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Posts Tagged ‘psychological counseling’

High-functioning depression: Symptoms, causes, and treatments

Posted in daily writings and musings of the psychologist, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 11, 2025| Leave a Comment »

What is high-functioning depression?

Sudhir (name changed ) has been managing his large company for years together and didn’t believe it could happen to him when he was told by this psychologist ,” you have been suffering from high functioning depression”. “ But how is this possible ,I have been managing all my affairs well and attending to all my routine .However the family could notice him being bored quite quickly and Sudhir has of late been getting tired often ,showing signs of irritation and impatience .

Often it is believed that a high functioning individual can never be depressed or even tired because he seems to always be active ,agile and his metabolism could be working at its best .But that may not be the case always .

High-functioning people always seem to be on the drive manning not only their work but also of others work too. High functioning depression is a term used to describe people who experience symptoms of depression  while largely maintaining their daily responsibilities and outward appearance. Such high functioning individuals often are able to maintain high flying careers, professional relationships, and social lives, making it difficult even for themselves to recognize their own depressed state of mind .It could generally be taken as tiredness and distraction and they shrug it away ,when told that they could have a depression.

Is high -functioning depression a mental illness or an emotional disorder ?

The term high-functioning depression has not been officially recognised anywhere till now neither in ICD 10 or even in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). It is thus obviously not diagnosed by your psychiatrist or a psychologist.

It’s possible for a person to meet the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD) or persistent depressive disorder (PDD) while hiding many of the signs and symptoms by their being busy active and over the situation.When this is the case, they may be informally described as having high-functioning depression.

Persistent Depressive disorder is a recognised mental health condition characterized by long-term, chronic bouts of depression.

High-functioning depression and PDD share similarities, but they’re not the same. The term “high-functioning depression” describes someone who mostly keeps up appearances ,despite depressive symptoms.

If you think you or a loved one may be experiencing any form of depression and feel that because of your high functioning you are not able to decide what it is , it’s important to seek professional help. A professional psychologist or a psychiatrist can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Symptoms of high functioning depression

Because it’s not an official diagnosis, high-functioning depression doesn’t have distinct symptoms. Warning signs of high-functioning depression, and of depressive disorders generally, can include:

  • Persistent feelings of aloofness ,sadness  or emptiness
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions with clarity
  • Periodic low self esteem and self-doubts
  • Persistent fatigue or regular low energy
  • Erratic or altered sleep patterns (not able to sleep or oversleeping)
  • Change in eating habits .Appetite changes (increased or decreased)
  • Irritation or restlessness
  • Loss of interest in normally previous enjoyed activities
  • Feelings of giving up ,hopelessness or pessimism
  • Physical symptoms like headaches or digestive issues
  • Thoughts of self harm ,death or suicide .

The situation can be different for different people.Depression can look different for everyone, and you don’t need to hit a bout of actual sickness or depression. Now is the good time for you to seek help.

People with high-functioning depression may try to hide their symptoms from others, often out of fear of being judged or a feeling of embarrassment.Seeking help isn’t a sign of weakness. Even if coping with high-functioning depression seems possible on your own, you don’t need to manage without help. Treatment can help alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life, and prevent the condition from worsening over time.A person attempting to hide symptoms of depression may aggravate the problem hence let’s not delay further but talk now .

You can reach out to us

Call 7224896739 or email

mansikpramarsh@gmail.com

http://www.mansikpramarsh.com.

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Panic Attack :How to identify one and calm down during a panic attack

Posted in daily writings and musings of the psychologist, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 11, 2025| Leave a Comment »

When Rashi had her first panic attack she was appearing for school board exams .She didn’t know she was having one till her throat felt dry ,her hands started trembling and all of a sudden she felt she was going to faint .That made her cry out loud for help .She wanted to immediately get out of the examination hall.

However a timely intervention by the people around helped her recover faster as she was given the first aid support in time.

Panic attacks do not come with a warning and they become too scary to those who suffer one all of sudden and if a timely help is not available the same can turn a little damaging too .

Rashi did have some stress of her ensuing examination but she had also been suffering from fever for a few days and had not yet fully recovered . She had been feeling weak, a bit tired and sleepy . In this kind of stressful situation she had suddenly developed an anxiety   and lost control of mind .Her breathing seemed to have become very shallow,rapid and she had hyperventilated .

