Trust is a cornerstone of the client-therapist relationship. Some people feel uncertain about going to therapy because they’re afraid a therapist will judge them or share what they say with others. If you’re hesitant about going to therapy because of confidentiality concerns, knowing there are laws and a code of ethics that therapists are required to adhere to can help put your mind at ease.  

Therapy and Confidentiality

Part of the code of ethics of psychology is confidentiality, and there are also formal laws and regulations designed to protect your privacy. Therapists have specific training in what’s expected of them professionally when providing counseling to clients. Good therapists understand therapy is most beneficial when clients are comfortable sharing openly with them. If you’re concerned about confidentiality, don’t be afraid to ask questions and talk about it with your therapist. 

Are There Any Exceptions for Confidentiality?

Any exceptions to the confidentiality rule are for your safety and the safety of others. If someone is a threat to themselves or others, a therapist must report it. For example, if a client is suicidal, harming themselves or threatening to harm others, hospitalization may be recommended to monitor them and keep them safe. A therapist will also work with friends and family to help someone who’s struggling get the resources they need and develop a support plan to help them remain stable.   

Therapists are also required to report child abuse or neglect. Child protective services or law enforcement may be notified to investigate allegations of child abuse. If a minor is in therapy and tells their therapist they are engaging in risky behavior, the therapist may inform the patient’s parent or guardian.

Therapists may also be required to release information by court order. Laws vary from state to state. When you first begin, setting ground rules is vital, especially in family or couples counseling. 

HIPAA and Therapy

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA, outlines when and if your therapist is permitted to discuss your treatment with others. If you’re able to make decisions for yourself but want your family involved in your care, your therapist may share information with them. 

HIPAA also allows some information involving medication to be shared with a family member who accompanies you to an appointment. For instance, if there are side effects to medication that are important to look out for, your therapist may share that with your loved one. If you’re incapacitated or unable to make decisions for yourself, under HIPAA regulations, your therapist may share relevant information with your immediate family or partner. 

For more than 10 years, therapists at Kayenta Therapy have been helping people develop the skills they need to find healing and personal growth. Contact a therapist directly to schedule an appointment and learn more today.

Deciding to end a marriage can be physically, emotionally and financially draining. Although marriage counseling can help save a relationship, some people opt to see a therapist when going through a divorce. Whether you choose individual, family or marriage counseling, a therapist can help you navigate some of the more contentious issues surrounding divorce and help you make a plan for the future.

Which Type of Therapy Should You Choose?

For someone who already struggles with depression, anxiety or another mental health condition, divorce can be particularly devastating. Marriage counseling and individual therapy can help you learn valuable coping skills that can make the transition easier, keeping you from focusing on the negative or blaming yourself. 

Couples therapy, or marriage counseling, can help you end your relationship in a healthy way. As a neutral third party, your couples’ therapist can act as a mediator and help facilitate constructive conversations that allow you to hash things out and prevent animosity from derailing an amicable split. Setting guidelines from the start and having a therapist help you make a plan for finances, living arrangements and parenting time can take a lot of stress off of everyone’s shoulders. Whether it’s formal or informal, mediation can help you resolve issues and save you the time, stress and expense of settling your divorce in court. 

Family therapy can help children and parents share their feelings about the divorce and process their emotions in a more productive way. Children often feel confused, guilty and fearful when their parents are divorcing. They may feel a sense of loss and abandonment and be torn about which parent’s “side” they should take. Parents may be so wrapped up in their own feelings that they may overlook how a divorce may be affecting their children. Family therapy gives everyone a chance to express themselves and can serve as a reminder that they will always be a family, just in a different way going forward.

Individual therapy can help you heal and grow and understand the reasons for the divorce. Talking about your feelings and what you expect from a future relationship can lead to surprising revelations about yourself, your own personal growth and what you want and don’t want in a partner. Therapy can also help you process the loss or grief you may be feeling during and after a divorce and help you move on in a healthy way. 

