BLOGS:

Exploring the complexities of mental health, the threads of neurodivergence and dissociation weave together in intricate patterns. For therapists, differentiating symptoms is difficult and takes time to learn. We are training our minds to observe symptom clusters. This exploration...

The beauty of being the KDH Collective, a group of neurodivergent clinicians and scholars, is that we have the unique ability to and intense passion for learning more about our own neurotypes and the neurotypes of our clients. We have been affectionately referring to November as...

For therapists, grasping the nuanced distinctions between OCD and other anxiety disorders is vital for accurate diagnosis, leading to the most effective treatment and swift relief. This precision can significantly shorten the challenges many individuals endure before discovering...

In the world of mental health, the roles of Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) and Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) are not just essential, but pivotal in guiding individuals through the complexities of their mental health challenges. As frontline professionals, we...

In the hushed confines of therapy rooms, where whispered truths echo and one's inner world unfolds, therapists often find themselves facing an unspoken adversary—fear. It's a fear that grips tightly, yet therapists may hold back on discussing this in professional circles. This post...

Exploring the critical role that ethics play in the field of mental health and the impact it has on both professionals and their clients.

Understanding the Concept and...

When consulting with mental and physical health clinicians, a disconnect exists between clinical expectations and the reality of comorbidity between Autism, substance use disorders (SUD), and disordered eating (DE). Research suggests that the risk of addiction is at least two-fold...

In working with a diverse range of helping professionals, including undergraduate psychology students, fellow counselors (and other mental health professionals), and law enforcement personnel, a common thread keeps showing up: many of us seek out these careers because of a deep...

Discover clinical approaches and skills for effectively working with LGBTQ populations in therapy sessions.

The importance of LGBTQ COMPETENCE in Mental Health

Being a culturally competent mental health professional is crucial when working with LGBTQ populations. LGBTQ individuals...

Let's explore the impact of Trauma-Informed Therapy in addressing mental health issues and understanding trauma responses in relation to our client's presenting problems.

The Intersection of the Nervous System and Mental Health

Trauma-informed therapy explains the connection...

Here’s a question to consider—Are you a therapist’s therapist? Do you advocate for other therapists, and do you offer beneficence when the opportunity presents itself? An even better question to ponder--What do we owe each other when it comes to our professional identities and...

One of the greatest pleasures I have in life are the friendships I've made along the way in my journey to becoming a therapist. For the most part, Counselor Education graduate programs tend to be small in size to ensure optimal quality of it's participants. From that comes the...

Therapy, at its essence, is like a dance—an ebb and flow of connection, rhythm, and responsiveness. This delicate dance thrives on attunement, the deeply intuitive process of building a therapeutic alliance with a client. But what happens when the dance introduces steps we hesitate...

As I continue to evolve in my professional identity, a lingering question has begun to consume my thoughts. Despite the extensive training and education that Counselor Education graduate students receive, along with the emphasis on ethical considerations and best practices, there...

I feel a sense of shame sharing intense emotions, so I keep them to myself. However, it is humanly impossible to avoid feeling. It is a natural part of being human, that is shaped by our personal histories, and provides a map of our desires.

It's time to break my silence and...

Consultation within the context of mental health is something every therapist should be familiar with and engage in--yet there is this anxious response that can sometimes be elicited from newer practitioners who may feel intimidated by the prospect of collaborating with other...

Neurodiversity-affirming therapy is emerging as a new approach to mental health care—one that flips the script on conventional therapy methods. Rather than viewing neurological differences through a lens of deficits or disorders, this approach celebrates and validates the diverse...

Cults have a strange allure. Like many others, I find myself riveted by shows and documentaries that explore their dynamics. There is disbelief, fascination, and yes, even awe, woven into every scene—a visceral reaction to the extremes of human behavior. What drives individuals to...

When I first entered this profession, I carried a constant sense of inadequacy. Who was I to sit in "the chair" and help others? This feeling drove me to seek countless trainings, but it took a toll on my mental health. My anxiety and perfectionism skyrocketed, and I found solace...

For therapists, trauma-informed care is of primary focus in our training and treatment. This approach, characterized by sensitivity to trauma and its effects, becomes especially critical when working with neurodivergent clients. Many individuals who are neurodivergent also grapple...

Trauma is a word that has been gaining more attention and importance in our society and in the therapy treatment world. We (therapists) all know what trauma is... an overwhelming psychological and emotional response to an event or series of events that causes the brain to “push the...

If you're a mental health professional, you probably took an oath to do no harm. But when it comes to working with transgender clients and navigating gender-affirming care, it can be tough to know what's ethical, what's not, and how to best support your clients' needs. You might...

When working with clients from the LGBT community, it's important to remember your professional values and act ethically. This means following a code of conduct that respects each person's rights and treats everyone fairly. Being ethical when providing therapy to LGBT clients is an...

Sex related issues are sensitive topics that may be difficult for individuals to discuss. That is why it is important for therapists to possess the necessary competency and knowledge to address such issues in therapy. There is a distinction to be made, however, when presenting...

As therapists, we encounter a vast array of clients, each bringing their own histories, insights, and emotions into the therapeutic space. Our role often requires us to navigate these complexities with empathy and understanding. Yet, one vital aspect that frequently fades into the...

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by persistent, unwanted obsessions and repetitive compulsions. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), obsessions refer to intrusive and distressing thoughts, images, or urges that cause...

Most of us join this profession because we truly want to help. To be present with another's suffering and healing is such a powerful experience. There is so much meaning and purpose in what we do! But with all this meaning comes the other side of our job, the curse some might say,...

I love food and the joy of flavors- hot, sweet, sour, salty with temperatures warm and cold, while having different textures with each bite. There is so much in a good meal. Therapists are the same way. We each have our own flavor, temperature, and texture, which creates our way of...