Find the Therapist to meet your needs
Offices located in Cape Coral and Sarasota

Most Common Reasons for Seeking Help from a Therapist or Counselor

 

Contrary to the myth that only “crazy people” seek help from a therapist, many individuals and families have discovered the value of working with a mental health professional for various personal and social issues that are causing them severe distress. The following is a list of some of the most common reasons individuals seek help from a therapist or Counselor:

1. Major life events such as an impending divorce or break-up, a financial crisis, serious health issues or accident, dealing with a mid-life crisis, or aging concerns. Utilizing the services of a skilled impartial and nonjudgmental professional can sometimes help individuals or couples find new ways of communicating and resolving the difficulties that they had not previously considered. Understanding that as we get older, it is important to find new ways to find meaning in our lives, whether that means reinventing ourselves with a new career, volunteering, developing a new interest, and meeting new people that are positive and nurturing.

2. Depression: If you find yourself struggling to get out of bed and feel that your life has no meaning, or that the things that used to bring you joy now seem insignificant, it may be time to seek help.

3. Anxiety-related disorders: Feeling nervous or panicky in social situations such as public speaking, fears or phobias such as fear of flying, PTSD from traumatic experiences, and numerous other activities that create extreme stress often improve when an individual receives treatment from a qualified professional.

4. Anger Management: Today we face more demands on our time from work and family, with constant stimulation from technology. Many individuals feel unable to cope with the stress of everyday life and find themselves exploding in anger, often with the people they love the most. Learning healthier ways to communicate and cope with anger can be beneficial to not only the individual seeking help but to their friends and family as well.

5. Parenting concerns: “Failure to launch” young adults; bullying or other problems at school; children who become anti-social and spend excessive periods of time playing video games, watching on-line porn, texting, tweeting or otherwise alienating themselves from their family and friends all are frequent reasons that mental health professionals see frustrated parents in their offices.

6. Addictions: Whether the problem is a common as a desire to quit smoking or as serious as a gambling, alcohol or drug addiction, this category is a very troubling issue that if left untreated can lead to broken marriages, job loss and serious health risk.

7. Grief and Loss: The loss of a spouse, child or other family members, or even a close friend can cause extreme distress and, if not resolved, can lead to Depression. Finding a support group can be helpful as is finding an empathetic therapist who can provide well-thought-out suggestions for honoring the loss of a loved one and methods for coping.

8. Lack of self-esteem: Poor self-image and lack of assertiveness can cause an individual to become socially isolated, leading to difficulties in creating healthy relationships and being left behind in the workplace. Learning how to become more confident and assertive without becoming aggressive can be extremely helpful to young and old alike.

If you are struggling with any of these issues above, or just need someone to talk to, do not hesitate to reach out to one of our Therapists here at Cape Coral Therapist. https://fortmyerstherapist.com/ and click on the counselor’s tab.

How The Love Of Music Improves Your Mental Health?

 

It has been generally accepted that both listening to and creating music can have various positive effects on mood and mental health. Incorporating music into your everyday life can help to:

  • elevate your mood and motivation
  • aid relaxation
  • increase the efficiency of your brain processing.

Ways to use music for mental health

So, we have learned that music is more than just a form of entertainment and that there are lots of links between music and mental health. But how exactly can you use it in your day-to-day life? Check out some of the ways here:

  • Focus. Classical music is a winner at helping you focus. Music that has a tempo of 60 bpm (beats per minute) increases the efficiency of the brain in processing information. The best way to use it is to have it playing softly in the background as you get on with your tasks.
  • Expression. The next time you’re finding it hard to talk about or express your emotions, try turning to music for help. Creating your own music whether simply strumming a guitar or composing lyrics to a song can help you express and process your emotions. It’s more about how it makes you feel, than how it sounds. Remember that no one ever has to hear your music if you don’t want them to.
  • Social connection. Music can stop you from feeling lonely or isolated. Whether it’s sharing playlists with your friends or meeting new, like-minded people at your favorite band’s next gig, music connects people.
  • Creativity. Did you know that listening to or making music allows your brain to think creatively? So, whether it’s a creative project you need to complete or some new ways to improve your mood, try some different types of music and see what works best for you.
  • Relaxation. Okay, so this isn’t a huge scientific breakthrough, but it’s worth repeating: music helps you to relax. If you choose the right kind of music, change into some comfy clothes and put your feet up, it’s a safe bet that you’ll feel relaxed in no time.
  • Motivation. You need to vacuum the house/study/get some exercise, but you just can’t get off the couch? Use your favorite music as a motivational force. Crank up the volume on a killer tune and chances are you’ll find it that much easier to get started.

