Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States that is celebrated on the first Monday of September. It is a day to commemorate the contributions of workers to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of the country. Labor Day, A Celebration of Hard Work.
Today, Labor Day is a day for people to relax and enjoy the fruits of their labor. It is also a day to reflect on the progress that we have made as a nation, and to recommit ourselves to the fight for a better future for all workers.
The Importance of Hard Work
Hard work is essential to the success of any society. It is through hard work that we create the goods and services that we need to live and thrive. It is also through hard work that we build strong communities and a better future for ourselves and our children.
Hard work is not always easy. It can be physically and mentally demanding. It can also be frustrating and discouraging. But when we persevere through hard times and continue to work hard, we are rewarded with a sense of accomplishment, pride, and satisfaction.
We should all be proud of the hard work that we do. Whether we are working in a traditional job, running our own business, or raising a family, we are all making a contribution to society. We should never take our hard work for granted.
Celebrating the Hard Work That You Do
This Labor Day, I encourage you to take some time to reflect on the hard work that you do. Be grateful for the opportunities that you have. Be proud of your accomplishments and the contributions that you make to your community. And remember that you are not alone. There are millions of people who work hard every day, just like you.
And don’t forget to celebrate the hard work of others. Thank the people who make your life possible, from the farmers who grow our food to the teachers who educate our children.
Thank you for your hard work and have a happy and safe Labor Day!
Mental health issues are a common occurrence in the United States, affecting one in five adults each year. While mental health issues can affect anyone, they are more common in certain populations, such as young adults, women, and people of color.
If you have a family member who is struggling with a mental health issue, it is important to know that you are not alone. Listed below there are many resources available to help you and your family member get the support they need.
Here are some ideas on how to help your family member with a mental health issue:
First, Educate yourself about mental health issues. The more you know about mental health, the better equipped you will be to help your family member. There are many resources available to help you learn more about mental health, including books, websites, and support groups.
Secondly, Talk to your family member about their mental health. Let them know that you are there for them and that you want to help. Furthermore Encourage them to talk to you about how they are feeling and what they are going through.
Thirdly, Support your family member in seeking professional help. If your family member is struggling with a mental health issue, it is important to encourage them to seek professional help. A mental health professional can provide your family member with the support and treatment they need to get better.
Lastly, Be patient and understanding. It is important to be patient and understanding with your family member as they work through their mental health issue. Recovery takes time, so be there for them every step of the way.
Resources for Mental Health in Wisconsin and Minnesota
There are many resources available to help people with mental health issues in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Here are a few of the resources available in these states:
Wisconsin Department of Health Services: The Wisconsin Department of Health Services provides a variety of resources for people with mental health issues, including information on mental health disorders, treatment options, and support groups.
Minnesota Department of Human Services: The Minnesota Department of Human Services provides similar resources to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): NAMI is a national organization that provides support and advocacy for people with mental illness and their families. NAMI has chapters in both Wisconsin and Minnesota.
MentalHealth.gov: MentalHealth.gov is a website from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that provides information on mental health disorders, treatment options, and support groups.
If you are struggling with a mental health issue or know someone who is, please know that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you get the support you need.
Pride Month: A Celebration of LGBTQ+ Identity and History
June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and its history. The month is marked by parades, festivals, and other events that bring people together to celebrate their identity and advocate for equality.
What is Pride Month?
Pride Month is an annual observance that commemorates the 1969 Stonewall riots in New York City. The riots were a turning point in the gay liberation movement, and they helped to spark the fight for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States and around the world.
The first Pride march was held in New York City in 1970, and it was a small event with about 1,000 people in attendance. However, the march quickly grew in popularity, and today Pride events are held all over the world.
How to Celebrate Pride Month
There are many ways to celebrate Pride Month. Some people participate in parades, marches, and other public demonstrations. Others attend festivals, concerts, and other cultural events. Still others simply wear rainbow flags or other symbols of pride.
Here are some additional ideas for celebrating Pride Month:
Attend a Pride parade or march.
Go to a Pride festival or concert.
Visit a local LGBTQ+ community center.
Volunteer for an LGBTQ+ organization.
Support LGBTQ+ businesses.
Be an ally to LGBTQ+ people in your community.
Talk to your friends and family about LGBTQ+ issues.
Support Resources
There are many resources available to help you learn more about LGBTQ+ issues and celebrate Pride Month. Here are a few:
Pride Month is important because it is a time to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and its achievements. It is also a time to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues and advocate for equality.
