#Best Gestalt Therapist

[modernmindsaus]

Things a Gestalt Therapist Do to Help You

People are more and more interested in learning how to comprehend and control their emotions, and the study of emotions is a field that is constantly expanding.Modern Minds,180 Albion Rd, Windsor QLD 4030, Australia,hello@modernminds.com.au,+61 7 3517 1589,https://modernminds.com.au/

[johnypage95]

Best hypnotherapist London:-

Themindfulpractice is your destination for the best therapy in Kensington. Our acclaimed therapist delivers exceptional couples therapy in London, earning a reputation as the best therapist in the capital. Whether you're in need of top-notch hypnotherapy in the UK, we've got you covered. Trust us for a premium healing experience. https://www.themindfulpractice.co.uk/Hypnotherapy.html

[seraphasia]

i'm really happy for you! can i ask what kind of therapy you had? it's never seemed to help me much so i'm curious!

Thank you!!♥︎ My therapist used a blend of different counseling theories with me, but primarily cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy techniques, as well as hypnosis for some very specific issues. The behavioral therapies are fairly common, so I wouldn't be surprised if you have tried those and they weren't helpful - they tend to be best for very specific concrete behavioral changes, but aren't always the best for exploring deeply rooted issues. Obviously, I don't know your specific situation, but there are a whole range of other therapeutic theories and techniques that are somewhat less common but may be more helpful if CBT and/or DBT haven't worked for you. Psychodynamic therapy tends to explore your past, early attachments, and current relationships to unpack how your subconscious experience is impacting your conscious experience. Existential therapy techniques are helpful for handling things like existential crises, grief, and death (edit: I originally wrote Gestalt where I meant existential). If you're struggling with dealing with stressors related to being a woman, a minority, or otherwise oppressed group, then you might benefit more from a therapist who has a focus in feminist therapy. Acceptance and commitment therapy can be very helpful if your issues tend to be treatment resistant - it focuses on being able to engage in positive behaviors even when your moods and thoughts are extremely negative. There's a range of options, and each can help you differently.

I also specifically sought out counselors who focused more on accountability than validation. Your therapist shouldn't tear you down, but they also shouldn't constantly validate your behaviors and emotions either. I was a relatively uncooperative patient, so having a therapist who would hold me to my word was an important factor for me. If you're having a hard time opening up to a counselor, it may be an issue of personal compatibility. It's not always the techniques but the counselor themself - sometimes because they're not good at what they do, sometimes because their personality is one that you have a hard time opening up to. Don't be afraid to window shop when it comes to therapists. I always recommend going to 3 sessions before deciding to stick with them or try someone new. The first session is almost always entirely intake, so you won't get a good idea there, but if you can't stand, don't like, or simply don't want to work with the therapist by the end of the 3rd session, leave. You are not obligated to them, and counselors are rarely cheap.

One big caveat to all this is that if you know the coping mechanisms and the strategies for dealing with mental health issues you have, but none of it is effective, you should at least explore the idea of medication. It was a problem for me where I knew the coping mechanisms that I needed to use, knew how to use them, but my emotions were so off the charts strong that I didn't have the capacity to use them properly. Most people have a threshold of emotion at which most healthy coping mechanisms are ineffective, but if you're in that state most or all of the time, it's worth looking into psychiatric medication. Psychiatrists can be a major pain in the ass in terms of finding a good one, but once you have a good one, they can change your life.

[solhwellness]

Different Types of Psychotherapies: Exploring Your Options | Solh Wellness

Several psychological therapies provide useful strategies for overcoming life's problems when it comes to improving your mental health. These treatments, often known as talk therapies or psychotherapies, offer a framework for comprehending and controlling your ideas, feelings, and behaviors.

Let's look at the various forms of psychological therapy available:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

A well-known treatment method called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) aims to recognize and alter unfavorable thought patterns. By recognizing and addressing these ideas, people can manage disorders like anxiety, melancholy, and stress efficiently. Through CBT, you acquire practical abilities to change your negative thinking.

Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) 

DBT combines techniques that encourage mindfulness with cognitive behavioral treatment. Those who struggle with strong emotions, risky behavior, and interpersonal problems benefit the most from it. DBT teaches individuals how to control their feelings, strengthen interpersonal bonds, and encourage self-acceptance.

