Quick Facts About Disruptive Behavior Disorders

Posted on by Dr. Mark Parisi

All children sometimes break the rules. The difference between disruptive behavior disorder (DBD) and a kid just being a kid is the severity and frequency that these disruptive behaviors occur. A DBD is diagnosed from a persistent pattern of angry outbursts, arguments, and disobedience.

Children and teens with a DBD struggle with symptoms that interfere with their daily lives. This usually leads to them having conflicts with parents, teachers, authority figures, and other children. With the proper help from a marriage and family therapist in Chicago children with DBDs can be very successful in school and life and maintain healthy relationships with family and friends, but they need a lot of support and tools to make this happen.

So your child was diagnosed with disruptive behavior disorder (DBD), now what? First, relax and learn a few facts.

What does this mean?

  •  * DBDs are the most common mental health disorder among children.
  •  * 4% to 9% of all children from birth to 18 years old will be diagnosed with a DBD.
  •  * Environmental factors can effect how the child functions.
  •  * DBD are disorders that are only identified in children and adolescence.

 

What should you expect in treatment?

  •  * Parenting modification strategies Social and emotional skills training for children
    •  – Communication skills
    •  – Parenting skills
    •  – Conflict resolution skills
    •  – Anger management skills
  • * Psychotherapy for the child and the family, such as one of our play therapists in Chicago
  •  * Teaming with a counselor in Chicago
  •  * If necessary, the addition of medication to the therapy plan

 

What can you do?Dr. Parisi chicago counselor

  •  * Find ways to maintain a positive relationship with your child.
  •  * Be consistent. Learn all you can about how to effectively manage your child’s behavior; find what works for you and stick to it.
  •  * Find parental support so you can handle your own emotions.
  •  * Get help!

* Try our affordable psychologists or psychiatrists in Chicago or one of our behavioral therapy specialists in Chicago and Mount  and the surrounding area including Mt. Prospect and Des Plaines, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Barrington, Hinsdale, Skokie, Lincolnwood, Park Ridge, and Wilmette.

 

What is Psychological Testing and how do I know If I Need it?

Posted on by Dr Mark Parisi

Psychological tests are standardized tests used to measure characteristics, feelings, beliefs and skills. These tests are also used to measure the presence of certain mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, stress, substance use, or other personality characteristics. A standard psychological assessment includes an interview with a mental health practitioner and a psychological test. Testing can be completed independently or can be administered by a psychologist. Generally tests are given to help gather thorough and complete information in order to understand a problem more in depth and are used as a guide for treatment. These tests measure an individual’s performance at a specific point in time. Psychological tests help understand general behaviors or trends, but its important to note that these tests do to predict future actions, thoughts, feelings or behaviors.

A thorough assessment of an individual will first include a medical examination to rule out possibilities of medical illnesses. After ruling out medical illnesses or diseases, your medical provider may refer you to a psychologist for further assessment and testing. Typically a medical health care provider will make a referral for psychological testing if they believe it is beneficial. It is also common for doctors, teachers, and social workers to make referrals for further psychological testing.

Psychologists administer psychological testing for a wide variety of reasons. There are many psychological tests available and each measures different attributes. There are aptitude tests that help to identify learning disabilities and there are tests that evaluate if a client is experiencing an emotional disorder. Other tests measure personality traits. For example, if an individual is having problems with personal relationships or interpersonal skills there are tests available that help to identify personality traits that might contribute to the problem. Testing helps to provide valuable information and insight in understanding issues while also identifying individuals strengthens.

Contact Dr. Parisi for low cost therapy in Chicago, Mt. Prospect, and surrounding areas including Des Plaines, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Barrington, Hinsdale, Skokie, Lincolnwood, Park Ridge, and Wilmette.

What Should I Expect in Psychotherapy?

Posted on by Dr Mark Parisi

It’s normal to feel a little nervous or anxious when you first being psychotherapy. The first few sessions might even feel a little uncomfortable or awkward. It’s not necessarily easy to meet someone new for the first time and begin sharing your personal thoughts and feelings. But remember, as you continue in therapy you will feel more and more comfortable and at ease with discussing your issues. Your psychotherapist is specially trained and experienced in building rapport and helping you reach your goals. Every psychotherapist’s style and approach will vary, however there are some universal aspects to psychotherapy.

