Help Your Kids with School Bullying
Bullying is defined as unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. An estimated 60% of children are bullied at least once during their school year, and over 20% of children are bullied repeatedly over a much longer period of time. Children who are bullied are at most risk of problems with behavior, mood, school performance and family or social relationships, over a long...
Beyond Nervous: Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Everyone knows the feeling of fear. This emotion is a completely natural reaction to possible danger. Fear is useful because it keeps us from being harmed, by avoiding such situations or helping us defend ourselves. This protective element has been necessary for survival. If our ancestors didn’t feel fear when they saw a dangerous animal, they likely would have been killed. The reaction to fearful stimulus is one of fight...
Introducing Petra Albrecht, German-Speaking Psychologist
Petra Albrecht provides psychological counseling in German at the various Body & Soul locations. She has extensive knowledge and experience treating anxiety and stress in adolescents and adults. B&S: Tell us a little bit about your background. P.A: I obtained my master's degree from the Department of Clinical Psychology at the University of Graz, Austria. In my treatment, I combine cognitive behavioral therapy with elements of positive psychology. I have visited Shanghai...
How can counseling treatment help you with sleeping difficulty?
1) Lying in bed for several hours, but still highly alert to noise during night time 2) Waking up much earlier than regular time 3) Feeling tired or exhausted during the daytime 4) Feel nervous during sleep 5) Having difficulties concentrating on regular tasks 6) Thinking about work, your family challenges or life frustration when in bed If you recognize yourself (or another family member) in 4-5 of the above questions, there might be signs of...
Dealing with Emotions
First, when encountering a situation (could be a person, external stimulus, event or issue), people see it with certain assumptions (these are preconceived concepts based on the belief system). Through this filter, one reacts based on his/her biology and the way he/she measures reality. Reaction is always associated with emotion. There are two types of emotion: primary and secondary. Primary is the emotion that one can show (socially speaking)—the conscious/social emotion....
How to Help Your Child: Emotional and Behavioral Concerns
The most common reason that children are referred to therapists is a behavior problem. A child may be displaying aggressive behavior or having trouble concentrating in school/suffering from learning problems (due to ADHD or other issues). Other children may be diagnosed with depression or bipolar disorder. Concerns to Watch for in Kids Parents and teachers are key in observing the child and noticing possible concerns. Early intervention for the child and family...
Projective Testing in Child & Family Therapy, Getting to the Heart of the Matter
One of the most effective methods I use in the therapy process is projective testing. This is a means of assessing the unconscious issues that the person may not express through language. Language is tied up in our culture and the way we wish to project ourselves to the world as dictated by social norms. Projective tests are based in psychoanalysis as developed by Dr. Carl Jung and others, on...
Can I Do Anything About My Child’s Behavior Problems?
Have you ever wondered what to say when your child struggles with frustration, teasing, jealousy, bullies, sibling rivalries, study difficulties, procrastination, inattention, or other hurdles? Some children may be labeled as ADHD at early age. These questions might pop into your mind as a parent: “Is there anything I can do?” “Can behaviors be learned, trained and changed?” “Can I do something other than rely on medication at such an early age?” The answer...
The Techniques and Benefits of Psycho-Oncology
Psycho-oncology treatment works with the cancer patient and family through different stages and challenges to manage distress and equip them with coping tools. When a patient is newly diagnosed, for example, the psychologist might address anxiety and fear, assist the person in ways to take an active part in deciding on treatment options and provide psycho-education (what to expect, how to express one’s feelings, getting resources). Psychologists can give patients tools...
Shanghai Cancer Resource: Psycho-Oncology
Over the years, I have worked with many cancer patients and families as a Clinical Psychologist and have seen the benefits of emotional support and psychological management techniques. The field of psycho-oncology, founded in the 1980s, is developing to further help patients fighting cancer (and adjusting after treatment), as well to better understand the links between the psychosocial and physical aspects of disease. What is psycho-oncology? Psycho-oncology is a field of interdisciplinary...