Catonsville and Owings Mills Maryland Counselor and Therapist; Additionally Licensed in NE, FL, ME, IN, and CT

Category: Uncategorized

Effects of Emotional Abuse in Relationships

Emotional abuse in relationships can have severe and long-lasting effects on a person’s mental and emotional well-being. Emotional abuse involves the use of manipulation, control, and belittlement to undermine a person’s self-esteem and sense of worth. Here are some of the effects of emotional abuse in relationships:

Low self-esteem: Emotional abuse can lead to a person feeling unworthy and lacking in self-confidence. The constant criticism and belittlement can make a person feel like they are not good enough, leading to feelings of shame and self-doubt.
Anxiety and depression: Emotional abuse can cause a person to feel anxious and depressed. The constant stress of walking on eggshells and trying to avoid triggering the abuser can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression.
Isolation: Emotional abuse can lead to a person feeling isolated and alone. The abuser may try to isolate the person from friends and family, leaving them feeling like they have no one to turn to for help or support.
PTSD: Emotional abuse can cause Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in some people. The constant stress and trauma can lead to flashbacks, nightmares, and other symptoms of PTSD.
Physical symptoms: Emotional abuse can also cause physical symptoms, such as headaches, stomach problems, and muscle tension. These physical symptoms can be a result of the constant stress and anxiety caused by the abuse.
Trust issues: Emotional abuse can lead to a person having trust issues in future relationships. The constant manipulation and control can make a person feel like they can’t trust anyone, leading to difficulty forming healthy relationships.
Self-destructive behavior: Emotional abuse can lead to a person engaging in self-destructive behavior, such as substance abuse, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts. These behaviors can be a way for the person to cope with the pain and trauma caused by the abuse.
It’s important to seek help if you are experiencing emotional abuse in a relationship. There are resources available, such as counseling and support groups, that can help you heal and recover from the effects of emotional abuse

Concept of Self

The concept of self is an important component of counseling and psychotherapy. It refers to an individual’s understanding and perception of themselves, including their thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and values.

In counseling, the concept of self is often explored and examined in order to help clients gain a greater understanding of themselves and to promote personal growth and change. Counselors may work with clients to help them identify and challenge negative self-talk or beliefs, and to develop a more positive self-concept.

One approach to working with the concept of self in counseling is through cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a type of therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors in order to improve mental health and well-being. In CBT, clients learn to identify negative self-talk and beliefs, and to replace them with more positive and accurate ones.

Another approach to working with the concept of self in counseling is through person-centered therapy. Person-centered therapy emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and self-actualization, and focuses on the individual’s unique experience and perspective. In person-centered therapy, the counselor provides a safe and supportive environment for the client to explore their thoughts and feelings, and to gain a greater understanding of themselves.

Overall, the concept of self is a fundamental aspect of counseling and psychotherapy, and working with clients to promote a positive and healthy self-concept can lead to greater emotional well-being and personal growth.

Anxiety and Stress Management

Anxiety and Stress Management- Kyle Kellermeyer, MA, LCPC

Definition

  • Changes affecting nearly every system of the body, influencing how people feel and behave

Job Stress

  • the harmful physical and emotional responses that occur when the requirements of the job do not match the capabilities, resources, or needs of the worker. Job stress can lead to poor health and even injury 

Stress in the workplace

  • Powerlessness
  • Job description
  • Workplace Trauma
  • Work Setting
  • Imposter syndrome- Sensation that one gets when they hold beliefs that they are not qualified for the position they hold
  • COVID

Covid and stress

Have you been experiencing any of the following symptoms?

  • Anger, fear, sadness
  • Decreased energy or motivation
  • Increase or decrease in appetite
  • Changes in sleep patterns
  • Decreases in mental and physical health
  • Abnormal substance usage

https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/stress-coping/cope-with-stress/index.html

COPING

Engage in positive practices

  • Exercising 
    • Aim for at least 30 minutes of increased heart rate
    • Engage in these activities at least 3 times per week
    • Benefits: increase body image, increased endorphin levels, coping skill
  • Eating healthy balanced meals
    • Aim for each meal to consist of: fats (25%), carbohydrates (40%), and protein (35%)
    • Eat 3-5 meals per day
    • Benefits: increased positive mood, better sleep, increase body image, increase overall physical health
  • Breathing
    • Inhale through the nose for at least 5 seconds at a slow controlled pace
    • Hold the inhaled breath for 2-4 seconds
    • Slowly exhale through the mouth for 5 seconds (like blowing through a straw)
    • Aim to complete 10-12 continuous repetitions every hour

Social engagement

  • Make plans to do tasks you enjoy with people who do not cause you stress

Take breaks

  • Utilize 5-10 minutes breaks to provide yourself with a mental and physical relief

Create lists

  • Utilizing lists can assist in decluttering our minds and reducing stress 
  • Either pen and paper, or creating a virtual list work
  • Record everything that is on your mind; then categorize these items by priority or in which the time they need to be completed
  • Be sure to check off the tasks that were completed during the day as this will provide an additional sense of accomplishment

References

American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Apa Dictionary of Psychology. American Psychological Association. Retrieved February 24, 2022, from https://dictionary.apa.org/stress 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2014, June 6). Stress…at work (99-101). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved February 24, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/99-101/default.html 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, December 29). CDC updates and shortens recommended isolation and quarantine period for general population. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved February 26, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2021/s1227-isolation-quarantine-guidance.html 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, July 22). Coping with stress. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved March 1, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/stress-coping/cope-with-stress/index.html 

Miller, L. H., & Smith, A. D. (2011, July 1). Stress in the Workplace. American Psychological Association. Retrieved February 24, 2022, from https://www.apa.org/topics/healthy-workplaces/workplace-stress 

Sparks, S. D. (2021, March 16). 6 feet or 3 feet: How far apart do students need to be? Education Week. Retrieved February 28, 2022, from https://www.edweek.org/leadership/6-feet-or-3-feet-how-far-apart-do-students-need-to-be/2021/02