The Grouport Journal

Explore all things mental health. Check out some of our latest journals below.

Group Therapy for Trauma Survivors: Effectiveness, Benefits, and Considerations

PTSD

Group Therapy for Trauma Survivors: Effectiveness, Benefits, and Considerations

Trauma often profoundly impacts an individual's life, affecting their emotional, mental, and sometimes physical well-being. While there are various approaches to treating trauma, group therapy has emerged as an effective option for many. This article will explore the application of group therapy in the context of trauma, its potential benefits, effectiveness, and the considerations to bear in mind when choosing this therapeutic route.

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Talk Therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

PTSD

Talk Therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. The symptoms often include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and intrusive thoughts about the event. Talk therapy, particularly Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), has proven to be a useful treatment method for managing the symptoms of PTSD. This article will delve into the efficacy of talk therapy for PTSD, the different methods utilized, and the potential benefits it can provide.

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Approaching Trauma in Talk Therapy

PTSD

Approaching Trauma in Talk Therapy

Confronting trauma is a sensitive and delicate process, and it's crucial to approach it with care in a therapeutic setting. The process of discussing traumatic experiences during therapy can be challenging and emotional, but it's often a key part of healing. This article outlines how to talk about trauma in therapy, focusing on three major areas: setting the stage, expressing your trauma, and the journey of recovery.

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PTSD and Anxiety: Differences and Similarities

PTSD

PTSD and Anxiety: Differences and Similarities

In the realm of mental health, understanding the distinctions between different conditions is vital. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and anxiety are two such conditions that, despite sharing similar symptoms, have unique defining characteristics. This article aims to delve into the differences and similarities between PTSD and general anxiety disorder to enhance our understanding of these conditions.

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The Trauma Response: Unpacking the Reluctance to Accept Help

PTSD

The Trauma Response: Unpacking the Reluctance to Accept Help

Trauma can significantly impact an individual's ability to accept help, influencing their interactions, relationships, and overall well-being. The refusal or inability to seek assistance can be a complex trauma response stemming from past experiences. This article aims to explore the reasons behind such a response, its implications, and potential coping strategies.

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Understanding Rape Trauma Syndrome: Insights into a Survivor's Journey

PTSD

Understanding Rape Trauma Syndrome: Insights into a Survivor's Journey

Rape trauma syndrome (RTS) is a post-traumatic stress disorder that affects victims of sexual assault. The term, coined by Ann Wolbert Burgess and Lynda Lytle Holmstrom in 1974, refers to the psychological trauma and the resulting symptoms experienced by survivors. This article will delve into the different phases of RTS, symptoms associated with each phase, and potential methods of support and healing.

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From Shadows to Light: Understanding PTSD from Emotional Abuse

PTSD

From Shadows to Light: Understanding PTSD from Emotional Abuse

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition often associated with war veterans or victims of physical violence. However, the effects of emotional abuse can be just as damaging and equally likely to result in PTSD. This article explores the dynamics of PTSD stemming from emotional abuse, its symptoms, coping mechanisms, and the process of healing.

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Healing the Wound of Abandonment: Understanding and Overcoming Emotional Trauma

PTSD

Healing the Wound of Abandonment: Understanding and Overcoming Emotional Trauma

The sense of being left behind or discarded, also known as the wound of abandonment, is a profound emotional trauma that can significantly affect a person's life. Rooted in experiences of loss, neglect, or rejection, this wound can shape one's relationships and self-perception. This article will explore the concept of the abandonment wound, its impact on mental health, and strategies to heal.

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The Polyvagal Theory: A Journey Through Your Nervous System

PTSD

The Polyvagal Theory: A Journey Through Your Nervous System

The human nervous system, a complex network regulating bodily functions and responses to external stimuli, is the subject of extensive study. One theory that has gained considerable attention is the Polyvagal Theory. Conceived by Dr. Stephen Porges, this theory offers insights into how the nervous system influences our physical and emotional responses to stress and social interactions.

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The Role and Significance of PTSD Support Groups

PTSD

The Role and Significance of PTSD Support Groups

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition that arises after a person experiences or witnesses a life-threatening event. Individuals with PTSD often feel isolated in their experiences, adding to the mental toll the condition takes. PTSD support groups can play a crucial role in providing a sense of community and understanding for these individuals. This article explores the benefits, types, and ways of finding PTSD support groups.

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Finding Healing: Steps to Overcoming Sexual Trauma

PTSD

Finding Healing: Steps to Overcoming Sexual Trauma

Surviving sexual trauma can leave deep and lasting emotional scars. The path to recovery might seem arduous, but it's essential to remember that healing is possible. Overcoming sexual trauma involves a gradual journey of self-care, therapy, support, and patience. This article guides you through steps that can aid in the healing process.

