Rachel Ruiz, LCSW, PMH-C

Being a teenager is hard enough. Being a teenager and struggling with OCD is even harder. Know YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Join our support group and hear from other teens about their OCD journey and what they have learned along the way. The in-person support group is led by Melanie Loya, M.S. We understand that joining a group can be hard. You will never be forced to participate, some people start out just by listening. Group members will learn how to relate to OCD in new ways so they can be more present and get back to doing what matters most in life. The group allows participants to openly share struggles and successes and gain understanding from other teens that can relate to the unique experience of navigating OCD. This is a support group and is not meant to function in place of therapy. This workshop is a part of an educational series and is not considered therapy. Please consult with your therapist about what interventions are right for you. Participants: The group is open to teenagers (ages 15 and up) with OCD that are currently in treatment or have graduated from treatment. Topics will vary slightly based on age and interest. Dates: The group meets for 6 weeks on Wednesday's from 5:00pm - 6:00pm (PST) in North Berkeley (exact location to be given after completion of registration process). After the six weeks there is a two week break and then there is an option to commit to another 6 weeks. Please email [email protected] for the next start date. FEES: The total cost for 6 groups is $300. Sliding scale available. (SNACKS INCLUDED) For more info visit: https://loom.ly/FO42HSk

Being a teenager is hard enough. Being a teenager and struggling with OCD is even harder. Know YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Join our support group and hear from other teens about their OCD journey and what they have learned along the way. The in-person support group is led by Melanie Loya, M.S. We understand that joining a group can be hard. You will never be forced to participate, some people start out just by listening. Group members will learn how to relate to OCD in new ways so they can be more present and get back to doing what matters most in life. The group allows participants to openly share struggles and successes and gain understanding from other teens that can relate to the unique experience of navigating OCD. This is a support group and is not meant to function in place of therapy. This workshop is a part of an educational series and is not considered therapy. Please consult with your therapist about what interventions are right for you. Participants: The group is open to teenagers (ages 15 and up) with OCD that are currently in treatment or have graduated from treatment. Topics will vary slightly based on age and interest. Dates: The group meets for 6 weeks on Wednesday's from 5:00pm - 6:00pm (PST) in North Berkeley (exact location to be given after completion of registration process). After the six weeks there is a two week break and then there is an option to commit to another 6 weeks. Please email [email protected] for the next start date. FEES: The total cost for 6 groups is $300. Sliding scale available. (SNACKS INCLUDED) For more info visit: https://loom.ly/FO42HSk

Being a teenager is hard enough. Being a teenager and struggling with OCD is even harder. Know YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Join our support group and hear from other teens about their OCD journey and what they have learned along the way. The in-person support group is led by Melanie Loya, M.S. We understand that joining a group can be hard. You will never be forced to participate, some people start out just by listening. Group members will learn how to relate to OCD in new ways so they can be more present and get back to doing what matters most in life. The group allows participants to openly share struggles and successes and gain understanding from other teens that can relate to the unique experience of navigating OCD. This is a support group and is not meant to function in place of therapy. This workshop is a part of an educational series and is not considered therapy. Please consult with your therapist about what interventions are right for you. Participants: The group is open to teenagers (ages 15 and up) with OCD that are currently in treatment or have graduated from treatment. Topics will vary slightly based on age and interest. Dates: The group meets for 6 weeks on Wednesday's from 5:00pm - 6:00pm (PST) in North Berkeley (exact location to be given after completion of registration process). After the six weeks there is a two week break and then there is an option to commit to another 6 weeks. Please email [email protected] for the next start date. FEES: The total cost for 6 groups is $300. Sliding scale available. (SNACKS INCLUDED) For more info visit: https://loom.ly/FO42HSk

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a multifaceted neurodevelopmental condition that often impersonates the symptoms of other mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and mood dysregulation. ADHD is defined by behavioral symptoms like impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity. Its manifestations can extend far beyond these primary traits, often leading to misdiagnosis and misunderstanding. Learning about the intricate relationship between ADHD and these overlapping conditions is crucial for personal development, accurate identification, and effective intervention.

