Why Adapting to Change is Difficult, According to Therapists

According to therapists, it is natural for people to struggle with change. Two people may experience the same change differently based on their cumulative life experiences and beliefs. Adjustment disorders are also a possible reason why some people may struggle to navigate change. This disorder can occur at any age.
The exact cause of adjustment disorders is unknown. In general, they are considered an excessive response to a change. If you feel that any change in your life brings excessive stress, you may want to talk to a professional to gain tools to help you prepare for change in a way that feels empowering.

Tips from a Therapist: Expect Change

What happens if people start to expect change? It sounds easy at first, but if things are going well for you, the idea of things changing for worse can be frightening. It is natural to hesitate at the thought of everything shifting.

As said by the Greek philosopher Heraclitus, “Change is the only constant in life.” Life is unpredictable. So many people felt more stressed in the immediate unraveling of the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, because they were faced with constant unknowns and changes. This made many people realize they needed therapy to feel supported and ready for the next inevitable change.

Find the Right Therapist For You

If there is one thing to expect from life, it is that life is full of changes. We live in a world with constant change, uncertainty, and challenges. At North American Mental Health Services, we know that adapting to these changes is hard. That is why we believe in finding someone who can listen to your experiences and give you helpful insight.

NAMHS has in-person therapists in Redding, Eureka, Fairfield, Monterey, Salinas, Red Bluff and Hollister and online therapy care available via HomePsych.

Therapy gives people the tools to manage crises, adjust to change, and thrive. Over the last few decades, the public stigma around therapy prevented thousands of people from receiving care that could change their lives.

Now, with more people embracing therapy and celebrities sharing how it changed their lives, there is an increased awareness of how therapy can enhance the quality of everyday life.

What is the public stigma around therapy?

When people refer to the stigma of mental illness and therapy, they are referring to a widespread, negative perception of therapy and people who need therapy. When people internalize these associations with therapy, they are less likely to receive care.

Across the United States, people with negative beliefs towards therapy might think, “therapy is a sign of weakness” or “I am not ‘crazy,’ so why do I need therapy?” The reality is that everyone could benefit from receiving quality therapy that helps them negotiate the daily struggles and joys of being human.

Besides being frustrating for people in need of mental health support, the public stigma around therapy also prevents friends and family from understanding the complexity of mental health.

Celebrities Breaking Stigmas: Selena Gomez, A Case Study

Each year, celebrities share their mental health journey and discuss how therapy changed their lives. This year, Selena Gomez told Vogue about how therapy changed her life. Said how she wished “more people would talk about therapy.”

In particular, Gomez spoke of how dialectical behavioral therapy, or DBT, helps her find balance, support, and insight. DBT is one of three types of therapy that can help people with depression and anxiety.

Most therapy treatments can be done through in-office or online therapy appointments.

Find the Right Therapist For You

Therapists at North American Mental Health Services offer tangible ways to embrace anxiety and work with it so you can continue living a balanced life.

NAMHS has in-person therapists in Redding, Eureka, Fairfield, Monterey, Salinas, Red Bluff and Hollister and online therapy care available via HomePsych.

If you or a loved one need help to manage life’s challenges, contact NAMHS.

Adaptation as Survival: Tips from a Licensed Therapist on Processing Change

The Greek philosopher Heraclitus said, “Change is the only constant in life.” This quote summarizes one of the paradoxes of being human: life is full of changes. This is hard to accept. It may require relinquishing control, or adjusting one’s perception of control.

It is natural to fear change or to crave stability amidst a world that never stays the same. With the right support and tools, however, change can feel less scary. We hope this article, with quotes from Simeon Jones, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at NAMHS, provides insight to anyone who has survived trauma or navigated change.

Processing Trauma and Change: First Comes Acceptance

Part of being alive is being surrounded by changing environments. It may be tempting to ignore stressful events and how they impact oneself or one’s community.

As Simeon Jones writes in his article Healing from Trauma, “People might not realize they have been affected by trauma.” For example, Jones shares that while he was working in a hospital, he witnessed medical professionals move quickly past traumatic events, without time to process the trauma; eventually, a few people started exhibiting unwanted symptoms from a lack of acknowledging the trauma they faced each day. In this example, the change was negative and traumatic, as it referred to people dying or being violent.