Pride Month is a reminder that the LGBTQ+ community has come a long way, but there is still work to be done. We must continue to fight for equality for all LGBTQ+ people, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender identity, or socioeconomic status.
Conclusion
Pride Month is a celebration of LGBTQ+ Identity and history, but it is also a time to reflect on the challenges that the LGBTQ+ community still faces. In conclusion we must continue to fight for equality for all LGBTQ+ people, furthermore we must never forget the sacrifices that have been made to get us where we are today.
The Valentine’s Day season is around the corner, and so is the pressure to celebrate it. During this time of year, there is no shortage of candy brands reminding us that the best way to express love is through treats. The fact of the matter is that love is a daily choice that requires much more than chocolate.
Oftentimes we can get caught up in the overwhelming stress of life’s commitments. Therapy is a tool that helps us process our feelings and open our minds to giving and receiving love, thereby strengthening our relationship with others.
Therapy teaches us to love ourselves with…
Compassion
Maybe you’re familiar with the phrase “You are your own worst critic”.
Unfortunately, this phrase holds more truth than we want to believe. Psychology Today’s article discusses the negative impact that self-criticism can have on our mental health. Therapy creates a safe space where we can process the internal disapproval that we allow ourselves to be burdened with. By reducing some of these burdens, we can free our minds to make room for more positive mindfulness and self-love.
Recognition
When we’ve learned to exercise compassion, there will then be space for recognition. The thought of having to be mindful and vulnerable is scary, but breaking down our internal barriers empowers us to see our strengths. All too often, we do not give ourselves enough credit for the good qualities that we have. We have a tendency to break ourselves down, instead of building ourselves up. By doing the opposite, and recognizing our strengths, we can master the art of loving who we are.
Development
One way we can learn to love ourselves is by taking steps to help us meet our potential. Therapy creates a safe space where we can discover what we need to grow. This can be hard to do, as sometimes we are forced to acknowledge parts of ourselves that we hope not to. But, by managing bad habits or negative mindsets, we can develop into the thriving person we hope to be.
Therapy teaches us to love others with…
Communication
Communication is an important part of every relationship. If you google synonyms for “communication” you might find words like “give” or “deliver”. Very rarely do we equivocate communication with “receiving”. It’s important to remember that communication between two people goes both ways. While this practice requires speaking with calm tones and kind words, it also requires active listening. Therapy not only teaches us the techniques to be heard, but also the ability to hear others. This can be hard to put into practice, but, when done correctly, allows us to build a greater connection.
If you’re looking for active ways that you can practice better communication with your partner, check out our blog on 10 Communication Tips for Couples
Recognition
When we interact with others, we tend to get caught up in the moment. It’s easy to forget that the other person has a different perspective from our own. Therapy teaches us to take a step back and recognize the kinds of burdens that others might be carrying. Check out Psychology Today’s article on the 5 Ways Empathy is Good for Your Health. By practicing empathy, we will find that we can build stronger connections with others.
Compassion
Just like we should work to be less critical of ourselves, therapy helps us to be less critical of each other. It can be hard to let go of the things that hurt us, but the practice of compassion can help us move forward. Therapy creates a safe environment where we can learn this skill, together, and strengthen our connections.
This article shares about types of licensure so you can understand the difference in types of therapists. There are several ways that one can pursue education in order to become a therapist. Understanding the differences in each licensure will help you understand how your therapist, or potential therapist is trained.
Here we will outline some of the most common licensures that our therapists have here at Collaborative Counseling.
Masters Degree
Above all else, a masters degree is required before obtaining licensure. Therapists can received a masters degree in many areas of study. These include psychology, social work, counseling, mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, and many more.
It typically takes two years to complete a masters program. And requires completion of a four year degree.
Once a masters degree is obtained and before one can take the state or professional exam, several steps of provisional licensure and supervised counseling take place. When an applicate completes and passes this exam, they are a licensed therapist.
In the U.S., requirements for becoming a therapist are determined by state. As a result, the requirements vary depending where you live.
Types of Licensure
Here are general descriptions and requirements of different licensure.
Licensed Psychologist (PhD, PsyD, or EdD)
Generally, you will need a doctoral degree to practice as a licensed psychologist. Doctorate programs are often the highest level of education in most fields. They take around four years to complete, after completing a bachelors degree. These psychologists have the ability to do psychological testing. In general, other licensed professionals cannot.
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
Licensed Professional Counselors are masters level mental health providers. They require:
A minimum of 700 hours of supervised field experience in graduate school
Depending upon degree, 2,000-3,000 hours of post-graduate clinical supervision hours
Passing the credentialing exam
These professionals can work in a variety of settings, including communities and private practice. LPC’s work with individuals, families, couples and groups.