The feeling passed after little first aid support and within a few minutes she felt better although still dazed .No one knew that she had experienced her first panic attack that day, until it happened again when she was in a crowded shopping mall .

How to know if it is a panic attack

It can happen to anyone and can take place in any situation.We discuss hereunder the early signs and symptoms indicating about panic attack :

Usually it begins with a dizziness of the head and the person feels a little disoriented to the environment around .The other symptoms not necessary all of them together can be :

  • Mild pounding of heart in the middle of chest and feeling of fast heart beats
  • Shortness of breathing and feeling of suffocation
  • Breathless and major discomfort breathing even though the environment is not claustrophobic
  • Feeling a sense of numbness in the arms or legs or both
  • Chest pain
  • Hot flashes or cold sweat
  • Nausea
  • Trembling and shaking of body parts

Anxiety attack vs. panic attack

An anxiety doesn’t come all of a sudden but it builds up over time ruminating or apprehending some of the anticipated events and it remains there even when the event may not take place .Thus anxiety is triggering of the apprehension but it stays as a constant feeling disrupting the normal functioning .

A panic attack on the other hand has more debilitating effect , comes out all of a sudden and much more intense episode of fear ,anxiety and a feeling of oncoming loss of consciousness and breathing difficulty takes over .

Anxiety and panic attacks even though have similar symptoms, but panic can make one feel like one is losing control of one’s awareness,orientation .The person feels that brain and body are not coordinating . This can happen repeatedly leaving one helpless and worrying of being vulnerable all the time .Resultantly one may stop stepping out of home alone .

Some of the ways to calm down during a panic attack

Rashi was lucky when her first panic attack lasted only a few minutes and went away after help from the people around but the second time she wasn’t because it occurred in a shopping mall and help took a little longer .

Panic attacks tend to peak within a few minutes and go away also sooner but for some occasions these attacks can last longer and the person becomes restless with fear of something happening to him or her and gets panicky .

How do we control when a panic attack seems to be occurring or seems imminent:

Perceptive and Meditative Breathing;

Deep breathing has often been recommended as the compulsory activity to do when stressed .

In anxiety and panic perceptive breathing can really do magic on your mood.Lets understand how :

  1. Close your eyes softly
  2. Keep your body and spine supple and stress free
  3. Now focus on the lower end (tail end ) of your spine and breathe from the nose very slowly .The mind must be completely involved in the breathing .
  4. Inhale slowly from the nose feeling it’s impact on the lower end of the spine .
  5. Exhale slowly from the nose taking as much time as you took inhaling
  6. Continue for five to seven minutes
  7. Soon you would realise your mind and body relaxing and the anxiety level coming to almost nil .
  8. Repeat this exercise as often as you want to .

Relax your muscles and body by kayotsarga (progressive muscle relaxation exercise )

Anxiety and panic can cause your whole body to tense up making you feel uncomfortable. You can help reduce the stiffness of muscles of the body relaxing them one muscle at a time .Focus on each muscle beginning from the toes of the feet one by one and going upwards covering all parts of body one by one .An auto suggestion like ( my toes are relaxing ,my calf muscles are relaxing cover till the top of your forehead .

Move your body:yes that’s true:

Rather than sitting or lying down in panic going out for a walk or doing brisk walk in the room itself can help you bring your stress anxiety and the impending fear to a much reduced level .

Preferably you can, go for a walk outside or do some light stretching. Take yourself out of the environment that’s causing your anxiety .It will help ease your symptoms.

If you feel a panic attack coming on in a closed environment like bus ,train or an aircraft while travelling and you can’t get up and move , try these basic breathing exercises to help ground yourself and reduce the intensity of the attack.

  • Do some deep breathes and focus on the tip of your nostrils to feel the air getting in and exhaled air coming out . Soon you will feel better with diverted focus .
  • Breathe in deeply and exhale every breathe from the fingers of your feet one by one and later through each finger and toes of your hands .You will feel an ease coming to your mind and body soon.
  • Rub the palms of your hands slowly and putting the palms on your eyes later will help .

Doing this activity with your hands can help take your mind off anxiety a calmness sets in .

Repeat positive affirmations to yourself

A positive affirmation is a phrase or a sentence you repeat to yourself over and over but if you can write it and read it aloud ,the impact is many times more and empowering .

