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By Ellen Wolfson, LCSW

Have you heard the buzz?  Abigail Schrier has stirred up a lot of controversy among mental health professionals and lay people alike. If you’ve read the book or just heard about it, please don’t cancel your child’s therapy appointment (at least not until you read this post)! Here is one mental health professional’s take on this highly provocative landmine of a book.

Schrier is a journalist, whose 2020 book entitled, “Irreversible Damage; The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters,” is no stranger to controversy. The main thesis of the book is that socially anxious teens are embracing trans culture as a way of fitting into a peer group.

In her current book, Schrier admits that she is not targeting children who truly need help; however, she gives this qualifying statement short shrift and makes crystal clear her disdain towards therapists, school counselors and parenting experts. Schrier makes sweeping assertions throughout the book, many of which she supports by cherry-picked, non-peer-reviewed studies.

Schrier covers several topics, and admittedly makes some valid points. She wants you to be a smart consumer. Parents should make sure a therapist is credentialed and provides evidence-based interventions. She wants you to be wary of therapists who automatically assume some hidden trauma at the root of every behavior problem. She rightly points out that inducing endless rumination on feelings in an otherwise well-adjusted child can often lead to endless, ineffective therapy. Schrier is correct, that children have a remarkable capacity for resilience, and therapists need to support a childrens’ coping skills.

But the real object of Schrier’s disdain are the parenting experts and authors of multiple parenting books, whom she believes have taken parents down a misguided road called “gentle parenting.” This results in what she calls, “battered mommy syndrome”. Schrier’s own approach to bad behavior falls under the heading, “just get over it.”  She decries how the current parent generation has rejected healthy limits “for no limits and has ceded total authority to its kids.

As is the case with many of her assertions, the truth is somewhere in between. Of course, children need firm limits, but they also need love. These are not mutually exclusive. This overly permissive parenting style too often results in kids who can’t control their impulses, and experience way more anxiety and depression than children who know firm, but lovingly set, limits

So how do you know if your child needs therapy?  Here is where Schrier and me part ways. Schrier sees therapy as a last resort, in all but the direst circumstances. In her opinion, even a teenager who cuts himself is probably just acting out, and nothing his parents can’t or shouldn’t handle. Many in the mental health profession, me included, share the view that no child should have to experience prolonged periods of anxiety, social isolation, difficulty with impulse control, to name but a few concerns parents bring to our office.  And if you’re not sure, there is no downside in calling and speaking with a clinician.

So, the bottom line is that if you’d like a polarizing and provocative view of the mental health profession, please read this book but with a healthy dose of skepticism.

If you are in the Nashville-Brentwood-Franklin area and interested in some good therapy for you or your child, the team at Southeast Psych Nashville is top-notch. They are highly skilled and use evidence-based treatments that have great research support. You can call 615-373-9955 to explore whether they might be a good fit for you or your family.

Understanding Your Child’s Pain

A Gentle Path to Healing

Southeast Psych Nashville is thrilled to announce our new Executive Functioning and Learning Coaching services starting in the fall of 2024. This is an incredibly beneficial service for struggling learners in grades 5 through 12.

So, what’s the difference between Executive Functioning/Learning Coaching and Tutoring?

When it comes to supporting students with learning challenges, parents often wonder about the best resources available to help their children succeed. While tutors and Executive Functioning and Learning Coaches (EFLCs) both provide valuable support, their roles and approaches differ significantly.

Tutors Focus on Subject-Specific Knowledge 

We all encounter moments of uncertainty, turmoil, and emotional upheaval. During these challenging times, seeking guidance and support becomes an invaluable asset. This is where therapy, a powerful tool for personal growth and healing, comes into play. Therapy can help adults unlock the keys to a more fulfilling and healthy existence.

Demystifying the Therapeutic Process

At its core, therapy, also known as psychotherapy, counseling, or talk therapy, involves meeting with a trained professional to improve one’s mental and emotional well-being. Some therapists, especially those trained in cognitive-behavioral therapy, provide skills to manage stress, difficult circumstances, and upsetting emotions. These skilled practitioners possess the expertise to guide each client through the complexities of their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Whether grappling with confusing emotions, navigating interpersonal conflicts, or striving to overcome traumatic events, an excellent therapist serves as a compassionate and skillful ally, offering insights and creating personalized plans tailored to each client’s unique needs.

