10 Tips for Doing Online Counseling Like a Web Pro

 

As more therapists and counselors move to do online sessions during the COVID-19 pandemic, we thought we’d share a couple of tips to make the most of your online video counseling sessions.

You want the tools and technology to fade into the background as much as possible so you and your client can do the deep work together.

Whether you’re using Zoom, Doxy, Simple Practice or another solution, keep in mind, the biggest problems with online video meetings come down to the quality of two things:

• Your Internet
• Audio and Video

Here are 10 tips for maximizing the video quality of your online counseling sessions:

1. Ensure Speedy, Reliable Internet

Run a speed test on your Internet and compare it to your online video platforms requirements. Then do test calls with a colleague, or use run a test meeting with Zoom, Doxy and Simple Practice here.

You might want to bump up your Internet package’s speed to ensure good video and audio streaming, especially if you’ve just got the basic package.

2. Use Headphones

Not just out of privacy concerns, but also because it helps with potential audio echo issues in online meetings. Often the headphones that came with your smartphone will usually do a great job and plug straight into your laptop. I keep my headphones near my desk.

3. Consider A Mic

If you’ve got a relatively new laptop, the microphone from your laptop will likely do just fine. If you want to upgrade, the Rode NT-USB Mini USB Microphone ($99) is a great buy and can be used to podcasts and webinar interviews.

4. Minimize Background Distractions

Think about what’s behind you when you’re on camera. If you’re working in a makeshift home office, you could use a Changing Screen behind you.

5. Have Good Lighting

You want to be sure your face is well lit on screen at different times of day. I setup my desk directly in front of a window for natural light to illuminate my face, but you can also use a lamp. Again, test out different options and if you do day and evening sessions. A ring light like this one is also an affordable way to get some light on your face.

6. Raise Your Camera To Eye Level

If you’re using your laptop, most times you are looking down into the camera. But with online video, you want to look directly into the camera at eye level so that the person on the other side thinks you’re looking right at them.

You can use a simple storage box to prop your laptop (and thus camera) up to eye level, or a laptop stand for $20 like this.

7. Turn Off Notifications And Quit All Apps

Right before your online session, be sure to set Do Not Disturb on your computer so that notifications don’t pop up during your meeting. You also want to quit all your applications except for the video platform you’re using with your clients for a couple of reasons but mainly to free up processing on your computer.

Also, put your phone on Airplane Mode so there isn’t any buzzing or ringing. Even on silent mode, the buzzes on a desk near your mic can be picked up in the session.

8. Use Full Screen Mode

When you’re in the session with your client, use Full Screen Mode on your video platform, so you see your client’s face as big as possible on your screen. This way you see facial expressions better and also minimize distractions on your screen (like a browser tab or files on your desktop).

9. Get Close To WiFi Or Even Better, Plug In

Video uses a lot of Internet bandwidth and even though WiFi technology has gotten better there are still intermittent issues. If you can, use an ethernet cable from your computer to plug directly into your router/modem. And at a minimum get as close as you can to your router.

10. Have A Backup Plan

Technology will invariably fail. Glitches happen. Always have a backup plan and options for online video and the glitches. For many that might mean a backup phone number to call, or a backup video platform.

Source: https://integrativelifecenter.com/10-tips-for-doing-online-counseling-like-a-web-pro/

Disordered Eating vs Eating Disorders: What’s the Difference?

 

At some point in your life, you might have found yourself wondering what, if any, the differences are between disordered eating versus eating disorders. Maybe you used to be caught up in a fad diet that severely restricted your calorie intake. Maybe you’ve used several tubs of ice cream to cope with intense emotions in the past. Is there a point where you should be worried? Are Eating Disorders the same as disordered eating? What exactly is disordered eating and when do you need to seek help from a professional?

Eating Disorders: The Diagnostic Specifics

You might be familiar with Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa. These are two of the most common eating disorders categorized within the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). The DSM is a tool that psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, therapists, and other mental health professionals use to diagnose patients. 

ANOREXIA

To meet the DSM’s diagnostic criteria for Anorexia, a person has to have “significantly low weight, intense fear of gaining weight, persistent behavior that interferes with gaining weight, and a disturbance in the way one’s body weight or shape is experienced”. 