The statement can be

“ I am a calm person I am a powerful person “

or “I am a powerful person I can handle this situation “

Or “ I am a powerful person I have the power of mind “ .

Reading and saying these affirmations out loud can help, but if you’re in a public place and don’t feel comfortable with that, just say it silently to yourself. Make sure to read or speak the words slowly in your mind.

Get help of psychologist /Counselor

In order to prevent repeated occurrences ,you must seek the help of a psychologist .You can reach out to us at

Alka Mansik Pramarsh Foundation

http://www.mansikpramarsh.com

Family Therapy India

http://www.familytherapyindia.com

Or email

mansikpramarsh@gmail.com

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Embracing Self-Acceptance: A Path to Overcoming Depression and Inertia

Posted in daily writings and musings of the psychologist, tagged , , , , , on June 25, 2024| 2 Comments »

Have you of late been feeling deep in the woods? Do you feel the world is out to get you? Do you really feel the next Johnny is better than you? Do you want to just lie down and not look at the world in the daylight, with the curtains drawn and the lights off all the time? The day just seems to drag on, the night becomes all the more difficult, and sleep seems to have eluded you for many days. Do you look at the world as a real queer place with all the folks giving you advice to go and do something about it?

Do you:

  • Beat yourself up over silly mistakes,
  • Feel always sick and tired on account of not sleeping well,
  • Constantly grapple with unwanted thoughts running through your mind all the time,
  • Feel tormented with traumas and pains of life’s doings and undoings.
“Depressed man sketch clipart“/ CC0 1.0

The doctor might say you have depression and a mood disorder. Others would simply call it an inability to face the stresses of the world and may associate it with anxiety attacks. Some could have compassion for you, or some could just call you a lazy buff. But do you really feel all that advice is necessary when all you are doing is being comfortable in the discomfort of inertia and the negation of the self?

But is it not a fact that you do want to feel truly good, only if someone could help you overcome this inertia of depression? The visits to the psychiatrists do not seem to have helped much, as they do nothing but prescribe a different medicine every time you go to them.

Here is a simple remedy that can help you overcome the negativity that seems to have entered your mind and life.

Make an attempt to accept yourself and feel a profound sense of warmth and self-importance. No, I am not advising you to become a megalomaniac, but asking you to feel the powers that be within you to resurrect your life. You have some magnetic power that makes you unique, that makes you “ME.” Identify this “ME” and make all efforts to become “ME.”

We often look at others and not only compare ourselves with others but also be always busy in the process of becoming others. But would becoming others make us happy or satisfied? No, not at all. The more we look outward towards others, the more we get dissociated with the self, the real “ME,” that always wants to excel and be recognized. But the rat race of becoming others, the eagerness of doing like the others do, pushes this “ME” to the unknown depths of ignominy.

We regularly conduct Preksha Meditation classes at Alka Mansik Pramarsh Foundation, and our experiences reveal that the meditation of self-acceptance makes people gain positivity and a happy state of mind which cannot be compared to others because, in this, there is no “other.” The learning of the self can definitely be compared to the learning of new things and being part of something bigger, some sacred and celestial happiness and satisfaction.

If you want to feel this, self-acceptance is the habit you need to inculcate gradually in your mind.

Start by writing all the positive things about you on a paper, even if you feel there is nothing positive that you can write about yourself, just write the following statement:

“I am a powerful person. I have the power of mind.”

Continue writing a full page, then meditate on this, and you will gradually start feeling good.

You must accept yourself in a positive fashion, and that will help you overcome barriers to self-acceptance. Come and learn with us the daily self-acceptance practices that result in psychological and emotional healing.

Ramneek Kapoor, Clinical Psychologist and Family Therapist, Science of Living, Preksha Meditation Expert

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Healing Dysfunctional Family Relationships

Posted in The psychology counselling services available, tagged , , , , , on May 15, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Families are often envisioned as the cornerstone of love, support, and growth. However, the reality is far more nuanced, with many families grappling with the complexities of dysfunction, unresolved conflicts, and intergenerational trauma. In this blog post, we will deep-dive into the profound impacts of dysfunctional family dynamics, exploring real-life examples and therapeutic insights to understand the journey towards healing and restoring familial harmony.