Coping Strategies for Divorce

Even if you’re separating on good terms, coping with divorce isn’t always easy. It’s important to remember to take good care of yourself. Meditation, exercise and self-care can help you feel more centered, calm and able to handle whatever may come your way. When you need to talk about it, don’t be afraid to reach out to your therapist, a friend or a family member you trust. Isolating yourself can make the situation seem more overwhelming than it really is. Talking it out can release this negative energy and make you see things more clearly and rationally.   

Are you considering marriage counseling or individual therapy? For more than 10 years, Kayenta Therapy has helped people resolve their differences and transform their lives through self-growth. Contact a therapist directly to schedule an appointment.

Confidentiality is one of the most important factors when developing trust in a therapist-client relationship. But what happens when those who have gone to couples’ counseling are facing a contentious divorce or custody battle? There are strict rules and ethical standards all therapists must follow, not to mention HIPAA regulations to protect a patient’s right to privacy, but in some cases, a therapist has a legal duty to report certain issues. 

What Happens When a Therapist Is Subpoenaed?

Generally, ethics rules and privacy laws protect those who participate in any kind of therapy. Even if a licensed therapist or counselor is subpoenaed by a judge, a therapist is limited in what they are allowed to disclose. Because these topics are limited to general subject matter that may have arisen in a session, therapists are rarely subpoenaed in cases involving divorce or child custody. 

Exceptions to the Confidentiality Rule

Licensed therapists are mandated reporters, so if issues involving suicide, homicide, the threat to harm yourself or others, or child or domestic abuse are disclosed in therapy, they are required to report them to the proper authorities and may testify to them in court. 

Talk with Your Therapist about Your Concerns

If you have specific concerns about confidentiality, it’s important to speak with your couples’ therapist to understand exactly what can and cannot be disclosed. You may want to consider seeing a different counselor for individual therapy if you believe you may be facing legal issues with your spouse or partner in the future. It’s also vital to keep in mind anything you say in couples’ therapy will be heard by your partner if they’re in the room with you.

Some couples’ therapists actually recommend each person see someone else for individual therapy. They may also set ground rules about specific issues they will not keep secret, such as infidelity. Laws surrounding confidentiality and ethics rules vary from state to state, so talking with your therapist and setting some ground rules at the very beginning is a good idea. 

Learn More About Couples’ Therapy 

Couples therapy can help you resolve issues that may be holding you back from connecting with your partner. If you are going through a divorce, a therapist can also help you develop coping and communication skills that reduce stress and make the process easier. Contact a therapist at Kayenta directly to schedule a session.

Many people seek couples’ therapy when their marriage isn’t working. While therapists can help couples improve their communication skills and become more attuned to each other’s needs, most therapists let individuals come to their own conclusions when it comes to the issue of divorce. 

When Couples Ask About Divorce

Even when clients ask their therapist if divorce is the best solution, therapists typically remind them only they can make the decision. Often, a therapist will ask questions instead, encouraging the couple to delve more deeply into their feelings, wants, needs, and interpersonal issues. 

What if It’s an Abusive Relationship?

A therapist has an ethical responsibility to try and help a victim of abuse stay safe. Therapists often help victims of domestic violence find the resources they need to make the separation from their spouses as safe as possible. If someone in couples’ therapy is being physically abused or is in danger of physical harm if they stay in their relationship, a therapist may recommend they split up after these resources are in place. 

What if a Couple Has Already Decided to Divorce?

It’s becoming more and more common for people to seek couples’ therapy to help them end their marriage in a civil manner, especially when children are involved. A good therapist can help a couple separate in a healthy way and envision what their relationship will look like after they part ways. Talking it out with a therapist can make it easier to find closure when a relationship is ending. In addition, a therapist can assist a couple with creating an effective co-parenting plan. Simply put, couples’ therapy can help make the ending of a relationship a more positive experience for everyone involved.

Schedule a Couples’ Therapy Session at Kayenta

Are you looking for a deeper connection with your partner or need help with relationship issues? Contact a therapist at Kayenta directly to schedule a couples’ therapy session.

In the age of technology, more and more people, especially children, are used to occupying their minds constantly, whether it’s with video games, scrolling through social media, surfing the internet, or watching TV. Although these things aren’t bad in moderation, there’s something to be said for sitting with a quiet mind, playing, creating, and using your imagination, which are vital to the healthy development of any child. 