There are some specifiers that are of note for clinicians. These include if a person is ‘restricting’, or fasting, avoiding food, or exercising excessively. This could also be if a person is ‘binge-eating/purging’, meaning the person uses laxatives, diuretics, or binges food and then forces themselves to vomit. 

BULIMIA

To meet the DSM’s diagnostic criteria for Bulimia, a person must experience “recurrent episodes of binge eating”. Binge eating is defined as eating a larger portion of food than what most individuals would eat in the same period of time. Characterized by a feeling of losing control, those struggling with bulimia also engage in compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain such as self-induced vomiting, laxatives, fasting, and/or excessive exercise. These episodes must occur at least once a week for 3 months and are unduly influenced by body weight and shape. 

You might be at least somewhat familiar with these diagnoses, as they’re shown from time to time in movies, music videos, and TV shows. However, the DSM also specifies several other eating disorders, including:

• Pica: eating substances that are not food
• Rumination Disorder: regurgitation of food
• Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: feeding/eating disturbance due to lack of interest, sensory characteristics of food, or concern about the consequences of eating
• Binge-Eating Disorder: consuming more food in a specific period of time than most individuals normally would without purging behaviors
• Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorders: symptoms characteristic of other disorders, but do not meet the full criteria

As you can see, the criteria needed for a clinical diagnosis of an eating disorder can be a bit complex. Diagnosis requires a qualified professional for accurate specifiers. 

Eating Disorders require a clinical diagnosis – but what about disordered eating? Is it the same thing? According to mental health professionals, there are some very important distinctions between the two.

Disordered Eating

Disordered eating is defined as irregular behaviors surrounding eating that do not meet criteria for an eating disorder as defined by the DSM’s diagnostic criteria. 

That definition might sound like disordered eating is a step down from a full-blown eating disorder. However, disordered eating can cause a significant amount of anxiety for someone. Additionally, preoccupation with food or dieting can sometimes be the slippery slope towards a diagnosed eating disorder. 

TO MORE FULLY UNDERSTAND DISORDERED EATING, LET’S LOOK AT AN EXAMPLE:

Social media sites like Instagram seem like a great way to gain inspiration, right? Transformation photos, exercise tutorials, and meal plans aplenty. You start following fitness and healthy recipe accounts after the holiday season to kickstart your year. 

At first glance, they seem to be full of helpful tips and tricks to make quick and easy healthy meals. Beautiful photos of delicious looking healthy snacks inspire you and your grocery list. However, as you spend more time diving into hashtags, accounts, and trends, you notice your eating habits are changing. This is the dark side of social media – how #gymlife or #Whole30 can negatively impact and influence your eating and exercise habits. 

Photos of girls that lift and meal prep every day has convinced you to skip two a day a few times a week. 

Maybe you don’t realize until a close friend or family member points it out or until you have pushed your body to its brink, but one day (hopefully) you come to the realization that you were caught up in a whirlwind of fad diets and photoshopped bodies. 

Disordered Eating Can Happen Quickly

The behavior described above is just one example of behavior that could qualify as disordered eating. It was an irregular behavior surrounding eating that did not continue over a long period of time.

At the time, you simply seemed preoccupied with “healthy” eating but are quick to recognize your irrational eating choices and are able to reassess. You have a supportive group of friends, who sympathize and then cheer you on to continue what you know is a healthy, moderated relationship with food and eating.

With the availability of social media increasing at a seemingly exponential rate, it is no surprise that the prevalence of disordered eating is on the rise. Signs of disordered eating might seem more common just because they’re present on social media. Obsessive calorie counting, obsessive exercise routines, or a strict avoidance of several certain types of foods might seem like just another thing people are doing to be “healthy”. 

KEY DIFFERENCES TO BE AWARE OF WITH DISORDERED EATING

The key difference between eating disorders and disordered eating is the frequency with which the unusual and irregular patterns surrounding eating occur. Those suffering from eating disorders are often unable to think about much else. Their thoughts are consumed with their relationship with food and eating. And can be so overwhelming that they are often unable to focus on their daily tasks of living. 

RED FLAGS

Disordered eating can sometimes be a warning sign of an eating disorder to come. 