Psychodynamic Therapy 

This therapy focuses mostly on the unsolved problems and unconscious mechanisms that influence your ideas and behaviour. To uncover ingrained patterns and advance consciousness and personal development, psychodynamic therapy digs into past interactions and experiences.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)   

ACT places a strong focus on accepting one's ideas and feelings as opposed to trying to repress them. It helps people define their values and make a commitment to upholding them. This therapy effectively treats anxiety while enhancing general wellbeing.

Mindfulness-Based Therapies  

Self-awareness and present-moment awareness are encouraged in therapies that place a strong emphasis on mindfulness. These therapies include:

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR):Through the practice of moderate yoga and mindfulness meditation, MBSR aims to reduce stress and promote emotional control.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): Since the MBCT program combines cognitive therapy techniques with mindfulness training, it can benefit people who have recurrent depression.

Humanistic Therapies  

The goals of humanistic therapies are the pursuit of self-actualization, self-growth, and self-discovery. These consist of:

Person-Centred Therapy: In the encouraging, nonjudgmental environment of this treatment, people can examine their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

Gestalt Therapy: The value of fully experiencing the present moment is emphasized by gestalt therapy. It promotes self-awareness and accountability.

Family Systems Therapy

Understanding how a person's ties with their family impact their mental health is the aim of family systems therapy. It tries to promote harmony within the family and communication.

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)  

In IPT, emphasis is placed on interpersonal and communication skills. Both treating depression and resolving interpersonal conflicts can be done using it.

Narrative Therapy  

Examining the narratives we tell about our lives is an essential component of narrative therapy. Retelling and recreating these tales can offer people fresh perspective and a sense of empowerment.

Behavioural Therapy  

Behavioral therapy seeks to alter a behavior by identifying the reinforcers of that behavior. For phobias, OCD, and other conditions, there are two methods of treatment: behavior modification and exposure therapy.

Last but not least, each therapy has its unique technique and benefits. A licensed therapist can help you discuss your options and help you discover the option that best suits your needs. Remember that choosing the ideal approach could need some trial and error because therapy is a collaborative process. By incorporating psychological treatment into your regular routine for maintaining your mental health, you may offer yourself the resources you require to live a more balanced and fulfilling life.

At Solh Wellness, we take great care to fully understand the range of mental health issues and offer treatment that is uniquely tailored to each potential client. Our therapists are skilled at adapting the course of treatment to meet the demands of the patients. In order to assist you practice mindfulness and self-care, we also provide resources and techniques.

[twistednuns]

October 2024

Kissing.

Meeting Sri in Würzburg. A calm train ride and ancient trams. Working in harmony. Learning. Accepting that our exercises won't be perfect but they'll be good enough.

Reading so much. I just finished Alice Hoffman's Practical Magic series.

C. went to the bakery to buy dessert and asked me what I was in the mood for (creamy and fruity). No special occasion. Such a treat.

Visiting the garden exhibition with Tine. Overseeing Lian's playground time, giving him little challenges. Walking back after sunset with a cup of warm Chai Masala in my hands. Staged photographs.

Feeling very patient and calm. Taking the time to explain something thoroughly, playing a 4 hour board game; enough energy to manage my emotions and even go grocery shopping.

Heart-shaped pink Begonia blossoms.

Marjolien and Tobi visiting us for dinner. I made a yummy pasta bake. And pumpkin quiche the next day.

Quality time with Findus, the cutest of the cuties. He's so gentle and playful.

Fast-acting nasal spray.

My cozy, autumnal mood. The light just after dawn - foggy and high-contrast. Taking an additional soft blanket to bed. Pumpkin Spice porridge with apple slices.

Realising that I need stillness to get in touch with what I need and come back to myself. I even drew two matching OSHO Zen cards: Patience and Success.

A full day of consistent energy.

I went to Schauburg theatre with Becky to see Die kleine Hexe and loved the play. The witches' costumes, dances and the eerie music were perfect and the guy who spoke everyone's lines was so funny. And time with Becky is always so nice. She really is one of the best friends I have.

Support from a few people in my Gestalt therapy group after I shared the news about my current situation. Talking to Markus who's been through the same shit as me. Feeling hopeful.

