what to expect from your first therapy session

What to Expect From Your First Therapy Session

Written by In Balance Counseling on . Posted in General.

As you may already know, accepting you have a problem, whether caused by self-destructive behavior or uncontrollable factors around you, is already half the battle. That’s because now you can take steps toward the proper solutions, which for most people begins with signing up for therapy. If you’ve already done so or plan to, how do you know what to expect from your first therapy session?

Anticipating speaking to a stranger about deep, personal concerns can evoke anxiousness, especially if you don’t understand what happens during a session. To make things a bit easier, our caring and specialized team that has been providing counseling in Tuscon, AZ, for over 25 years breaks down below what you and your therapist should bring to the table. 

What Expectations Should Your Therapist Meet? 

Therapists want to become acquainted with your unique situation before offering assistance. For instance, they’ll wonder what brought you to therapy, how you feel, and why. So, during your first session, they’ll ask questions rather than work toward potential solutions, making this session vastly different from future ones.

Afterward, they’ll ask about important people, times, and things in your life, like your childhood or past, loved ones, and current living situation. By delving briefly into love, life, and career, the therapist notes your attitude about certain things and where troubles lay. They’ll wait until the second session before further pinpointing symptoms or trauma. 

What You Shouldn’t Expect From Your Therapist

When asking for help, expect a therapy session overview from your therapist alongside a treatment length agreement. However, first therapy session expectations shouldn’t involve them solving all your problems. A therapist isn’t there to speak ill of those who have hurt you or reprimand them for doing so, nor are they there to make the pain magically go away.

Instead, they offer a gentle voice and trained, considerate ear to listen to your troubles. Aside from obtaining a confidant, you’ll receive the appropriate tools and resources to better deal with your concerns yourself. 

What Should You Expect From Yourself?

Now that you know what happens in a therapy session, what can you do when preparing for your first therapy session? First and foremost, brace yourself for emotion, especially if you’re not used to opening up to people about your concerns (even those closest to you). 

Many clients keep trauma and other important information buried. However, being candid allows you to accept certain facts more easily and heal and gives your therapist the full story to work with. So, expect to show your sensitive side and feel emotionally drained after the initial therapy appointment experience. 

Finding Balance In Your Mind, Body, and Soul One Step at a Time!

When preparing for your first therapy session, whether for identifying an anger problem or surviving trauma, use this as a counseling session guide to help you prepare. As a family-owned company, we see the importance of treating everyone like our own. So, to learn what to expect from your first therapy session or find recovery techniques and set goals, call In Balance Counseling at 520-722-9631!

how do i know if i have an anger problem

How Do I Know If I Have an Anger Problem? 

Written by In Balance Counseling on . Posted in General.

Everyone feels a little angry now and then. It’s normal to get upset when someone does something to harm you or a loved one or feel frustrated when things don’t go your way. But when you find yourself feeling angry over every minor convenience, and your responses start to affect other areas of your life, you may need some help. 

You might be asking, “How do I know if I have an anger problem?” While there’s no substitute for a professional diagnosis, if you notice the following behaviors, consider getting help. You can call In Balance Counseling, a leader in counseling services in Tucson, AZ, at (520) 722-9631 to make an appointment to see a professional. 

Common Types of Anger

People can experience anger in different ways and intensities. There are three primary types of anger.

  • Inward anger, in which you direct your feelings internally and punish yourself with negative self-talk and self-denial.
  • Outward anger, where you express your feelings physically and verbally toward other people and things.
  • Passive anger, also known as passive-aggressive behavior, where you express your anger by giving silent treatment, sarcasm, sulking, and other behaviors meant to make others feel bad. 

If you struggle with anger, you may experience one or all of these types. 