If you are find that that you are exhibiting the following potential warning signs, you may want to reach out for professional help. 

• The use of laxatives or diet pills to manage weight becomes more and more frequent
• Fasting becomes a daily ritual in the pursuit of avoiding weight gain 
• It is becoming common for you to self-induce vomiting after every dinner

Please bear in mind it is not necessary to wait until these behaviors become increasingly frequent. You can speak with a therapist or counselor at any time. 

MANAGING DISORDERED EATING 

Even if disordered eating does not consume your daily thoughts, it might present some challenges. A mental health professional can help you work through some of the challenges that disordered eating might present. If you struggle with: 

• Body image issues
• Anxiety surrounding food/eating
• Fear of your gaining weight
• Feelings of shame
• Obsessive thoughts about food/eating or your body image

A professional can help you. Integrative Life Center has a strong team of qualified mental health professionals ready to assist with healthy coping skills, life goals, and becoming more empowered in your eating habits as well as yourself. 

Therapy can help you redirect negative self talk, respecting your body’s optimal nutrition needs, and allow you to become more confident and content with yourself. 

Reach out today to speak with a member of the ILC team to begin your journey to healing. 

Depression Treatment

 

COVID-19 has the world turned inside out. People are facing a loss of income from jobs that have to be closed and medical bills that they don’t know if they can pay. Worry about paying for necessities such as rent, food, and childcare has increased as many people have at least temporarily lost their jobs or have to work while kids are kept out of school. Social isolation is difficult for many because we are social creatures, and the news reports of people dying or fighting for their lives all over the world have us scared for ourselves and our loved ones. It is no wonder depression treatment seekers are increasing daily.

Results Of Depression

When people don’t get depression treatment professionally and don’t know how to alleviate the darkness in positive ways, the situation can get dangerous quickly. One way that many people choose to deal with depression is to increase their use of substances like drugs and alcohol. This makes the situation worse for those dealing with addiction already. It can ruin years of hard work and sobriety in those who have worked hard to get past addiction. Other people may feel so hopeless that they turn to suicide, the most permanent reaction to what is going to be a temporary situation, even if you don’t see where the end is at the moment. Depression can destroy your life if left untreated.

Ways To Combat Depression

During these uncertain times, there are things you can do to help alleviate the feelings that are leading to depression. The first is to learn the art of mindfulness. Remind yourself that the only time that matters is right now. Learn to focus on coping right now, later will have its own time. Remind yourself that you can handle the situation at this moment–and that is what counts most.

Another thing you can do is connect with others. Granted, we are being advised to physically isolate right now, but that doesn’t mean you have to forgo human contact completely. You have the internet and phone. They both can connect you with others. Stay in phsically distant doesn’t mean you can’t take a walk and maybe wave and smile at others, who are probably wanting the contact just as much as you. Take your dog for a walk and feel the connection with others doing the same.

Get out into the Sun. It is important to spend time outdoors, even if it is simply sitting out on your porch. The sun provides important vitamins that brighten your mood, and nature has been proven to help health both the body and the mind. Make sure to get outside a little each day.

Practice Self-Care

Depression treatment also involves learning to take care of your needs. This starts with eating properly and getting good sleep every day. Beyond that, take a long bubble bath, or a long, steamy shower if that is what you prefer. Spend time enjoying a hobby that may have been pushed aside. Paint a picture, start reading that pile of books you have meant to read, start a journal, or design a website. The important thing is to do something that makes you feel good inside and makes you feel that you are important – because you are.

Seek Depression Treatment

You don’t have to fight depression on your own. It doesn’t have to continue ruining your life. Don’t self-medicate. Integrative Life Center has expert therapists and counselors you can reach out to. We’re waiting for you to simply make a call and ask for help, 615.378.8806. You aren’t in this situation alone. Together we can help you get through it. Now is the best time to ask for that help. We are here waiting.