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The Impact of Trauma on the Brain: Understanding Neurological Alterations

PTSD

The Impact of Trauma on the Brain: Understanding Neurological Alterations

The human brain is a resilient organ, capable of adaptation and recovery from numerous challenges. However, exposure to traumatic events can lead to profound and long-lasting changes in its structure and function. This article aims to elucidate the alterations in the brain brought about by trauma, and how these changes may manifest in an individual's cognition and behavior.

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Trauma Dumping: Implications and Managing Strategies

PTSD

Trauma Dumping: Implications and Managing Strategies

In the realm of mental health, a term that's increasingly gaining attention is trauma dumping. It refers to the abrupt and intense sharing of traumatic experiences without consent or prior warning to the receiver. This practice, while seemingly a way of seeking help or validation, can have significant implications for both the individual sharing their trauma and the person on the receiving end. This article aims to delve into the concept of trauma dumping, its implications, and strategies to manage such situations.

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Understanding Trauma Psychoeducation: A Detailed Perspective

PTSD

Understanding Trauma Psychoeducation: A Detailed Perspective

In the wake of experiencing trauma, individuals are often left grappling with a whirlwind of emotions and symptoms that can feel overwhelming. A powerful tool for understanding and managing the aftermath of trauma is psychoeducation. This article delves into the concept of trauma psychoeducation, elucidating its purpose, process, and potential benefits.

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Understanding the Role of CPTSD Support Groups

PTSD

Understanding the Role of CPTSD Support Groups

Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) can have a profound impact on an individual's life. It is a condition often characterized by severe, prolonged trauma that can leave individuals feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Support groups, particularly those dedicated to people living with CPTSD, provide an essential safe space where shared experiences foster understanding, empathy, and healing. This article provides a deeper understanding of CPTSD groups and their role in aiding recovery and resilience.

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Discovering Solace in Unity: An Insight into Online PTSD Support Groups

PTSD

Discovering Solace in Unity: An Insight into Online PTSD Support Groups

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be an isolating experience, making sufferers feel as though they are trapped within their minds. Online PTSD support groups offer a sense of community and understanding, providing a vital lifeline for many. This article will delve into what these groups are, their potential benefits, and how to make the most of such resources.

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Essential Coping Skills for Trauma

PTSD

Essential Coping Skills for Trauma

Trauma can deeply impact an individual's life, affecting their mental, physical, and emotional health. Whether a single event or a series of recurring instances, trauma can leave a person feeling helpless, overwhelmed, and stuck. However, it's crucial to remember that healing is possible even in the aftermath of a traumatic experience. This article delves into the effective coping skills for trauma that can help individuals regain control, process their experiences, and move toward recovery.

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Coping Skills for Managing PTSD

PTSD

Coping Skills for Managing PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, such as combat, a natural disaster, a car accident, or sexual assault. Living with PTSD can be a daunting experience, but there are a variety of coping skills that can help manage the condition. This article delves into understanding these coping skills, their importance, and ways to integrate them into daily life to manage PTSD effectively.

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Understanding Abandonment Trauma: Causes, Impacts, and Healing Strategies

PTSD

Understanding Abandonment Trauma: Causes, Impacts, and Healing Strategies

Abandonment trauma refers to the emotional and psychological distress experienced when a significant person in one's life suddenly disappears or withdraws their affection, attention, or support. This trauma often occurs in childhood, with the loss or emotional unavailability of a parent or caregiver, but it can also manifest in adulthood through significant relationships. It's crucial to gain a deep understanding of abandonment trauma, its causes, impacts, and effective healing strategies, to facilitate recovery and foster healthier relationships in the future.

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A Guide to Effective Communication in Relationships

PTSD

A Guide to Effective Communication in Relationships

Communication is the cornerstone of a successful relationship. It is a vital tool that fosters understanding, resolves conflicts, and enhances the bond between individuals. A relationship thrives when both parties express their feelings, thoughts, and desires openly and honestly.

