Return to Growth, LLC

06/20/2023

🌟 Discover the ABCDE Model for Therapy! 🌟

Hey everyone! Today, I wanted to share with you an incredibly powerful tool used in therapy called the ABCDE model from Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). 🧠💪

🔠 A stands for ACTIVATING EVENT: It represents the situation or event that triggers our emotional response. It could be anything from a challenging conversation to a difficult life circumstance.

🔄 B represents our BELIEFS: These are the thoughts and interpretations we attach to the activating event. They can be either rational or irrational, influencing our emotional reactions.

💥 C stands for CONSEQUENCES: This stage highlights the emotional and behavioral outcomes resulting from our beliefs. Irrational beliefs often lead to negative emotions, while rational beliefs can foster healthier responses.

💭 D denotes DISPUTING: Here's where we challenge our irrational beliefs! We question their validity, gather evidence to support or refute them, and replace them with more rational and constructive thoughts.

🌱 E represents the EFFECTS: This final stage shows the positive impact of adopting rational beliefs. By disputing irrational thoughts and adopting rational alternatives, we can experience improved emotional well-being and more adaptive behaviors.

💡 By applying the ABCDE model, we gain insight into the connection between our thoughts, emotions, and actions. It empowers us to break free from self-defeating patterns and cultivate a more resilient mindset.

Remember, it takes practice to master this model, but it's an invaluable tool for personal growth and self-improvement. 💪💙

If you're interested in learning more about the ABCDE model and how it can transform your life, feel free to reach out or share your thoughts in the comments below. Let's embark on this journey together! 🌈✨

04/25/2023

https://youtu.be/Pkfln-ZtWeY

EMDR is an evidenced based treatment for the rapid processing of trauma stored in the brain and body. Many of our attempts to avoid the pain of past trauma can lead to a number of unhealthy and maladaptive behaviors. Please view this video provided by the institute leading the way in EMDR training and education for more information on how this intervention may help in your healing process.

Learn about how EMDR therapy works, what it is like, and how widely it is recognized. EMDR therapists discuss how EMDR therapy works and discuss the feedback...

04/18/2023

04/16/2023

04/16/2023

Understanding our own internal cues is a valuable first step in caring for children. There is still time to join Dafna Lender for Inspired Parenting at noon EDT today!

Learn more and Register Here:
https://bit.ly/3HNlx8R

Dafna Lender is a child and family therapist with over 25 years of experience. She is a certified trainer, supervisor, and consultant in Theraplay® and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy and coauthor of Theraplay: The Practitioner’s Guide.

04/13/2023

I'm sure we've all heard some variation of "stages of grief/mourning." It can be a helpful conceptualization of what one goes through during the grieving process. Often I've found that individuals feel as if they have become "stuck" or "missed a stage" which can sometimes lead to complicated grief.

There is another framework that I find helpful. Similarly titled, "Worden's four tasks of mourning" presents an accurate understanding of grieving milestones.

Here is a quick summary:
Task 1: Accept the reality of the loss - this involves coming to terms with the fact that someone or something important to us is gone, and facing the pain and emotions that come with that.

Task 2: Process the pain of grief - this involves acknowledging and working through the emotions of grief, including anger, sadness, and guilt.

Task 3: Adjust to a world without the person or thing we've lost - this involves finding ways to adapt to life without the person or thing that was once a part of our daily lives.

Task 4: Find an enduring connection with the person or thing we've lost while moving on with life - this involves finding ways to remember and honor the person or thing we've lost, while also finding ways to move forward and live our lives.

If you're grieving or supporting someone who is, remember that everyone's process is unique, and there's no "right" way to grieve. But understanding these tasks can be a helpful starting point for navigating this difficult time.

Bryan Matson LPC, NCC, CCTP
Online mental health counseling for Pennsylvania residents.

04/05/2023

I'm currently in-network with these providers:
Aetna
AvMed
Cigna and Evernorth
EAP:Cigna
EAP:United Health/Optum
Optum
Oscar Health
UMR
UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH

04/03/2023

Polyvagal Theory is a framework that helps us understand how the nervous system responds to stress and trauma. According to the theory, the autonomic nervous system has three branches, each with its own set of responses: the ventral vagal, sympathetic, and dorsal vagal branches.

The ventral vagal branch is associated with social engagement, safety, and relaxation. The sympathetic branch is associated with fight or flight responses. The dorsal vagal branch is associated with immobilization and shutdown.

When a person experiences trauma, their nervous system can become dysregulated, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and dissociation. Trauma treatment using Polyvagal Theory involves helping the client regulate their nervous system by activating the ventral vagal branch, which can help them feel safe and connected.

Here are some techniques that can be used in trauma treatment using Polyvagal Theory:

Grounding: This technique involves helping the client feel more connected to their body and the present moment. This can include using mindfulness exercises, deep breathing, or guided imagery.

Co-regulation: This technique involves helping the client regulate their nervous system by attuning to the therapist's nervous system. This can involve the therapist using their own regulated nervous system to help the client feel more safe and connected.

Social engagement: This technique involves helping the client engage with others in a safe and supportive way. This can include social skills training, group therapy, or other forms of social support.

Movement: This technique involves helping the client move their body in a way that feels safe and supportive. This can include yoga, dance, or other forms of exercise.

Overall, the goal of trauma treatment using Polyvagal Theory is to help the client regulate their nervous system so they can feel more safe and connected, and ultimately heal from the effects of trauma.

Bryan Matson LPC, NCC, CCTP
Online mental health counseling for Pennsylvania residents.