One of the most effective treatment methods for trauma is eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. The core premise of EMDR is to lessen the impact of painful memories through the application of guided bilateral stimulation. EMDR is an effective treatment option for various types of trauma, including PTSD, childhood abuse, domestic violence, and natural disasters. To learn more about EMDR and where you can find it in Orange County, California, visit https://lnkd.in/gjuP6GFs. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction and a co-occurring mental health disorder, we are here to help every step of the way. Call us at 888.348.2835 to get help today. . . . #addictionrecovery #addiction #recoveryispossible #mentalhealth #addictionawareness #wedorecover #soberliving #addictiontreatment

Avoid the "kitchen sink" approach...Check out my blog post on the "Why" effect! Understanding the true connection between cause and effect in our ABA interventions is essential but often overlooked. As behavior analysts, we must critically assess our strategies to ensure they address the real causes of problem behaviors. https://zurl.co/gkID

Breaking the Cycle: Understanding and Addressing Generational Trauma in Mental Health Generational trauma, also referred to as intergenerational or transgenerational trauma, involves the transmission of traumatic experiences from one generation to the next. This phenomenon can manifest through genetic inheritance, learned behaviors, and environmental influences. Impact on Mental Health Individuals with a history of generational trauma are at increased risk for various mental health disorders, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Additionally, while some may develop maladaptive coping mechanisms, others might build resilience and adaptive strategies, though this resilience can be unevenly distributed across generations. Addressing Generational Trauma 1. Therapeutic Interventions:    - Trauma-Informed Therapy: As therapists, we employ approaches that recognize and address the impact of trauma on mental health.    - Family Therapy: This form of therapy helps address dysfunctional patterns within the family system.    - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is effective in treating specific symptoms of trauma, such as anxiety and depression. 2. Community and Cultural Interventions:    - Community Support Programs: Initiatives that promote community cohesion and support can help mitigate the effects of collective trauma.    - Cultural Healing Practices: Engaging in culturally relevant healing practices can be particularly beneficial for communities with a shared history of trauma. 3. Policy and Advocacy:    - Social Policies: Policies aimed at reducing poverty, improving education, and providing mental health services are crucial in addressing the root causes and consequences of generational trauma.    - Advocacy: Raising awareness about the effects of generational trauma and advocating for systemic change is essential for long-term solutions. Research and Future Directions Continued research is vital to deepen our understanding of generational trauma. Key areas of focus include: - Longitudinal Studies: Tracking families over multiple generations to observe the transmission of trauma and resilience. - Neuroscience Research: Exploring how trauma affects brain development and function across generations. - Cultural Studies: Investigating how different cultures understand and cope with generational trauma. Generational trauma is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon with significant implications for mental health. Addressing it requires a comprehensive approach that includes therapeutic interventions, community and cultural support, and policy advocacy. By understanding and addressing the roots and mechanisms of generational trauma, we can better support individuals and communities in breaking the cycle of trauma and fostering mental well-being.

One clarification since I created this blog post on the included grid, Brainspotting does use the neocortex, the neocortex is used to set the frame, front load the session, and debrief at the end. During the actual mindfulness based processing, the hypothesis is that the subcortical brain is accessed. https://lnkd.in/gwU-XHJc #brainspotting #traumatherapy #EMDRtherapy

Mastering EMDR: Essential Phases You Must Document Join us as we explore the critical phases of EMDR therapy. We’ll provide tips and tools for documenting each stage effectively, ensuring clarity in your practice. Elevate your skills and enhance your sessions with our expert insights! EMDR Documentation Course Overview Frustrated with your notes? Can’t figure out how to translate EMDR into an effective evidenced-based note? Come to our webinar and learn the basics! · Learn how to create a streamlined EMDR Treatment Plan connected to a progress note! · Simplify your notes and help them speak to the EMDR protocol! · Gain templates for notes and documenting! Register here: https://lnkd.in/gxSSrCA9 #TherapyTips #MentalHealth #TherapeuticTechniques #ClinicalPractice #DocumentYourSessions #PsychologyInsights #HealingJourney #TraumaTherapy #EffectiveTherapy