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In recent months, the topic of dissociation has been trending on TikTok and other social media platforms. As a result, there has been an influx of misinformation and misunderstanding surrounding this complex psychological phenomenon.

So, what exactly is dissociation?

Dissociation is a term used to describe a disconnection between thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and surroundings. It can manifest in a variety of ways, including but not limited to:

• Feeling detached from one’s body or thoughts
• A lack of memory or awareness of certain events or experiences
• An altered sense of time or space

It’s important to note that dissociation is not a mental illness in and ofitself, but rather a symptom that can occur in the context of various mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), borderline personality disorder, and dissociative disorders.

Despite its prevalence in popular media, it’s important to remember that dissociation is not a trendy or attention-seeking behavior. It is a coping mechanism that individuals may use to deal with overwhelming or traumatic situations. It is not something to be romanticized or trivialized.

If you or someone you know is experiencing dissociation or other symptoms of a mental health condition, it is important to seek professional help. A mental health professional can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment plan to address the underlying issues and help individuals learn healthy coping mechanisms.

While the topic of dissociation may be trending on social media, it is a serious and complex psychological phenomenon that requires proper understanding and treatment. If you or someone you know is experiencing dissociation or other concerning symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. The professionals at Southeast Psych Nashville can be reached by calling 615-373-9955. If we can help you or your loved one, please give us a call.

In recent years, there has been a marked increase in anxiety and anxiety-related disorders. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 18% of adults in the United States experience an anxiety disorder in a given year, making it the most common mental illness in the country.

So, what could be driving this increase in anxiety? There are a number of potential factors at play.

One factor is the increased stress and uncertainty of modern life. Many people are juggling multiple responsibilities, including work, family, and personal commitments, and may feel overwhelmed by the demands placed upon them. In addition, global events, such as political turmoil, economic instability, and natural disasters, can contribute to a sense of anxiety and uncertainty.

Another factor is the influence of social media and technology. The constant stream of information and the pressure to be constantly connected can contribute to feelings of overwhelm and anxiety. In addition, the use of social media has been linked to increased feelings of loneliness, which can also contribute to anxiety.

So, what can we do about the increase in anxiety? One important step is to prioritize self-care. This can include activities such as regular exercise, getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and finding time to relax and de-stress. It is also important to seek support from trusted friends, family, or a mental health professional when needed.

In addition, it can be helpful to challenge negative thoughts and to engage in activities that promote mindfulness and relaxation, such as meditation or yoga. For those experiencing severe or persistent anxiety, seeking treatment from a mental health professional, such as a therapist or counselor, may be necessary.

In conclusion, the increase in anxiety and anxiety-related disorders is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors. While it may not be possible to eliminate all sources of anxiety, taking steps to prioritize self-care and seeking support when needed can help individuals manage their anxiety and improve their overall well-being.

At Southeast Psych Nashville, we have several experts in managing anxiety and stress-related problems. We’d love to help you or someone you love. Give us a call at 615-373-9955.

As a society, we have become increasingly reliant on social media to connect with others, share our thoughts and experiences, and stay informed about the world around us. While social media can be a valuable tool for staying connected and informed, it also carries a number of risks, especially for teens.

One of the primary risks of social media for teens is the potential for negative impacts on mental health. Studies have shown that excessive social media use is associated with an increased risk of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. This may be due in part to the pressure to present a perfect image on social media, as well as the constant exposure to idealized and often unrealistic portrayals of others’ lives.

Additionally, social media can be a breeding ground for cyberbullying, which can have severe and long-lasting consequences for victims. Cyberbullying can take many forms, including sending threatening or hurtful messages, spreading rumors or false information, and sharing embarrassing photos or videos without consent.

For teen girls in particular, social media can also present risks related to body image and self-worth. The constant exposure to highly edited and photoshopped images can lead to a distorted view of what is considered “normal” or “beautiful,” and can contribute to body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem.

It is important for parents and caregivers to be aware of the potential risks of social media and to have open and honest conversations with their teens about how to use social media safely and responsibly. This can include setting limits on social media use, talking about the importance of being kind and respectful online, and teaching kids how to identify and report cyberbullying.

While social media can be a useful tool for connecting with others, it is important for teens, and especially teen girls, to be aware of the risks and to use social media in a safe and responsible manner.

