Questions To Ask A Psychologist Before Hiring One

Published on: 12 December 2018 Last Updated on: 22 November 2021

The human brain is always on the go, so it’s no surprise that at some point or another, humans experience being mentally and emotionally burned out. Caring for your psychological welfare is a huge responsibility; talking about it and not getting any medical help adds up to your frustrations. When this happens, the best thing to do is look for a psychologist that is highly-qualified and professional.

For many, it is a big leap to seek professional help, but it is essential for your healing. However, there are things you need to consider before hiring one to avoid wasting any of your time, money, and effort to ineffective treatment.

Here are some of the questions you need to ask from your prospect psychologist

There are multiple questions you can ask your psychologist to get the clearance of your problems in the best possible manner. Let’s find out some of the effective means you can apply to develop your treatment process in the right direction.

1. How will you treat me?

The first thing you need to know is how the psychologist can help you get through your mental issues. If their answers are not satisfying, try looking for psychologists at Open Sky Psychology where you can find various psychologists offering different treatments for different issues. Since your reason for hiring one is to heal from your psychological warfare, it is but necessary to ask them these details in relation:

The psychological treatment that will be used to address the problem.
The kind of methods needed to treat other patients with similar problems as you and a general overview on how said patients has recovered.
The methods that are being used and the probability of success.

2. Have you encountered issues similar to my case?

They say that experience is the best teacher and this applies to your prospect psychologist, too. No matter how long they have been practicing, there are cases they may have not encountered yet and you wouldn’t want to be the first. To gauge the experience level of your prospective psychologist, consider these details:

The number of patients that have the same problem as yours.
The number of patients that need treatment and are still undergoing treatment.
The length of time needed before positive changes are evident.
The estimated timeline or length of time that is needed for cases like yours.

3. Can you evaluate if the treatment is working for me?

Some patients want honest answers to how they are doing, whether they’re doing well or not. Be bold enough to ask these questions to identify psychologists who are honest:

Along the treatment, will you tell me if I’m doing well or not?
Will you point out if there are changes?
How will you gauge my changes?
Will you be direct about it or will you wait for the entire treatment to be done before giving your evaluations?

4. What is your area of expertise?

Knowing the theoretical orientation of your potential psychologist helps you decide whether you’re seeking the right one or not. Psychologists have different expertise which requires different approaches. Here are questions to help you identify the right psychologist for your problem:

What is your area of focus?
How long have you been working on your expertise?
Do you have any credentials to support your claim?
Do you regularly attend seminars or training to further your knowledge?
Do you rely solely on your knowledge when treating a patient or do your research to find more about it?

5. What is your availability?

It is essential to know the availability of your therapist, especially if your case needs constant support and advice from your psychologist. Ask them these questions to see if they can be reachable:

Can I call you anytime?
If not, what times of the day and night can I call you?
How can I reach you?
Do you have a separate emergency contact number?
Can you keep me up to date if you will be away for a long time?

6. Can we be friends?

Your psychologist must maintain a professional yet distant relationship with you. Remember that you need professional help, not a friend. Consider it a red flag when their answers to these questions are a yes:

Can I hang out with you during your free time?
Can you add me up on my social media accounts?
Do you have friends from your patients’ list?

Conclusion

Having someone to vent out your problems is different from having a psychological therapy. It is important to seek professional help when you know you are suffering from within. But to be treated effectively needs the right psychologist. Bear the difficulty of finding the right one then go to an exhausting treatment process that will not help you. When you know you are in good hands, chances are you will be healed in time. There are multiple ways you can adopt to cure your patients.