The first step to taking care of yourself in the face of constant change is to recognize that external change. You can ask yourself questions like, “In what areas of my life do I feel like I have no control? What changes in my life have been most difficult to accept? Why?” This self-inquiry is a first step to acknowledging how you react to change and what types of changes may be more challenging for you, should they arise in the future.

Adaptation and Trauma: Is Healing Possible?

Healing from trauma is possible. It is a journey that may feel ongoing at times and without a clear finish line. People in therapy who have experienced trauma and depression often report relief from receiving consistent talk therapy to help them process significant life events.

As Jones writes, “Trauma can change the stories we tell ourselves about ourselves and the world.” Everyone has a narrative, if not several, that helps them understand their role in the world. Trauma can flip and warp personal narratives and convince people they are not loved or deserving of love.

For example, children who experience consistent support and care from parents, guardians, teachers, siblings, etc., may develop a personal narrative such as, “I am a good kid. The world is a safe place and people can be trusted.” If that same child with that positive, life-affirming narrative experiences abuse from someone they trusted, their narrative may start to shift. Subconsciously, the narrative can morph into, “Sometimes I am a bad kid. Sometimes bad things happen to me that I deserve.”

While the latter narrative is not true, it may feel true, especially without professional attention and care.

Survival after Trauma: Why Adaptation is Vital

Continuing with the example in the previous section, the stories we tell ourselves can have a huge impact on how we experience life. The internalized belief in this imagined example may not be true, but unprocessed trauma has a way of convincing people otherwise. Luckily, therapy can help people reassert more compassionate narratives of themselves and help them  unpack how trauma influenced them.

Recognizing the symptoms of trauma is a key first step toward honoring one’s inner strength as a survivor. With the rise of online therapy, people can access in-office or online therapy appointments, depending on their preference.

Therapists have a challenging and vital role to help people of all ages, no matter how old or how fresh their trauma is, to understand how that trauma impacts how they view themselves and the world.

NAMHS has in-person therapists in Redding, Eureka, Fairfield, Monterey, Salinas, Red Bluff and Hollister and online therapy care available via HomePsych.  Request an appointment with us today!

As COVID-19 changed the world in 2020, more people sought out insight and coping tools that a working with therapist could provide. The uncertainty and constant changes threw everyone for a loop.

Simeon Jones is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with NAMHS in Redding. He specializes in working with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties. Here are three of his top “life lessons.”

Life Lesson #1 – Listen to Your Feelings

Your feelings, also known as your emotions, are communication tools. Feelings carry complexity. They are also influenced by external and internal factors, such as interpersonal relationships or world crises. Learning how to “tune in” to your feelings is a vital life skill and a skill that therapists can help you practice.
Simeon Jones offers more detail about emotions in his blog, Anxiety Tips from a Therapist.

Life Lesson #2 – Struggling with Mental Illness is Not a Weakness

Whether you or someone you love struggles with mental illness, there can sometimes be associated feelings of shame. It’s important to remember that having a mental illness is not a weakness—and neither is asking for help.

So many people need professional help to help them navigate and process trauma. As Mr. Jones wrote in his article, Healing from Trauma, “Trauma can change the stories we tell ourselves about ourselves and about the world.”

It’s important to revisit those stories we tell about ourselves, as they affect everyday life and our relationships with people we love.

Life Lesson #3 – Trust the Process

If you are considering therapy or you are new to the practice, trust the process. It can be vulnerable to share your past with a therapist but remember: it is their job to support you. In other words, you are not “burdening” them with your stories! It is their job to help you heal. Trusting the long-term therapy process is essential, as healing is a gradual and ongoing process.

Mr. Jones shares more about trusting the process in his blog connecting therapy foundations with gravity insight from the Science Channel.

We’re Here to Help You

Therapists at North American Health Services offer tangible ways to embrace anxiety and work with it so you can continue living a balanced life. If you or a loved one need help managing life’s challenges, and you are interested in working with a therapist in Redding, Eureka, Fairfield, Monterey, Salinas, Red Bluff and Hollister or via online therapy, contact us.

How Does Finding a Therapist Work? Therapy Search, Made Easy

It is not easy to find the right therapist, but it is possible to make the search process more user-friendly. If you have ever typed “therapy near me” into the search box, you know there are many options—perhaps too many options. It can feel confusing and overwhelming. As a mental health company offering therapy and medication management in northern California, we believe that it’s important for people to know their options. We wrote this blog to help demystify the process.

