Substance Abuse in Teens

Do you have a loved one suffering from substance abuse near Alma, Michigan?

Did you know that people who start drinking before age 15 are five times more likely to develop alcohol abuse and dependence than people who start after age 21?

 Do you have a teen at home that you suspect is drinking and partying on the weekends?

 Are you worried that their habit might be getting out of control, but you don’t know how to broach the subject?

According to Psychology Today, “The teen brain craves new experiences. It is wired to be impulsive. For most people, this is a transitional period – you are impulsive in your youth and then learn moderation as you age.”

To learn more about substance abuse in teens and how we can help your teen recover, visit our website.

What You Need to Know about Marriage Counseling in Alma

Marriage counseling is commonly called “couples therapy”. It is a type of psychotherapy where couples can go to identify and resolve conflicts and work on their relationships.

While involved in counseling, couples get the chance to make thoughtful efforts to rebuild and strengthen their relationships, or to respectfully decide to part ways. This is generally a short-term type of therapy and sessions usually include both partners.

 Marriage counseling will help couples to work on open communication, problem solving, and how to discuss differences rationally. It may be hard to talk about your problems, just know your marriage counselor will be there to help referee any situation that arises.

Contact Gratiot Psychological Services for Marriage Counseling in Alma 

If you think you and your partner could benefit from marriage counseling, don’t wait. Our experienced therapists are ready to talk to you and help you and your relationship! Contact us today to get started.

Are you looking for Therapy in Alma?

If you’re just beginning your therapy journey, we want to help you. You don’t have to do it alone!

Our expert therapists will create a recovery program specifically for you and your needs. At Gratiot Psychological Services, we know that your journey is just beginning, and may take months, or even years. We promise to be there for you every step of the way, no matter how many ups and downs you experience.

 “Thank you for helping me to get through the hardest times of my life. The advice and good counsel gave me what I needed to get on with life and get thriving again. You have my gratitude.” – Tim 

If you are seeking therapy in Alma or the surrounding communities, please give us a call. We can help you get your life back. Contact Us to learn more.

Dealing with Questions About Your Recovery

Are you looking for a therapist in Alma? 

Are you currently seeing a therapist for depression, anxiety, or for another mental health issues? Are you open with your friends and family about seeing a therapist?

Trying to maintain relationships while attending therapy can be tricky. You’re trying to work through internal issues while at the same time balancing work life and home life. Hopefully, you have friends and family who are supportive of your journey to better mental health, but even those who are closest to us and mean well can unknowingly add to the anxiety you’re feeling.

Visit our website to learn more about how to deal with questions about your recovery.

Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Are you considering seeing a therapist for cognitive behavioral therapy as a way to treat a mood or behavioral disorder?

Are you concerned that it might not be effective?

Some psychiatrists claim that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) only addresses simple problems, but at Gratiot Psychological Services, we have seen great results for a variety of challenges from CBT sessions.

CBT is effective because:

•  It uses data and research to drive the process and gauge how a patient is responding to treatments. 
• Cognitive behavioral therapy has been found to address many disorders that affect millions of people such as depressive disorder, PTSD, social anxiety disorder, OCD, substance abuse, and even marital distress. 
• CBT addresses not only behavioral issues, but also physical symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. 

 To learn more about cognitive behavioral therapy and to find out if this type of treatment is right for you, contact us!

Our expert therapists will sit down with you to listen to your concerns and figure out which type of treatment is best for you. Visit our website to learn more!

Ways Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Can Improve Your Relationship

Are you or your partner considering couples or marriage counseling near Alma, Michigan?

Did you know that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can improve not only your relationship with your partner, but with your kids and close friends, too?

According to Psychology Today, “effective therapy can improve our relationships, whether or not those relationships are the specific target of the treatment.”

Cognitive behavioral therapy has been proven to lead to benefits not only for the person in therapy, but also for those close to the person.

Some benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy on relationships are:

1. Less anxiety:
   When we’re overwhelmed with anxiety and stress, we’re not our best selves. The chronic worry that characterizes anxiety can lead to tension and irritability. That can take a toll on our partners and create relationship challenges.
2. Improved mood:
   As with anxiety, untreated depression can wear on couples. After sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy, the average person will not only feel better, but also be able to function more effectively. Happier individuals make happier couples!
3. Better sleep:
   Insomnia as a result of anxiety or depression can make us cranky, impatient, and tense. CBT for insomnia can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly.
4. Happier kids:
   When a child is struggling with behavioral disorders like anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder, it can lead to a lot of stress for the family. Parents will inevitably feel the strain, and it can lead to irritability and tension in the home.
5. Healthier thought patterns:
   Cognitive behavioral therapy will give you the tools to stop creating negative thoughts about a situation, and instead help you to think more rationally.

To learn more about cognitive behavioral therapy and how we can help you with treatment, contact us today! Our expert therapists at Gratiot Psychological Services will listen to your needs and put together a therapy program to help you. Visit our website to learn more.

Top Tips for a Healthier Brain in 2018

Do you want to improve your mood, energy, and concentration?

Are you struggling with stress, feeling overwhelmed, or general anxiety?

 

Reaching a breakthrough with your mental health could be the key to your New Year’s resolution!

When you resolve to improve your mood, energy, and lower your stress hormone levels, you’ll also reduce your risk for dementia and many other chronic diseases.

Improving your diet to make you feel more energized can go a long way to getting your mental health on the right track, and here’s how, according to Psychology Today:

1.    Drink water – Water is the best thing you can drink to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day. Even all-natural juices with no sugar added can be dangerous for your metabolism, as your body can’t distinguish between forms of liquid sugar.