Healing Dysfunctional Family Relationships

The Ripple Effects of Dysfunction:

Meet Kritika and Vijay (names changed), whose experiences epitomize the enduring repercussions of dysfunctional family environments. Their stories resonate deeply with countless individuals who have experienced familial dysfunction. Kritika and Vijay, having weathered tumultuous family dynamics in their formative years, continue to grapple with the emotional scars, even a decade into their marriage. Their unresolved traumas have cast a long shadow over their parenting journey, as their children inherit the legacy of unresolved conflict and emotional turmoil.

Dr. Kritika, a pseudonym for a real individual, provides a poignant example of the intergenerational transmission of dysfunction. Raised amidst the daily tumult of her parents’ disputes, she and her siblings bore witness to a triangular drama that played out with agonizing regularity. Lines were drawn, allegiances shifted, and familial bonds strained under the weight of unresolved grievances. 

The ripple effects of dysfunctional family dynamics extend far beyond the immediate participants, permeating the lives of subsequent generations. Individuals like Sejal, Sonia, Kamolika, Anand, and Sumit, though fictional in name, embody the collective struggles of those who have endured traumatic family events. From PTSD and anxiety to deep-seated mistrust and unresolved phobias, the psychological toll of dysfunctional family dynamics reverberates through every facet of their lives. Moreover, their own children and spouses find themselves unwitting participants in a cycle of dysfunction, perpetuating the cycle unless intervention occurs.

Understanding Triangulation:

Central to our understanding of dysfunctional family dynamics is the concept of triangulation. What begins as innocuous interactions can quickly devolve into accusations, misunderstandings, and unresolved emotions, with family members unwittingly assuming roles as perpetrators, victims, or mediators. Left unchecked, these patterns of dysfunction can become entrenched, eroding familial bonds and hindering individual growth.

Yet, amidst the turmoil, there is hope. Through innovative therapeutic approaches, families can take on healing and reconciliation, managing past trauma to embrace a future defined by mutual understanding and support.

The Path to Healing:

At our organization, we offer a framework for addressing the underlying issues that contribute to familial dysfunction, empowering you to break free from the shackles of intergenerational trauma. Central to this process is the cultivation of empathy and understanding, both within the family unit and in the broader community.

By creating a safe space for open dialogue and honest communication, we begin the healing process, allowing individuals to confront their past traumas and head towards a brighter future. Through individual and group therapy sessions, families learn to navigate conflict constructively.

For individuals like Kritika and Vijay, the journey towards healing is challenging, but ultimately important. By confronting their past traumas and embracing a future defined by mutual respect and understanding, they lay the foundation for a closer bond.

Conclusion:

Through therapeutic support, families heal and reconcile, overcoming past trauma for mutual understanding. Together, we can break the cycle of dysfunction.

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Questions to Ask Before Pre-Marital Counseling

Posted in The psychology counselling services available, tagged , , , , , on April 29, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Entering into marriage is a significant milestone in any couple’s life. As two individuals commit to sharing their lives together, it’s not uncommon for questions, doubts, and concerns to arise. Recognizing the importance of solidifying their foundation, many couples turn to pre-marital counseling to address these issues. However, before embarking on this journey, it’s essential for couples to understand what questions to ask their psychologist counselor.

1. What should we ask the counselor separately and as a couple?

Individual concerns and dynamics within the relationship are crucial aspects to address. Asking about the structure of counseling sessions and how they balance individual and joint discussions can help clarify expectations.

2. Does every couple need pre-marital counseling?

While it’s not a requirement for every couple, pre-marital counseling can offer invaluable insights and tools for navigating the challenges that may arise in marriage. Discussing whether it’s right for their specific situation is essential for couples to consider.

3. We’ve known each other for so long, why do we need counseling now?

Even couples with a long history may benefit from counseling. It provides an opportunity to explore aspects of the relationship that may not have been previously addressed and to ensure both partners are on the same page regarding their expectations for marriage.

4. Will counseling sessions be private, or will other couples be involved?

Understanding the format of counseling sessions is vital for couples’ comfort levels. Discussing preferences with the counselor can help tailor the experience to suit the couple’s needs.

5. Will our parents be involved in the counseling process?

While parental involvement is not typically a standard part of pre-marital counseling, some couples may choose to involve their parents in discussions about family dynamics or cultural expectations. Clarifying this with the counselor can help set boundaries and expectations.