Several of the therapists at Southeast Psych Nashville have a great track record helping teens thrive in their lives. If you’d like to connect your teen with one of them, give us a call at 615-373-9955. We’d love to hear from you.

Early intervention is the process of identifying and addressing developmental delays or disabilities in children as early as possible, often in the first few years of life. Early intervention is important for a number of reasons, including:

• Improved outcomes: Early intervention can help to improve outcomes for children with developmental delays or disabilities. By addressing these issues early on, children can receive the support and resources they need to reach their full potential.
• Developmental benefits: Children’s brains are particularly receptive to learning and development in the early years, so early intervention can provide a number of developmental benefits, such as improved cognitive and social-emotional skills.
• Family support: Early intervention can provide support and resources for families of children with developmental delays or disabilities, helping to alleviate stress and improve overall well-being.
• Cost savings: Early intervention can be more cost-effective in the long term, as it can help to prevent more serious or costly issues from developing down the line.

There are many ways that early intervention can be provided, including through individualized education programs (IEPs), therapy services, and other support services. These services may be provided through schools, community organizations, or private providers.

If you are concerned about your child’s development, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. You can start by speaking with your child’s healthcare provider or contacting your state’s early intervention program.

Early intervention is important for children with developmental delays or disabilities, as it can improve outcomes, provide developmental benefits, support families, and be cost-effective. If you are concerned about your child’s development, it is important to seek help as soon as possible.

Southeast Psych Nashville has a great team of early intervention specialists. If you have concerns about your young child, call 615-373-9955 today to get started.

Attachment styles refer to the way we form and maintain relationships with others, and they are typically formed in early childhood based on our experiences with caregivers. There are four main attachment styles: secure, anxious-preoccupied, dismissive-avoidant, and fearful-avoidant. Each attachment style can affect relationships in different ways.

Secure attachment is characterized by a positive view of oneself and others, and a belief that others are reliable and responsive. Individuals with a secure attachment style tend to have healthy and fulfilling relationships.

Anxious-preoccupied attachment is characterized by a negative view of oneself and a need for constant reassurance from others. Individuals with this attachment style may have relationships that are marked by clinginess and insecurity.

Dismissive-avoidant attachment is characterized by a negative view of others and a desire to be self-sufficient. Individuals with this attachment style may have difficulty forming close relationships and may avoid intimacy.

Fearful-avoidant attachment is characterized by a negative view of both oneself and others, and a fear of intimacy and rejection. Individuals with this attachment style may have relationships that are marked by ambivalence and difficulty with trust.

It is important to note that attachment styles are not fixed and can change over time based on life experiences and relationships. Understanding one’s own attachment style can be helpful in identifying patterns in relationships and finding ways to improve them.

Attachment styles can have a significant impact on relationships, and understanding one’s own attachment style can be helpful in identifying patterns and finding ways to improve relationships.

Southeast Psych Nashville has some great therapists who specialize in working with couples to improve their connection and communication. If you need a terrific couples’ therapist, call today at 615-373-9955.

Positive psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on the study of positive emotions, character strengths, and psychological well-being. It is based on the idea that in addition to addressing and treating mental health problems, it is important to also cultivate positive emotions, thoughts, and behaviors that can enhance overall well-being.

One of the key principles of positive psychology is the concept of resilience, or the ability to bounce back from adversity and challenges. Research has shown that individuals who are more resilient are better able to cope with stress and setbacks and are more likely to experience positive outcomes in the face of challenges.

Another key aspect of positive psychology is the cultivation of positive emotions, such as gratitude, joy, and hope. These emotions can have a number of benefits, including improving physical and mental health, increasing social connections, and enhancing overall well-being.

In addition, positive psychology emphasizes the importance of character strengths, such as kindness, honesty, and perseverance, in improving mental health and well-being. By focusing on and developing our character strengths, we can better navigate challenges and cultivate a sense of meaning and purpose in our lives.

There are many ways to incorporate positive psychology into our daily lives and improve our mental health and well-being. Some simple strategies include:

• Practicing gratitude: Take a few minutes each day to reflect on the things you are thankful for.
• Engaging in positive activities: Find activities that bring you joy and a sense of accomplishment and make time for them in your life.
• Cultivating positive relationships: Surround yourself with positive and supportive people who uplift and encourage you.