However, there’s no getting around the fact that sometimes communication can be tough, so if you’re having issues with your child refusing to stop playing video games or hounding you about being bored, family therapy is an option that can help. 

Boredom Isn’t a Bad Thing

Boredom is good for kids (and adults!). It spurs the imagination and forces them to engage with themselves, which allows creativity and self-reflection to flourish in a positive way. When you provide an endless supply of attention, you’re actually keeping your children from developing important skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. Imagination and creativity lead to innovation and better problem-solving skills.

Allowing your child to be bored also helps them realize spending time alone and getting to know yourself isn’t a bad thing. Although social contact is a vital part of the human experience, so is learning to be comfortable with yourself. Children need “me” time, too. Letting them spend time using their own skills and ideas to self-regulate is a gift you can give them that will help them become well-rounded adults. Family therapy can also give your child the tools they need to help build self-confidence and be comfortable in their own skin.  

Things to Do When Your Child Says “I’m Bored”

If your child comes to you and says they’re bored, they may just want to spend some time with you. If you’re doing chores like folding laundry, ask them to help. If you have the time, read a book together, play outside, go swimming, or visit a museum. 

Although it’s great to engage with your kids, it’s also important to remember you’re not there to entertain them 24/7. Making sure they have plenty of art supplies, costumes for dress-up and creative play, and anything else they may be interested in. Signing them up for activities like music lessons or sports can also be helpful, but be careful you’re not filling their days up too much. 

Sometimes, when kids say they’re bored, they’re really looking for stimulation and challenges. Make sure they have toys, puzzles and books and they’re getting enough exercise. If they’re old enough, send them outside to play and explore. 

How Family Therapy Can Combat Child Boredom

Family therapy can help you understand the importance of letting your child be who they are and bring you closer together. It will give you the tools to effectively communicate with your children and spur them to be resourceful and self-sufficient. Contact a therapist at Kayenta to schedule a session today.

Summer depression is a very real thing that affects people all around the globe. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is typically associated with winter depression, often accompanying less daylight and cold weather. Summer can be a tough time for some as well. Depending on your specific situation, therapy, lifestyle changes and medication can help you get through it and come out feeling stronger and healthier in the long run. Keeping these five things in mind can help you find the skills you need to cope with your depression and allow yourself to have some summer fun.

1. Acknowledge It.
Depression often occurs in cycles — if you notice you often get depressed in the summer, acknowledging that it could be a seasonal thing can help you better deal with the symptoms. It may be a good idea to go to therapy more often and talk with your counselor about the best ways to address your depression. 

2. Avoid Putting Pressure on Yourself.
It’s easy to idealize and put pressure on yourself to live up to the expectation of what summer should be. If your perfect summer involves sitting inside watching Netflix, working on a crafting project or curling up with a good book, do it. Although these things may be comforting, it’s also important to get some exercise. Put on a yoga video or take a walk in the morning to beat the heat, and keep your body moving. Also, remember to take social media with a grain of salt — it is NOT real life. For all you know, people posting “best summer ever” photos could also be suffering from depression.

3. Stay Cool.
For some people, being too hot can affect their mental state and leave them feeling lethargic, depressed, irritable, and agitated. When the days get longer, it can also be harder to sleep, which can have an impact on your mental health as well. Keep cool by turning on the A/C, sitting in front of a fan or catching a movie in a nice, air-conditioned movie theater. 

4. Avoid Isolating Yourself.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends and family you trust to let them know what’s going on. If you’re overwhelmed by the idea of attending a large family gathering, take some one-on-one time with loved ones instead. Knowing people care and spending quality time with them can often be the best therapy. 

5. Seek Help
Although meditation, exercise, medication, and behavior modification can help ease the symptoms of depression, if you’re still feeling down, it may be time to seek therapy. If depression is keeping you from doing the things that make you feel better, seeking treatment can help you navigate depression and allow you to develop the coping skills you need to live a more joyful life. Contact a therapist at Kayenta to schedule an appointment today.