In the United States, one in five people struggle with mental illness yet many of these people do not receive support. Support does exist. Therapists are licensed professionals who provide mental health support, diagnoses, treatment plans, and resources.

In this article, we will offer steps on how to find a therapist. We’ll also cover what to see a therapist for and provide three reminders for finding the right person.

How Does Finding a Therapist Work?

Therapy can help people feel understood, seen, and supported with a general “game plan” for the curveballs life tends to throw. It can be hard to find a therapist, but there are many people available for new patients.

Here are three steps that can make the process easier.

Step One: Ask Yourself Key Therapy Questions

It’s possible that right now is a hard time for you—for a million reasons. Take five–ten minutes to write down a few of the core struggles you are experiencing, as well as what kind of therapist you want. It’s okay if you don’t know if you struggle with a specific diagnosis or not. Just reflect.

Questions to consider are:

1. Are you seeking therapy for yourself or on behalf of a couple?
2. What are your general symptoms or concerns?
3. Are you considering or curious about medication?
4. Do you want in-person therapy or teletherapy?
5. Some places like National American Mental Health Services offer both.
6. Do you have a preference for the gender, sexuality, race, or age of your therapist?
7. Ex. Many women prefer female therapists. People of color who want to explore how racism also impacts their mental health may opt for choosing a therapist of color.

Take time to explore these basic questions. It will help you narrow your search, as you consider which places to contact.

 

Step Two: Understand Your Insurance Coverage

Do you have insurance? If so, keep your insurance card handy during the search process. Narrow your search so you are only seeing therapy providers who your insurance covers will save you a lot of time and hassle. One easy way to do this is by using an advanced search that can filter by insurance providers.

If you aren’t using an advanced search that filters based on insurance providers, you can always call or email your top choices and ask if they accept your insurance.

If you do not have insurance, it can be more expensive to find adequate care. Similar to the advice in the previous paragraph, you can always call or email the place offering mental health services and ask for a cost estimate.

There are also community-supported mental health providers, as well as directories that let you search for sliding scale options. If you want to understand what free services may exist for you, contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness any time, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

Step Three: Search for Therapists by Specialty

There are so many tools online to make it easy to narrow your search. For example, if you think that you may struggle with addiction, then you may want to find a therapist who is familiar with addiction. Also, it’s important to remember during the search process that psychologists and psychiatrists differ.

Use a search tool that lets you search for therapists by specialty. You might want to consider your location too–especially if you want in-person therapy. For example, if you are looking for a therapist in Redding, California, that is a much more specific search than a general search for “available therapists.”

These three steps make finding the right therapy provider easier.

What Can You See a Therapist For?

Some people believe that everyone would be better off with a therapist. From specific mental health concerns to general “life is crushing me” sentiments, people seek therapists when they want long-term change in their life.

Maybe you are worried that you have a serious mental health condition or that your marriage is falling apart. Maybe you want better coping skills or to start healing from trauma. There are so many reasons to see a therapist.

If you feel apprehensive about disclosing personal information with a therapist, just remember: they are here to service you. If you are at a loss of where to begin, simply start by scheduling an appointment with a NAMHS therapist.

Therapy Near Me: Three Reminders to Find the Mental Health Professional

#1 Reminder – You’re worth it.

Most people who spend time prioritizing their mental health are glad they did. Some people report feeling better within weeks. Other people express how essential it is to have a person whose job is to support them, especially in a world where we could all use a little support.

#2 Reminder – It can take time to find the right person.

If you are using the search directories provided in this article and still having a hard time finding the right person, keep trying. New appointments become available all the time as additional providers become available.

#3 Reminder – You are not alone.

So many people have found relief, hope, and healing through therapy. It is a sign of strength–not weakness–to search for a therapist because it means you are overcoming the stigma around mental health. It means that you want support and a plan so that you can live a life with greater ease, acceptance, and resilience. What could be braver than that?

Still on the Search for a Therapist?

We hope this article makes the search process more navigable for people wanting to find the right therapist. Feel free to share this article with a friend if you found the tips helpful.

We believe that feeling better starts with finding the right person to listen. We encourage residents in Redding, Eureka, Fairfield, and Woodland to request an appointment with us today for in-person and teletherapy care.

