Sometimes, it’s tough to tell whether your child is experiencing normal growing pains or if he or she is struggling with emotional or mental issues that require the help of a professional. Children experience anxiety, depression, mood changes, and feelings of loneliness just like adults do, but it’s often hard for them to understand and express. If your child is struggling, the earlier you seek therapy, the easier it is to empower them with the tools so they’ll feel safe, secure and content.

Signs Your Child May Need Therapy

If you’re unsure whether your child may benefit from therapy, identifying certain warning signs and risk factors can help you make a decision about getting counseling for your child. Children who are struggling with mental and emotional issues often exhibit the following warning signs and symptoms:

• Acting withdrawn from family and friends
• Persistent sadness, irritability or hopelessness
• Excessive restlessness, anxiety or stress
• An unwillingness to open up about how they’re feeling
• Sudden anger or agitation that leads to tantrums or lashing out
• Difficulty connecting with classmates and friends
• A rapid decline in performance at school
• Difficulty concentrating
• Low energy levels
• A loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy
• Insomnia or sleeping too much
• Changes in eating habits, weight loss or weight gain
• Difficulty coping with divorce or the death of a loved one
• Trouble handling transitions, such as having a new sibling, moving or starting school
• Nightmares about past traumatic events
• Obsessing over common habits, such as hand washing or checking to make sure doors are locked

What Do Child Therapists Do?

Child therapists are specially trained and licensed to work with children facing all types of issues. Therapists tailor treatment to each child’s specific needs – age, developmental level, personality, and physical or behavioral issues are all taken into account when developing a treatment plan. Depending on your child’s issues and needs, a therapist may employ a combination of talk therapy, play therapy, art therapy, and group therapy to help your child. Although each of these methods can be effective, therapists often begin with talk therapy to build trust, develop a connection and get a deeper understanding of how a child is feeling. A child therapist will meet with you periodically to discuss your child’s issues and treatment.

When to Seek Therapy for Your Child

If your child is experiencing one of more of the symptoms listed above for a prolonged period of time, it may be time to seek therapy. Major events, such as divorce, death and other life-changing transitions, can have an impact on children’s mental health and overall well-being. Taking a proactive approach and finding therapy that works best for your child can help to ensure problems are addressed and treated, so they can lead a happy, healthy, productive life.

Therapists at Kayenta offer child therapy that gives children and parents the tools they need to thrive and succeed. Contact a therapist at Kayenta Therapy to schedule an appointment today.

Summer means different things to different people – for some, it’s a joyful time filled with sunshine, swimming, vacationing, and hanging out with friends and family. For others, summer can be a bummer. Typically associated with shorter days, colder weather and winter depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) may also affect people during the summer. SAD can be treated effectively with therapy, behavioral changes and medication; learning how to identify the causes and symptoms of summer depression can make it easier to cope.

Causes of Summer Depression

A disrupted sleep schedule. One of the keys to staying stable and maintaining good mental health is getting enough sleep. During the summer, routines often go out the window – kids are home from school, so you may spend more time away from home and stay up later than you would in the winter.

Issues with body image

With so much focus on getting that perfect “summer body,” a lot of people become more self-conscious about their physiques. Being critical of your body and feeling uncomfortable in shorts or a bathing suit can keep you from enjoying outdoor activities such as swimming, hiking and going to the beach.

Financial woes

If you’re a working parent, you may have to shell out a significant amount of money for childcare in the summer, not to mention paying for summer camps, sports and other activities to keep your kids occupied. The extra expense of taking vacations can also cause stress and anxiety.

Heat

Lots of people love basking in the warmth of summer, but for some, the heat can be both physically and mentally oppressive. This causes them to stay in and isolate themselves from other people.

Too much sunlight

Your body’s production of melatonin is affected by exposure to sunlight. Too much sunlight can affect melatonin production and disrupt your circadian rhythm, leading to insomnia and unbalanced levels of the mood-regulating hormone, serotonin.

Allergies

There are typically many allergens floating around in the summer breeze, which can leave you feeling irritable, anxious and physically ill.

Social expectations

Summer should be a happy time, right? If you feel like you’re expected to enjoy summer and you don’t, you may think something’s wrong with you (although it isn’t).