If you would like to reach out to someone, to help you work through mental health challenges please contact, info@draprilbrown.com or call (239) 565-6921

Financial Intimacy

 

Financial Intimacy  101

Money is not a four-letter word.  Then why do some couples fight about it or even refuse to discuss it all together?

You may have heard the statistic that money is the #1 cause of divorce, but that’s only partly true.  Whether you have it or not isn’t the root of the problem, it is typically what each person in the relationship thinks should be done with it that is the issue.

Some people grew up in a home where money was a taboo subject.  They experience anxiety or shame when they discuss finances.  Some grew up in a household where there simply wasn’t an abundance so they often heard the adults around them complaining about money.  Still, others experienced life with financially savvy adults who were not afraid to discuss money, no matter how much or how little there was, it was simply a fact of life.

No matter your background, you can change your outlook on money and finances at any time you choose.  Its never too late to begin discussions with your significant other about the finances you share.  Here are some quick tips to get the conversation started:

-Start the discussion at a mutually convenient, calm time of day.  Maybe skip that evening TV and sit down to look over the bank account together.

-Start small. Keep the conversations brief in the beginning.  Have a goal for the conversation, accomplish it and move on.  If talking about finances stresses one partner out, taking baby steps can keep them from getting turned off to the idea altogether.

-Keep the emotions at bay.  Money and finances can make people very emotional.  If you feel sadness, despair, anger or frustration start to emerge it’s time to take a break.  Admit that you need a break and will come back to the topic once you have had a chance to wrap your head around things.

-Decide on regular budget meetings (or whatever you choose to call them) that you and your partner can sit down together and see that you are on the same page with your money management.  This is especially important if you are working on specific financial goals like saving for a house, new car, vacation or paying off debt.

-If one person making all of the financial decisions works for your situation, then go for it.  If it doesn’t, don’t be afraid to speak up.  Even if one person is making all of the decisions on where the money should/could be spent, it is crucial both parties stay informed of the current financial status of the household.

I hope these quick tips help get the conversation started.   We are committed to your success as a couple, if you or your partner need mediation or counseling to help you through please don’t hesitate to call for an appointment.

 

Are you wanting a vacation in paradise, one that will re-kindle the passion that has been lost? A vacation without kids. A vacation where you learn how to communicate. A vacation where your partner actually hears you and gains insight – Vacation Counseling is Your Next Vacation.

Creative Intimacy

 

Creative intimacy is a relaxing, passive way to bring couples together. Sharing activities that bring us joy, stimulate the mind and spirit and help keep stress under control have immeasurable benefits for couples.  

 

Some immediate health benefits of being creative are:

  • Boosts mood
  • Boosts brain function
  • Increases immune health and defense

 

Creative intimacy doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.  You can write a letter, play a board game or draw pictures with your eyes closed! Be silly and try new things often.  

 

Cultivating intimacy doesn’t happen overnight.  It is the daily effort we make to see more deeply into our significant other’s mind and soul. 

 

At Cape Coral and Fort Myers Therapists we see couples every day whose lives are forever changed by exploring conflict and intimacy and how to fight fair.  We want to help you too. We are currently accepting new clients at both locations for quality counseling services.

 

 

 

If you are not a resident of Florida, and find your relationship in turmoil we are excited to announce we are now accepting applications for Vacation Counseling for the 2020 season.  Are you in need of a vacation where the intimate connection can be found? Where your partner listens and gains valuable insight? A vacation with out kids? A vacation in paradise? Vacation Counseling is your next vacation.

Tuesday Tip: Aesthetic Intimacy

 

Join us as we start our fall series “Bringing Basics Back”.  This series will have a new Tuesday Tip every week with simple ways to open the door to intimacy  every day. 

Aesthetic Intimacy

 

For our first step in “Bringing Basics Back” we take a look at aesthetic intimacy.  Sharing experiences of beauty can relax and calm the body leading to opening up about deeper authentic feelings.   

Taking a stroll through the botanical gardens, enjoying the evening sunset together or perusing an art museum are all forms of sharing aesthetic intimacy.  

According to the University of Utah, there are seven health benefits to nurturing loving, intimate relationships: 

  1. We live longer.
  2. We heal quicker.
  3. We have lower blood pressure
  4. We are more physically fit. 
  5. We enjoy good heart health
  6. We feel less pain.  

 

When you take the dog for a walk tonight, invite your partner and enjoy the tall trees, gaze at the flowers in their last bloom of summer, or stop and watch the birds play and sing.  Your heart will thank you for years to come.

 

If you would like to discuss intimacy, or any other mental health topic with Dr. Brown or any member of her team, please visit Dr.April Brown