Source: https://integrativelifecenter.com/depression-treatment/

Benefits of an Anorexia Treatment Program

 

Eating disorders like all mental and physical illnesses can affect anyone at any time. Anorexia especially, is a dangerous condition. When a person is anorexic, they deny their body the nutrients it needs to function properly. Due to the lack of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein, organs shut down, and the body as a whole becomes more susceptible to other diseases. Thus it’s crucial to get the proper help in an anorexia treatment program. At Integrative Life Center, we offer patients a comprehensive eating disorder treatment program that can aid individuals struggling.

Signs And Symptoms Of Anorexia

Anorexia is a mental health disorder Individuals suffering from this feel compelled to deny themselves food because they fear weight gain. Thus, the clearest sign of anorexia is a dramatic weight loss. However, there are other signs and symptoms. The individual sometimes wear multiple layers of clothes to hide their weight loss. Often, even if they are not, they frequently comment or negatively talk about their weight. Also, they may mask their eating disorder by cooking for others without actually eating anything themselves. Some other common signs and symptoms of anorexia include:

• Refusing to eat
• Pretending to eat by shifting food around on the plate
• Lying about having eaten
• Obsession with physical appearance
• Obsessively counting calories
• Hiding food away to make others believe they’ve eaten
• Abuse of over-the-counter weight loss product
• Needless use of diuretics or laxatives
• Obsessive exercising

When left untreated, an anorexic will develop brittle nails and dry skin. Dental problems may arise as well as sleep issues, cramping, and anemia. When someone is displaying these signs and symptoms, they need a medical examination. The sooner someone struggling with an eating disorder enters an anorexia treatment program, the sooner they can reverse the damage being done to their body.

How An Anorexia Treatment Program Can Help

There are numerous reasons why someone may develop anorexia. Sometimes individuals believe they need to exert control, and their diet is the best way to do so. Others develop a negative body image due to abuse, trauma, societal pressure, or fear of being excluded. At an anorexia treatment program at Integrative Life Center, patients will explore their issues. They will find what is the underlying cause of their mental health issues and work through them to heal not just their body but their mind.

Because there are many reasons anorexia may arise, treatment for it requires a customized approach. This means providing patients with as many options as possible to make sure their needs are met. Fortunately, Integrative Life Center offers a large number of therapeutic options.

It takes time to dismantle negative self-image and damaging practices. Patience is key. But so is providing individuals with the necessary tools and resources to succeed. Entering an anorexia treatment program is the best way to overcome this disorder and become healthy again.

Healing At Integrative Life Center

Anorexia is a dangerous disorder. Fortunately, our compassionate and experienced experts can help patients heal their body and mind. Integrative Life Center’s anorexia treatment program as part of its eating disorders treatment is indispensable in helping patients regain their health. Our comprehensive care and support radiate throughout our numerous therapies. For instance, some of the evidence-based treatments we offer include:

• Experiential Therapy
• Trauma Therapy
• Music Therapy
• Mindfulness Meditation
• Psychodrama Therapy

Our combinations of alternative and traditional therapy and treatment provides patients with the widest range of choices and the greatest likelihood of success. So contact us today at 615.378.8806 to explore all our options to find what will work best for you or your loved one.

Source: https://integrativelifecenter.com/anorexia-treatment-program/

Eating for Your Microbiome

 

Every human being is home both internally and externally to trillions of microbes. These microscopic creatures make up an individual’s microbiome and live in a mutually beneficial balance with us—this symbiosis, when in balance, is helpful keeping our body healthy. However, when the relationship is thrown out of balance, the body becomes more susceptible to disease and illness can arise. Thus, eating for your microbiome can be one way individuals can make an effort to stay healthy.

Here at Integrative Life Center, we understand the importance of a well-balanced diet and proper nutrition. One aspect of an individual’s physical and mental health deserving attention is our microbiome.

Eating For Your Microbiome

Perhaps the best kinds of foods you should include in your diet are those high in fiber. When you look to improve or keep your microbiome healthy and balanced, these foods help. Genetics, and individual’s home and regional environment, and the use of medication all play a role in determining what kinds of microbiota live inside us. However, diet plays perhaps the most significant role. Also, it is an area individuals can actively change for the better.

When eating for your microbiome, you need to understand the relationship between prebiotics and probiotics. You may have seen these terms, but may not quite understand what they entail. Quite simply, prebiotics are the kinds of foods probiotics, which are live bacteria, feed upon. One’s diet needs to balance the two to maintain good health. One way to do this is to create a diet made up of equal parts prebiotic foods and probiotic foods.