A blind intuitive touch exercise with Friederike. I felt very comfortable with her, especially when she put pressure on me and held me.

I found a postcard with a beautiful text from a local Gestalt therapist: Lass es sein.

A moment when I realised that my was body annoying me - which meant that I was actually IN my body at the time! And it was so much easier to be present and look at people!

More self-diagnosis: I'm a Highly Sensitive Person and a High Sensation Seeker, possible also highly intelligent. Which explains my contradictory nature. I need to rest AND I'm easily bored. Understimulation is just as stressful to me as overstimulation. Which probably means that what I've experienced at work is a qualitative bore-out, not a burn-out. I need more excitement and challenges in my life! I want to learn and apply my creativity. I want to stop all the hesitation and avoidance to find the courage to create the circumstances I need to thrive!

I took the same road to my seminar on Saturday and Sunday and on both days a kitty was waiting in the same spot. It talked to me and allowed me to pet it. A blessing for the day!

Doing improv comedy. I completely over-acted like the little drama queen that I am and made people laugh. I was surprised by how much fun I had!

Noticing that my jungly, artsy apartment is so me. I feel quite at home here.

Roasted cauliflower with lemon, garlic mayo and feta. A clementine and a crisp apple with tahini for dessert.

Writing a letter about fall vibes, sending witchy novels to a friend.

Going to the supermarket for some fruit and milk just to find my favorite snack of all time on the shelf: Smash. Highly addictive. So tasty.

Painting at C.'s kitchen table while waiting for him. Listening to podcasts. Switching to illustration when abstract painting felt a little frustrating.

The moment when all that talk about problems and negativity switched to playfulness and we started laughing, teasing each other, interacting freely and joyfully.

Cuddles from Andrea after a boring choir meeting.

All the yellow flowers I keep seeing at the moment. Whole fields of late-blooming canola and sunflowers.

Revisiting an old favourite after lunch with Frank at Café Beethoven: hot chocolate with whipped cream and sea salt.

An extra blanket in bed.

Journalling.

Crisp, tart apples.

Fall colours. Leaves in all shades of yellow, orange and red. Muted greens and browns.

Driving towards the bright full moon illuminating my path.

Double trouble with the kitten bois trying to "help" me with the laundry.

A weekend with Christian and his housemates. Cooking together, long walks in the mountains and along a lake, playing games and getting to know each other a little better. Feeling really happy even though it wasn't always easy. Perhaps living in community really has its benefits.

Consoling C.'s son, making him laugh.

Squeezing into a small hostel bed together. Occasional touches, smiles and winks.

Austrian supermarkets.

C. remembered my story about chest pockets and surprised me with a little heart doodle in his shirt pocket. He also left a lovely note for me on his kitchen table in the morning.

Feeling euphoric. Loved. Cared for. When he massaged me. Told me to take it slow. Pinched me. Kissed me. I told him it was the best sex I'd ever had and meant it.

Walking through the forest looking for mushrooms. Stepping on huge puffballs, also finding several edible ones. Spooking a few kittens. The late afternoon light coming in through the trees. Eye contact with a horse.

All three kitten bois asking for attention at the same time.

Hugging my Gestalt therapist.

Stumbling upon Wood Soup Girl's ASMR videos.

Snake-like movements in yoga class. So good for my spine.

Celia reaching out to me with her vision of a collaboration. I have so many thoughts about community, working with purpose, helping yourself and others. Is this the time to start something big?

Painting on a stone. Just because.

Making coconut sticky rice with frozen mango cubes.

A relaxed vision after yoga class: imagining spending some time with my mum in the forest. Hugging, feeling and smelling each other. Encouragement and smiles. Wrapping our arms around a tree.

Talking to Miri and Lucie about late career changes, crisis, and accepting help.

Waking up with the impulse to do weight training. So I did. I even practiced with my FeetUp trainer and went for a long walk through the forest. An old man greeted me and made me smile. A magic moment: I thought about a cat I'd sometimes met on the street I was on and right that second a beautiful red cat came out of a driveway. Kitty manifestation.

Coming home. Taking a shower. Lying down. Feeling the warm, soft blankets. Relaxing.

Hanging out at Frank's place like in the good old times with Fabi, Marie and Christian.