Online Therapy, North American Mental Health Services

NAMHS offers both in-office and online therapy appointments. Since the beginning of the pandemic, many services that were once face-to-face had to go online. NAMHS patients were seen via our Homebase platform. NAMHS recently launched HomePsych, the same great online service as previously provided through NAMHS Homebase.

Many patients benefit from doing online therapy. With online therapy, patients can connect with their therapists from anywhere through smartphone, tablet or computer. It’s a service that’s convenient, provides privacy, and allows patients to stay in the comfort of their homes when they wish to.

Get Started With Online Therapy

—To get started with online therapy at NAMHS New Patients must call the office to confirm eligibility. (530) 722-4942

—Prior to the appointment, fill out all the required New Patient Packet Forms.

—Log on to access your online therapy appointment.

Our Online Mental Health Services

—Talk Therapy (Online Therapy)

—Psychiatry (Online Psychiatry)

—Medication Management

If you are ready to get started with Online Therapy or another of our Online Mental Health Services, contact us. (530) 722-4942

Work with a Psychiatrist in Redding and Northern California, Psychiatrists Online

Looking to work with a psychiatrist? NAMHS has a team of mental health professionals supporting their in-person offices in Redding, Eureka, Woodland, Fairfield, and Monterey. They also have online psychiatrists.

What Does a Psychiatrist Do?

Psychiatrists are medical doctors and can prescribe medications. They use tests and evaluations to diagnose mental health conditions. A psychiatric screening may include a physical exam. Psychiatric problems can be complex and testing allows psychiatrists to discover problems, causes, and treatment options. Treatment plans may include medication, psychotherapy, or other medical treatments. Treatment is individualized and my involve a combination of therapies.

What Conditions to Psychiatrists Diagnose?

Psychiatrists diagnose a number of mental health conditions including substance use disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), depression, bipolar disorder, mood disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). They use criteria from the American Psychiatric Association’s DSM-5 —Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders — to diagnose these and other mental health conditions.

Why work with a NAMHS Mental Health Professional?

The mental health professionals at NAMHS strive to create a welcoming and comforting environment for their patients. In fact, North American Mental Health Services has a complete team of therapists, psychiatrists, and mental health support staff dedicated to your wellness, with over 100 employees serving patients throughout California. NAMHS provides healing, hope, and a caring space to be heard.

If you are ready to work with an in-person mental health provider in in Redding, Eureka, Woodland, Fairfield or Monterey, contact the NAMHS office in your area or to work with one of our online psychiatrists, contact Telehealth.

Both psychologists and psychiatrists are mental health practitioners. Both require study, training, and certifications in their respective fields.

What do Psychologists Do?

Psychologists diagnose disorders (like ADHD, depression, PTSD, and anxiety). Through observation, surveys, and interviews, they identify behavioral, emotional, and organizational issues. They often use talk therapy and help people understand and manage symptoms.

One therapy approach used by psychologists is Cognitive behavioral therapy. CBT helps to change or improve unhelpful or unhealthy thoughts and behaviors. It can be used to help treat OCD, Depression, Anxiety, and PTSD. Providers at NAMHS offer multiple types of therapy.

What do Psychiatrists Do?

Psychiatrists can use talk therapy to treat patients but because psychiatrists are licensed as medical doctors, they can prescribe medications. They often work with patients who require medications: people with ADHD, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, major depression, or schizophrenia. Psychologists will monitor patients’ improvements or watch for side effects. They use psychological tests, one-on-one evaluations, and lab tests to diagnose mental health conditions.

Is it Better to Work with a Psychologist or Psychiatrist?

When considering more severe mental health conditions — severe depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder—, working with a psychiatrist may be the best option as they can prescribe and adjust medications.

If you’re working through a life challenge or want help identifying and working through thoughts and behaviors, a psychologist might be the better option. Some people with anxiety and depression may find that both a psychiatrist and psychologist offer the right balance of treatment as they benefit from both medication and therapy.

Psychologist and Psychiatrists at NAMHS

North American Mental Health Services has a talented team of mental health professionals. Heather O’Connell, Ph.D. is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist based in Redding. NAMHS also has several psychiatrists based in Redding, Eureka, and Fairfield.

Our mental health providers work with adults, teens, and children. They work with patients in-office and online through telehealth services, including online therapy. Contact our offices to learn more or schedule an appointment with one of our providers.