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How to Treat the Symptoms of 5 Common Gastrointestinal Conditions

Everyone experiences heartburn from time to time or has the occasional upset stomach. But for those who experience these symptoms more frequently, it could be a sign of long-term Gastrointestinal Conditions. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 60 to 70 million people in the U.S. are affected by gastrointestinal issues. But what exactly is a" gastrointestinal issue," and what parts of your body can experience the impact? Gastrointestinal Health 101 The gastrointestinal system gives your body what it needs to function. The system breaks down food, extracts nutrients from it, and converts these nutrients into energy. It also protects your body against harmful substances by blocking them from your bloodstream. The gastrointestinal tract primarily consists of the following: Esophagus: A hollow tube running through the neck and chest that connects the mouth to the stomach. Muscles in the esophagus push food into the stomach. Stomach: A large organ that holds foods and breaks them down using enzymes and acids. Liver: The organ that filters toxins from the blood and produce bile, which further helps break down food into proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Gallbladder: A sac-like organ that stores the bile the liver produces then releases it as necessary. Pancreas: An organ that produces enzymes like insulin, which aids in the breakdown of sugars. Small intestine: As the stomach passes along food, this organ starts breaking it down while absorbing the majority of its nutrients. Large intestine: This organ contains billions of bacteria that turn food into waste (feces). At this same time, the large intestines remove water and electrolytes from what is left of the food for your body's use. Rectum: A small space at the end of the large intestine provides temporary storage for waste. When you eat something, each of these organs plays a role. To kick off the process, saliva begins to break down food. With the help of other enzymes, food continues breaking down as your system propels it by muscular contractions through the digestive tract. This process is called peristalsis. Gastrointestinal organs and their fluids exist in a delicate balance. Diet, stress, and illness can upset this balance and cause pain or discomfort. Common Gastrointestinal Conditions and Disorders There are a variety of common gastrointestinal (GI) disorders like constipation, diarrhea, and acid reflux. Though some Gastrointestinal Conditions are genetic and outside of your control, you can still prevent many complications or subdue symptoms by eating a balanced diet, practicing healthy bowel habits, and following the CDC guidelines for cancer screening. Some common disorders—like celiac disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, lactose intolerance, and leaky gut syndrome—are generally manageable with proper care and direction from medical professionals. If you experience severe pain or think you may have a more serious condition, see your doctor as soon as possible. 1. Celiac Disease Celiac disease is an immune response to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. People with this problem cannot eat food made from these substances because it triggers a response in their small intestine, which over time becomes inflamed and unable to absorb nutrients. If you have celiac disease, you'll feel sick after eating something with gluten. Symptoms include bloating and gas, abdominal pain, fatigue, and nausea. Though there's presently no cure, most people who follow a strict gluten-free diet can reduce flare-ups and promote intestinal healing. 