Health Psychology
Health psychology is a specialized field that explores the complex interplay between psychological factors and physical health. It focuses on understanding how mental and emotional factors influence an individual’s well-being and their ability to manage and recover from health challenges.
If you’re wondering why you should consider seeing a health psychologist, here are some compelling reasons:
1. Holistic Health: Health psychologists take a holistic approach to healthcare, recognizing that mental and emotional well-being are integral components of overall health. They help individuals address not only physical symptoms but also the emotional and psychological aspects of their health.
2. Coping with Chronic Illness: Health psychologists provide invaluable support to individuals dealing with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer. They assist patients in managing the emotional impact of their condition, making necessary lifestyle changes, and adhering to treatment plans.
3. Stress Management: Stress can significantly affect physical health. Health psychologists offer effective stress management techniques, helping individuals reduce stress levels and minimize its adverse effects on their well-being.
4. Behavior Change: Whether it’s quitting smoking, adopting a healthier diet, or increasing physical activity, health psychologists are experts in facilitating behavior change. They work with individuals to set realistic goals and develop strategies for sustainable lifestyle improvements.
5. Pain Management: Health psychologists play a crucial role in pain management, particularly in cases of chronic pain conditions. They employ various psychological interventions to help patients cope with pain, enhance their pain tolerance, and improve their quality of life.
6. Adjustment to Illness: Being diagnosed with a serious illness can be emotionally overwhelming. Health psychologists assist individuals in adjusting to their new health realities, providing emotional support, coping strategies, and guidance on maintaining a positive outlook.
7. Enhancing Mental Health: Mental health is closely linked to physical health. Health psychologists address conditions like depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders that can impact overall well-being. Treating these conditions can lead to better physical health outcomes.
8. Supportive Counseling: Health psychologists offer counseling and therapeutic support to individuals facing a wide range of health-related issues, from managing weight and improving sleep to dealing with the emotional aftermath of accidents or surgeries.
In summary, consulting a health psychologist is a proactive step toward achieving and maintaining optimal physical and mental health. Their expertise in addressing the psychological aspects of health and illness can significantly improve your overall well-being, enhance your ability to cope with health challenges, and empower you to make positive changes in your life.
WHAT ARE COMMON MEDICAL CONDITIONS THAT ARE TREATED WITHIN HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY?
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Cardiac
- Chronic fatigue
- Chronic pain
- Diabetes
- Gastrointestinal disorders (Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative Colitis, IBS)
- Insomnia and sleep disorders
- Neurological disorders
- Adjustments to other serious and chronic medical diagnoses
PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS
- Differential diagnosis
- Treatment recommendations
- Pre-surgical (Bariatric and Spine Stimulator Implants)
HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY THERAPIES
Dr. Trevor Taylor and McKenzie Dearing (LCSW) primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to treat the link between medical and mental health symptoms. Below is a brief description of those therapies.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a psychotherapy intervention that involves focus on thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This modality focuses on changing the automatic negative thoughts that can contribute to and worsen emotional difficulties, depression, and anxiety. Through CBT, these thoughts are identified, challenged, and replaced with more objective, realistic thoughts. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can be utilized in many chronic medical conditions, including:
CBT for Insomnia: CBT-I is a structured program that helps you identify and replace thoughts and behaviors that cause or worsen sleep problems with habits that promote sound sleep. CBT-I helps you overcome the underlying causes of your sleep problems with time and effort. CBT for Chronic Pain: Maladaptive cognitions of chronic pain contribute to the maintenance of emotional distress and behavioral problems involving pain. CBT-CP can change the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors related to pain, improve coping strategies, and put the discomfort in a better context.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT it is a type of therapy that aims to help patients accept what is out of their control, and commit to actions that enrichen their lives based around one’s values. ACT uses acceptance and mindfulness strategies, together with commitment and behavior change strategies, to increase psychological flexibility.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO BEFORE YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT?
When you scheduled your first appointment, you were asked to complete an intake packet that is used by clinicians to quickly gain information about your mental health, medical, developmental, educational/occupational, and legal
histories. The intake packet is used to help the clinician know what topics may need to be discussed during your first appointment.
WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT DURING YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT?
The first appointment generally lasts 40 to 50 minutes and is often called an intake interview. The time is utilized to explore and discuss the reason you made the appointment and to explore potential mental health symptoms. Through this process, your clinician will be able to provide you treatment recommendations to assist you in meeting your goals, while also determining if you are a good fit for the type of services we provide.
WHAT ARE COMMON TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS GIVEN AT THE END OF THE FIRST APPOINTMENT?
Your clinician may recommended a variety of treatment options, including individual therapy, a psychological evaluation, medication management, and referrals to other mental health experts.
- Individual Therapy: Your clinician may identify specific therapy models to assist you in obtaining your goals, for example, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
- Psychological Evaluation: Your clinician may recommend that you complete a psychological evaluation to better understand your mental health symptoms and treatment needs.
- Medication Management: Similar to many medical conditions, many mental health diagnoses benefit from the combination of medication and therapy services. Your clinician may recommend that you discuss your symptoms with your Primary Care Provider or you may be referred to a Psychiatrist.
- Referrals to Other Mental Health Experts: Your clinician may provide you a recommendation to meet with another mental health professional that is an expert in the assessment and treatment of your specific needs and diagnoses. This may include a referral to a Neuropsychologist to evaluate your attention, concentration, and memory, or you may be referred to a clinician that specializes in trauma, eating disorders, or substance abuse.
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