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Monday, October 28, 2024

October 2024 Get Reconnected Newsletter – Insights on Anxiety

We are happy to announce the start of our monthly newsletter, where we will be sending you interesting information and newest research in mental health.

This month, we’re sharing some intriguing research on how anxiety changes the way our brain works.

We’d love to discuss how these insights might relate to your experience and how we can support you.

Neuroimaging Study Reveals Different Brain Mechanisms in Anxious vs. Non-Anxious Individuals

Scientists have found that people with anxiety use their brains differently than those who don’t have anxiety. In anxious individuals, a part of the brain responsible for decision-making (the frontopolar cortex) is more active and strongly connected to the amygdala, the part of the brain that controls emotions like fear. This explains why anxious people may find it harder to stay calm in stressful situations. Understanding this could help create better treatments for anxiety in the future.

Read the Article Here

New findings reveal how emotion enhances memory for contextual details

Scientists have found that when we feel strong emotions, it helps us remember details around those events more clearly. For example, if something exciting or scary happens, we’re more likely to remember not just the event but also the small things around it, like where we were or who was there. This helps us learn from our experiences and make better decisions in the future. It also shows why emotional memories are so powerful and can help us understand how to use emotions to improve learning or recall important information in daily life. This happens because our brain is wired to focus more during emotional moments, which can explain why emotional memories often feel so clear.

Read the Article Here

Differences between stress and anxiety

anxiety-stress-tell-them-apart

In our blog, we explain how anxiety and stress are different, though they often feel the same. Stress usually comes from external pressures and tends to be short-lived, while anxiety can linger even after those pressures have passed. We outline the symptoms of each and offer practical strategies like mindfulness and relaxation techniques to help manage both. By understanding the differences, we can better address what we’re going through and take steps toward feeling better.

For more details, check out the full blog here.

 

About GR & Services + Team

At Get Reconnected Psychotherapy Services, we provide virtual mental health care to individuals across Ontario. Founded by Delia Petrescu, the clinic offers evidence-based therapy for a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, body image issues, burnout, infertility stress, relationship challenges, grief, phobias, ADHD, borderline personality disorder, among others. In addition to therapy, we offer comprehensive psychological and diagnostic assessments to help clients better understand their mental health needs. With our virtual model, clients can access care from the comfort of their homes, ensuring flexible and accessible support no matter where they are in the province.

 



source https://getreconnected.ca/newsletter-october-2024-insights-on-anxiety/

Sunday, October 13, 2024

The Neurobiology of Burnout: How Chronic Stress Physically Changes the Brain

The Neurobiology of Burnout: How Chronic Stress Physically Changes the Brain

The Neurobiology of Burnout: How Chronic Stress Physically Changes the Brain

Picture of Delia Petrescu

Delia Petrescu

Founder & Director
BA, MA, Registered Psychotherapist (RP)

Delia Petrescu, MA, RP is a Toronto-based psychotherapist, psychometrist, and the founder of Get Reconnected Psychotherapy and Counselling Services. She provides virtual therapy sessions Ontario-wide. Delia has experience working with adults struggling with adjustment difficulties, depression, anxiety, and trauma. She specializes in integrative and holistic care for those coping with life crises such as fertility concerns. Read more about Delia

Read more blogs on this topic:
Picture of Delia Petrescu

Delia Petrescu

Founder & Director
BA, MA, Registered Psychotherapist (RP)

Delia Petrescu, MA, RP is a Toronto-based psychotherapist, psychometrist, and the founder of Get Reconnected Psychotherapy and Counselling Services. She provides virtual therapy sessions Ontario-wide. Delia has experience working with adults struggling with adjustment difficulties, depression, anxiety, and trauma. She specializes in integrative and holistic care for those coping with life crises such as fertility concerns. Read more about Delia

Read more blogs on this topic:


source https://getreconnected.ca/how-burnout-physically-changes-the-brain/

Monday, July 15, 2024

Preparing For Your Therapy Consultation: 6 Tips

Tips on What to Look For in A Free Consultation

Looking for a therapist can be nerve wrecking because you might be struggling with something, looking for guidance or wanting to learn more about yourself. Searching for the right therapist can feel intimidating.