Therapy may seem daunting to many people, especially if it’s with a partner. Knowing what to expect from couples therapy can make it less unnerving and help you and your partner get the most out of sessions with your counselor. Here are some points to demystify the concept of therapy for couples.

Reasons for Going to Couples Therapy
Although any couple can benefit from a “relationship tune-up,” most people seek out couples therapy because of problems in their relationships. Often, there are no easy answers when it comes to issues surrounding communication, parenting, finances, and physical and emotional intimacy. Whether you find yourself getting easily angry about little things or you and your partner have grown apart, a therapist at Kayenta can help you sort out your feelings and help you learn the skills you need to improve your relationship. 

Goals of Couples Therapy
It’s important to keep in mind the aim of couples therapy is to expand your knowledge about yourself, your partner and the patterns that may be negatively impacting your relationship or keeping you stuck. It’s important both of you agree therapy is something you want to devote your time and energy to. Therapists often recommend that you explore individual therapy as well if you feel that you really need to get to the root of your own issues.

As you learn more about yourself and your partner and how to apply the knowledge you’ve gained, it can become easier to break old patterns and develop new, more positive ones. Some questions you may want to ask yourself before starting therapy include:

• What kind of life do you want to build together?
• What kind of partner do you aspire to be to achieve the relationship you want?
• What are some of the roadblocks that could be holding you back from being the best partner you can be?
• Are you and your partner working as a team to achieve the life you imagined?
• Are you personally in a rut and feeling bored or too comfortable? 
• What types of scenarios make it difficult to communicate effectively with your partner?

Keep an Open Mind
Once you’ve done your research and have chosen a therapist with your partner, make sure to give it your all. To maximize the time you spend with your therapist, be proactive and think about what you’d like to discuss before your appointment. Try to avoid taking a combative approach. Your therapist is not there to referee fights, they are there to facilitate communication and help you learn the skills you need to have honest conversations and successfully solve problems on your own. Give it a few sessions, and if you feel like your therapist isn’t a good fit, talk with your partner about finding someone who might be. 

Learn More About Couples Therapy

Couples therapy can rekindle the spark of your relationship and help you get more joy out of the time you spend together. Contact one of the therapists at Kayenta Therapy directly to schedule a session with a relationship counselor today.

Many people consider marriage counseling to improve or save their relationship, but a common question many therapists encounter is, “Does marriage counseling work?” Each relationship is unique, and there are many complex factors involved when it comes to relationships. Relationship counseling takes dedication and hard work. Here are some important points to consider when beginning marriage counseling:

1. Timing is everything. Couples who seek therapy proactively or as soon as issues arise have a greater chance of success. When toxic patterns can be identified and worked on early, change can begin.

Many couples ignore problems and let resentment build, which can make it much more difficult to repair a marriage. Couples counseling is a valuable tool that can even be explored before marriage, so you’re both on the same page when it comes to communication about serious issues. Ongoing periodic check-ins and “relationship tune ups” can help you grow both individually and as a couple and keep your connection strong. 

2. Motivation matters. The success of marriage counseling is directly related to the motivation level of those involved. Both people need to make a commitment to facing and resolving issues that are hindering the health and growth of their relationship. Relationship counseling can be challenging, but it’s definitely worth it to learn how to improve your relationship.

3. Conflict is a normal part of any committed relationship. All relationships have their ups and downs. Conflict can be very difficult to deal with for those who fear it will lead to losing their partner. However, ignoring problems to avoid conflict can actually destroy your relationship. Negative thoughts, irritation, anger, and frustration are all a part of being human. What matters is how you choose to deal with these thoughts and feelings.

Your partner is unlikely to change a behavior that upsets you if you don’t let them know it does. It’s important to pick your battles wisely. Ignore the petty issues that get on your nerves, but make sure to address the big ones in a respectful manner. If you have a hard time doing this or tend to fly off the handle, couples therapy can help you be less reactive and learn positive communication skills. 