3. GERD Gastroesophageal reflux disease (or GERD) is a condition where your stomach acid flows back into your esophagus, irritating the esophagus's lining. It is essentially the same as acid reflux, except the symptoms are more intense and frequent. Common symptoms include a burning sensation in your chest after eating, having difficulty swallowing, and feeling like there's a lump in your throat. You may also regurgitate food or sour liquid. People with GERD often feel worse at night, which can cause other problems like a chronic cough, laryngitis, asthma, and disrupted sleep. There are over-the-counter remedies such as antacids and H2 blockers, but more intense symptoms may require prescription medication. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, eating large meals, or eating late at night can aggravate GERD. 3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common GI disorder that affects the large intestine. If you have this chronic condition, you will feel abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. While the exact cause of IBS is unknown, certain factors play a role. Someone with IBS may have abnormalities in their digestive system or may have had a bacterial or viral infection that left an overgrowth of bacteria in the intestines. Changes in gut microbes can also lead to IBS. Though there is no cure for IBS, taking medications, and making lifestyle changes can alleviate the symptoms. For example, you can exercise regularly, eat smaller meals, and focus on minimizing stress. In terms of regulating your diet, you can try consuming more probiotics and limiting caffeine, dairy products, and spicy foods. Medicalprices.co.uk has a complete guide about IBS. 4. Lactose Intolerance Lactose intolerant individuals cannot break down lactose, the natural sugar in milk. If you're lactose intolerant, your small intestine doesn't produce enough lactase (the enzyme) to digest lactose (the milk sugar). Undigested lactose then moves into your large intestine, where it interacts with the bacteria, causing bloating, gas, and diarrhea. Aside from avoiding dairy products altogether, lactose intolerants can take over-the-counter lactase enzyme tablets that aid in dairy digestion. 5. Leaky Gut Syndrome As part of the digestive tract, the intestines allow water and nutrients to pass through their walls while blocking harmful substances. The ease with which substances pass through the intestinal wall is called intestinal permeability. When this permeability becomes compromised, toxins and bacteria may escape from the intestines into the bloodstream. This condition is called a leaky gut syndrome, and if left unchecked, it can cause inflammation throughout the body. Symptoms may include bloating, gas, food sensitivity, fatigue, and skin problems. Though more research needs to be conducted on this condition, a few probable causes include: Consuming too much sugar or alcohol Long term use of anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen Deficiencies in vitamins A and D and zinc Chronic inflammation throughout the body Stress Bacterial imbalance in the intestines Yeast overgrowth in the digestive system To reduce symptoms, you can work on improving your overall gut health. First, you can limit your carb intake, as harmful bacteria thrive on sugar. You can also increase the number of beneficial bacteria in your body by eating foods with probiotics such as yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut. You may also want to consider powdered collagen protein supplements. Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that gives structure to connective tissues, ligaments, and skin. The protein also provides structure to blood vessels and may strengthen compromised intestinal walls. Avoiding a Pain in the Gut While some gastrointestinal conditions can be severe, other GI issues and symptoms are common and manageable with lifestyle changes. If you maintain a healthy diet with your unique gastrointestinal needs in mind, you can treat your symptoms and live free of gut pain. 6 Effective Ways to Improve Your Mental Health Why Water Filter is Important to Improve Your Health? Symptoms and Effects of Co-occurring Disorder on Human Health 10 healthy habits to improve your health