Planting 22 fruit trees with Christian's neighbors and two cats. It was hard work I'm not used to but I had fun nevertheless!

Doing breathwork together. We both had a beautiful journey! I drew a mandala card before and after: gratitude - follow your bliss.

Enjoying each other's presence. Cuddles, fantasies, fun, lots of healing touch. Our last weekend together before my month in the clinic. At one point he picked me up from the bathroom door singing Heal the World, dragging me along into a little dance.

Meeting beautiful Celia. Walking over to Westpark together. Talking about our lessons, difficulties, visions. Making plans. Mercury in Gemini team!

A little test from the Universe demonstrating that I'm not as well as I thought I was. One little problem and I'm nervous, afraid, helpless. However, I managed the crisis and was rewarded with a graceful solution.

Doodling faces. Using my sketchbook. It felt nice.

Smelling the cat's earthy toe beans. Cute aggression is real.

Holding hands with L. when he came into our bed in the morning. Getting up with him. Starting to build a marble run out of cardboard.

My huge room at the clinic. The fantastic food. Good company.

Showing my vulnerability openly by asking for help with something as simple as the candy in my mini bar.

Realizing that other people don't perceive me as awkward and incompetent. Quite the opposite actually. It's all in my head.

[sage-sips]

(via The Deeper The Authenticity, The Better The Tarot)

We are having a blissfully rainy day here in the 'burgh. The energy this week has been kinda chaotic and funky. Weird even. The energy right now is the reset we need to shake off the funky mojo and get back to the normal squirrel rave of life.

If you are working this weekend - thank you. Stay chill, hang in there until your next time off. If you have this weekend off, stay chill, do what needs done and relax when you can.

I do weird things on the weekend like think about reverse engineering. Reverse engineering Tarot to be exact.

It is an interesting exercise at any skill level of Tarot reading to take an idea, anything, and try to find a Tarot card that best exemplifies that concept. Instead of going from a random card to its keywords, go from a random idea to its key card.

It doesn't always work. Sometimes it takes a few cards to capture the essence of the idea, but I would guess that is why card layouts were invented. We'll get back to talking about layouts another day. For today, I've been thinking about which one of the 78 cards best communicates the idea of authenticity.

Authenticity is a big, stage of life, personal growth, life-lesson kind of concept so my first instinct is to look toward the major arcana. Of those, my attention is drawn to the World card.

In my opinion,  this card are best summed up by not just "the World" but by "Cosmos" and "Gestalt." Together, it gives the feeling of the biggest of big pictures and everything in it.

Everything in the world includes the masks we wear AND the beauty behind them. Everything, the Gestalt, the cosmos includes truth, lies and everything in between. That includes the authentic self of each and every human being. Whoever you are, whoever you want to be, however you want to be perceived - every facet of your true self - is included, accepted and connected with the grand everything that The World card symbolizes.

Authenticity is a part of that everything.

Every part of you is a part of that everything.

That everything-ness of the World card in particular and of Tarot in general gets behind our social masks. It flows both ways. When you allow a reading to touch the real you and not all the "could" "should" and "will" you get a higher, more potent level of guidance and help.

Should you choose to work with a professional reader instead of taking the DIY approach, the reader's level of authenticity also enhances the quality of your reading experience.

No two readers are alike. Some are con artists. Some are artist-artists. Some are voices from a higher realm. Some are practical, grounded, roots as deep as a tree. Some are therapists in artists clothing. Most of us are out here doing our thing just trying to make it through life ourselves and hopefully help some folks along the way.

You'll know the difference when you see it. You'll know when someone genuinely believes in what they are doing, or at least what they think they can do. The trick is finding someone whose authentic self vibes with your authentic self. Unfortunately there is no way for us readers to know when that is the case. It's up to you to listen to your inside authentic self.

Thank you so much for reading today. Next up: You Choose interactive reading. See you at the next sip!

[idigitizellp21]

Exploring Humanistic Psychotherapy: A Journey Of Self-Discovery

In the vast landscape of psychotherapy approaches, humanistic psychotherapy stands out as a deeply compassionate and client-centered approach to understanding and healing the human psyche. Developed in the mid-20th century by luminaries like Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, humanistic psychotherapy places the individual at the center of their own therapeutic journey. This blog explores the key principles, techniques, and benefits of humanistic psychotherapy while referencing some influential works in the field.

