homework may include creating chore charts and reward systems.
Agreeing that clients sometimes stay with a therapist because they are afraid of hurting their feelings, she encourages staff to tell clients they want to know if a session is not working and don’t internalize it as personal… attack it if it isn’t. “We want to do all we can to help you and I do that.
There are many different approaches when it comes to trauma therapy. indirect and direct (re-experiencing the trauma and processing with it). If telling your own story is part of your treatment model, “make sure you have a foundation of self-regulatory skills and support to help you actively manage thoughts and feelings that may arise.” I really want to make sure.”
One of the early childhood models she uses with patients under the age of 6 (who may be unable to speak for themselves) involves emotional/energy work with children and work with their caregivers. .
According to Hinchey, one of the main parts of therapy is recognizing who you are, your strengths, and the tools you need to address what led you to seek therapy. There is, and it is to “become yourself who has the potential to become” as follows. Be part of your school, community and family and “feel like you are valued”.
When it’s time to say goodbye
The length of treatment will depend on the situation, but ideally, it should continue until the event or stressor that started treatment has passed or you can handle it yourself.
“Knowing when they will be okay to do it themselves is the first thing to understand. is.
“If they haven’t progressed, what are the barriers? Are there alternative treatments we should consider?”
“That doesn’t mean you can’t get in and out of therapy,” Legaly said, adding that many do so throughout their lives. ”
Asked if clients become dependent on their therapists, she said, “I think we sometimes forget that we have the tools to do things ourselves. It helps clients prove it to themselves, LeGary said.
In addition to providing behavioral health services in many local schools, UCFS provides in-person and telemedicine therapy for all ages at health centers in Norwich, Griswold, Colchester, Moosup and New London. I’m here. For more information, please visit ucfs.org.
Mobile Crisis Intervention Services (MCIS) are also available for children, adolescents and adults in crisis who do not require 911 calls or medical attention. Call 211 or 988.
Longtime Norwich resident Jan Tomei now lives in Westerly.