Early Signs Of Oral Cancer: What You Need To Know?

Early signs of oral cancer are persistent mouth sores, unexplained bleeding, difficulty swallowing, and changes in voice. In such cases, you must visit an oncologist, an expert who deals with cancer diagnosis and treatment. Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. It can affect the mouth, tongue, gums, and throat. In fact, there are several factors that contribute to its development. These include tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, prolonged sun exposure, and infections like HPV. However, early detection plays a crucial role in increasing the chances of successful treatment. Also, it helps in improving outcomes. In this article, you will get details about the early signs of oral cancer and what you should be mindful of. Hence, to learn more, read on to the end of the article. What Is Oral Cancer? Oral cancer is one of the most common forms of neck/head cancer. Generally, it affects people above 60 years of age. In fact, oral cancer first affects your lips, tongue, mouth roof, and mouth floor. Apart from that, it also affects your oropharynx, which is the last part of your tongue. Also, it might affect the roof of your mouth, the sides and the back of your throat, and your tonsils. At first, oral cancer can look like a common problem in your mouth and your lips. For instance, you can see white patches or bleeding sores. Basically, the difference between a common problem and a potential cancer is that the problems do not go away. Here, if you leave the problems without any treatment for a long time, it can spread through your mouth and your throat. Moreover, it will also spread to other areas of your head and neck. 8 Common Warning Signs of Oral Cancer You Shouldn't Ignore Recognizing the early signs of oral cancer can significantly improve treatment outcomes. Here are eight common symptoms you must watch for and discuss with a cancer specialist promptly. 1. Presence of White/Red Patches in the Mouth A classic sign of potential oral cancer is the presence of white or red patches in the mouth without any reason. Patches can occur on the tongue, roof of the mouth, inner cheeks, or gums. Patches can be painful sometimes but are usually asymptomatic. However, you must not ignore them. If you see any of these patches extending more than a few weeks, visit an oncologist for a checkup at Apollo Hospital Belapur. Here, you will get a thorough examination. 2. Persistent Mouth Sores Oral cancer can be indicated by mouth sores that do not heal within two weeks. The sores may be on the tongue, inside the cheeks, or gums, or on the roof of the mouth. However, getting sores in the mouth is quite common. Still, you must let an oncologist evaluate sores that don’t improve. Don’t ignore the sores if they are painless or persistent. It could mean something more serious. 3. Difficulty Swallowing or Chewing Pain or discomfort when swallowing or chewing food may be a sign of oral cancer. When there is a tumor blocking the throat or esophagus, difficulty swallowing or dysphagia often occurs. In some cases, this symptom may be accompanied by a feeling that food gets stuck in the throat or chest. However, if this continues, it is important to see a specialist to help diagnose any underlying health issue early on. 4. Unexplained Bleeding Unexplained bleeding on the inside of the mouth is a cause for concern. It could be blood in your saliva or while you brush your teeth. However, if there is any unexplained bleeding from the gums, tongue, or mouth, you must immediately visit a healthcare professional. Apart from that, bleeding from your gums can be a sign of a minor gum problem. However, if it’s consistent or unusual, it could mean something more serious, such as oral cancer. If you are bleeding, don’t hesitate to visit the best oncologist in Mumbai to get it evaluated. 5. Numbness or Pain in the Mouth or Jaw If you have numbness or persistent pain in the mouth or jaw that doesn’t go away with over-the-counter pain relief, don’t ignore it. This may mean that cancer is affecting the nerves in your mouth or jaw area. This pain can get worse over time and often comes with other symptoms, such as difficulty moving the jaw or feeling fullness in the mouth. Hence, you must consult a medical expert. Basically, the expert can help in figuring out the reason behind it and suggesting reasonable treatment alternatives. 6. Unexplained Weight Loss Sudden weight loss, especially if it is unintentional, can be a sign of a number of health conditions, including oral cancer. Cancer cells can interfere with your body’s metabolism, leading to weight loss. Moreover, if you get sudden weight loss along with other symptoms such as mouth sores, pain, or difficulty swallowing, see a medical expert as soon as possible. Early diagnosis can enhance the prognosis and treatment options for oral cancer. 7. Changes in Voice or Hoarseness If you find that your voice or hoarseness doesn’t go away, it could be because oral cancer is affecting your vocal cords or the area around them. If the hoarseness lasts more than a couple of weeks, it’s a good idea to consult an oncologist. Any change in voice should be evaluated to rule out any serious condition, including oral cancer. 8. Lumps or Swelling in the Neck Signs that the cancer may have spread to nearby lymph nodes include swelling or lumps in the neck. At first, these lumps may be painless, but they can become tender as the disease progresses. If you see any lumps or swelling in your neck, you should see a doctor right away. An oncologist will evaluate these lumps. Also, the expert will ensure an accurate diagnosis to find whether these lumps are cancerous. Activities that Increase Oral Cancer The following are some of the major activities that increase oral cancer: Smoking (cigarettes, pipes, and cigars) Other tobacco products include chewing tobacco, snuff, water pipes, dip, etc. Drinking excessive amounts of Alcohol daily. Spending a lot of time under the sun without protecting the lips. Having the Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Having a history of oral cancer in the family. Detecting Oral Cancer: The Way Forward Recognizing the early signs of oral cancer is critical for effective treatment and improving your overall prognosis. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek professional medical advice promptly. For instance, the Apollo Hospital Belapur, located in Navi Mumbai, is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. It has expert oncologists who specialize in diagnosing and treating oral cancer. You can consult the best oncologist at Apollo Hospital for a thorough evaluation and a personalized treatment plan. Basically, you must stay vigilant and consult an expert as soon as you notice unusual symptoms. This way, you can increase your chances of early detection, ensuring that your oral health remains in the best condition possible. Do you have more suggestions to add on how to detect oral cancer? Please share your ideas and opinions in the comments section below. Read Also: 5 Skin Cancer Warning Symptoms & Early Signs to Know How Talcum Powder & Ovarian Cancer Is Related?