The world of mental health is filled with numerous terms that can be perplexing and hard to navigate. Among the most common inquiries in the Nashville, Brentwood, and Franklin, TN area is, “What’s the difference between therapy and counseling?” Understanding these nuances can be helpful in your pursuit of mental health wellness, and Southeast Psych Nashville can guide you through this exploration.

“Counseling” typically refers to a relatively brief treatment focused on behavior patterns. It hones in on a defined issue, such as stress management, addiction, grief, or handling a significant life change. Counselors provide guidance and equip clients with coping strategies. Such interventions are beneficial for individuals going through a temporary stage-of-life issue or transitional phase. For those searching for counseling in Nashville, Brentwood, or Franklin, TN, the expert counselors at Southeast Psych Nashville can help you navigate your current situation effectively and build resilience.

On the other hand, “therapy,” also known as psychotherapy or talk therapy, delves deeper into cognitive processes and long-standing behavior patterns. Therapists aim to explore the root cause of emotional difficulties and foster an in-depth understanding of oneself. Therapy addresses complex issues like depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, or personality disorders. At

Southeast Psych Nashville, our therapists strive to improve your overall mental health and wellbeing by helping kids, teens, adults, couples, and families understand and manage difficult feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.

Both counselors and therapists aim to foster a safe, supportive environment that encourages self-exploration and personal growth. The best professionals are great collaborators, working with you to set personal goals and plans. Regardless of the professional you work with; confidentiality and respect are of paramount importance. The type of professional you engage may depend on your specific circumstances and needs. It’s not uncommon to transition between counseling and therapy as needs change over time. Some practitioners, like those at Southeast Psych Nashville, offer a blend of both services, tailoring their approach to each client’s unique needs.

So, counseling typically focuses on life stressors, decisions, or transitions and is generally more short-term, while therapy is more comprehensive, dealing with broader issues and, as a result, can often be more long term, though many therapists work in fairly brief periods of time. Whether you seek therapy, counseling, or a blend of the two in the Nashville, Brentwood, or Franklin TN area, the key is finding a trusted professional who can guide you in the process of self-understanding and growth.

At Southeast Psych Nashville, we offer expert therapy and counseling services tailored to meet your needs. Whether you are seeking help for yourself or your family, we would be honored to serve you. Call us at 615-373-9955 to embark on your journey towards better mental health. Taking the first step towards seeking help is a sign of strength. Every step towards better mental health is a step towards a healthier, happier you.

Navigating the world of mental health care can often be daunting, particularly when faced with so many professional titles and initials. What’s the difference between a psychologist, a psychiatrist, a licensed clinical social worker, a licensed professional counselor, and a licensed marriage and family therapist? If you’re in the Nashville-Brentwood-Franklin, TN area, this guide will help to clear up the confusion and lead you towards the right professional.

Starting with psychologists, these professionals are experts in human behavior, emotions, and thought processes. They typically hold a doctoral degree, either a Ph.D. or Psy.D., and are trained to provide psychotherapy and perform psychological testing. Our outstanding psychologists at Southeast Psych Nashville use evidence-based practices to help individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges.

Next, we have psychiatrists. Unlike psychologists, psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health, including substance use disorders. They can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe and monitor medications, and sometimes provide psychotherapy, though many of them are so busy with medicine management that they have limited time for therapy. We do not have any psychiatrists at Southeast Psych Nashville, but we can direct you to medical professionals we have come to know and trust.

Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) are professionals who assist individuals to overcome personal and systemic barriers to optimal functioning in their individual or family life. They provide counseling for a variety of issues and connect clients to resources in the community. In the Nashville-Brentwood-Franklin area, LCSWs work in various settings, including mental health clinics, schools, and hospitals. We have some outstanding LCSWs at Southeast Psych Nashville who are world-class clinicians.

Licensed professional counselors (LPCs) are mental health professionals who typically hold a master’s degree in counseling or a related field and are trained to provide counseling for a range of mental health issues and life struggles. LPCs work with individuals, families, and groups to address and treat emotional and mental health disorders and promote optimal mental health.

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) are professionals trained to work primarily with couples and families in a therapeutic context, though many of them see individual clients, as well. They consider the structure, dynamics, and function of families in the treatment process. In the Nashville-Brentwood-Franklin, TN area, LMFTs can provide invaluable support in addressing complex relationship and family issues.