The Humanistic Paradigm

Humanistic psychotherapy is rooted in the belief that every individual has an innate drive toward self-actualization — a desire to fulfill their potential and become the best version of themselves. This contrasts with other therapeutic approaches that may focus on pathology or symptom reduction. Two foundational figures in humanistic psychology, Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, paved the way for this approach.

Carl Rogers and Client-Centered Therapy

Carl Rogers’ Client-Centered Therapy, outlined in his book “On Becoming a Person” (1961), emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship. In this approach, the therapist provides an empathetic, non-judgmental, and unconditional positive regard for the client. This creates an environment where the client can explore their thoughts and emotions freely, fostering self-discovery and personal growth.

Abraham Maslow and Self-Actualization

Maslow’s “Motivation and Personality” (1954) introduced the hierarchy of needs, with self-actualization at its pinnacle. Humanistic therapists draw upon Maslow’s ideas to help clients move towards self-actualization by addressing basic needs like safety and belonging while also encouraging personal growth and creativity.

Core Principles of Humanistic Psychotherapy

1. Holistic Approach: Humanistic therapy views individuals as whole beings, incorporating their thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and spiritual dimensions into the therapeutic process.

2. Self-Exploration: Clients are encouraged to explore their feelings, beliefs, and values, fostering self-awareness and personal insight.

3. Non-Directive: Therapists act as facilitators, not directors, allowing clients to guide the sessions in a direction that feels most relevant to their personal growth.

4. Unconditional Positive Regard: Therapists provide unwavering acceptance and support, creating a safe space for clients to express themselves authentically.

Techniques in Humanistic Psychotherapy

1. Active Listening: Therapists practice empathetic listening to understand the client’s experiences without judgment or interpretation.

2. Reflection: Therapists reflect the client’s feelings and thoughts back to them, aiding self-awareness and deeper understanding.

3. Gestalt Therapy: Developed by Fritz Perls, this technique explores the integration of conflicting aspects of the self, often through role-playing or empty chair exercises.

Benefits of Humanistic Psychotherapy

1. Self-Discovery: Clients gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their values, and their goals, leading to increased self-acceptance and authenticity.

2. Enhanced Relationships: Improved self-awareness and empathy cultivated during therapy can enhance personal and professional relationships.

3. Personal Growth: Humanistic psychotherapy fosters personal growth and the pursuit of one’s potential, promoting a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Conclusion

Humanistic psychotherapy offers a profound and transformative approach to mental health and personal development. Rooted in the belief in each person’s potential for growth and self-actualization, it provides a therapeutic journey focused on self-discovery, empowerment, and authenticity. As Carl Rogers eloquently stated, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” In the realm of humanistic psychotherapy, this acceptance forms the foundation for lasting personal transformation.

– Urveez Kakalia.

[nooradeservedbetter]

Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers. Let's spread the self-love 💞

Anonymous asked: Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to at least five other writers. Let’s spread the self-love 💙

Thank you, both of you! Let me make that list :D

Men of Steel, Men of Power (Larry, ~59k)

My last work and the one I'm so proud of lately. Political omegaverse fic, responds to the question how do you kickstart a communist revolution? What can I say lmao.

See the Light (Larry, ~6k)

This is literally just puppy play smut and I'm very happy that I could write something this filthy. Was about to post it anon, but then I went fuck it.

The Gestalt of a Person (Ziall, ~2k)

Proud of this small lil fic because it talks about things close to my heart. It's about islam and being gay, and I think I did a fair enough job.

Falling Faster and Faster (Noorevilde, ~13k)

This is an older one but I'm still so proud of it. It's a trip through Vilde's self-discovery, it was supposed to be a f/f/f pwp and then it grew legs and it's just one of my best femslash works now.

Gone Daddy Gone (Gen, ~4k)

This one is very close to my heart, and it's a SKAM OG telling of Noora post-abuse. I can't really talk about it a lot, but I showed it to my therapist lmao.

[errantabbot]

On Therapy and Science

Therapy at its best is a purely human endeavor, and not a science in any objective or consistently predictive sense.

