Expert Interviews & Perspectives in Counseling

Winter months can be challenging for a lot of people. While the dark presents its own issues, the cold and ease of isolation can compound feelings of sadness and loneliness. Other countries that also experience long and dark winters have developed traditions and rituals to help deal with the loneliness and sadness that can creep in this time of year.

The Association for Play (APT) provides the official definition of play therapy as “the systematic use of a theoretical model to establish an interpersonal process wherein trained play therapists use the therapeutic powers of play to help clients prevent or resolve psychosocial difficulties and achieve optimal growth and development.”

Expressive art techniques promote mental health and wellbeing. When clients allow themselves to laugh, let go, and relax, they can experience relief from painful thoughts and sensations, which helps decrease depression, anxiety, and stress.

Knowing that what we’re feeling is loneliness, why it’s there, and what it does to our behavior and cognitions are key steps on the way to feeling better. As with all psychological conditions, our tendency to feel like we’re the only ones on the planet with the same problem is a considerable obstacle to recovery. Understanding that what we’re experiencing is normal and well-understood takes some of that fear away.

There are over 19 million military veterans currently living in the US, making up nearly 10 percent of the adult population. In November, there are two events that acknowledge both our military and their family members.

The statistics for domestic violence in the United States are staggering. Each year, more than 10 million people in this country experience domestic violence. One in four women and one in 10 men experience some form of sexual assault, stalking, or physical violence from an intimate partner. Unfortunately, things seem to be getting worse with a 42 percent increase between 2016 and 2018 alone.

In the first part of this series, we gave an overview of mental health disability and employment focusing on resources for creating a mental health-friendly workplace. In this piece, we move into the rights of individuals with mental health conditions at work, common challenges, and advocacy efforts. Aaron Konopasky, senior attorney-advisor for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) offered his expertise as an attorney specializing in disability law, rights, and policy.

On July 12, 2012, the United Nations established March 20th as the International Day of Happiness.

During the month of April, the U.S. medical community celebrates Occupational Therapy (OT) Month to honor the more than 213,000 occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants, and students who work to improve the lives of their clients and families.

Two benefits programs that may be available to individuals with disabilities—including those caused by mental health conditions—are Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). While SSDI is based on the amount a person worked/contributed to social security taxes prior to applying for benefits, SSI is determined by financial need.