Signs of Summer Depression

Some signs you may be experiencing summer depression include:

• Insomnia
• Aversion to heat and sunlight
• Feelings of sadness, anxiety, agitation, and hopelessness
• Difficulty concentrating and making decisions
• Manic feelings such as a highly elated mood and grandiose ideas
• Decreased appetite and weight loss
• Lack of interest in activities and social events you usually enjoy
• Thoughts of suicide

How to Manage Summer Depression

Schedule a Therapy Session Today

Are you ready to treat your summer depression with therapy? Contact a therapist at Kayenta Therapy to schedule an appointment today.

Therapy can be a great way to work through problems and improve your overall well-being. But, if you want to make the most of your sessions, it is important to establish your needs, wants and expectations in advance. Before you begin therapy, there are a few questions you should ask yourself.

Ask These Questions Before Beginning Therapy

1.  “What do I want to work on?”

Before going to your first therapy session, it is important to determine exactly which problems you would like to discuss and work on. Attempting to address too many things at once can be counterproductive. When you divide your time and focus in many directions, it is unlikely you will make any real progress on any of the things that are bothering you. Pick one or two of the things that are most important to you to focus on first.

Once you have determined what you would like to work on, figure out a way to succinctly express this to your therapist. Being able to clearly describe the primary issues in one or two sentences will help ensure you and your therapist are focused on the same task.

2.  “What do I hope to get out of therapy?”

People go to therapy for a variety of reasons. Likewise, their expectations for what they want to get out of their sessions are also vastly different. Perhaps you want to work through a problem from your past and learn from these experiences. Or, you may be looking to learn coping techniques.

When you start attending therapy, you will want to have a vision of what you hope to get out of your sessions. By setting this expectation in the beginning, you will have a clear goal to work toward. You should let your therapist know what your expectations are. This will help you both work together to meet them.

3.  “Am I ready for change?”

Therapy can offer a wide range of benefits that can help improve your mental, emotional and overall well-being. But, in order to make the most of these benefits, you will have to make some changes. You cannot expect to get different results by doing the same things you have already been doing. Change can be uncomfortable and awkward at first, but if you are ready to try something new, your efforts will be worth it.

Kayenta Therapy is Nevada’s largest private counseling center and has been providing therapy for over 10 years. Browse our therapists to find the one that’s right for you.

If you’re thinking about attending family therapy, you’re probably feeling many strong emotions. Perhaps your marriage or partnership is in trouble. Or maybe you’re going through a divorce and your children are having difficulty coping. You may think of therapy as a last resort for when your life is falling apart, but the truth is something far different. Family therapy is a positive experience that can greatly enhance your family’s life.

How Family Therapy Heals

Family dynamics, divorce, addiction issues, anxiety, grief, and communication problems are just some of the reasons people find themselves seeking family therapy. A qualified family therapist can help you identify and uncover what keeps you from reaching your full potential as a person, as a partner or as a parent. People from all walks of life consult with counselors to make their lives more gratifying and to gain better focus on communicating effectively.

What to Expect from Family Therapy

So, what does a family therapy session entail? Professional therapists understand that every person has specific needs and each situation is different. Sessions, therefore, will vary based on what approach works best for you.

At Kayenta Therapy, therapists are trained in a wide range of specialties, including cognitive behavior (CBT), Gestalt, mindfulness-based (MBCT), Jungian, and many more. Each method addresses specific issues that are affecting your family’s life. Using different techniques and exercises, your therapist will thoughtfully guide you through what’s behind behavioral or emotional problems family members are coping with.

The goal of family therapy is to strengthen the family unit so everyone is better equipped to interact with one another and make decisions together. Here are just a few of the approaches a family therapist might use:

• Observe how family members interact with each other and within the family as a whole.
• Identify and treat psychological disorders within a family context.
• Highlight dysfunctional behaviors and help to replace them with healthy alternatives.

Focus on the Positive

When you meet with a family therapist for the first time, you may feel an enormous sense of relief. The nurturing and non-judgmental environment can help you not only pinpoint problem areas, but also recognize and admire the strengths of the family unit. Learning to celebrate the good things and feel a stronger connection as a family is just one of the many joys of therapy.

