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Unlock the complexities of Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD) and discover how it challenges the natural grieving process as defined in the DSM-5-TR. Explore how PGD differs from typical grief, with symptoms that persist beyond usual timelines. We'll guide you through the dual process model of grief and attachment theory, shedding light on why some individuals struggle to adapt naturally to loss. Our discussion also covers key assessment tools like the Prolonged Grief Disorder-13 (PG-13) and Brief Grief Questionnaire (BGQ), which are essential for evaluating the severity and impact of grief. Along the way, we introduce vital grief-related terms such as anticipatory grief, complicated grief, and disenfranchised grief, providing a thorough groundwork in understanding PGD.

Step into the therapeutic world with the poignant case of Sarah, who navigates the turbulent waters of PGD after losing her teenage son. We emphasize the importance of building a robust therapeutic alliance, and share strategies that help integrate loss into life's narrative without diminishing the memory of a loved one. Discover how cognitive restructuring, narrative reconstruction, and exposure-based techniques, including the impactful empty chair method, offer pathways to healing. This episode also underscores the delicate balance between validating profound grief and promoting healthy adaptation, while highlighting the increased suicide risk associated with PGD. Finally, we remind therapists to be mindful of their own grief journeys and potential countertransference, ensuring they remain effective in supporting clients on their path to recovery.

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This podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

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Unlock the secrets of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and transform your understanding of this intricate condition. Join us as we promise a deep dive into the genetic and environmental roots of ADHD, shedding light on its profound impact on executive functioning and how it can ripple through every stage of life. We'll explore the complex interaction between genetics and maternal influences. By examining the neural foundations, including the intriguing role of the default mode network, we uncover strategies that reshape ADHD treatment landscapes. Our discussion also touches on the significant yet often overlooked gender differences in ADHD presentation, notably how symptoms manifest differently in girls, leading to frequent under-diagnosis.

In our comprehensive exploration of ADHD, we break down the assessment areas that hold the key to accurate diagnosis and effective intervention. Learn about the telltale signs mental health professionals observe during a mental status exam, from attention deficits and behavioral indicators like restlessness to the rapid pace of speech patterns. We'll also venture into the realm of thought processes, where challenges in organizing ideas and working memory are crucial to understanding daily functioning hurdles. Discover the tools—such as the Connors Rating Scales and continuous performance tests—that guide practitioners in crafting tailored interventions. This episode is brimming with insights aimed at equipping mental health professionals with the knowledge to empower their clients with ADHD, helping them unlock their full potential.

If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExams


This podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.

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Ready to unravel the mysteries of trichotillomania? Prepare to be enlightened as we, your hosts, Stacy and Linton, travel through the Greek roots of this body-focused repetitive behavior disorder, and reveal not only its hidden intricacies but also its potential treatment strategies. Stitch by stitch, we uncover the diagnostic criteria, prevalent features, and potential co-existing disorders. Along this journey, we also use the cycle of abuse theory as an unforgettable mnemonic device, illuminating the repetitive and compulsive nature of hair-pulling urges.

As we journey deeper into the heart of trichotillomania, we shed light on a plethora of treatment avenues. From habit reversal training, contingency management, to additional interventions like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), we examine them all. Join us as we explore how habit reversal training can replace the hair-pulling habit with a competing response. As we reach the end of this enlightening expedition, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to you, our dedicated listeners, for your commitment to creating a happier, healthier world. So set aside your fears and misconceptions, and step into the world of trichotillomania with us. This is more than just another episode; it's a journey into understanding, acceptance, and hope.

If you need to study for your national licensing exam, try the free samplers at: LicensureExams


This podcast is not associated with the NBCC, AMFTRB, ASW, ANCC, NASP, NAADAC, CCMC, NCPG, CRCC, or any state or governmental agency responsible for licensure.