THERAPIST CORNER

Making the decision to start therapy is undoubtedly a big one, but there are also a few things you should keep in mind before your first session. Walking through the door for your first appointment can be difficult and even scary for many people, but we are here to tell you it doesn’t have to be. The very idea of entrusting a complete stranger with some of your innermost thoughts is intimidating, to say the least, but this could easily be one of the best decisions you’ve ever made. Many of us have an idea of what we think therapy will be like – which is often based on what we’ve seen in movies and on TV. While these fictitious notions of therapy aren’t too far off, they don’t exactly prepare you for what it will really be like. Therapy is a great way to address a wide range of concerns. Some of the most common reasons for seeking counseling include anxiety, depression, psychosis, eating issues, marital disputes, family problems, anger, work and career concerns, and conflict. For both the therapist and the client, the first session is everything. This is where you will begin to build a relationship and…

It is no secret that relationships are hard work and come with many ups and downs. While it is only natural to go through small rough patches as a couple, if you are experiencing more bad times than good, it may be time to take a step back and reevaluate. In order for a relationship to remain healthy and last forever, patience, love, and respect for one another must be present. If you have found that your relationship just isn’t where you would like it to be, it may be time to talk to someone. Here at Lifeworks, we offer marriage counseling services that aim to help you find the tools to maintain a healthy and strong relationship. We understand that conflicts arise and you may not always see eye-to-eye with your partner, and we are here to help. Unfortunately, people often find themselves in an unhealthy relationship because they do not take the time needed to focus on themselves. We often put everyone else ahead of ourselves, which can lead to a negative cycle. If you and your spouse are struggling right now and aren’t sure how to get back on track, we encourage you to give Lifeworks a…

In today’s day and age intense dieting and eating disorders are becoming more and more common and are beginning to affect much younger generations. We live in a culture that is obsessed with new diet and fitness trends, and we are constantly surrounded by it and reminded of our figures and how we should be perfecting them. If you have noticed that you have a negative relationship with food, you may be wondering whether you are possibly suffering from an eating disorder. Eating disorders can take over your life, and considering that food is a necessary part of our day-to-day activities, it’s no wonder that living with one can be so life-altering. Although only a professional can make a proper diagnosis, you may want to look out for these prominent signs of having an eating disorder… #1 Constant concern with one’s weight, body, and appearance If you have found yourself constantly thinking about your weight, body, and appearance, this may be an onset symptom of an eating disorder. If you begin feeling conscious about how others are seeing you out in public, or feel paranoid that people are staring or judging you, these are all symptoms of an eating disorder. Pay…

In recent months there has been a lot of media attention regarding bullying and for good reason. Every single day kids are bullied at school, on the bus, and during extracurricular activities. This bullying has gotten out of hand and has led to the tragic deaths of too many kids. And perhaps the biggest problem? Bullying and mean kids aren’t just a middle school problem; the trouble even impacts kids in younger grades today. There have been numerous valiant efforts to bring attention to the epidemic of bullying in our country right now, providing parents and school officials with the tools to spot bullying and stop it before it has a devastating ending. It’s no secret that kids can be brutal, and while many schools have adopted a zero-tolerance policy and even push forward with criminal penalties for some of the roughest bullies, it’s not always enough. As a parent, it is your duty to help your child deal with bullies and give them the tools to stay above this serious issue. It can be difficult for kids to discuss being bullied with their parents, whether out of fear, embarrassment, or shame. This is why you must learn to spot…

Finding the right counseling center for your needs can be intimidating, especially if you’ve never sought out counseling before. When you start your search, you will quickly find that there are many different options out there, allowing you to find the right fit for your needs. Growing from our humble beginnings in 1992, Lifeworks has helped countless individuals, couples, and family members work through their issues in a positive and supportive way. We have a handful of licensed, professional, and compassionate psychologists and counselors on staff that offer a broad spectrum of expertise. Here at Lifeworks, it is our mission to provide guidance and support to help our clients manage life to the best of their ability. We understand that things come up that can make life difficult to deal with, which is where we come in. We believe in listening to you and taking the time to work through your concerns. Over the last 25+ years we have established ourselves as one of the largest counseling and life coach centers in North Dallas. We are passionate about what we do and truly want to help each person who walks through our doors live well. If you are unsure about…

The physical benefits of exercise are clear, but did you know working out can actually improve your mood and make you happier all around? That’s right, science shows that people who exercise on a regular basis are more fulfilled and have a clearer mind. The effect exercise has on our mental health and mood should not go unnoticed, as it’s one of the easiest and most accessible ways to get out of a rut. While many people go to the gym or pound the pavement in order to achieve a toned body and improve cardiovascular health, working out has many more benefits than what the eye can see. Over the last decade, scientists have looked at how exercise can boost brain function, elevates our mood, and contribute to how we view ourselves. In fact, exercise – of any kind – can have a hugely positive impact on depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, and other mental health disorders. For those who aren’t a huge fan of the gym and cringe at the thought of lacing up those running shoes, the good news is even modest amounts of exercise can make a big difference. Regardless of your age or how fit you are,…

The start of the new year provides us with an opportunity for reflection and introspection – allowing us to take a look back at the person we became over the last year and perhaps pinpoint some areas that could use improvement. New Year’s resolutions are something many people struggle with, or rather struggle to stick to once the new really gets going. Not being able to keep a resolution you set in January come March or April can be frustrating and even increase anxiety. However, it is important to remember that just because we’ve started yet another new year doesn’t mean we need to do a complete overhaul on ourselves. Give yourself a break and don’t put too much pressure to completely stop all your bad habits and become this ‘perfect’ idea of yourself. The new year should be more about reflecting on your behavior’s over the last year and set an intention to make positive lifestyle changes that really benefit you. Instead of looking at is as a resolution and something that must be kept or you’ve failed, try changing your perspective and looking at it as an intention or a commitment to make some positive changes. Don’t be…

Bipolar is a common disorder that affects approximately 5.7 million American adults, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. While many people think bipolar disorder is relatively rare, this is not the case. Approximately 2.6% of the U.S. population 18 and older suffer from bipolar disorder, making it a very common condition. There is an unfortunate stigma surrounding bipolar disorder which has made it difficult for many to openly talk about. Here at Lifeworks, it is our goal to offer support and treatment options for individuals suffering from a wide range of conditions, including bipolar disorder. Thankfully, bipolar disorder can be treated with medication, therapy, and even lifestyle changes. Mental health experts note that the key to living a fulfilling life with bipolar disorder is to find a treatment that works for you, and stick to it. If bipolar disorder goes untreated, the condition can worsen and even cause longer, more frequent episodes. We encourage you to contact our Carrollton therapy center today to learn more about our approach to treating bipolar disorder. We understand every patient is different and believe in taking the time to find solutions and treatment options that will fit your needs. What is Bipolar…

Therapy has helped millions of people cope with a wide range of emotional and mental problems, including anxiety, stress, grief, and depression. This form of treatment can be incredibly effective, as long as you are working with the right therapist for you and your needs. Finding a good therapist may not happen right away, and that’s OK. It is important that you take your time and make sure you are working with someone you trust and who makes you feel cared for and understood. You may want to look for someone who specializes in the type of emotional problem you are experiencing, or perhaps take a recommendation from a doctor or other person in your life who knows what you have been going through. A good therapist will work closely with you, helping you address your problems and become a stronger, healthier, more self-aware individual. That being said, it is important to note that a therapist cannot ‘fix’ you or do everything for you. You must be willing to work on your concerns and approach each session with an open and honest attitude. One of the first steps to getting better and gaining more control over your emotions and your…