Throughout psychotherapy you will develop a trusting therapeutic relationship with your therapist. During this time you will have the opportunity to work on your challenges and to look deeply at your personal values and choices. Therapy is a collaborative process between you and your therapist. The more you are willing to invest yourself in this process the more impact it can have in your life. You and your therapist will explore your issues and problems through discussion. Some of your sessions may focus on your internal thought patterns, feelings, and body sensations in order to gain an understanding of different aspects of who you are and how you think. During your time in therapy you will learn to pay attention to your experiences without judgment in order to better understand how your mind works.

Your therapist may want to initially start off by gathering personal information and a history about your family, health, and education as well as administer some type of assessment or test. It is normal to begin therapy with an assessment as these tools help gather information and get an in depth understanding of your issue. The outcome of the assessment often assists the therapist in determining the best course of action for your treatment and will help guide your sessions.

Your psychotherapist will then help to clarify and educate you regarding the problem you are experiencing. After clarifying your problems, you will work together to find resolution to your issue. It is not uncommon for treatment to include other providers such as a psychiatrist. For example if you are receiving psychotherapy from a psychologist, they may refer you to a health care provider who can prescribe you medication if they believe you may benefit from it.

It is important to understand that therapy will be a challenging endeavor and often takes time and commitment. Therapy often leads to a deep personal understanding, and significant and long lasting change. You may find yourself thinking and behaving differently. In addition to this transformation you will learn new skills to help you cope with future issues and challenges.

Contact Dr. Parisi for low cost therapy in Chicago, Mt. Prospect, and surrounding areas including Des Plaines, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Barrington, Hinsdale, Skokie, Lincolnwood, Park Ridge, Evanston, and Wilmette.

How Do I Know Which Type of Counseling or Style of Psychotherapy is Right for Me?

Posted on by Dr Mark Parisi

The type of psychotherapy or counseling that is best for you is largely dependent on your individual preferences and needs. There are certain techniques and approaches that are more helpful than others when dealing with specific types of problems and your therapist will be knowledgeable in those approaches. For example, panic disorder is typically treated with various forms of controlled exposure therapy as research suggests it is most effective in treatment. Arm yourself with knowledge and research about the best type of therapy pertaining to your issue. This can be helpful in narrowing down what type or style of counseling is best for you.

Psychotherapists typically use an evidence-based practice and approach towards treating psychological problems. Evidence-based practice is the integration of the best available research along with the mental health practitioner’s clinical expertise, in the context of the individual’s characteristics, culture, and preferences, (American Psychological Association, 2014). Therapists consider these factors when selecting the type of therapy for treatment. They use their knowledge in research regarding the appropriate techniques to use for a specific issue and determine what the best course of treatment is based on their past experiences treating other patients and integrate your personal preferences, character and values, (APA Policy Statement, 2005).

There are many different theoretical approaches to psychotherapy and practicing psychotherapists usually draw on one or more of these theoretical perspectives to help them understand their client’s problems. The theoretical perspective of your psychotherapist will affect what goes on in therapy. For example, therapists who utilize a cognitive-behavioral approach may assign you tasks to complete or ask that you practice a new skill outside of therapy. Where as a therapist who uses a psychoanalytic approach might focus on talking in depth about your past and present memories, thoughts, and emotions rather than doing specific tasks. Most therapists combine components from several different styles of psychotherapy and blend different approaches to tailor treatments to their clients needs.

The relationship you have with your therapist is an important one and evidence suggests that development of a good relationship between a therapist and client actually predict better outcomes in therapy. Integrated throughout therapy should be efforts from the therapist to establish a genuine, nonjudgmental, and trusting therapeutic relationship. The therapeutic relationship that is created between you and your therapist is a valuable one and this relationship can act as a catalyst to help facilitate change. After you have determined that your therapist is experienced, skilled, and knowledgeably, a good indicator of whether the type of counseling is right for you would be your comfort level working with your therapist. Most importantly, remember psychotherapy is a process. It takes time, commitment, and effort.

