Tag: anxiety

Know Your Therapist

MAMA MASTERCLASS w/ FIT4MOM

S.Rynderman

Dear local South Florida Moms!

This Saturday November 16th please sign up for the FIT4MOM Stroller Strides Class at Town Center Mall in Boca Raton. This is an opportunity, not only to experience a fun workout class with your fellow mamas, but in addition you’ll receive my expert opinion on how to change unhelpful thinking into a positive mindset!

New moms know more then anyone that anxious, negative, or simply unhelpful thinking can become a slippery slope! In this class, you will pick up a key tool to challenge and reframe negative thinking, so that ultimately you can approach future situations with confidence and a healthier perspective.

Know Your Therapist

How to Choose your Therapist

S.Rynderman

One of the most common barriers to therapy, other than insurance or finances is finding a therapist you actually like!

I’ve talked to clients and therapists alike trying to get an understanding about what makes a client therapist relationship work.

I’m going to share a few helpful tips that will guide you toward making an informed decision, before you meet with your next therapist.

  1. Is this therapist familiar with your background?
  • First of all, a therapist does not have to be from the same race, gender, culture, ethnic or religious background as you are to be a great fit. What can improve a therapeutic connection, however is if they do have either educational, personal, or professional experiences or training with clients of your background. Having a therapist that is familiar with cultural diversity can improve the quality, trust, and benefit of the therapeutic experience.
  • You might ask, have you had clients like me? Are you familiar with ‘x’ aspect of my background? Have you helped clients with ‘y’ problem?
  • Asking questions during a consultation can confirm whether your therapist has experience with clientele like yourself or may be less familiar with people of your background.

2. Does this therapist specialize in the problems I’m dealing with?

  • Are you battling trauma, addiction, postpartum depression…? There could be a number of things you could be challenged with, so you should feel entitled to have a therapist who has professional experience or training in the areas you want to work on most.
  • Meeting with a therapist who has qualified experience or training in the areas you need help with most can immensely increase the positive outcomes you experience from therapy.
  • Many therapists have special training or certifications in clinical interventions that are meant to treat specific mental health conditions (i.e. PTSD) or more broadly family/relationship issues.

3. How is your therapist’s bedside manner?

  • So you found a therapist who is familiar with your background and they have great professional experience, but how do you feel when you are with them in the room (or virtually). Most therapists offer free consultations, so take advantage of that time to get to know them before you book!
  • Just as doctors, not one therapist is alike even if they went to the same school or had the same training. Much of what makes or breaks a therapeutic relationship is if you feel a positive presence from your therapist.
  • It’s important to remember that therapists are people too and are not perfect, but here are some characteristics that make some therapists more compassionate than others. Things to look for are: kindness, patience, good listening, flexibility, empathetic, and passion for what they do.
Relationship Tips

5 Tips from a Relationship Therapist

S.Rynderman

Dear Parents, 

These tips are not in any particular order but are meant to help you focus on certain aspects of relationships that contribute to healthy dynamics.

  1. Communication
  • Be an assertive communicator! This means being calm and direct with your thoughts and feelings without dismissing the thoughts and feelings of your partner. You will be more likely to get your needs met when you are assertive. 

       2. Give and Take

  • Healthy give and take is so important to relationships, especially when navigating parenthood for the first time. Learn to recognize when you or your partner is taking on too much and try to ease the load. Sharing or delegating certain roles can make daily life that much easier!

       3. Alone Time

  • Making sure you designate alone time can mean the difference between burn out and staying afloat. Whether it is for yourself or you and your partner together, having alone time or date nights can help revive exhausted parents. 

      4. Shared Values

  • This is a broader topic that not only involves agreement on parenting but extends to goals as a couple in general. When partners get along and fulfill one another’s needs they probably share many of the same values. On the other hand, when partners experience high conflict or stress from one another there is a chance their values are not totally aligned. 

      5. Empathy

  • Having empathy in your relationship is key to providing understanding and support to your partner. New mothers especially go through so much mentally, emotionally, and physically when postpartum. Take a moment each day to pause and ask your partner how they are feeling and how you can best support their needs.