There are many professionals practicing family therapy, and if you don’t feel a connection with the first one you meet with, keep looking! If you’re ready to find the right family therapist for you, browse our online directory and contact the therapist of your choosing to schedule your first session.

If you’ve never been in counseling before, you may be apprehensive about whether the issues you discuss in therapy are confidential. If you are hesitant about seeking therapy to privacy concerns, these facts about confidentiality will put your mind at ease and help you speak openly and honestly.

Confidentiality

People seeking therapy need to feel safe and comfortable talking about their lives and feelings without worrying information will be shared with others. Mental health professionals understand this and highly value the need for client confidentiality. In fact, they are bound to adhere to it by a code of ethics.

HIPAA

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects patients’ medical records and personal health information. At your first therapy session, your provider should give you a written copy of privacy policies outlining how your personal information is handled. Your therapist may ask for your written consent to share information or discuss your care with your other health care professionals.

Privacy Rule Exceptions

• Providers may disclose confidential information without consent to protect the public or client from harm. For example, if a client reveals plans to hurt someone or attempt suicide.
• Providers are required by law to report child abuse and neglect, abuse of the elderly or disabled, and ongoing domestic abuse.
• Mental health professionals may be legally compelled to release information through court order.

Insurance Companies

Your mental health provider must share some information about your diagnosis and treatment plan with your health insurance company so they can determine which services are covered. However, the insurance company is required to keep this information confidential, according to HIPAA standards. If you decide to avoid filing an insurance claim and pay out-of-pocket for therapy instead, your insurance company most likely will not be informed of the mental health services you receive.

If your health insurance is through your employer, you can rest assured your employer will not have access to information about the health care services you receive. However, if your company offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), it’s best to speak with your human resources department about privacy.

Minors and Adult Children on Parents’ Insurance

Each state has different laws regarding the age at which young people can seek mental health services without parental consent. Mental health providers who treat kids under the age of 18 often meet with both the child and his or her parents at the first visit to set ground rules for privacy. If you are over 18 and use your parents’ insurance, it’s important to keep in mind they may receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) outlining the services you received. However, they cannot access your records or discover what you talked about during your therapy sessions.

For over 10 years, Kayenta Therapy has been helping people acquire the tools they need to find greater growth and joy. If you’re ready to start therapy, contact a therapist to schedule an appointment.

If you feel like emotional pain is hindering your happiness and preventing you from achieving your goals, attending therapy can help you identify what changes you need to make to overcome these obstacles. Therapy also helps you determine what steps you need to take to achieve a healthier mental state. To ensure your therapy is successful, follow these simple steps.

5 Steps to Take to Ensure Your Therapy Is Successful

1. Do Your Part

Many patients make the mistake of putting their therapy sessions out of their minds once the appointment is over. After an appointment, take time to go over the main points you discussed. Your therapist can only provide suggestions; it is up to you to do the work and actually implement these suggestions into your life.

2. Listen to Your Therapist’s Suggestions

Many therapists will suggest resources, such as books, journal assignments and mental exercises that will help you better cope with emotional distress. Follow up on your therapist’s suggestions in a timely manner, even if you have doubts about how they will help you. You need to do your homework to get the maximum benefits from your therapy sessions.

3. Be Honest During Your Sessions

Always be honest with your therapist and give them the entire story. Lying or omitting details will minimize the effectiveness of your sessions. Your therapist is not there to judge you. Help them assist you by being open during your appointments.

4. Be Patient

You can’t expect to attend a single therapy session and leave with an entirely new outlook on life. It takes time to change your thought processes and replace unproductive habits with healthier alternatives. Commit yourself to attending therapy regularly. If you feel tempted to skip therapy or stop attending your appointments, tell your therapist, so they can help you figure out why you feel like you will no longer benefit from your sessions.

5. Embrace Discomfort

It isn’t comfortable changing behaviors that are ingrained in your psyche. Change can be difficult. Embrace these feelings and continue to push forward. You are taking steps to achieve a healthier mental state and achieve emotional growth. Temporary discomfort is necessary for a happier life and higher level of emotional wellness.

