Alan Zupka, Author at AZupkaCounseling

May 17, 2024 by Alan Zupka

Psychology vs. Psychiatry

Many people use the terms “psychology” and “psychiatry” interchangeably, but they actually refer to two different areas of practice. Psychologists and psychiatrists are both trained to identify and treat mental health issues, and both regularly treat patients using psychotherapy (talk therapy). However, because psychiatrists are medical doctors who completed medical school and a residency, they can also prescribe medication and perform certain medical procedures.

Which One Is Right for You?

If you’ve been struggling with your mental health, you may be wondering whether to visit a psychologist or a psychiatrist. If you believe that you could benefit from taking medication—for example, anti-anxiety medication or an antidepressant—then you should reach out to a psychiatrist. But if you’re looking to avoid medication and instead focus on talking through the issues you’ve been experiencing, then a psychologist would probably be a better fit for your needs.

It’s also important to note that if you opt to visit a psychologist and they ultimately determine that you require medication, they can refer you to a psychiatrist. Likewise, if a psychiatrist finds that you would benefit from additional therapy, they can refer you to a psychologist.

For More Information

Contact us today to learn more about the differences between psychology and psychiatry. Our team has experience treating a wide range of mental health conditions, and we’d love the opportunity to assist you with your treatment goals. When you call, we’ll tell you more about our practice and our approach to treatment, schedule your first session, and answer any questions you might have.

May 13, 2024 by Alan Zupka

Can a Narcissist Be Cured?

Narcissistic personality disorder—a mental health condition characterized by an excessive need to feel important and impress others—often causes narcissists to have an inflated sense of self-worth, lack empathy, and fantasize about possessing success, power, intelligence, and beauty. Narcissism differs from self-confidence in that it causes narcissists to view others with disdain rather than recognizing that they also have value.

Unfortunately, there’s currently no cure for narcissistic personality disorder, but certain treatments can help manage symptoms. These include:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) – This form of psychotherapy focuses on identifying and addressing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors.
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) – DBT is a derivative of CBT that focuses on experiencing, accepting, and coping with emotions.
Metacognitive therapy (MCT) – This approach to psychotherapy focuses on controlling thinking processes (e.g., rumination) rather than on the content of thoughts.

While there’s currently no medication available to treat narcissistic personality disorder, certain medications can be used to treat related conditions, including anxiety and depression. When a narcissist seeks treatment, their provider will develop a customized care approach that’s specially designed to serve their individual needs.

Learn More About Narcissism

If you think that a friend, family member, or coworker is a narcissist—or if you’re concerned that you might be a narcissist yourself—we can help. Our team is highly experienced in treating narcissism, and we’ll be happy to speak with you about this condition. Contact us today to schedule a therapy appointment at the date and time of your choosing.

May 10, 2024 by Alan Zupka

What Are the 5 Stages of PTSD?

You’ve likely heard of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a mental health condition that can cause someone to experience anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, and other symptoms after living through a traumatic event. But did you know that the mental health community commonly divides PTSD into five stages? They are:

Impact – This stage occurs immediately after someone experiences a traumatic event. The person may feel shocked, overwhelmed, powerless, guilty, anxious, or afraid.
Denial – Because the brain naturally blocks out traumatic experiences to protect itself, some people may go through a stage where they deny that the traumatic event occurred in the first place.
Rescue – During the rescue stage, someone begins coming to terms with the traumatic event, possibly returning to the site where it occurred or ruminating about what happened. Many people experience confusion, despair, hopelessness, and anger during this phase.
Acceptance – Once someone regains their sense of safety and begins to look at the traumatic event in a new light, they may recognize the impact that the experience had on their life and accept that they need help to move on from what happened. Anxiety and insomnia are common at this stage.
Recovery – During this final stage, someone takes affirmative steps (such as seeking professional help) to heal from their traumatic experience and implement coping mechanisms.

Your Top Choice for PTSD Treatment

No matter what stage of PTSD you’re in right now, we can help. Our therapists regularly work with individuals who are living with PTSD, and we understand that each patient requires a unique approach to care. After learning about your background and how PTSD affects you, we’ll work with you to overcome your symptoms and achieve an improved quality of life. Contact us today to learn more about our practice and schedule your first therapy session.

May 6, 2024 by Alan Zupka

Is Happiness Really a Choice?

You might have heard that happiness is a choice and wondered if that’s actually true. Unfortunately, for some individuals, mental health conditions like depression and bipolar disorder make it difficult for them to feel happy. There can also be several factors outside someone’s control—such as their age, physical health, or geographic location—that could make it harder for them to achieve happiness. With that said, many people can take affirmative steps to cultivate happiness over time.

How to Find Happiness in Your Life

If you’re looking for ways to feel happier in your day-to-day life, you may want to:

Focus on positives rather than on negatives.
Think about all the people and things that you’re grateful for.
Smile more often (studies have shown that the physical act of smiling can release hormones that increase happiness and reduce stress).
Implement a morning routine that incorporates stretching, meditating, journaling, and eating a healthy breakfast.
Increase your activity level (be sure to consult with your doctor before beginning a new exercise regimen).
Sleep more (most adults need at least seven hours of sleep each night).
Connect with friends and family members, either in person or over the phone.
Spend more time in nature.
Volunteer at an organization that’s meaningful to you.

Start Living a Happier Life

If you struggle with depression, bipolar disorder, or another mental health condition or you simply want to be a happier person, one of the best things you can do is reach out to an experienced therapist. Luckily, you can get the help you need from the caring team at our practice. We understand how difficult it can sometimes be to achieve happiness, but we’ll supply you with personalized tips and tools that can help you start experiencing a better quality of life. Contact us today to schedule a therapy session at a date and time that fits into your schedule.

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