Surprisingly Unknown Effects of Sleep Loss

We all know that lack of sleep can have a significantly negative impact on our daily lives as trouble focusing is often the most notable effect of sleep loss. However, there are several other less-known effects of sleep loss that you should also take into account. Surprisingly Unknown Effects Of Sleep Loss: 1. Sleep Deprivation Is A Public Hazard: Sleep deprivation can be a significant factor in automobile accidents as a lack of sleep will slow down your time reaction quite similar to that of drunk driving. If that’s not enough to stress the health advantages of a good nights sleep, lack of sleep has been a massive factor in some of the most monumental disasters in more recent history such as the nuclear accident in 1979 at Three Mile Island as well as the disastrous nuclear meltdown at Chernobyl in 1986. Considering the lack of sleep greatly increases your chances of being involved in a car accident and work-related injuries, you should take pride in formulating a suitable sleep routine to ensure you are not endangering yourself and those around you. 2. Increased Risk Of Developing Serious Health Issues: While chronic sleep disorders and sleep conditions will put you at an increased risk of developing serious health problems such as heart attack and cardiovascular conditions as well as high blood pressure, diabetes, and even stroke, the less serious health issues such as increased stress and anxiety are just as concerning. To improve the quality and consistency of your sleep you should consider whether or not your mattress is suitable for comfort and support. You can make use of mattress charts with a showcase of mattress sizes to better establish which mattress would be best for you. In addition to this, you should consider the benefits of natural sleep remedies, especially if you are battling to get enough sleep on a regular basis. 3. Risk Of Rapidly Aging Skin: Even though it’s commonly known that a restless night will result in dark under-eye circles and a bit of puffiness, not everyone is aware of just how much lack of sleep can cause rapidly aging skin. According to studies, regular sleepless nights will age the rate at which your skin ages and as a result, you will notice fine lines, wrinkles, and sallow skin. The benefits of beauty sleep are definitely not a myth. 4. Memory Loss: One of the best ways to keep your memory as sharp as possible is to get enough quality sleep as sleep deprivation has been a known culprit of memory loss. According to research conducted in 2009, brain functions referred to as “sharp wave ripples” are responsible for the consolidation of memory as these ripples are known to transfer learned information to an area of the brain where memory is then stored on a long-term basis. This brain function usually occurs while we are in the deeper levels of sleep, which means that quality sleep will, in fact, improve your brains' ability to store information and effectively prevent forgetfulness. Read Also: Ways To Sleep Well At Night As You Age How To Sleep Better When You Have Cancer Are You Wondering About The Risk Factors For Depression?

Questions To Ask A Psychologist Before Hiring One

Here are some of the questions you need to ask from your prospect psychologist

1. How will you treat me?

2. Have you encountered issues similar to my case?

3. Can you evaluate if the treatment is working for me?

4. What is your area of expertise?

5. What is your availability?

6. Can we be friends?

Conclusion

How You Can Effectively Ease Pain Caused by Braces: Top Tips

6 Ways to Relieve From Tooth Pain and Sensitivity Naturally

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

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How to Treat the Symptoms of 5 Common Gastrointestinal Conditions

Early Signs Of Oral Cancer: What You Need To Know?

Surprisingly Unknown Effects of Sleep Loss

Questions To Ask A Psychologist Before Hiring One

Here are some of the questions you need to ask from your prospect psychologist

1. How will you treat me?

2. Have you encountered issues similar to my case?

3. Can you evaluate if the treatment is working for me?

4. What is your area of expertise?

5. What is your availability?

6. Can we be friends?

Conclusion

Share this Article

How You Can Effectively Ease Pain Caused by Braces: Top Tips

6 Ways to Relieve From Tooth Pain and Sensitivity Naturally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

Leave a Reply

Popular

Follow Us

Recent

Related