FAQs

Mental Health FAQs

What does a mental health counselor do?

Mental health counselors offer a range of services aimed at promoting the mental and emotional well-being of individuals under their care. The primary objective of mental health counselors is to assist people in achieving their mental health objectives and attaining a state of optimal psychological wellness.

It’s important to note that the specific duties and scope of practice may vary depending on the counselor’s specialization, setting (e.g., private practice, community clinic, school), and applicable regulations and ethical guidelines.

How Can Mental Health Counseling Help Me?

Counseling offers numerous benefits, providing support, problem-solving skills, and coping strategies for a wide range of challenges such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, and body image concerns. Through counseling, you can gain a fresh perspective on your problems and experience various advantages including:

• Developing a better understanding of yourself, your goals, and your values
• Improving your relationships
• Learning effective ways to cope with stress and anxiety
• Managing emotions like anger, grief, and depression
• Enhancing communication and listening skills
• Breaking old behavior patterns and adopting new ones
• Finding solutions to family or marriage problems
• Boosting your self-esteem.

Counseling can empower you to navigate life’s difficulties with newfound strength and resilience.

What is the Difference Between Counselors, Clinical Social Workers, Psychologists, and Psychiatrists?

Licensed Counselors hold a Master’s Degree and offer counseling to help individuals, families, and groups achieve mental health, wellness, and career goals.

Licensed Clinical Social Workers also have a Master’s Degree and focus on psychotherapy, assisting people with mental health issues and daily life challenges to improve overall functioning.

Licensed Psychologists hold a Doctorate Degree and receive extensive training in research, testing, and treating a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties.

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health care and can prescribe medications, primarily focusing on medication management, although some may also provide psychotherapy.

Substance Abuse and Addiction FAQs

Is there a “cure” for addiction?

Unlike some other diseases, there is no straightforward “cure” for substance use disorders; instead, the focus is on recovery. Individuals who have successfully overcome substance use disorders have achieved this through active participation in a recovery plan. While they may have stopped using alcohol or drugs, it’s important to recognize that they remain vulnerable to relapse and must make significant lifestyle changes to maintain their new way of life.

The profound impact of addiction lingers even after individuals have ceased substance use. Their past experiences have left a lasting imprint on how they perceive themselves and the world around them. Individuals with substance use disorders do not consider themselves cured; rather, they see themselves as recovering and no longer engaged in active alcohol or drug use.

What is the treatment for substance use?

Addressing drug/alcohol addiction requires recognizing its chronic nature and occasional relapses, making short-term, one-time treatments inadequate. For most individuals, effective treatment involves a long-term process that incorporates multiple interventions and ongoing monitoring.

Evidence-based approaches play a crucial role in addiction treatment. Various options include behavioral therapy, medication, or a combination of both. Combining behavioral therapies and medications is often more effective since they target different aspects of addiction. The choice of treatment or combination thereof depends on the individual’s unique needs and the specific substances involved.

Gambling Addiction FAQs

What are the Signs And Symptoms Of Gambling Addiction?

Recognizing the signs of gambling addiction is crucial, and some common indicators include:

• Needing to gamble with larger amounts of money over time.
• Unsuccessful attempts to control, reduce, or stop gambling.
• Feeling restless or irritable when unable to gamble.
• Using gambling as a way to escape problems or alleviate negative emotions.
• Chasing losses by gambling more to recoup lost money.
• Putting important relationships or opportunities at risk due to gambling.
• Engaging in theft or fraudulent activities to obtain money for gambling.

Who is at risk for problem gambling?

Anyone who engages in gambling has the potential to develop problems. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of the risks and approach gambling responsibly, should you decide to participate. It becomes a serious issue when gambling behavior starts to disrupt finances, relationships, and work. Being aware of the impact gambling can have and taking responsible actions is essential in preventing and addressing problems associated with it.

What help is available for problem gamblers?

Many individuals have been in your position and have successfully overcome the habit, rebuilding their lives in the process. You have the capacity to do the same.

• Learn to relieve unpleasant feelings in healthier ways.
• Strengthen your support network.
• Join a peer support group.
• Seek help for underlying mood disorders.

Trauma Counseling FAQs

Does What We Talk About in Therapy Remain Confidential?

Yes, our mental health services are built on the foundation of trust between the client and our mental health counselors. When you initiate therapy at Blue Sky Counseling, we will provide you with a confidential disclosure agreement. This document ensures that we do not discuss your case with anyone without your explicit permission. With your informed consent, we may share updates on your progress with your healthcare team.

However, it is important to note that therapists are bound by state laws and professional ethics to maintain confidentiality, except in the following situations:

• Suspected cases of past or present abuse or neglect of children, adults, or elders. In such instances, the therapist is obligated to report the information provided by the client or obtained through collateral sources to the appropriate authorities, such as Child Protection and law enforcement.
• If the therapist has a reasonable belief that you, as the client, pose a serious risk of harm to yourself or have made threats to harm someone else. In such cases, the therapist may need to take necessary actions to ensure safety.

What is the Difference Between PTSD and Trauma?

Trauma refers to distressing experiences, while PTSD is a specific mental health disorder that can develop after a traumatic event. Trauma can involve threats to one’s well-being, and it can have a significant psychological impact. PTSD is characterized by intrusive thoughts, avoidance of reminders, negative mood changes, and hyperarousal. Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD, but trauma often plays a role in its development. PTSD is a diagnosed condition requiring professional treatment, while trauma is a broader term encompassing various distressing experiences.

Did we answer your questions?

We hope that this page has been helpful in answering your questions. However, we understand that you may still have questions or concerns that were not addressed here. If you need further assistance or would like to discuss any of the information above, please don’t hesitate to contact us.