How Marriage Counseling Can Help

If serious issues or communication breakdowns are plaguing your relationship, marriage counseling at Kayenta Therapy can help you learn tools to improve your relationship and strengthen your connection with your partner. Contact a therapist at Kayenta directly to schedule a session today.

Many people go to couples therapy to work through challenges in their relationships. Although therapy is a valuable tool that can bring you closer together, many couples often wait until they’re in crisis to seek individual or relationship counseling. Being proactive about maintaining your relationship by giving it a “tune-up” every so often can help you better understand one another, improve communication and help you avoid arguments. 

The Importance of Relationship Maintenance

Consistency is vital to maintaining a good relationship. Think of your partnership as a car – you need to get periodic oil changes, tune-ups and other maintenance to keep your vehicle in good working order. The same concept applies to your relationship. Couples therapy helps it thrive and survive for the long haul because it helps you to consciously work on issues, which is an ongoing process that enables you to grow and learn more about yourself and others.

When you address small issues before they become big problems, it’s easier to prevent your relationship from crashing and burning when things get out of control. Human emotions are complex. If you’re not paying attention, it’s easy to miss red flags that lead to conflict, anger and arguments down the road. Even when things are going well, couples therapy provides an opportunity to express your feelings, fears and hopes for the future in a safe, neutral space. Preventative care of your partnership can keep it strong; it is an investment in your relationship’s continued success.

Making Time for Couples Therapy

It’s easy to get distracted and neglect your relationship when you’re parenting, working and taking care of daily responsibilities, but setting aside time to connect with your partner is vital. Some people don’t want to spend the money or view therapy as a sign that something is wrong with them. However, skipping regular relationship “tune-ups” can inevitably lead to more emotionally costly repairs. Getting ahead of issues and spending some time with a couples therapist on a regular basis can help you and your partner achieve long-term success and avoid major blow-ups. Attending individual therapy as well is always a good idea to explore your own issues and discover how they may affect you and your partner.  

Both individual and couples therapy can help put you find a deeper connection and more joy in your daily life. To learn more about how it can help strengthen your relationship, contact a therapist at Kayenta to schedule an appointment.

During the school year, divorced parents usually have a schedule in place with set parenting times and days. With vacations, summer camps and other activities, summer can be a more challenging time to navigate as a co-parent. Before the school year ends, it’s a good idea to review your parenting plan with your children’s co-parent and communicate about summer plans. One effective way to cut down on conflict is to discuss these issues in family therapy. A therapist can help you come up with an equitable plan that will benefit you and your children while keeping stress to a minimum. 

Planning Ahead Is Vital

Start planning for the summer as early as possible. If you plan your summer schedule in January, discuss it with your co-parent to avoid conflict over vacations, graduations, family reunions, and summer holidays. It’s also important to agree on how you’re going to split day-to-day parenting time. Always put your children’s needs first when creating a custody schedule and deciding on summer plans. Summer is an exciting time of year for kids and an opportunity to make memories with both parents and explore new experiences.  

Many co-parents take the “two weeks on, two weeks off” approach, as it gives some continuity to the time they spend with their kids. If you live close by and normally share custody on different days of the week, this can work too with little disruption to your children’s schedules. Once you have your parenting schedule set, keep in mind that it’s still beneficial to be flexible with summer plans to ensure a fun, relaxing time for you and your kids.  

Talk with Your Kids

Children need to be heard when making summer plans, so you’re both aware of their needs and the things they’d like to do. It’s particularly important to talk with your older children about their wishes. A family therapy session where everyone is included and has a chance to express their desires can make the summer much more pleasant for everyone.

Be Positive

Coordinating schedules, daycare, vacations, and other activities is just part of the bigger picture when creating a summer co-parenting plan. Kids often feel guilty for leaving one parent alone and may be hesitant to go on a trip if they think one of their parents is going to feel bad. Encourage your children to have fun with their other parent and build a strong relationship. Refraining from negative talk and being considerate and respectful of each other’s feelings will show your children that you have their best interests in mind. 

Family therapy can help you create a summer co-parenting schedule that allows you and your kids to better enjoy your time together. To learn more, contact a therapist at Kayenta to schedule an appointment.