The Versatility of Therapy: Addressing Diverse Needs

Contrary to popular belief, therapy is not solely reserved for those diagnosed with mental health conditions. In fact, people seek therapeutic support for a multitude of reasons, including:

• Coping with life’s stresses and emotional challenges
• Resolving conflicts and fostering healthier relationships
• Healing from traumatic experiences
• Enhancing interpersonal skills and communication
• Navigating challenging life transitions, such as loss or major life changes
• Improving performance with work, athletics, or artistic expression
• Accessing a safe, non-judgmental space to express oneself freely

Regardless of the specific circumstances, therapy offers a profound opportunity for personal growth, self-discovery, and the cultivation of resilience.

Exploring the Therapeutic Landscape: Modalities and Approaches

The realm of therapy encompasses a diverse array of modalities and approaches, each tailored to address specific needs and goals. Some of the most widely recognized forms include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

This evidence-based approach focuses on identifying and restructuring unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. Through CBT, clients learn practical strategies for coping with challenging situations and cultivating more adaptive responses.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

Building upon the principles of CBT, MBCT incorporates mindfulness practices to help individuals develop greater awareness and acceptance of their thoughts and emotions. This approach is particularly effective in preventing the recurrence of mental health issues like depression or anxiety.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

DBT equips individuals with a comprehensive set of skills for managing intense emotions, improving interpersonal relationships, and developing a more balanced sense of self. This form of therapy is often utilized in treating difficulty with emotional dysregulation, poor self-esteem, or difficult interpersonal issues.

Psychodynamic Therapy

Rooted in the exploration of unconscious thoughts, feelings, and past experiences, psychodynamic therapy aims to uncover the underlying drivers of current behaviors and patterns. This approach facilitates self-awareness and personal growth through the lens of one’s personal history.

Group Therapy

In addition to individual sessions, group therapy offers a supportive environment where individuals with shared experiences or goals can learn from one another, practice new skills, and receive feedback from both the therapist and peers.

The Transformative Power of Talk: Distinguishing Therapy from Casual Conversations

While confiding in friends and loved ones can provide solace and support, therapy offers a unique and specialized form of guidance. Unlike casual conversations, therapy sessions are characterized by:

1. Professional Training: Therapists undergo extensive training in recognizing and treating emotional distress, mental health conditions, and unhealthy patterns of behavior. This specialized knowledge allows them to provide targeted interventions and strategies tailored to each client’s specific needs.
2. Confidentiality: Therapists are bound by legal and ethical obligations to maintain strict confidentiality, ensuring that all information shared during sessions remains private and secure. This creates a safe space for clients to explore even their most vulnerable thoughts and experiences without fear of judgment or breach of trust.
3. Objectivity: Unlike friends or family members, who may have personal biases or preconceived notions, therapists offer an impartial and objective perspective. This allows them to provide insights and guidance free from the influence of shared experiences or emotional entanglements.
4. Undivided Attention: While friendships are built on mutual sharing and support, therapy sessions are dedicated entirely to the client’s needs. Therapists are trained to provide their undivided attention, allowing clients to delve deeply into their concerns without interruption or distraction.

Embarking on the Therapeutic Journey: Finding the Right Fit

Recognizing the need for therapy is the first step towards personal growth and healing. However, finding the right therapist can be a daunting task. To streamline this process, consider the following strategies:

• Reflect on your specific goals and the areas you wish to address in therapy. This will help you identify therapists who specialize in those particular domains.
• Seek referrals from trusted sources, such as friends, family members, healthcare providers, or community resources.
• Explore logistical factors, such as cost, location, scheduling availability, and preferred mode of therapy (in-person, online, or telephonic).
• Consider whether cultural competency and shared experiences are important factors in your therapeutic relationship.
• Remember that finding the right “fit” may involve meeting with several therapists before establishing a comfortable connection. This is a normal part of the process, as therapy is a deeply personal journey.

The Pathway to Progress: Commitment and Collaboration

While a skilled therapist plays a crucial role in the therapeutic process, successful outcomes also rely on the client’s commitment and active participation. Achieving the goals established in therapy requires:

• Open and honest communication with your therapist, fostering a trusting and collaborative relationship.
• A willingness to explore challenging emotions, thoughts, and behaviors with vulnerability and courage.
• Dedication to implementing the strategies and techniques learned during sessions in your daily life.
• Patience and perseverance, as personal growth and transformation often unfold gradually over time. Some issues resolve quickly, while others require some time and persistence.