In Minnesota, LPC is not a common licensure, but Wisconsin uses these requirements for LPC’s.
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors are also masters level professionals that have a masters degree in counseling or another related field. Some requirements for these counselors include:
an additional 2,000 post graduate supervision hours for licensure compared to LPC’s, for a total of 4,000 hours.
passing the credentialing exam
This is a more common licensure in Minnesota because this is the license insurance companies will reimburse.
LPCC providers can work in a variety of settings including private practice, residential facilities, community based agencies, schools and more! This licensure level is trained to offer therapy to individuals, couples, families, and groups.
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
A Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker is within the field of Social Work. These training programs focus on therapy from a perspective of the community that surrounds oneself.
To become a LICSW:
First, one must get their masters in social work (MSW)
After that you work towards licensure via clinical experience in and after graduate school.
After schooling comes a post graduate school experience. During this time social workers are supervised by a fully licensed person before receiving their own independent licensure.
Then they must take the state licensing exam.
Also, another variation of LICSW’s is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). This includes minor changes in requirements from state to state. For example, LCSW’s practice in Wisconsin, while LICSW’s practice in Minnesota.
A big benefit of this type of license is the type of insurance that LICSW’s and LCSW’s can accept. For example, they are able to accept Medicare if they choose to, while other licensed professionals do not have the option to accept this due to Medicare guidelines.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
Licensed Marriage and Family therapists are another sub-sect of mental health providers that offer services to couples, families, and individuals. While LMFT’s do tend to work more in family and relationship settings, this is not the only population LMFT’s can work with.
Marriage and family graduate programs focus more on the family systems and relationships surrounding one’s life. This training informs and impacts the way LMFT’s approach therapy.
These therapists require:
4,000 hours of post graduate supervised experience
Passing the national MFT exam.
LMFT’s can also work in private practice, community settings or residential facilities.
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC)
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors are master level professionals. They require:
Completion of 880 hours of supervised experience during the alcohol and drug graduate program
Candidates must pass the licensing exam
Having a variety of training programs for counseling helps keep our field diverse. It also helps provide a variety of specialties in our field. The vast array of services that are offered come from the differences in licensure. Providers with different licensure often focus their practice in certain specialties based on their degree and license.
However, a provider’s specific area of expertise could vary. It is best to schedule an appointment or meet a therapist personally to see if they are the best fit for you. We hope it helped to learn about the types of licensure of our providers.
For more information, call our office today to see who is available and may be a good fit for you! To learn more about our providers visit our website at https://www.collaborativemn.com/meet-our-team.
There are many different program options for addressing issues with mental health. It can be difficult to know which type would be the best fit for you or a loved one. We are going to try to break down the levels of mental health care to make it a little simpler!
Outpatient Options
In outpatient care, the patient goes to the place of service, gets said service, and then goes back home all in one day. There are four levels of outpatient care: 12-Step programs, routine outpatient programs, intensive outpatient programs, and partial hospitalization.
12-Step Programs
In a 12-Step program, participants typically meet on a weekly or monthly basis to talk in a group about shared struggles. People share their experiences and build a support community through those stories. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is one really common example of this type of service. Other subject areas include gambling, sex addition, eating disorders, and many more.
Routine Outpatient Care
Routine outpatient care is what we do here at Collaborative Counseling. In this level of mental health care, patients meet with a therapist in an office. Sessions typically last around an hour. Therapists will facilitate conversation to help with whatever may be happening in their life.
Intensive Outpatient Programs
Intensive outpatient programs are similar to routine care in that the client goes to an office for services. However, these programs often involve both group therapy and individual therapy on a regular basis. The sessions are typically longer or occur more often.
Partial Hospitalization
Partial hospitalization (PHP) is one step higher in care. These programs are usually all day. The client would spend their day in different therapy sessions and/or programs and then go home for the night. There is more structure and help with basic care needs.
Inpatient Options
These levels of care take place in a hospital or residential setting. People typically check to a hospital or another facility where they spend the night. The two levels of inpatient care are: acute inpatient care and residential treatment.
Acute Inpatient Care
Acute inpatient care is a short term hospitalization. When care in an outpatient setting is not enough, clients can go to an inpatient facility. Facilities are staffed 24 hours a day by trained individuals monitoring client. The goal is usually to get the client stable enough to go back home.
Residential Treatment
Residential Treatment options last a bit longer than acute care. They take place in a home or apartment setting. There are still medically trained staff present, but they may not be monitoring the client as close as in a hospital. Clients work on building community in their living space while addressing their personal concerns.