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5 Signs a DBT Skills Group is Exactly What You Need

DBT

5 Signs a DBT Skills Group is Exactly What You Need

Do you feel like you can’t get ahead? Like life is just beating you down, or that challenges are overwhelming you to the point of chronic, debilitating anxiety, depression, PTSD, disordered eating, insomnia, or other mental health concerns? Do you feel like your emotions run your life, and you’re exhausted by the ups and downs? If these experiences are familiar to you, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, could be the solution you’re looking for. ‍If you’re unfamiliar with this type of tre

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How DBT Skills Help With Economic Anxiety

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How DBT Skills Help With Economic Anxiety

Many people will argue that we are actively in a recession, while others say the worst of it is just around the corner. Rising gas and cost of goods cost, supply chain constraints, thousands of businesses going under, peak reports of bankruptcies and foreclosures… it's normal to feel stressed and anxious during these trying economic times. ‍If you’re wondering if you’re dealing with economic anxiety, consider these important symptoms: ‍Overspending: Oddly enough, for many people strugg

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How DBT Skills Help With Climate Anxiety

DBT

How DBT Skills Help With Climate Anxiety

As concerns rise for our climate and the future of our world, so does the anxiety that’s sweeping the planet. Increases in frequency of widespread wildfires and the length of wildfire season, along with rising temperatures and shifts in weather patterns leave many concerned and considering the long-term consequences for the Earth as well as the mental health of those who inhabit it. ‍The sobering ramifications of climate change are real, and present. It’s normal to react to these with emoti

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Understanding Anxiety Disorders and the Power of DBT

DBT

Understanding Anxiety Disorders and the Power of DBT

Anxiety disorders are one of the most prevalent mental health conditions worldwide, affecting millions. These disorders take various forms, each with distinct characteristics and symptoms. Fortunately, therapeutic approaches like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) provide effective treatment options. Additionally, according to the U.S. Dept of Health & Human Services, there are five significant types of anxiety conditions, which will cover here. This article will delve into five common types of anxiety disorders and discuss how DBT can aid in managing their symptoms.

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DBT Skills for Coping With Job Loss

DBT

DBT Skills for Coping With Job Loss

Careers fulfill a number of functions in our lives, including satisfying our need to achieve, bringing us income, creating a sense of belonging and stability, and helping us to feel empowered and accomplished. Therefore, when losing a job (which can often be so integrated with your identity), we can notice an immediate and significant decline in your mental health. According to a Gallup poll in 2013, unemployed Americans are more than 2x as likely to be treated for depression as those with full-

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3 Keys to Choosing the Right Online Group Therapy Option

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3 Keys to Choosing the Right Online Group Therapy Option

In digital health and wellbeing, online group therapy has become an increasingly popular choice for those seeking emotional support and connection. This is particularly true for caregivers, who often deal with high-stress levels and isolation. However, choosing the right online group therapy option can be challenging, with many choices available. Here are three crucial factors to consider when selecting an online group therapy that fits your needs.

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DBT Skills for Developing Self-Compassion

DBT

DBT Skills for Developing Self-Compassion

Although not frequently discussed when referring to Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills training, self-compassion is a beneficial and powerful side effect of this specialized type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). ‍Part of the reason DBT can result in a greater sense of self-compassion is that throughout the DBT modules, students will learn to activate their “wise mind,” which is essentially a stronger and more powerful awareness of yourself, your emotions, your instincts, and yo

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How DBT Skills Help With Everyday Stressors

DBT

How DBT Skills Help With Everyday Stressors

No matter who you are, the reality is that you will eventually deal with stress of some kind. This is a simple fact of human existence. Jobs, children, relationships, health, driving, you name it - everyone will experience stress.‍Unmanaged stress can increase your risk of conditions like obesity, heart disease, Alzheimers’s, depression, GI problems, diabetes, and asthma, along with chronic physical symptoms like headaches, nausea, and insomnia. ‍When looking to manage stress, it’s importan

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Benefits of Online Group Therapy for Caregivers

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Benefits of Online Group Therapy for Caregivers

In our digitally connected world, online group therapy has emerged as a beneficial and effective tool for individuals seeking support and connection in their caregiving journey. Often battling feelings of isolation and emotional stress, caregivers can find comfort, companionship, and practical advice through online group therapy. This innovative form of support can profoundly impact their resilience and mental health. Let's explore the significant benefits online group therapy offers to caregivers.