By embracing this collaborative approach, individuals can maximize the benefits of therapy and pave the way for lasting positive change.

Embracing the Transformative Power of Therapy

Therapy offers hope, skills, and self-discovery for adults seeking personal growth, healing, and emotional well-being. Whether navigating the complexities of relationships, grappling with mental health challenges, or simply striving to live a more fulfilling life, the therapeutic journey provides a safe and supportive environment for exploration, self-reflection, and positive transformation.

By understanding the diverse modalities available, recognizing the unique benefits of professional guidance, and committing to the therapeutic process, adults can unlock their full potential and cultivate the resilience needed to navigate life’s challenges with grace and fortitude. Embrace the transformative power of therapy, and embark on a journey of self-discovery that will forever shape your life’s narrative.

Southeast Psych Nashville serves Nashville-Brentwood-Franklin and all of Middle Tennessee. Some of our therapists are also credentialed to offer services in multiple states. Our team of top-notch clinicians offers a range of specialties and exceptional care. We’d love to serve you or your loved one. Give us a call at 615-373-9955 to get started.

By Alicia Covington & Lauren King 

For young adults, the transition from high school to college can be filled with personal growth, academic opportunities, and fun. However, just like any change in life, it can also be stressful. One of the most concerning ways students manage stress is through eating disordered behaviors. Eating disorders carry one of the highest mortality rates of any mental illness (1). Research shows that eating disorders on college campuses are at an all-time high (2).  A study showed that in US undergraduate students the prevalence of an eating disorder risk rose from 15% in 2013 to 28% in 2020/2021 (3). We see these trends here in the Nashville-Franklin-Brentwood area and our colleagues see the same all across the country.

Professionals believe that the increase in eating disorders among college students is fueled by myths about college weight gain, students being in control of their own food for the first time since leaving home, social anxiety, comparison, and other factors. So how do we help protect students headed to college from developing an eating disorder? Below are five ways to set a student up well for a healthy freshman year:

1. Debunk the Freshman 15 Myth
   Instead of sending your student off to college fearing the “Freshman 15,” educate them that their body may or may not change during this period, and that’s perfectly normal. It’s important to understand that their body might still be developing.
2. Emphasize Nourishment
   Discuss the importance of thoroughly nourishing the body. Eating disorders often begin with unintentional undernourishment or misguided attempts at “healthy eating.” Talk with your child about how they will obtain their meals, whether it’s in the cafeteria, nearby restaurants, or in their dorm room. Although it may seem obvious, go over in detail what constitutes a balanced meal. Have your child walk you through examples of what they might choose for lunch or dinner in the cafeteria.
3. Educate on Eating Disorder Risks
   Just as you would discuss the dangers of binge drinking, it’s crucial to talk about the risks of developing eating disorders in college. Explain how some students might develop these disorders and help your child recognize the signs that they may be heading down that path.
4. Promote Body Acceptance
   Teach body acceptance. Bodies come in all shapes and sizes. Empathize with your child, that they live in a culture which promotes a thin ideal, and that’s tough.  At the same time, encourage your child to be countercultural by showing gratitude for their body, and accepting that their body is good. Their life will be happier if they can radically accept the body they’ve been given rather than spend their life trying to overcontrol and change it.
5. Develop a Healthy Relationship with Food and Body Movement
   Start working with your child on developing a healthy relationship with food and movement. Rather than dieting or resorting to rigid ways of eating, teach eating variety and flexibility. Teach that food should be enjoyed and that eating should be a connected experience. Help your child find ways of moving their body that are fun or interesting.

By addressing these topics proactively, you can help your child navigate college life in a healthy way, reducing the risk of developing eating disorders.
If you become concerned that your child is struggling with an eating disorder, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help. It’s recommended that those struggling with eating disorders seek the help of a trained medical professional, a registered dietitian, and a licensed therapist or psychologist who specializes in eating disorders. Here at Southeast Psych Nashville, we have therapists with expertise in treating disordered eating and we would love to serve you or your family if you have that need. Please give us a call at 615-373-9955 to get started. We hope we can help you on your journey toward greater health and wellbeing.