High amounts of prebiotics appear in garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, artichokes, and greens. Foods high in fiber like fruits, vegetables, and beans give the body the prebiotic fiber it needs. A high-fiber diet is something individuals should gradually introduce to their body. At the same time, as individuals increase the fiber in their diet, they need to introduce more probiotic foods to encourage a healthy balance within their body. Beneficial living microbiota can be found in foods like yogurt, pickled vegetables, tempeh, kombucha tea, kimchi, miso, and sauerkraut. One doesn’t need to eat a lot of these foods, but they do need to be a regular part of their diet.

Taking Supplements For Your Microbiome

Even though there are supplements one can take to boost prebiotic and probiotic health, the easiest thing is eating for your microbiome. Yet, for some individuals, it’s easier to get access to supplements. However, it important that if you decide to use supplements, you need to educate yourself on what micro-organisms they are made up of or support. Also, supplements aren’t ever a substitute for eating the right foods. Rather, as their name suggests, supplements are designed to augment what you are already consuming.

Integrative Life Center

By offering personalized treatment blending evidence-based methods and non-traditional approaches to treating mental health and substance abuse issues, Integrative Life Center gives patients the best opportunities to succeed in recovery. By providing a vast array of therapeutic options, patients stand a better chance of getting the unique treatment they require. For instance, we offer the following:

• Nutrition Therapy
• Sweat Lodge Therapy
• Psychodrama Therapy
• Equine Therapy
• Experiential Therapy

While we embrace alternative therapies, we also offer traditional therapies and treatments. We prioritize patient success. So contact us today at 615.378.8806 to explore more of our programs to see how we can help you.

Source: https://integrativelifecenter.com/eating-for-your-microbiome/

Adventure & Experiential Therapy

 

From kayaking excursions down the Piney River, to our low ropes courses; we utilize these approaches to continually strengthen the mind-body connection. We have seen clients have moments of self-discovery they could only have by “doing.”

WHAT IS ADVENTURE & EXPERIENTIAL THERAPY?

Sometimes, it’s difficult to deal with life or even living. This is when people may feel the significance of adventure and experiential therapy. You are probably wondering what this is or whether it could be of importance to your life. Well, this is a concept that many self development experts have been touting lately. Rather than a more traditional “talk therapy” Adventure and Experiential Therapy involves movements, actions, and activities. It involves the patient having a more physical experience, rather than a more subdues therapy session. Experiential therapy is a therapeutic approach that urges patients to recognize and address suppressed issues through activities such as role-playing, guided imagery, the use of props, and a range of other active experiences.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ADVENTURE & EXPERIENTIAL THERAPY?

Adventure & Experiential Therapy became important and one of the latest and most effective approach to helping people cope with their problems. It has been shown to be more effective in helping people re-socialize, relax, be creative and overcome feelings of anxiety. One of the benefits that come from this form of therapy is that the therapist is able to see their patients involved in activities where the therapy is not the main focus. In other words, if a patient is actively engaged in kayaking, they are focusing on that rather than therapy, the therapist is then able to observe the actions and emotions the patient is experiencing in a whole new setting. This focus on the task allows the patient to let their guard down and act in a more real-life manner. After the exercise or activity, the patient and therapist are able to talk about what happened, and the patient is able to process the experience. The patient has the time to receive specific feedback regarding actions and behaviors, this is where the therapy portion comes into play. Not only does the therapist have the chance to talk about the patients actions and behaviors, but the patient is also able to identify the actions and process the way he or she handled a given situation. Other benefits for patients include change, personal growth, problem-solving skills, and personal empowerment.

WHAT CONDITIONS/DISORDERS DO ADVENTURE & EXPERIENTIAL THERAPY TREAT?

Experiential therapy has been successfully integrated into treatment programs for adults who are being treated for substance abuse, addiction, behavior disorders, mood disorders, eating disorders, grief/loss, trauma, sex addiction, compulsive gambling, bipolar, depression and related conditions.

Source: https://integrativelifecenter.com/what-is-adventure-experiential-therapy/