No matter where you are at in your mental health journey, there are options for you! Hopefully this information helped clarify the levels of mental health care available.
Need help in finding programs near you? Click here.
Trying to find a therapist that is a good fit for you can be challenging. While there are many wonderful therapists in the field, you need to know what you are looking for in a therapist to determine if they will be a good fit for you. Here, we share some tips to finding the right therapist for you.
Credentials
There are many different degree’s and titles that a therapist can hold. Below is a breakdown of the various titles and degrees and what they mean.
Psychologists: This is someone who holds a Doctoral Degree, either a PhD or PsyD. In addition to being trained in psychotherapy and counseling, they are also trained in psychological testing for issues such as ADHD or Autism.
Social Workers: These individualshold a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW). Social workers who perform therapy will have the title LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker). Their education focuses on systems including the family and the community. They typically work with families and groups in addition to individuals.
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors: LPCC’s hold a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology. They work with a variety of mental health issues and modalities. Their education focuses on being client-centered versus illness-centered.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists: LMFT’s hold a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Their education focuses on family systems and relationships. They typically see couples, families and individuals.
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors: LADC’s hold a Bachelor’s Degree at minimum. However, some people choose to hold this license in addition to their main license. They specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of substance use disorders.
Look Around
Take your time and look at therapist biographies and profiles on company websites or sites like https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists.You can see pictures and descriptions of therapists as well as the issues they work with and their specialties. When looking at therapist bio’s take notice if they are selling themselves orthe work they do and their philosophy when it comes to working with clients. Pictures can be a helpful first indication to if you will feel comfortable with a therapist, so follow your gut! When searching for a therapist, keep in mind your preferred gender as well.
Keep an Open Mind
Once you choose a therapist, keep in mind that there is no obligation to return if you do not feel it was a good fit. Often, people will continue to see someone they do not connect with. Many times, this is because they do not want to hurt the therapist’s feelings. Remember, the therapeutic relationship should benefit you. If you feel you would connect better with someone else, there is nothing wrong with that. However, if you decide to try someone else out, keep in mind what you liked about the previous therapist and what you did not. This will help you narrow your search and hone in on someone who may be perfect for you.
Check out the therapists we currently offer at our various locations within Collaborative Counseling!
All too often we find ourselves stuck in a rut, especially when it comes to our relationships. Comfort and routines can lead to complacency and boredom. It is normal at one time or another to feel like “spicing things up” between yourself and your partner.
To bring back the spark, a playful attitude can make things fun again. Sometimes we start to take our relationships and ourselves too seriously and we forget to let go and be playful with our partner. There are many different ways to bring play back in to your relationship but here are some examples to get you started:
Play a board game together
Role play in the bedroom each others’ fantasies
Go for a hike and turn it in to an exploring adventure
Laugh at your partner’s little jokes
In moments of conflict, bring lightness to it by making a joke or being playful
Make corny romantic gestures (e.g. do a dip kiss, buy flowers)
Dance together
Try to carve out the time for some of these fun activities every once in a while and see how it can improve your attitude and your relationship. Life is too short to not have fun. Get creative in trying to bring fun and play into your relationship.
If your partner has betrayed you through cheating or an affair, you may be experiencing flashbacks, excessive worry and memories. Here we will discuss what flashbacks and intrusive memories are and some ideas around how to overcome them.
Following the discovery that your spouse has been cheating, it can be a difficult feat to begin to overcome the thoughts, anger, hurt and feelings associated with this type of betrayal. Some betrayed spouses report flashbacks and memories related to an affair.
Things that can trigger flashbacks include spending time with your partner who cheated, romantic sounds, love stories, not hearing from your partner and sometimes they can just come out of the blue when you least expect it.
Being betrayed by a loved one can often be traumatic. Traumatic experiences can be followed by intrusive thoughts about the event such as images, thoughts and memories. Sometimes even images from the imagination can become intrusive.
If you are struggling to overcome the discovery of an affair, here are some ways you can work to overcome thoughts and memories that are interfering with your daily life:
Be present
Practice simple acts of working to stay in the moment. Be cautious to not escape through food, alcohol, drugs or other avoidance tactics. There are many different ways to practice being mindful and in the moment including yoga, breathing, and meditation. Even working to just do one thing at a time while focusing all of your attention on that task will help you to be present and more mindful.
One simple exercise to get you out of a flashback is to focus on your breathing for 5 breaths. Notice the air coming in and going out, notice how you feel, try to focus just on the act of breathing.
