Psychotherapy
Can
I benefit from psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a form of treatment found to be effective in treating
psychological problems, as well as helping one to grow and make significant
life changes. Therapy is based on the observation that individuals are
frequently unaware of the factors which precipitate their actions and
emotions. This is a normal human response in an effort to avoid pain
(mental or emotional), by attempting to forget difficult experiences.
The lack of awareness can result in feelings of unhappiness and a feeling
that one is lacking control in their life.
The symptoms may take the form of clinical indicators such as mood or
anxiety disorders, difficulties in work or love relationships, or problems
with self-esteem. Because many of these factors exist outside of one's
awareness, the advice of friends and family, the reading of self-help
books, or even willpower and positive thinking fail to help. Psychotherapy
helps to take charge of one's life by bringing to light thoughts and
feelings which have been delegated to the "back of one's mind."
As a result, it may also help to identify thought patterns that reinforce
negative feelings. In addition, psychotherapy helps to "face one's
fears," in the context of a therapeutic relationship. These benefits
combined can lead to a healthier life.
Psychological
testing
My Doctor has referred me for psychological
or psychometric testing. What might this include?
This may include testing to clarify your diagnosis, or determine whether
you have ADHD or learning differences. It may also be used to rule out
cognitive impairment and to aid in your treatment planning.
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Examples
of personality tests are the MMPI and Rorschach Inkblot Test
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Psychoeducational
evaluations generally are comprised of an IQ test such as the Wechsler
Individual Achievement Test, and
an educational instrument such as the Woodcock Johnson Tests of Achievement.
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Neuropsychological
evaluations typically involve memory testing, cognitive tests of mental
alertness and various sensory abilities. These test typically involve
questions,
object manipulation, and various mental and
sensory tasks.
Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
This disorder is probably over diagnosed, but under evaluated.
While there is no formal test which accurately confirms a diagnosis
of ADHD, it is important to have a proper evaluation to help determine
if you or your child may have this disorder. Mental health professionals
diagnosis ADHD based on observation,
history,
test scores on attentional tasks, and the feedback of parents and teachers
on questionnaires. It is important to consider the existence of other
disorders that can mimic the symptoms of ADHD. Among these include learning
differences, emotional problems such as anxiety and depression, and
certain personality problems.
Clinical
Sport Psychology
Clinical
sport psychologists have extensive training in psychology to learn to
detect and treat individuals with emotional disorders.
Licensed by state boards to treat individuals
with emotional disorders, clinical sport psychologists have received
additional training in sport and exercise psychology and the sport sciences.
As in the general population, some athletes develop severe emotional
disorders and require special treatment. Eating disorders and substance
abuse are two examples where the specialized skills of a clinical sport
psychologist can often help sport and exercise participants.
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