Contact Dr. Parisi for low cost therapy in Chicago, Mt. Prospect, and surrounding areas including Des Plaines, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Barrington, Hinsdale, Skokie, Lincolnwood, Park Ridge, Evanston, and Wilmette.

How Do I Know Which Mental Health Professional Is Right for Me and How Do I Select the Right One?

Posted on by Dr Mark Parisi

More and more evidence has proven that psychotherapy can help with a wide range of psychological issues. Once you have decided that you would like assistance from a mental health professional it can be a little difficult to know which mental health professional is best for you. There are many options and factors to consider when making this decision and selecting the best choice.

First consider the problem you would like to solve. In order to identify the best form of treatment it is important to identify the problem first. A thorough evaluation and assessment is a necessary first step in identifying mental health related issues. These assessments are usually called mental status exams or diagnostic evaluations. These help your provider get a better understanding of what the problem is and how it is affecting you personally. Assessment tools can be helpful by gathering important information such as health history, family history, and education, along with other cultural and social factors. This information is important for mental health professionals to know in order to determine the best course of action.

Second, it is important to determine what the best course of treatment is for your identified problem. For some issues medication might be the best approach and for other issues psychotherapy or a combination of the two is highly recommended. It is all dependent on your specific needs. For example, if you need to work with someone who can prescribe medication, a psychiatrist may be a good mental health care provider for you. If you are having marital issues, a marriage and family therapist might be a good option as they can provide psychotherapy for couples. You might even work with both a psychiatrist and a therapists depending on the issue. It’s normal to have a treatment team when dealing with complex mental health and emotional issues. Typically a good indicator of a good match will include a mental health professional with experience treating other individuals who have experienced a similar issue. A good way to determine how much experience they have is simply by asking.

Regardless of which mental health care professional you initially see they will have knowledge of the treatment options that are available for you, as well as knowledge of your identified mental health condition. They can help educate you on your best options. The best option will most likely be different for each individual depending on his or her circumstances. Most mental health professionals can provide treatment for a wide range of issues and have had extensive training and experience in treating these issues. Ask your mental health care provider what their history or experience is in treating issues similar to the one you are experiencing.

Last, consider your finances, personal preferences, culture, values, and character. Mental health providers and clients work together and the right match is important. Once you have determined that the provider you are working with has the correct credentials, background, and competence, consider your level of personal comfort with the provider and their approach towards treatment. Establishing rapport and trust is a critical aspect of treatment. Choose someone who you feel comfortable and safe with.

Contact Dr. Parisi for low cost therapy in Chicago, Mt. Prospect, and surrounding areas including Des Plaines, Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Barrington, Hinsdale, Skokie, Lincolnwood, Park Ridge, Evanston, and Wilmette.

How Do I Select the Right Psychotherapist?

Posted on by Dr Mark Parisi

The process of selecting a psychotherapist is very important.  A psychotherapist is someone who needs to be trusted, and the client must feel comfortable establishing a relationship with them. While selecting a psychotherapist is a very personal and individual process, there are several helpful guidelines that you can follow.

When selecting a psychotherapist, make sure to consider the type of license, qualifications, and specialities of that person.

While there are a specific set of criteria for licensing, some psychotherapists will choose to specialize in a particular area, such as marriage and family counseling or children and adolescents, and may be able to help provide you with alternative ideas that a general psychotherapist may not be as familiar with. Make sure you understand their approach to psychotherapy and how a typical session will run.

It is perfectly fine to interview several different psychotherapists. It is important to establish trust and a comfort level with your psychotherapist, so if you decide that this is not possible, it is best to look for a new psychotherapist, as both you and the psychotherapist will be wasting time, energy, and money. When interviewing a psychotherapist, it is important to know if communication will be easy or forced, and if you think that you will be able to build the foundation for a successful working relationship.

Selecting a psychotherapist can be a difficult, time-consuming task, but it is important to put forth the effort in order to find someone that will be able to provide you with proper, supportive help. While following up on recommendations is a good way to start the process, a face to face interview will be the best way to tell if you will be able to have a successful relationship with the psychotherapist. Do not be afraid to speak you mind, especially if there are certain traits that you are looking for in a psychotherapist. Finding what you want and need is the foundation for a successful, mutually beneficial relationship.