2.    Avoid refined carbs – Concentrated, processed sugars and starches cause unnaturally high spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels “that destabilize brain chemistry and damage brain cell metabolism.”

3.    Minimize alcohol and be careful with caffeine – If you have trouble with insomnia or anxiety, cut back on the alcoholic drinks, and the amount of caffeine you’re having during the week.

4.    Get tested for insulin resistance (aka “pre-diabetes”) – Insulin resistance has been identified as a key cause in most cases of Alzheimer’s disease. It also contributes to symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder, and psychotic disorders.

5.    Find a form of exercise you enjoy – If you love walking, running, yoga, or working out at the gym, make it part of your life! Try to do it at least 3 times per week, if not more. Endorphins from a good workout will boost your overall mood.

Challenge yourself to make the changes listed above for six weeks and see how you feel – not just physically, but emotionally and mentally, too.

Keep in mind, if you currently have significant health problems or take medications for psychiatric conditions or medical conditions, please consult with your health care provider before you make changes to your diet.

In addition, if you feel you need extra help getting the emotional and mental health support that you need, contact a doctor at Gratiot Psychological Services! Our team of doctors is ready to help you get on the right path to recovery.

Dealing with Anxiety in the New Year

2018 is here, and with it, many people are setting goals for themselves and looking for ways to improve in the New Year.

If you struggle with an anxiety disorder, this can be a bigger challenge than expected. According to Psychology Today, “considerable research points to the correlation between having a sense of purpose and being more focused, creative, resilient, healthier, and productive.”

If you’re dealing with an anxiety disorder in Alma, or anywhere else for that matter, it can be hard to set goals for yourself without the overwhelming feeling of stress, and sometimes even panic setting in. So how can you improve your life in the New Year without those feelings creeping in?

First, you should recognize that you’re not alone! According to a study out of the University of Pennsylvania, “as we seek purpose, there are indicators that show pursuing purpose induces more anxiety.”

The more anxious you are, the more difficult it becomes to achieve your goals, which directly correlates with having a sense of purpose.

To help you deal with an anxiety disorder, you deserve a therapist who you can trust; who will listen to your concerns and develop a treatment plan specifically for you. At Gratiot Psychological Services, you’ll have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have a support system ready and equipped with the tools and resources necessary to help you.

To find out more about how our therapists can help you or a loved one who is struggling with an anxiety disorder, visit our website. We’ll help you get on the right path of recovery.

Tips to Reduce Anxiety Before Your First Meeting With a Therapist

Do you feel uneasy talking to a stranger about anxiety?

Are you worried your therapist won’t understand you?

Are you nervous about bringing up old feelings?

 These are all common fears for those who’ve never gone to therapy. But don’t worry; you’re not the only one! Therapists are trained to listen; they are not there to judge you, but rather to help you work through your anxiety.

A therapist will listen carefully and come up with a treatment plan specifically for you, and address any issues you may need help working through.

You may feel nervous before going to your first meeting with a new therapist. That’s normal!

Here are some tips to help reduce those feelings of anxiety:

1. When calling to make an appointment, ask them what you should expect when coming to see them for the first time. Often they will want to get to know a little bit about you and why you have decided to see them. 
2. Know that your therapist is not going to make you do anything you don’t want to. They’re trained to work at your pace and they know that change isn’t easy for everyone! 
3. Don’t be afraid of sharing too much. Go in with an open mind knowing that the first session is for you and your therapist to get to know each other. 
4. Asking your therapist on the phone about their therapeutic style and approach is a great way to get to know them before you meet in person. You can get an idea if they’re a good match for you and calm your nerves at the same time. 
5.  Feeling sad after a therapy session can be normal. Your old feelings and memories often come back up and can make you feel nervous about going to your next session. The beginning stages can be overwhelming, but stick with it! 

Remember that therapy looks different for everyone. Some use it occasionally or when a life event occurs. You may use it once a month for the next two years.

There is no one formula for everyone. Talking out a plan with your therapist to find out what works best for you is key.

The most important thing to remember is that your therapist is here for you! They’re not here to judge, but to help.

Trust the process and go in with an open mind. Building that trust with your therapist will help make your journey a success!

If you’re interested in meeting with one of our experienced therapists in Alma please call and make an appointment today at: 989-796-4555.

How to Choose a Counselor or a Therapist

Are you looking for the right therapist near Alma, Michigan?

Are there times where you feel like you can’t find anyone to talk to?

Are you having a tough time finding the right therapist for you?

You’re not alone! There are many people who have the same concerns. Take some time to think about how you’re feeling and consider what you’re looking for. There are a multitude of things to look for in a counselor and one of the first and most important is that you are comfortable.

Some characteristics of a good therapist that you may want to consider are:

1. Experience and length of time in the field
2. Areas of expertise
3. License
4. Fees
5. The kinds of treatment he or she offers

We recommend that you look for a therapist who fits what you’re looking for in each of these categories. Many people out there have symptoms, but they don’t always seek help because they don’t know what to look for or where to start looking. Finding the right therapist will help ensure you make huge personal progress.

Here at Gratiot Psychological Services, we’re looking out for those in need of help. We have highly trained therapists in Alma who will give you the best environment possible with the support you’ll need. The right match is important to you and it’s important to us too! If you’re consistently worried, depressed, anxious, or on edge, don’t hesitate to give us a call for a consultation today!