Journal
Write down things that you are thinking and feeling. Journaling is a very effective tool to help you deal with your negative emotions and to help you to let things go. The act of writing can help people to think of ways to deal with things and can even lead to new perspectives or self understandings.
By taking time to process through your feelings, you will be able to move through them more quickly than if you try to suppress or ignore them. Give yourself permission to write down all of your thoughts and feelings without censoring – this is for you.
Anticipate triggers
Pay attention to what thins trigger flashbacks for you and try to find ways to initially avoid these triggers. When your healing has progressed more, work to develop coping skills for managing your flashbacks. As with any anxiety-provoking thing, eventually you will want to work to expose yourself to your triggers so you can move forward. It is okay initially to avoid situations or experiences that may trigger your flashbacks.
Ride the wave
Some triggers will be impossible to avoid and some flashbacks will just come out of seemingly nowhere. For these I recommend “riding the wave” to do this you will experience the emotion you are having while imagining it wash over you and away from you like a wave. Sometimes we resist emotions, however by riding the wave you often end up more able to move forward from your emotion and flashback.
Be kind to your self
Forgive yourself for not catching on to it sooner or for any mistakes you are blaming your self for. Try to do things that you enjoy that will help you to get out of your thoughts.
Pay attention to doing the small things that will care for your mind body and soul. Eat a healthy and balanced diet, try to exercise for at least 20 minutes a day, take a class about something you want to learn, read a book, try to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night, etc… Do things to help you feel good about your self.
Don’t bring others in to it
Sometimes our urge can be to talk with others when we are hurt or struggling. Often it is good to talk with someone about emotions you are struggling to process, however with infidelity there can also be negatives to bringing others in to it.
The cautionary tale here is that if you decide to forgive your partner, your friends and family may not be as quick to do so. Sometimes these can lead to awkward relationships or even the loss of friendships. Be cautious not to bring others in to it, especially if you may stay with your partner.
See a therapist or counselor
If you feel the need to talk to someone, we recommend meeting with a therapist or counselor to process your feelings. Therapists are trained to help people process through difficult things. Sometimes it is best to talk with someone completely outside of your situation. In addition, a counselor will be able to provide you with a safe environment to process your feelings and thoughts without judgment and will be able to help you develop tools to move past it in the best way for you.
You may consider doing individual counseling, couples counseling or both. Either of these formats of counseling can be helpful in processing through an affair. Counseling can help you learn new ways of coping with the betrayal and resulting loss of trust. It can also help you decide if whether you want to continue in the relationship.
In summary it is important during this time that you focus on taking care of yourself and to learn ways to manage your emotions and flashbacks through healthy coping skills. If at any point you find yourself struggling to move past your flashbacks or intrusive thoughts, seek professional help. Knowing when to ask for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. To learn more about our services visit: https://www.collaborativemn.com/counseling-services/couples-family-therapy
Please note: This article is presented for information only and is not intended to substitute for professional therapeutic advice.
If you’re anything like many of us, you’re all too familiar “dot dot dot” you get while waiting for a response from someone. Often, we see them when we’re finalizing plans, or asking someone how their day went. Other times, we see them in response to a big question, like “Where is our relationship at?” or “Are you mad at me?” That visible pause- in three tiny dots- we see light up our phones puts all of our fears at the forefront of our mind. It can be the most gut wrenching two minutes of your life as you wait for their text to materialize.
What Makes You Pause?
Just think about your life for a minute. Do you feel like you’re on pause, waiting for answers? How many of us have stalled at the “dot dot dot”? We ask ourselves, or our spouses, even our friends, the hard questions like:
-Am I happy in my marriage?
-Am I doing the right thing by taking this new job?
-Should I have another baby?
-Is my son/daughter in need of more help than I can give them?
-Are issues in my prior relationships keeping me from moving on?
-Why can’t I find contentment in my life?
And we don’t have the answer, and neither do they. So we wait for a response, but nothing comes. And we sit, staring at that “dot dot dot” in life, wondering what we do next. How do you know if you’re choosing correctly? Who can you turn to when you don’t have the answers, and people around you can’t help you?
Seek Help
If you are tired of being on pause, waiting for an answer, consider talking to one of our therapists. We are here to listen and help. Our goal is to help you bring more joy, laughter and love into your life. We provide counseling that will help you live your life to the fullest by supporting you through difficult times as well as teaching you skills that will allow you to make changes and progress towards a healthier, happier, more fulfilling life.
Stop waiting for the answers, and let us help you find them. To learn more visit our website at: https://www.collaborativemn.com
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