6. How will counseling help us build a strong marital relationship?

Exploring the specific goals of counseling and the strategies the counselor employs can provide insight into how the process will benefit the couple. From communication skills to conflict resolution techniques, counseling offers practical tools for building a resilient partnership.

7. How many sessions will be necessary?

Understanding the time commitment required for counseling is essential for planning purposes. While the number of sessions can vary depending on the couple’s needs and goals, discussing a rough timeline with the counselor can help manage expectations.

Navigating the complexities of pre-marital counseling requires open communication and a willingness to address difficult questions. By engaging in this process, couples can lay the groundwork for a healthy and fulfilling marriage, equipped with the tools to overcome challenges and grow together.

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Premarital Counseling – Stress and Strains in Preparing for a New Relationship

Posted in The psychology counselling services available, tagged , , , , , on April 24, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Entering into a new relationship is akin to embarking on a journey filled with excitement, anticipation, and perhaps a touch of apprehension.

As individuals, we navigate through life’s roles and responsibilities, often enveloped within our self-imposed privacy within families and societal constructs. Preparing for a new relationship involves acknowledging and addressing the stress and strains inherent in our individual lives while nurturing the foundation for a fulfilling partnership.

Marital counseling emerges as a pivotal tool in this journey, offering couples a roadmap to create a relationship that harmonizes the need for personal space with the desire for intimacy. It serves as a guiding light, illuminating the path towards a bond characterized by mutual respect, understanding, and unwavering support. Through counseling, couples are encouraged to envision their relationship as two fully bloomed flowers, each exuding its unique fragrance of love and affection while coexisting in harmonious unity.

The journey of preparing for a new relationship is underpinned by a dedication to marriage—an unwavering commitment that serves as the bedrock upon which enduring love is built. This dedication transcends mere words, encompassing a myriad of qualities essential for a thriving partnership.

Love forms the cornerstone of this dedication, infusing every interaction with warmth and compassion. Humor acts as a balm, easing tensions and fostering a sense of joy in shared moments. Mutual growth becomes the guiding principle, as couples embark on a journey of self-discovery and evolution, hand in hand.

Resilience emerges as a defining trait, as partners navigate life’s inevitable challenges with unwavering strength and fortitude. Shared goals provide a common purpose, binding couples together in pursuit of a shared vision for their future. Respect for each other’s beliefs—be they religious, cultural, or personal—becomes non-negotiable, fostering an environment of acceptance and inclusion.

Communication serves as the lifeblood of the relationship, nurturing understanding and empathy between partners. Friendship blossoms alongside love, anchoring the relationship in a foundation of trust and camaraderie. And woven through it all is a profound yearning for companionship—a deep-seated desire to walk hand in hand through life’s journey, sharing its joys and sorrows as one.

In the intricate tapestry of marriage, each of these qualities acts as a thread, weaving together to form a beautiful garden of love and companionship. Yet, just as a single missing petal can cause a flower to wilt, the absence of any of these qualities can imperil the sanctity of the marital bond. It is here that the importance of pre-marital counseling becomes abundantly clear.

Pre-marital counseling serves as a nurturing force, providing couples with the tools and insights necessary to weather life’s storms and emerge stronger together. It offers a safe space for couples to explore their hopes, fears, and aspirations, laying the groundwork for open and honest communication. Through guided exercises and discussions, couples are empowered to confront potential areas of conflict, fostering a deeper understanding of each other’s needs and desires.

Moreover, pre-marital counseling equips couples with invaluable coping strategies, enabling them to navigate the inevitable challenges that arise in any relationship. Whether it be financial stresses, family dynamics, or personal differences, couples emerge from counseling with a newfound sense of resilience and unity.

Crucially, pre-marital counseling addresses the root causes of marital discord, thereby serving as a potent deterrent against the rising tide of divorce. By fostering a culture of introspection and communication, counseling empowers couples to confront issues head-on, rather than allowing them to fester and grow unchecked. In doing so, it not only strengthens individual relationships but also contributes to the collective fabric of society, reducing the prevalence of fractured families and broken homes.

In conclusion, the journey of preparing for a new relationship is one fraught with both excitement and uncertainty. Yet, through the guidance of pre-marital counseling, couples can navigate this journey with confidence and grace. By cultivating a relationship grounded in love, respect, and understanding, couples lay the foundation for a partnership that will endure the test of time.