In doing so, you want to find someone who can help you achieve your therapy session goals. Not only is finding someone capable of helping essential, but also feeling comfortable with them, which is often referred to as “being a good fit” or in other words a good match. 

In this blog, we’ll address what to expect in a psychotherapy initial consultation so you know what to look for going in. Whether you are new to therapy or you’ve been in therapy before, it can be helpful to have a refresher on what to expect and what to look for when seeking counsel.

A woman sitting at a desk with a laptop and computer screen.

What to Expect in a Therapy Consultation

Keep in mind that a brief initial consultation is a two-way street. The therapist is looking to hear about your struggles or what you hope to accomplish in therapy to determine if they can help. For you, the goal is to find out if you feel comfortable or if you “click” with the therapist and also if they have the knowledge and experience to help you. 

Once you decide on a therapist to have a brief consultation, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, some therapists offer both video and phone consultations, based on their preference or the prospective client’s preference.

What to Look For In a Therapist and Things to Consider

A magnifying glass examines a group of people with a wooden stick.

Here are a few things to look for:

  1. Credentials and Experience

Ask the therapist for relevant information, including credentials, experience, especially experience related to the current struggle you want to address. Ensure the therapist has the proper qualifications and a solid understanding in dealing with issues similar to yours. 

  1. Communication Style

Pay attention to how the therapist communicates. Do they use language you can understand? Are they clear and straightforward? Good communication is key to a successful therapeutic relationship. 

  1. Rapport and Comfort Level

Notice how you feel during the consultation. Do you feel heard and understood? Do you feel comfortable talking to the therapist? If you feel comfortable, the therapist may be a better fit for you. If not, it’s okay to continue your search. 

  1. Approach and Techniques 

Ask about the therapist’s approach and the techniques they use. Different therapists use different methods that might involve either homework between sessions or doing exercises in the session. Make sure that their methods align with what you are looking for.

  1. Availability and Accessibility 

Inquire about the therapist’s availability. Are they able to accommodate your schedule? Also, consider their location if you prefer in-person sessions, or check their availability for online sessions if that suits you better.

  1. Questions You May Want to Ask 

Prepare a list of questions you want to ask the therapist. This can help you determine if they are the right fit for you and your needs. Don’t be afraid to ask about their approach, experience, and how they plan to help you achieve your goals. 

Takeaway

Finding the right therapist can be challenging, but knowing what to look for can make the process smoother. Focus on how they communicate and their approach to therapy. Pay attention to how you feel while talking to the therapist and afterwards. Feeling comfortable and understood is important. These things will help you choose the right therapist for your needs. 

Get Reconnected Psychotherapy Services offers a team of therapists with different approaches and communication styles to suit your needs. We provide both phone and video consultations, making it easy and convenient for you to find the right therapist.

Reach out to us to book a free consult!



source https://getreconnected.ca/preparing-for-your-therapy-consultation-6-tips/

Sunday, July 14, 2024

Two-Week Wait After IVF: 13 Tips To Survive the Toughest Part of Fertility Treatments

A woman sitting on a rock, appearing distressed as she rests her head in her hands.

If you’ve been trying to get pregnant for a while and recently went through IVF, you know that waiting to find out if it worked can be really tough. Those two weeks between the embryo transfer and finding out if you’re pregnant feel like they drag on forever. 

In this blog we’ll talk about what makes the two week wait so tough and then we’ll discuss some tips and strategies on how to survive this part of the process.

What Happens Following Embryo Transfer

The fertility treatment process has many steps to help you get pregnant through IVF treatment. First, you might be prescribed hormones like progesterone and estrogen to get your uterus ready for the embryo. After a frozen embryo transfer, there’s a waiting period where you might feel cramps or light bleeding.

At the point of the two week wait, you will check your HCG level with a blood test to see if you are pregnant and to make sure it’s not a false positive.

What Makes the Two Week Wait So Hard after IVF and Embryo Transfer?