Signs You Need Help Managing Your Anger 

Feeling angry is normal, so it can be hard to answer, “How do I know if I have an anger problem?” There are some signs that you struggle with anger to watch for, including:

  • Your reactions aren’t equal to the situation; in other words, small or petty things set you off 
  • Hurting people physically or verbally 
  • Regretting your behavior after you calm down 
  • Taking out your feelings on innocent people or objects 
  • Feeling out of control 
  • Feeling angry most of the time 
  • Physical symptoms, like increased blood pressure, sweating, headaches, and heart palpitations 
  • Others have spoken to you about your anger 
  • Trouble with jobs, relationships, or other aspects of your life because of your anger 

If any of these statements apply to you, consider getting professional help to learn new skills for anger management.

Do You Have Intermittent Explosive Disorder? 

Some people have a mental health condition that causes them to have sudden outbursts of impulsive, aggressive, and violent behavior that are far more extreme than the situation warrants. Intermittent explosive disorder often occurs with other mental health conditions, but it can also be genetic or a stress reaction.

If you experience frequent unexpected outbursts of anger that affect other aspects of your life, you may have intermittent explosive disorder. This condition is more severe than typical anger issues and requires professional intervention and treatment. 

Live a More Balanced Life

Learning how to manage your anger can make a significant difference in all aspects of your life. If you want to know more about “how do I know if I have an anger problem?” or the effects of emotional trauma, call (520) 722-9631 to make an appointment with In Balance Counseling in Tucson. 

can adhd cause brain fog

Can ADHD Cause Brain Fog? 

Written by In Balance Counseling on . Posted in General.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can cause many symptoms that have a detrimental on your daily life. From an inability to focus and a need to remain in near-constant motion to talkativeness and memory issues, the range of symptoms caused by the neurodevelopmental disorder can make it challenging to cope.

Developing new symptoms, like brain fog, can add to the difficulty of understanding your condition. Many people ask, “Can ADHD cause brain fog?” and the short answer is, yes, it can. At In Balance Counseling, an intensive outpatient program in Tucson, we work with many adults trying to manage their ADHD and brain fog. Learn more about the connection here, and call us at (520) 722-9631 to make an appointment. 

What Is Brain Fog?

Brain fog is a common term for mental sluggishness; many people describe it as feeling as though they are lost in a fog, unable to concentrate, think clearly, or make sense of what’s happening around them. It can be a frustrating and often debilitating condition, as it keeps you from managing even the most basic daily living activities and being productive. It’s more than just mental tiredness or a lack of mental clarity: Brain fog is a series of connected cognitive impairments that don’t improve with physical changes only, such as getting more sleep. 

The Symptoms of Brain Fog 

Many of the symptoms and effects of brain fog overlap with ADHD symptoms. Some of the most common include:

  • Concentration difficulties 
  • Difficulty communicating (trouble finding words, mixing up words, etc.)
  • Slow thinking, including trouble organizing thoughts and mental exhaustion
  • Memory issues, including forgetfulness and memory lapses 
  • Difficulty with executive functioning, like making decisions about what to eat or which task to complete first
  • Careless mistakes, like misplacing items   

The Relationship Between Brain Fog and ADHD 

Although brain fog can result from illness, diet, sleep problems, and medication, can ADHD cause brain fog? 

ADHD can cause brain fog because of the cognitive challenges that come with ADHD. Problems with executive functioning are a hallmark of ADHD and can contribute to additional disorders like anxiety and learning disabilities. 

There are also some physical connections between ADHD and brain fog. ADHD often causes sleep disorders, and a lack of adequate sleep is a major factor in brain fog. People with ADHD also often have more cytokines in their brains, which are molecules that cause inflammation, which in turn can affect mental clarity and brain function.

There may also be a connection between dopamine levels and brain fog. ADHD can lower levels of this neurotransmitter, which can reduce motivation and focus. 

Get Help with Your Brain Fog 

If you’re having trouble concentrating and want to know, “Can ADHD cause brain fog?” the compassionate counselors at In Balance Counseling in Tucson, Arizona, can help. Make an appointment by calling (520) 722-9631. The team can also help you with other issues, like how to get someone to go to therapy, managing substance abuse, and other mental health concerns.