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Nurturing Love in Long-Term Relationships: Balancing Romance with Reality

Posted in daily writings and musings of the psychologist, tagged , , , , , , , on March 24, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Being in love is wonderful, isn’t it? Dating, feeling those butterflies, and longing to see each other again—it’s a special time. But as relationships grow, they change. Long-term relationships are about more than just love; they’re about managing life together.

When you’re in a long-term relationship, you’re not just looking out for yourself anymore. You’re building a life with someone else. That means dealing with all sorts of things: money, jobs, family, and more. It’s not always easy.

Communication is key. It’s how you talk about your problems and work through them together. Every argument is a chance to make your relationship stronger. Instead of fighting, try to understand each other’s point of view. That’s how you grow as a couple.

One of the hardest parts is merging your lives. You’re bringing together two different worlds, with different families, careers, and goals. It takes compromise and patience.

But even with all these challenges, it’s important not to forget about romance. As time goes on, the initial excitement might fade. You might find yourself focusing more on everyday worries than on each other. That’s normal, but it’s important to make time for romance too.

Romance doesn’t have to be grand gestures. It’s the little things that matter, like holding hands or cuddling on the couch. These small moments keep the spark alive.

Understanding each other’s needs is crucial too. Life is full of ups and downs, and you need to be there for each other through it all. When you have disagreements, listen to each other and find a solution together.

It’s also important to make each other happy. In the midst of busy lives, it’s easy to forget what really matters. But love is what makes life meaningful, so cherish it.

In the end, being in a long-term relationship is about facing life together. It’s about growing and learning as a couple. Yes, there will be tough times, but love will see you through.

In conclusion, long-term relationships are a journey. They’re about more than just love; they’re about building a life together. With communication, understanding, and a little romance, you can make your relationship stronger than ever. So cherish each other and the love you share—it’s worth it.

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Understanding Depression Symptoms and Mental Health Support

Posted in The psychology counselling services available, tagged , , , , , , , , , on March 21, 2024| Leave a Comment »

Feeling sad, stressed, or down occasionally is normal, but prolonged periods of low mood may indicate depression. Depression symptoms include persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, changes in appetite or weight, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and physical pain. If these symptoms persist for more than a week or two, it’s essential to seek mental health support.

Depression isn’t a sign of weakness or negativity; it’s a serious mental health issue that requires medical attention. It can affect various aspects of life, including careers, relationships, and daily functioning. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors, immediate intervention is crucial.

While the exact cause of depression isn’t fully understood, factors such as altered brain chemistry, trauma, chronic illness, and hormonal changes may contribute to its development. Diagnosing depression typically involves a psychological evaluation to assess symptoms and their severity.

Treatment options for depression include therapy, medication, and social support networks. Preksha meditation, specifically the Perceptive Breathing Technique has shown promise in alleviating severe depression. This non-drug approach can complement traditional treatments and help individuals manage their symptoms effectively.

At our clinic, we offer comprehensive mental health support programs tailored to individuals struggling with depression. Our services include regular cognitive behaviour sessions, perceptive meditation sessions, counseling, and mental exercises aimed at promoting emotional well-being and recovery. If you’re ready to take the first step towards healing, contact us to learn more about our programs and how we can support you on your journey to better mental health.

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EYE MOVEMENT DESENSITIZATION AND REPROCESSING TO TREAT MENTAL HEALTH DISORDERS

Posted in daily writings and musings of the psychologist, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on January 21, 2024| Leave a Comment »

WHAT IS EYE MOVEMENT DESENSITIZATION AND REPROCESSING (EDMR)?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences.

Francine Shapiro developed EMDR in 1987, she based EMDR on the notion that emotional distress can be processed when asleep during the rapid eye movement (REM). Phase.

She utilised this natural process in order to successfully treat Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Since then, EMDR has been used to effectively treat a wide range of mental health problems.

Repeated studies show that by using EMDR therapy people can experience the benefits of psychotherapy that once took years to make a difference.

It is widely assumed that severe emotional pain requires a long time to heal. EMDR therapy shows that the mind can in fact heal from psychological trauma much as the body recovers from physical trauma.

WHAT IS AN EMDR SESSION LIKE?