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Benefits of Online Group Therapy for Students

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Benefits of Online Group Therapy for Students

Midterms, finals, challenging courses, dorm life, social events, sororities and fraternities, prom, PSATs, drama club, sports, college applications, friendships, social media… you name it, the life of a student is busy and there is always something vying for your attention! ‍More and more young adults and college-aged students are understanding the value of professional therapy services, but where do you find the time to prioritize your mental health amidst your class schedule, homework, cl

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Benefits of Online Group Therapy for Parents

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Benefits of Online Group Therapy for Parents

Parents know the business of life and caring for children takes priority over self-care, often to the detriment of mental health. It’s easy to get caught up in the day to day rush of waking children for school, packing lunches, running errands, sports practices and games and other extracurricular activities. For a lot of parents, mental health winds up on the back-burner of the constant hustle and bustle of family life. Squeezing in your own therapy sessions can be a chore, and has to take a bac

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Benefits of Online Group Therapy for Working Professionals

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Benefits of Online Group Therapy for Working Professionals

For working professionals like entrepreneurs, doctors, teachers, lawyers, authors, scientists, accountants, and so much more, the daily strain of rigorous scheduling, deadlines, project management, people management, and more can be overwhelming. The daily grind can put a significant strain on the mental health of working professionals, which in turn can aggravate or even kickstart conditions like chronic anxiety, depression, disordered eating, and more. ‍With conflicting priorities often v

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Setting and Achieving Treatment Goals with Online Group Therapy

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Setting and Achieving Treatment Goals with Online Group Therapy

Effective therapy can shorten the distance between where you are now and where you want to be. Increasing your quality of life through group therapy can be a particularly effective solution, as group therapy (both online and in-person) increases the accountability and support around your mental health journey, which improves your chance of success. ‍Good online group therapy is backed by science and years of studies, and good therapy will get you most of the way to where you want to be. Get

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The Power of Group Therapy: How Shared Experiences Can Help You Heal

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The Power of Group Therapy: How Shared Experiences Can Help You Heal

For plenty of individuals around the world struggling to establish a sense of normalcy and better mental health, individual weekly sessions aren’t enough. Overcoming daily symptoms and improving your quality of life can require additional accountability and support - two major benefits of group therapy. ‍Whether you’re managing mild to severe symptoms of mental health conditions on your own, were recently discharged from outpatient services, or just completed a mental health inpatient progr

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How DBT Helps with Bipolar Disorder

DBT

How DBT Helps with Bipolar Disorder

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) techniques are being used in increasing measure in the treatment of various mood disorders and mental health conditions beyond their original intended use (for Borderline Personality Disorder), including for Bipolar Disorder. Bipolar Disorder is a highly recurrent and disabling condition marked by major depressive state and manic episodes. ‍The reason DBT shows evidence of success in treatment of Bipolar Disorder is likely because there is growing reason t

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DBT Skills to Know - Self-Soothing

DBT

DBT Skills to Know - Self-Soothing

The Distress Tolerance module of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) incorporates a number of types of Distress Tolerance skills designed to help distract us and get us through challenging emotions in situations where we feel a loss of control. Decreasing emotional distress as a symptom of situational challenges is one of the primary goals of DBT. There are a number of skills trainings that go into the Distress Tolerance module which can help with this, including: ‍ACCEPTSTIP IMPRO

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DBT Skills to Know - Non-Judgmental Stance

DBT

DBT Skills to Know - Non-Judgmental Stance

Developing a non-judgmental way of thinking is a critical component of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills training, and falls under the Mindfulness module. Mindfulness helps teach participants to observe their own behavior, thoughts and feelings, and to stay grounded and present in the moment. Learning how to do this is the first step in developing new behaviors and making healthy changes. ‍The Mindfulness module of DBT focuses on our need to improve self-observation and awareness th

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DBT Skills to Know - Setting Goals

DBT

DBT Skills to Know - Setting Goals

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was originally created for the treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder by Marsha Linehan in the 1970’s. This structured variation on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy consists of what is often a year-long process of walking through the four main modules, and usually involves both group therapy, individual therapy, and even on-call phone consultations to mitigate crisis situations in the patient’s life as they may arise. ‍While the initial phase of DBT invo

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How to Use DBT Skills to Cope in Crisis

DBT

How to Use DBT Skills to Cope in Crisis

If you’ve ever felt your emotions are so completely overwhelming that you can’t restabilize yourself and may return to unhealthy or high risk behaviors, DBT can help.  Helping individuals to cope in crisis situations is one of the primary goals of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). The skills and tools taught throughout DBT can be used in a variety of circumstances and throughout many daily experiences to minimize stress and reduce emotional suffering. If you’re dealing with a high-st

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Utilizing Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Anxiety Regulation: Three Quick Skills

DBT

Utilizing Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Anxiety Regulation: Three Quick Skills

Anxiety can be an overwhelming and pervasive mental health challenge, affecting millions worldwide. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), emphasizing practical skills for managing distress and regulating emotions, can be useful for those looking to control their anxiety better. This article will highlight three quick DBT skills that can be used to regulate anxiety: "STOP," "TIPP," and "Wise Mind."

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