For more information on how to make sure your therapy sessions are effective, and to book your next appointment with a therapist at Kayenta Therapy, contact us at 702-438-7800 today!

Each person’s reason for seeking therapy is different, but there are some common themes therapists hear frequently. If you are considering visiting a therapist, knowing many others struggle with similar feelings and issues can help you feel less alone.

Common Therapy Realizations

1 “I’ve been thinking about seeking a therapist for a long time.”

People often think about seeing a therapist for a long time before actually doing so. They may not make self-care a priority or believe things will get better on their own. Feeling nervous about your first appointment is normal, but knowing you are getting help can bring a sense of relief and hope.

2 “Now that I hear myself saying it…”

When you start opening up about what is troubling you, it is easier to become more self-aware and gain a sense of clarity about what is happening in your life, which is a powerful force for healing.

3 “I feel safe here.”

Many people are their own worst critics and expect a therapist to judge them. Therapists are there to help, not to judge, and being able to speak freely in a non-judgmental environment can help you stop negative self-talk and learn to practice self-compassion.

4 “I like talking with someone who is objective.”

Friends and family are often invested in your happiness and well-being, so it is difficult for them to be objective. Your actions and decisions may affect their lives as well. Speaking with a neutral party can give you a perspective you never would have imagined if you had merely shared your feelings with a loved one.

5 “I don’t know what to do.”

When you start therapy, it is common to be uncertain about the steps to take to improve your mental health. A therapist can help you explore various options and courses of action, which help you decide what’s best for you.

6 “Can’t you tell me what to do?”

Becoming comfortable with making your own choices is empowering. A therapist is there to help you take ownership of your well-being and cultivate your confidence in your own decisions.

7 “I don’t like change.”

Human beings tend to gravitate toward the familiar. Your therapist can help you learn how to take small steps toward change, point out the progress you have made and help you maintain momentum.

8 “Fear is holding me back.”

Some people think about the “what if” of every situation, which causes anxiety and impedes personal growth. A therapist can help you explore your fears in a safe environment. You may find that the thing you fear the most needs to be confronted so you can feel more empowered and emotionally healthy.

9 “This is difficult.”

Dealing with pain and negative patterns is not for the faint of heart. Thinking about the reasons you decided to seek therapy in the first place can help you power through fear and uncertainty and allow you to take important steps for continued healing.

10 “I’m amazed at how far I’ve come.”

The subtle changes you make to improve your well-being can be hard to see while you’re still on the road to self-improvement. Therapy can help you track your progress and give you a sense of empowerment that will spur you to keep going further.

Are You Ready to Visit a Therapist?

For over 10 years, the therapists at Kayenta Therapy have been helping people overcome obstacles and improve their lives. For more information, contact us at 702-438-7800 today!

Whether it’s due to the loss of a loved one, a breakup, stress, or other circumstances, everyone goes through difficult periods in their lives. Regardless of the type of troubles you are facing, seeking counseling can help you learn to effectively deal with different situations that come your way.

How Do You Know When to Seek Counseling?

There are several questions to ask yourself when considering professional counseling.

• Is there something you want to change about yourself or your life?
• What are your dreams and goals? Have you pursued or accomplished them?
• Do you have a solid sense of self-worth?
• Do you have trouble coping with stress?
• Is there a problem, feeling or situation that has been bothering you for a while?
• Do you feel depressed and/or anxious?
• Are you self-medicating with substances such as alcohol, drugs or food?
• Do you have a sense of fear or dread about the future?
• Are you weary of having the same conversation over and over in yo8ur head or with loved ones, but nothing changes?
• Do you feel “stuck” in your life?
• Do issues feel too big to tackle by yourself?
• Do you love – and are you able to be loved – in the ways you desire?
• Are you tired of the way you have been feeling?
• Are you ready to make a change and do something about it?
• Has a voice inside you been persistently nudging you to seek outside help?
• Are you ready to put in the work it takes to heal?

Find Counseling in Las Vegas

If you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions, seeking counseling in Las Vegas can help you cope with problems, improve your relationships with others and increase your overall well-being.