After a thorough assessment, you will be asked specific questions about a particular disturbing memory.

Eye movements, similar to those during REM sleep, will be recreated simply by asking you to watch the therapist’s finger moving backwards and forwards across your visual field.

Sometimes, a bar of moving lights or headphones is used instead.

The eye movements will last for a short while and then stop.

You will then be asked to report back on the experiences you have had during each of these sets of eye movements.

Experiences during a session may include changes in thoughts, images and feelings.

With repeated sets of eye movements, the memory tends to change in such a way that it loses its painful intensity and simply becomes a neutral memory of an event in the past.

Other associated memories may also heal at the same time.

This linking of related memories can lead to a dramatic and rapid improvement in many aspects of your life.

WHAT CAN EMDR BE USED FOR?

In addition to its use for the treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, EMDR has been successfully used to treat:

  • anxiety and panic attacks
  • depression
  • stress
  • phobias
  • sleep problems
  • complicated grief
  • addictions

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The Woes of a Dysfunctional Family -We Help You Resolve Them

Posted in daily writings and musings of the psychologist, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on July 26, 2023| Leave a Comment »

Members of families in their ignorance or sometimes deliberately hurt each other to cause an unending mental emotional pain. Although a good family is meant to help individual members develop themselves to their full potential but chains of miscommunications, uncalled for egos, familial fights, discords and long-drawn-out misunderstandings result into a dysfunctional family hampering not only relationships but also a complete non achievement of personal career goals by individuals.

Kritika and Vijay (names changed) have been victims of two such grossly dysfunctional families themselves in their young age prior to their marriage and have till date (even after a decade of their having been married) not been able to overcome traumas of their young days in their parental homes. Resultantly now their children suffer from traumas of dis -functioning of their own families.

Little girl doesn't want to hear arguing of parents

Dr Kritika (name changed) and her two siblings have been witnessing painful fights of their parents all through their life where a triangular drama would take place every day and night with sibling shifting allegiances and taking sides sometimes with their father, another time with mother or being at war with each other. These fights still continue even though all siblings have chosen their own paths in life, they continue abhorring each other. Kritika’ s all efforts to bring her parents and siblings together again is not being accepted by others of family resultantly their deadlock remains.

Such painful family events and interactions leave intense hurts, personality issues, traumas and social adjustment issues all through life. Sejal, Sonia, Kamolika, Anand, Sumit (fictitious names ) and many others such people have been suffering PTSD, Anxieties ,Mistrusts ,phobias ,adjustment issues after they lived through such most painful family dramas and now they suffer alongside their children and spouses too because of the torments of the past .

The indelible scars of family fights destabilise the psyches of family members, have impacted their relationships, job performance and emotional stability all through the life. We have been helping many of such families deal with such dis functioning, Traumatic experiences childhood scars, depression anxiety and stresses to enable them understand what emotions prevailed when the dis functioning occurred, and how these family members could not deal with their as well as their parents’ partners, children and their siblings’ similar experiences —in which their entire family had suffered and many of them still suffer.

Understanding Triangulation of the dis functioning.

The functioning of any family gets disturbed when the normal day to day interaction with each other turns into accusations of not fulfilling expectations. Or when communication is not understood in the right perceptive or when the words used for emotions do not convey the spirit behind but the use of those words and dialogues or when patience is short lived and angers flare up.

In any such situation, the battle field turns into the members un knowingly playing the roles of perpetrators, victims or the negotiators who often act as mediators or pacifiers. But sometimes they also end up taking sides with either one. We believe every household or a family can get into such a situation one time or the other. However, if such a situation continues or comes up recurrently is the cause for alarm. Because if not resolved at the appropriate time it can turn onto a chronic dis functioning of the family.

A new understanding and perception of dealing with those situations have helped these families deal with and each individual member transformed into a stable, loving, mature, and dependable person, attaining their best personal success after they have come over to Family Therapy India.

If your family is one such family suffering from misfunctioning and traumas of the past . It is time now to help your family overcome such disputes, ego bruises, mistrusts and angers of the past. Take control of your life and feelings, and help others understand the need for curing their feelings. Know that we can help you bring about a positive change in your filial relationships. With commitment and time and our expert counseling sessions of family therapy, healing begins steadily and gradually until the family adopts the new normal relationships.

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