The hardest part of IVF is not only the waiting but the not knowing. You become hyper-aware of every little thing your body does because you’re hoping for any sign of embryo implantation.

It’s natural to search online for signs and symptoms, wondering, “am I pregnant?” but sometimes, this can make you feel even more anxious. The days following the transfer are one of the most difficult periods, as every twinge or contraction you may feel like a sign.This uterine activity can cause stress and anxiety, making the wait even harder to bear. According to research studies, this waiting period was rated as one of the toughest parts of the whole IVF process.



source https://getreconnected.ca/two-week-wait-after-ivf-13-tips-to-survive-the-toughest-part-of-fertility-treatments/

Tuesday, June 25, 2024

Understanding the Differences Between Burnout and Depression

Understanding the Differences Between Burnout and Depression



source https://getreconnected.ca/burnout-vs-depression/

Understanding The Difference Between Worry, Stress, and Anxiety

How To Tell The Difference Between Worry, Stress and Anxiety

Introduction
A woman with a laptop, her hands covering her face in surprise or shock.

Many of us have often used the terms stress, anxiety, and worry interchangeably, without really understanding the distinctions between them. We might talk about our fears about an upcoming meeting or presentation by saying, “This presentation is causing me so much stress. I’m worried about how I’m going to handle it. I’m so worried that I feel nauseous.”

Anxiety, more so manifested as generalized anxiety disorder, is more than just feeling stressed or nervous about everyday situations. It is a medical condition where feelings of anxiety are prolonged, intense, and disrupt your daily activities. Common anxiety symptoms include persistent worry about various aspects of life, such as work, social interactions, or routine matters, which can create significant distress. 

Stress, on the other hand, usually occurs as a direct response to a stressor. It is the body’s method of reacting to a challenge or a demand, and shows up as physical symptoms such as an increase in adrenaline and cortisol, which prepare the body to act quickly. These physiological changes are normal; however, when stress becomes chronic, it can lead to more severe health issues, mirroring the physical symptoms of long-term anxiety. 

But it’s important to understand that stress and worry are not synonymous. By understanding the difference, we can get ourselves ready with the appropriate coping mechanisms for each scenario. This then allows us to tackle the different layers of anxiety more effectively and more precisely.

Worry - The Thoughtful Companion

Worry is the mental component of anxiety. It’s that constant chatter in your mind, the negative thoughts, the “what if” questions that plague your thoughts. “What if I don’t do well in the presentation? What if I fail the test? What if people start thinking less of me?” These intrusive thoughts typically revolve around future events or unknown outcomes and originate from our prefrontal cortex, the logical, problem-solving center of our brain.

Worrying can be constructive but it can also make us feel stressed. When we think about problems, we may be able to uncover solutions. But when worry becomes compulsive, distorted, or trapped in a fear-driven cycle, it can escalate into anxiety or depression if not managed appropriately.

A woman with a laptop, her hands covering her face in surprise or shock.


source https://getreconnected.ca/tell-the-difference-worry-stress-anxiety/

Thursday, May 30, 2024

Fertility Counselling

 Starting therapy for the first time could be a daunting experience. You is likely to be nervous, skeptical, or even afraid of how therapy can unravel for you. But therapy is a collaborative course of and part of your therapist’s job is to make you are feeling comfy and assist you to get all you possibly can out of your sessions with them.

Even though therapy has grow to be increasingly fashionable and accessible, many people nonetheless have reservations about therapy and what to expect during their first session. You would possibly surprise what kinds of questions your therapists will ask or what topics you’ll need to discuss. Remember the fact that therapists are educated professionals who intention that will help you navigate your feelings and challenges.

While it’s pure to feel a bit nervous about starting therapy, it’s important to keep in mind that it is a 2-particular person endeavor. It’s such as you be part of a workforce after which work collectively to find the options to whatever psychological health struggles Infertility CounsellinInfertility Counselling you might have. Taking the time to find the right therapist and building a powerful relationship may also help you get essentially the most out of your therapy periods, as can studying the best way to talk honestly and be prepared to take risks.