For over 10 years, the therapists at Kayenta Therapy have provided a safe space for people to obtain the tools they need to create change, growth and greater joy in their lives. Attending therapy is a sign of strength, not weakness. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us at 702-438-7800 today.

Have you ever wondered why people who want to change their lives are resistant to seeking help? There are many reasons people talk themselves out of giving therapy a try, but these are often based on misconceptions and beliefs about the processes of self-growth and healing. Exploring and removing these roadblocks can help you feel more at ease about seeking help and ultimately lead to an improved sense of well-being and emotional stability.

Why Do People Resist Therapy?

They don’t want to face their feelings. If you’re feeling depressed, grieving the loss of a loved one or dealing with anger or anxiety, it may seem like the last thing you want to do is face these difficult issues head on. The fear of exploring negative feelings is understandable but discussing them can help you identify their underlying causes and find emotional healing.

They want a “quick fix.” It our fast-paced society, instant gratification is huge. Healing and personal growth are powerful processes that take time, and each person’s issues and needs are different. The emotional stability, happiness and self-confidence you gain when you put in the effort to heal and grow.

They believe pursuing happiness is “frivolous”. Some people are taught at an early age that spending money on their emotional well-being is selfish or a waste of time. This is simply not true. You can’t put a dollar amount on the value of getting to know and love yourself. Although it feels like you’re being selfish with your time and resources to go to therapy, it will give you the tools you need to better yourself and, in turn, help those around you.

They are ashamed to seek help. Many are embarrassed about having problems or struggling with everyday life. Feeling this way is common, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone. No matter how educated, skilled or financially successful you may be, everyone needs help once in a while. If you listen to the stories of loved ones, friends and even strangers, you’ll find that having someone to confide in brings great comfort and relief, and allows you to gain the support you need.

They don’t believe therapy will work. If you’re unfamiliar with the counseling process, you may not realize how a therapist can help you learn many things about yourself that are eye-opening and empowering. Therapy works if you’re willing to share your feelings, be kind to yourself, keep an open mind, and put in the effort to change.

Are You Resisting Therapy?

If you’re curious about therapy and want to change your life, think about what may be holding you back. What fears, doubts or biases might be behind your hesitation to get help? Remember, there is nothing wrong with taking care of your mental health. Taking the leap to transform your life and find your peace and joy is quite admirable, and the investment you make in yourself can last a lifetime. If you’re ready to give therapy a try, contact a therapist directly to schedule an appointment today!

It’s easy to find a therapist, but more difficult to know if you’ve found one who is right for you. Even if the therapist was highly recommended by a friend or family member, there’s no guarantee she or he will be a good fit for you. It’s okay to shop around for the right therapist. Here are some questions you should ask when interviewing different therapists:

Key Questions to Ask When Interviewing Therapists

1. How can you help me/what do you think the goal of therapy is?

Every therapist will have their own answer to this question, but what you’re looking for is if they have experience dealing with the same issues you’re facing. Confidence in their ability to help you makes you more confident with the process and more inclined to open up to them during sessions.

2. Do you tend to lead the session or follow my lead?

There’s no right or wrong answer here. Some therapists will take the lead, and others will follow you. What matters is your personal style and comfort. If you’re someone who likes to lead the conversation, you want to choose a therapist who will allow you to do so, and vice versa.

3. How long have you been practicing, and what licenses do you have?

There are a variety of therapists, and each has his or her own approach and method. Licensing indicates extensive counseling experience and areas of expertise. A counselor’s license(s) will help you determine if they are best equipped to address your issues.

A good rapport with your therapist is vital, so pay attention to your reactions to the therapist’s answers. Did you feel relaxed or rushed during the conversation? Were you comfortable asking the therapist to elaborate on a response? Successful therapy depends on the relationship between client and therapist, making it crucial to find someone you connect with.

Finding a Great Therapist

What if you discover the therapist you picked isn’t quite right? Keep looking! There may eventually come a time when you feel you’ve gone as far as you can with the counselor you’re working with. Don’t hesitate to bring this up. Remember, they want what’s best for you.

The experienced counselors at Kayenta Therapy would be more than happy to discuss how therapy can benefit you. Contact us today at 702-438-7800 to schedule an appointment.