References:

1) Arcelus, J., Mitchell, A. J., Wales, J., & Nielsen, S. (2011). “Mortality rates in patients with

anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders: a meta-analysis of 36 studies.” Archives

of General Psychiatry, 68(7), 724-731. doi:10.1001/archgenpsychiatry.2011.74

2) Lipson, S. K., & Sonneville, K. R. (2017). “Eating Disorder Symptoms Among Undergraduate and Graduate Students at 12 U.S. Colleges and Universities.” Eating Behaviors, 24, 81-88. doi:10.1016/j.eatbeh.2016.12.003

During the summer, we usually want to take a break from all the running around and activity, which can be great. And during times when people feel uncertain politically, socially, or economically, it’s natural to hold back. At Southeast Psych Nashville, we strongly encourage you to have some downtime and rest.

However, if you’ve been putting off therapy for yourself or your child or other loved one, please consider that this might actually be the perfect time to start. Investing in your mental health is one of the best things you can do for yourself and those you love. How many times have you heard someone say they resisted therapy, only to find that it was so helpful once they started? It’s often better to start during a more quiet time than when everything is chaotic and in constant motion. It’s easier to focus on what you really want and need during these important months.

More than ever, seeking therapy can be a game-changer in navigating life’s challenges and maintaining your overall well-being. It helps you be the best version of you. You can show up to life better. You can be a better partner, boss, employee, friend, sibling, or just a better version of yourself. Here are some reasons why you should consider starting therapy now rather than later.

The Benefits of Starting Therapy Now

1. Immediate Relief and Support – Life’s stressors don’t take a pause, and neither should your mental health care. Therapy can offer sustained relief and support for anxiety, depression, stress, and other mental health issues. By starting therapy now, you gain a supportive space to process your emotions, develop coping strategies, and receive professional guidance tailored to your needs.
2. Building Resilience in Uncertain Times – Political, social, and economic uncertainty can amplify feelings of stress and anxiety. Therapy equips you with the tools to build resilience, helping you to manage uncertainty and adapt to changes more effectively. Developing these skills now will empower you to face future challenges with confidence and emotional strength.
3. Investing in Yourself – Therapy is a profound investment in yourself. Just as you should not delay addressing a physical health issue, prioritizing your mental health is crucial. The benefits of therapy extend beyond immediate relief. Therapy fosters personal growth, new coping skills and strategies, improved relationships, and a deeper understanding of yourself. The long-term gains far outweigh the initial investment of time and resources.
4. Summer: The Perfect Time for Therapy The summer season often brings a less hectic schedule, making it an ideal time to start or resume therapy. With fewer commitments and more flexible hours, you can fully dedicate yourself to the therapeutic process. This focused time allows for deeper self-reflection and progress, setting a strong foundation for sustained mental health.

Why Therapy Is a Great Investment

Investing in therapy is not just about addressing immediate concerns; it’s about fostering a healthier, more fulfilling life. Here’s why therapy is a great investment:

• Enhanced Self-Awareness: Therapy helps you gain a deeper understanding of your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It teaches you how to take those understandings and navigate life more effectively. This self-awareness is the first step toward positive change and personal growth.
• Improved Relationships: By working on yourself, you can improve your relationships with others, whether those are partners, children, parents, co-workers, or other significant people in your life. Sometimes it’s best for both of you to start therapy together and less hectic times are the best times to begin. Therapy provides tools to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and build healthier connections.
• Better Coping Skills: Life is unpredictable, but therapy equips you with strategies to handle stress, anxiety, and other challenges. These coping mechanisms are invaluable tools that can be used throughout your life.
• Preventative Care: Addressing mental health issues early can prevent them from escalating into more severe problems. Just as regular check-ups are essential for physical health, consistent therapy sessions are vital for mental well-being.

Don’t Wait to Start Your Journey

If you’ve been considering therapy, there’s no better time to begin than now. Investing in your mental health will pay dividends in every aspect of your life. By taking the step to seek therapy, you’re prioritizing your well-being and setting yourself up for a brighter future.

If you are considering therapy now, Southeast Psych Nashville is a great choice. With a team of great clinicians who see every age and nearly all issues, we can help you find the right therapist. Give us a call at 615-373-9955 to get started.

Start your journey today and experience the transformative power of therapy. Your mental health is worth it!