Viewing the therapeutic task through a scientifically descriptive lens can be helpful, but scientific prescriptions for the perennial endeavor of being with one another in a profound, intimate, and exemplary sense have proved to be less than consistent or helpful.

So much of what we lust after in modern psychology still wreaks of “physics envy,” and our desire for a stable casting of the human lot in physically reducible terms. This has proved elusive for good reason, namely that the gestalt of being isn’t reducible to a purely predictable physical model.

The variables of the therapeutic relationship are far too many to meaningfully isolate and study in controlled ways, let alone in consideration of their intersections with the idiosyncrasies of the individual lives and experiences of therapist and patient.

The end result of all of this ado has been the suffering of our training models and modes of practice, which really can’t be manual-ized, or forced into short term treatment plans acceptable to the for-profit insurance outfits that practically define health and its attainment for us.

~Sunyananda

[holistico021]

Gestalt Therapy - Holistico

Gestalt Therapy Techniques 

Gestalt Therapy is a humanistic method of psychotherapy. It has an elaborate theory and a holistic approach to understanding the individual's personal experience. It focuses on the individual's responsibility for their present life, as well as their past experiences, physical needs, and overall human experience. The therapy is centered around helping clients become aware of themselves in order to gain insight into their present mental state. Therapists use methods such as role-playing and dream analysis to help clients confront unresolved issues from the past that may be influencing them in the present.

Gestalt Therapists focus on the present moment, as opposed to concentrating on the past and future. The gestalt view encourages clients to become aware of their fixed self-image and Therapists help clients to process this information by asking questions that encourage them to look at the present moment from a different angle. Clients can also benefit from learning new coping strategies during therapy sessions that will help them to address difficult situations outside of the therapy room.

Gestalt Therapy is a therapeutic approach that emphasizes the present moment and personal responsibility. It focuses on how individuals perceive, think, and act in their social contexts. Through this counseling method, therapists use various techniques to help clients examine their relationship with themselves and others. In essence, this type of therapy encourages individuals to be more aware of their thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and behaviors so they can create positive changes in their life. Establishing a trusting relationship between therapist and client allows for greater insight into one's self-awareness which can lead to more effective healing outcomes. Gestalt therapy helps to foster personal growth by empowering clients to take ownership of their own lives through increased self-understanding.

In a Gestalt Therapy session, therapists work with clients to help them identify and complete this unfinished gestalt in order to move forward with life. A great step is taken by therapists when working with clients so that they can understand their feelings about past conflicts and how it affects them now. It’s an important part of the therapeutic process for clients as it helps them move forward from these experiences and become more self-aware.

 It is a psychodynamic therapy that focuses on helping people become aware of their immediate thoughts and feelings in the present moment, while also owning the cognitive self. accepting the goal of Gestalt therapy is for clients to gain insight into their current situation and develop healthier ways of living by exploring unresolved issues from their past. By addressing these issues, they can better understand themselves and use this knowledge to make positive changes moving forward.

To find a Therapist who will be the right for you, Holistico provides you with the Best Therapist in your area. Click here 

[modernmindsaus]

Talk To Our Senior Psychiologist and Gestalt Therapist

Leisa Petersen from Modern Minds offers psychotherapy services to individuals, couples – including parent/child, adults and older adults. In addition, Leisa works with clients across the lifespan who experience a range of psychological and emotional concerns. Modern Minds,180 Albion Rd, Windsor QLD 4030, Australia,hello@modernminds.com.au,+61 7 3517 1589,https://modernminds.com.au/

[johnypage95]

Gestalt psychotherapist London:-

Do you often get annoyed and want to relax your mind? Then, our Online Meditation UK is one of the best ways to feel light and relaxed. Not only this, we have a variety of therapies available. So, if you are married then you can opt for the Best Couples Therapy London. https://www.sevenstalk.co.uk/gestalt-physiotherapy.html

[not-poignant]

So I've mostly been reading FFS for Dr Gary. Something particularly shitty happened to me a few days ago and I had no one I could talk about it to because no one in my social circles understands abusive parents and I had just... an intense desire for a Dr Gary in my life. (I've tried 4 1/2 therapists whenever I can afford it and been scarred every time)

Forget wish fulfilment doms, you wrote a hell of a wish fulfillment therapist there. Kudos!