A successful therapy journey begins with understanding what you can expect and the best way to benefit from every session. It’s hard at time, however the rewards are value it. When you can have a better understanding of what is involved in therapy, then it'd give you some idea of how one can put together for it and what you are able to do to make it rewarding and successful. This content is essential for these trying to embark on a therapeutic journey.

Discovering the right therapist is a must for getting essentially the most out of therapy. It’s essential to discover a therapist who is a good fit for you, that you genuinely like and trust. You need to really feel comfy opening up to therapists, and be assured that they gained’t choose you. Give it some thought, in therapy you discuss rather a lot, and it issues for those who really feel open to your therapist so you can speak about what is going on for you. In the event you’re doing couples therapy, make sure that both you and your accomplice really feel snug sharing with the therapist. If one among you doesn’t really feel a great connection, it would hinder your capability to specific your emotions and work by relationship issues.

While the therapeutic relationship may feel supportive and empathetic, it’s important to acknowledge that your therapist is an expert and never a friend. The therapist is there to supply knowledgeable service. Though the relationship between you and your therapist could also be one of mutual respect, it's nonetheless one of an expert nature. A therapist is there to supply steering and assist, however in knowledgeable capacity. This implies they gained’t all the time agree with you or take your side, and they're going to problem you if they consider it's necessary.

One of the most powerful facets of therapy is that it provides you a secure area to open up and be trustworthy about your emotions. Whereas it can be intimidating to debate our emotions and vulnerabilities, it is important to share your innermost ideas and feelings to be able to get essentially the most out of your therapy session. Authenticity is key to the therapeutic process. Don’t shy away from sharing your true feelings and experiences. Take into account, therapy is a place the place you'll be able to communicate freely and not fear about being judged. It is also okay to ask your therapist to attend earlier than delving into a certain topic. Therapeutic and processing ought to occur at a pace that feels comfortable for you.

therapy is an opportunity to be taught and develop, and typically that means stepping out of your consolation zone. Venturing out of your comfort zone in therapy can bring about positive changes in your life. Although it might also current challenges, as confronting deep-seated emotions and previous experiences can be daunting and emotionally taxing. But, facing these feelings is finally beneficial. By addressing and processing them, we will pave the best way for therapeutic, self-consciousness, and personal growth.

Making the most of your therapy sessions means having clear targets in mind. Defining what you wish to get out of the periods can assist you keep centered on the topics that it is advisable tackle, and help your therapist understand what kind of help is needed. When setting objectives for therapy, it is important to be lifelike of what you want to accomplish in sessions. You must set goals which might be SMART particular, measurable, achievable, reasonable, and timely. You should also make sure that your objectives are inside your control.

It's not unusual to anticipate quick results, but know that the process typically could be slow and gradual. Success in therapy additionally correlates with the effort you invest. If you're not actively engaging within the process, it'll take longer to realize your goals. While therapy will be incredibly helpful, it isn't a magic solution. It's not a quick fix. You should not put too much strain on yourself and keep in mind to be variety and delicate with yourself. Lasting modifications require time, so grant your self patience and room to grow.

Communication is vital in any successful relationship, and that certainly holds true in relation to therapy. If something isn’t working or you’re experiencing discomfort, do mention it to your therapist. At first, it may really feel strange to inform your therapist what you don’t like, nevertheless it’s important to profitable therapy. By giving constructive suggestions, you can let your therapist know what works for you and what doesn’t. Your therapist can then modify their method to higher meet your needs.

Have fun the small wins alongside your journey. Whether it’s making progress on a aim, uncovering a brand new perception, or simply having an emotionally wholesome week, acknowledging your successes and progress is a great way to remain motivated. therapy isn’t solely about eliminating destructive emotions. It’s also about discovering pleasure and developing a deeper understanding of yourself. As you turn out to be more aware of your needs, desires, and emotions, you can start to make more healthy choices and create a extra fulfilling life. Keep in mind, therapy generally is a tool to deal with anxiousness, depression, and other mental well being issues, but it requires your active participation and commitment.

October 2024 Get Reconnected Newsletter – Insights on Anxiety

We are happy to announce the start of our monthly newsletter, where we will be sending you interesting information and newest research in me...