As you can see, there is a lot of overlap between these professionals. Often a psychologist and an LCSW, for example, may see the same issues in therapy, but come at those issues from different perspectives. However, the best therapists, whether they are psychologists, LCSW’s, LMFTs, and LPC’s, use evidence-based treatments that have been shown by the research to be effective with a majority of individuals.

Much of the decision comes down to how well your needs and style match the style of the individual mental health professional. At Southeast Psych Nashville, we have excellent psychologists, counselors, social workers, and marriage and family therapists. We serve all ages from young kids to older adults. We hire based on interpersonal qualities and their track record of excellence, rather than what category their training fits into. That approach has proven to allow us to draw the strongest clinicians from all disciplines.

Choosing the right mental health professional is a key step in your journey towards better mental health. Whether you’re in Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, or the surrounding areas in Middle Tennessee, remember that the goal is to find someone who can provide the type of therapy or counseling that aligns with your mental health needs. At Southeast Psych Nashville, we are committed to providing personalized care that respects and honors your unique experiences. We’d love to serve you or your family. Give us a call at 615-373-9955.

Stress is a normal and often necessary part of life, but when it becomes excessive or unmanageable, it can have negative impacts on our physical and mental health. So, how can we deal with stress effectively and mitigate its negative effects?

One effective strategy for dealing with stress is to practice stress-reducing activities, such as exercise, meditation, or deep breathing. These activities can help to relax the mind and body and provide a sense of calm and clarity.

Another important aspect of managing stress is to identify the sources of stress and address them directly. This may involve setting boundaries, delegating tasks, or seeking support from trusted friends or a mental health professional.

An often-overlooked strategy for dealing with stress is the idea of reframing stressors. This involves changing the way we think about and respond to stressors, rather than simply reacting to them. For example, instead of viewing a deadline as overwhelming and stressful, we can reframe it as an opportunity to challenge ourselves and learn new skills.

To reframe stressors effectively, it can be helpful to:

• Identify the stressor: What is causing the stress?
• Recognize the negative thoughts: What negative thoughts are you having about the stressor?
• Challenge those thoughts: Are the negative thoughts accurate or helpful? Is there a more positive or realistic way to think about the situation?
• Reframe the stressor: How can you view the stressor in a more positive or constructive way?

By reframing stressors in this way, we can shift our perspective and better manage our stress in a healthy and effective manner.

There are many strategies for dealing with stress effectively, including practicing stress-reducing activities, identifying and addressing the sources of stress, and reframing stressors. By implementing these strategies, we can all better manage our stress and improve our overall well-being.

The therapists at Southeast Psych Nashville are great at helping individuals learn practical skills and mindsets to manage stress. If we can help you or a loved one through a stressful time, give us a call at 615-373-9955.

What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy that was developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro in the 1980s. It is used to treat individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) andother mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression.

EMDR is based on the idea that our brains are naturally able to process and heal from difficult experiences. However, sometimes our brains get stuck in a “frozen” state, unable to fully process and integrate these experiences. This can lead to persistent symptoms of distress, such as flashbacks, avoidance behaviors, and negative beliefs about oneself or the world.

How Does EMDR Work?

During EMDR therapy, the therapist guides the individual through a process of recalling a traumatic event or negative belief while simultaneously engaging in some form of bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tapping. The goal of this process is to help the individual’s brain fully process and integrate the experience, leading to a reduction in distress and an increase in positive beliefs.

EMDR has been extensively researched and has been found to be effective in treating PTSD and other mental health conditions. The American Psychological Association, the World Health Organization, and the American Psychiatric Association, among other major organizations recognize EMDR as an effective treatment intervention.

However, it is important to note that EMDR is not a standalone treatment and should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. It is also important to work with a trained and qualified EMDR therapist in order to fully benefit from this treatment.

EMDR has been found to be effective in treating PTSD and other mental health conditions. It can be an important part of a comprehensive treatment plan for individuals struggling with the effects of trauma and other difficult experiences.

Southeast Psych Nashville has a number of skilled therapists who are trained and experienced in using EMDR. If this is an intervention you want to consider for yourself or a loved one, call 615-373-9955 to explore the options.