Good information about Psychology
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There are different types of therapists and prescribers that can help people with mental health difficulties.
Psychologist (Psy.D. or Ph.D)
Clinical psychologists are licensed by the state. To provide therapy and assessments to every diagnosis in the DSM-5.
Counseling psychologists are also licensed. They are trained to provide therapy and assessment for common disorders.
Psychiatrist (M.D.)
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who completed a residency and additional training in psychiatry.
Most psychiatrists focus on minimal therapy and mostly prescribe medications.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (M.S.)
An LCSW is a therapist who completed graduate level training to provide psychotherapy or talk therapy.
They often focus on mood disorders and trauma recovery work.
License MH Counselor (M.S.)
A mental health counselor is also a therapist who completed graduate education in therapy.
They do not diagnose psychological disorders.
Life Coach (No degree needed)
Life coaches do not receive any graduate or undergraduate training to provide therapy.
Coaches often provide advice and guidance, instead of utilizing empirical approaches to treatng mental illness.
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This is a question that can only be answered by identifying your specific psychological diagnosis.
Certain psychological conditions respond better to therapy and others are only effectively treated with medication.
Most psychological illnesses improve easiest and quickest with a combination of therapy & medication.
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For someone to receive a psychological diagnosis there needs to be a psychological disorder present. Disorders are listed in the DSM-5 and require sufficient symptoms to be present in everyday life.
A psychological diagnosis can only be performed by completing a clinical interview and sometimes with additional testing.
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The different modalities of therapy today come from the main theories of human psychology. For example, psychoanalysis (e.g. lying on a couch and Rorschach cards) comes from Freudian psychology.
At HPP we conduct Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with Motivational Interviewing. As well as Cognitive Behavior Therapy.
We also provide additional innovative and scientific approaches to treating psychological disorders.
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Everyone reacts differently to therapy. And everyone takes different amounts of time to feel better.
That being said, there are scientific facts about this topic:
*Most people feel worse before they feel better.
*Most therapies today range from 2-12 visits until full effectiveness is reached.
*Therapist and patient relationship is cruc, and trust is imperative.
*You should expect to feel uncomfortable and challenged in therapy. But feeling safe and unconditionally accepted is the foundation.
Dementia
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Mild Cognitive Impairment
The presence of cognitive decline in two or more areas (e.g. memory, speech, focus) will indicate an impairment. MCI becomes dementia when these impairment begin to impact daily functioning.
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Alzheimer’s Disease
The presence of dementia manifested by becoming confused, anxious, extremely forgetful, and easily lost are some common traits.
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Parkinson’s disease with Dementia
Is a neurological condition and DOES NOT always result in dementia. The onset of memory problems AFTER Parkinson’s symptoms. Cognitive issues are often seen as very slow thinking process and easily losing focus. Vision problems may also arise.
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Vascular Dementia
Since vascular dementia is caused by stroke or hemorrhage in the brain, cognitive issues may be vast and seen in multiple areas.
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Frontotemporal Dementia
A rare type of dementia seen with poor focus and inattention, as well as speech problems. Dramatic changes in personality is the underlying feature.
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Dementia with Lewy Bodies
A type of dementia with memory trouble as well as having delusional thinking. The physical symptoms of Parkinson’s are likely also present.
Sports Concussions
A concussion or head injury when formally diagnosed is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
Common things to expect after suffering any kind of injury to the head are headaches, dizziness, a ringing sound, fatigue, and sleep trouble.
More serious symptoms of TBI include blurred or sensitive vision, migraines, memory problems, confusion, and even slurred speech. Prolonged symptoms can turn into Post-Concussive Syndrome.
If your discomfort after any kind of head injury is affecting your daily life, then please reach out.
ADD & ADHD
Attention-Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder
Inattention.
Those who suffer from trouble focusing will find that they often make careless mistakes.
They experience difficulty organizing and following through with important tasks.
Being easily distracted, losing things, and forgetting daily chores is typical.
Hyperactivity.
Those who suffer from hyperactivity experience trouble staying still.
They often feel the need to be on-the-go and find it hard to relax.
They sometimes have social trouble as they can be overly talkative.
At Hidden Peaks we accurately assess adults for ADD or ADHD using state of the art diagnostic tools.
Whether you meet the diagnostic criteria for a diagnosis or not, you will receive an extensive list of useful recommendations.
SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY & SPORTS ANXIETY
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These are the PSYCHOLOGICAL facets that make an athlete tick. Your personal uniqueness that can be seen inside and out of your sport.
Such as personality, Motivation, Emotional health, Self-Esteem.
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This is the outside world apart from the athletes body.
These are often influences that one cannot significantly control or change.
Such as Coaches, Facilities, Support, Fans, Nutrition, Peers, Sport’s rules, etc.
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This is one’s emotional control while handling extremely difficult situations. An individual’s psychological performance when pursuing a goal.
One’s grit.
The ability to surpass adversity and show up when called upon.
THIS IS WHAT WE WORK ON AT HIDDEN PEAKS