Posts

Showing posts from March, 2024

Bridging the Distance: Why Telehealth Therapy is Just as Effective

Welcome to Telementalhealth Hey there! I’m Andy, a therapist who specializes in training parents to better manage and change their children’s Disruptive Behavior Problems (Engelbrektsson et al., 2023a; Engelbrektsson et al., 2023b; Engelbrektsson et al., 2023c) , reduce Anxiety ( Lebowitz, 2020;  SPACE , n.d.) , and D epression (Eckshtain et al., 2015) . Behavioral Parent Training research into the effectiveness of  treating  ADHD has found  promising yet inconclusive positive results   ( 12 Behavioral Programs for Managing ADHD , 2018; Ciesielski et al., 2019; Hornstra et al., 2023) . My approach to child therapy, Parent Training, focuses on empowering parents to provide a home environment that enhances and treats their child’s recovery from behavioral, emotional, and social problems. And guess what? I offer counseling services exclusively through Telementalhealth or Live Online, as I call it. Why Telementalhealth? Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve shifted my private pra

Taming the Pixelated Monster: A Guide to Healthy Gaming for Youths

  Video games are a constant presence in today's youth culture. While they provide entertainment, social connection, and cognitive benefits, excessive gaming can lead to severe problems. This blog post will explore the potential downsides of problematic gaming and equip parents and educators with tools to foster healthy gaming habits in youngsters. Understanding the Risks Research by Gentile (2009) suggests that problematic gaming can manifest in several ways, impacting a youth's mental health, social life, academic performance, and even finances. Excessive gaming has been linked to anxiety, depression, and negative moods (King & Delfabbro, 2021). Gaming addiction can lead to social isolation and hinder a young person's ability to develop strong face-to-face interaction skills. Studies have also shown a correlation between problematic gaming and neglecting schoolwork (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Financial strain can also be a concern, especially for y

Self-Expression: Finding Your Voice in the Identity Shuffle

Ever stare in the mirror and wonder, "Who am I, really?" This question pops up throughout life and can feel especially poignant during the teen years. Introspection is part of identity formation, the ongoing process of figuring out who you are and your place in the world. Sometimes, this journey leads to confusion—that's called identity confusion. But fear not; it's a normal part of growth! Imagine your identity is a mosaic. Each piece represents your values, experiences, interests, and even your sense of humor. Self-expression is the mortar that binds these pieces together. It's about finding ways to communicate your inner self to the world (Branje et al., 2021a). Here's how self-expression helps navigate identity confusion and build a strong sense of self: Exploration Playground:  Self-expression allows you to experiment and discover what resonates with you. Maybe you try a bold new haircut and discover a side of yourself you love. Perhaps you de