I'M GOING TO MISS HIM SO MUCH

Like I know we're going to get him in a new fic BUT I MISS THIS VERSION OF HIM SO MUCH ALREADY

dsalkfjasfsad and like, I know I should probably be all 'serious author who doesn't get attached to their characters' but fuck that I love Dr Gary and I would die for him.

Anyway, I'm really sorry to hear that you went through something shitty anon, especially that you also had no one to talk to about it. If you ever want to come vent in the Fae Tales Discord, you're very welcome, and there will definitely be people there who understand about abusive parents and how difficult it can be. <333 There is a mental illness channel and an angry channel, it's not all Fae Tales discussion, because most of us who love Fae Tales or enjoy my writing have generally been through some shit and are going through some degree of trauma recovery or trauma or mental illness/es, or all of the above.

It can be really hard to find a good therapist too, sometimes it's about knowing the modality that would suit you, so you can search therapist/s by modality (i.e. CBT / DBT / EMDR / expressive / Gestalt / narrative / attachment / STAIR). Like I would actually hate Dr Gary as a personal therapist and would have fired him a long time ago, lol, but I've seen around 20 therapists and it's really only been the last 3 that have been genuinely helpful, because I realised that I did really badly with CBT / EMDR, which are the first-line treatments trotted out for PTSD.

But also, frankly, any therapy when you're still in an abusive situation can't really do much except help you survive what you're already surviving. No one really does their best healing work while they're still in the place that's causing the open wounds, which sucks, honestly. :/ :/ Especially because independence from abusive situations is increasingly hard for people to attain.

Okay okay I didn't mean to ramble so much. I hope you're taking care of yourself anon, especially in light of folks around you not doing it when they should. And yeah Dr Gary is a total wish fulfilment therapist! I had no idea that would be so rewarding to write, but it really has been, and I'm gonna miss the hell out of that guy.

(And am looking forward to his AU reincarnation as an alpha).

[traumasurvivorshelpingsurvivors]

Hey, I need to vent. Looking for validation and advice if you have any.

Tw: Ableism toward PDs, invalidation(?)

So, my family tends to be ableist toward many disorders until I poke them and say 'hey, I have that actually'. Then it takes them forever to stop.

I tried to ask my mother how she felt about NPD by bringing up I had some traits and she instantly proved she was on the "NPD is inherently abusive" train (with the amendment that they COULD be saveable if they were trying to recover). I tried to tell her it was a disorder, but the conversation ended before she ever listened, and I couldn't bring up anything else.

I've been looking at NPD as a potential thing for a while now - I'm in a system, and a couple alters in particular are so textbook NPD I can't help but feel like they were made from the DSM-5 (/hj) - but it's been proven it's not really safe to explain if any of us do have it.

I don't know what to do. I want to protect myself and the system, and I'm a Medical Protector so related to mental illnesses it's my job, but I can't try to help them by either hiding from a potential problem or hiding the potential problem from others. I'm stressed and confused and I just want to help.

Thanks for listening. This blog is so helpful. Rest well.

Hey anon,

I'm sorry about what you've been going through.

I'm assuming you're a minor. I know it may be impossible to get a professional diagnosis without your mother's assistance, and it doesn't seem likely that she would be understanding if you explained to her that you suspect you have NPD. It's important that y'all stay safe, and if having this conversation with your mom would jeopardize that, then it's best to not let her know.

That being said, I'm wondering how you think she might respond if you simply asked for a therapist, and kept the reason vague or away from the idea of NPD. Because if she's only not understanding about NPD but may sympathize with wanting to get therapy, then you can use the confidential relationship of therapy to discuss a NPD diagnosis.

You don't have to self-diagnose if you don't want to, but it's okay, especially if you don't have access to a professional evaluation. It sounds like the alters in question already sufficiently meet the criteria to be diagnosed. You can potentially look into different kinds of therapy recommended for those with NPD, such as talk therapy, CBT, Gestalt, DBT, and more. There are various worksheets and workbooks out there, and I know specifically that there is a super helpful DBT workbook PDF. There are of course other helpful resources out there for free that you can look into as well.

I hope I could help. Please know you're not alone, and feel free to let us know if you need anything.

-Bun

[shencomix]

Hey Shen, I was just curious. You seem to have pulled yourself out of a depressive state through your art, and I want to know how you did it. Because I'm stuck in a hole that gets deeper every time I try to crawl out of it and I've lost all motivation to draw and write and play music. How can I use my art as an outlet to get better?

-I think my art is just incidental in all of this. I’m not a therapists or psychiatrist, and have no experience in mental health at all, but just some layman’s advice:

1. Keep in mind that only you can pull yourself out of this state. Seeing a therapist might help, and medications might help, but many of these things aren’t meant to be permanent arrangements. Only you can make significant changes in your life.

2. Take 1 healthy risk per day. Do something a little out of your comfort zone in a healthy way -- initiate a conversation with a stranger, cook a recipe, apply for a job, accept a friend’s invite to go hiking. Do something positive that you’re tempted to say “no” to, overcome that temptation.

3. Do the stuff that you “need” to even if it feels silly, or like there’s no purpose in it. If you’re a student, go to school, do your homework, work on group projects. If you work, go to work, try your best. You can scoff at the pointlessness of it, and feel silly, but still just do it. It’s the type of thing that doesn’t make sense until later.

Again, I have no real experience in mental health, this is just advice that helped me. Grain of salt, etc.

Also a few numbers from the replies, courtesy of @soma-gestalt​

1-855-995-9489 is the number for a mental health hotline for questions. Or for emergencies 1-800-273-8255 or 911.

[buzzardonic]

Ood thoughts

It is one o'clock in the morning and I am having thoughts

Ood don't have names. Each individual has their own harmony, a small part of the greater OodSong, which distinguishes them to each other.

The concept of names takes most Ood some time to get used to, and they tend to use common identifiers as names to make it easier for those around them. For humans, this tends to be letters or numbers taken from dead but well-known languages such as ancient greek.

Ood tend to cluster together when at rest, and sleep in large communal piles.

They get along best with Zygons, sharing their strong sense of community and experiences as minority species within the Great and Bountiful Human Empire. It helps that both species have semi-active gestalts connecting the individuals.

There have been several cases of joint ood-zygon gestalts forming, resulting in very tight-knit communities.

When separated from the main Ood Brain, Ood communities will each donate a small amount of grey matter (brain cells) to the formation of a minor Ood Brain which will keep them connected. Minor brains are absorbed into the central brain when the community returns to the OodSphere

The head-brain of an ood handles communication, coordination, bodily functions, and the physical senses. Their external brain primarily handles the extra-sensory elements of their nature, such as speech projection and the connection to the Ood Brain, as well as long-term memory.

Due to a misunderstanding of a human idiom, many Ood refer to this brain as their heart.

Once the Ood became citizens of the Human Empire, a better solution for verbal communication was quickly found to replace the removal and replacement of the heart-brain.

The new solution resembles the speech spheres, though the cable covering the neural cord is far thicker and the heartsphere is featureless and chrome.

When they speak, the psychic flow forms coronas of light that ripple over the sphere. The colour, shape, and frequency of these ripples indicates the emotional state of the speaker, leading to the spheres being nicknamed MoodSpheres.

All living beings have a mind-song, formed from the sum of their thoughts, memories, and emotions. Many Ood enjoy immersing themselves in multi-cultural communities in order to experience the wide variety of melodies, though the sheer volume can sometimes give them a headache.

Ood especially like species with complex minds, as their mind-songs tend to be deeper and more elaborate.

Time Lords are comparable to symphonies, with each incarnation having it's own movement. The Doctor's is unique, and ood that encounter them tend to cluster around in order to experience it

Human beings tend to be a bit like pop-rock, hopeful and energetic

Zygon mind-song tends to reflect the form they have taken, but always has the melancholy bass line of longing for their lost homeworld

The silence of the Cybermen terrifies any Ood that encounters them

The Ood ability to listen to mind-song and their placid, comforting nature makes them very good therapists

A group of Ood is called a chorus

An Ood will die of loneliness if completely starved of community

Snatches of other beings' mind-songs can be heard as subharmonics within Ood mind-song, an act of remembrance for those who mattered. This tends to be confined to a station- or planet-chorus.

The song of the Doctor-Donna echoes through millenia and touches trillions of Ood, long after she herself is deafened to it. They never forget.