Category: Uncategorized

High-Functioning Anxiety: Slipping Under the “Anxiety Radar”, Perfectionism

by Rychel L. Johnson, LCPC, posted in achievement, anxiety, mental health counseling, perfectionism, therapy, Uncategorized

High Functioning Anxiety

In my previous entry, I wrote about anxiety–pros and cons, types, and goal-setting for symptom management. I currently have therapy clients, family members, and friends in the midst of “seasons of transition” (moving, pregnancy, beginning a new job, starting college, etc.), and ANXIETY is a hot topic as a result.

Below is the link to an article from The Mighty, a resource outlining the everyday struggles and triumphs of people living with disability, mental illness, and/or chronic illness. The report features High Functioning Anxiety–a subcategory of anxiety.

Compared to other types, high-functioning anxiety (HFA, for the sake of my slow typing) is a different ballgame: often it’s undetected by parents, teachers, and peers as the individual can be high-achieving, academically successful, have above-average social skills, and maintain consistent employment.

I’ve had the opportunity to work with a variety of clients I would place into this category–I love working with HFA clients to learn how unique perspectives in achievement and life add to the person’s present level of functioning. In addition, HFA individuals are generally highly invested clients on my caseload and very motivated to work during time dedicated to therapy.

Check the article out for yourself:

http://themighty.com/2016/06/living-with-high-functioning-and-hidden-anxiety/

Opportunity: The Bridge

by Rychel L. Johnson, LCPC, posted in mental health counseling, Uncategorized

I love the concept of bridges. Bridges are designed to bear great weight, weather conditions, and can span great distances between one piece of land to the next.

Bridges can pose a great threat as an imposing structure; however, they can also serve as a powerful symbol of connection, transition, and growth. 

A person overwhelmed with his or her circumstances may view a bridge as an obstacle rather than an opportunity. As a professional counselor, my role is to help clients to view their circumstances in a different light over time–to accept and commit to the idea that throughout life we make a series of decisions about who or where we want to be.

If crossing a bridge is intimidating and full of “unknowns”, I would love to begin a counseling journey with you. I’ve decided to feature the image below as a symbol of my counseling practice, and hope that we can join forces to cross life’s bridges together.

For more information, please contact me HERE.

cropped-GGB-baker-beach-e1546382832930

Love Languages

by Rychel L. Johnson, LCPC, posted in Uncategorized

Good morning.

In my work as an in-home therapist, it isn’t often that I get to administer tests, personality inventories and the like.  I frequently encounter “therapeutic fires” when I arrive at a home, i.e. a parent expresses frustration for a current family issue that we must address in the moment. No time for tests, Rychel! Graduate school provided a plethora of these measures–I miss utilizing them to serve others.

Fortunately, over the years in therapy practice I’ve continued to employ inventories to learn more about myself and others in relationships. I suppose it’s a form of self-care, to understand ourselves as helpers in order to better serve others. We’ve all encountered (or have been bombarded by) personality quizzes through social media, which I tend to take with a grain of salt (unless I’m having a particularly challenging day, then I use these as an escape, let’s be honest!).

My personal favorite, and particularly non-daunting, inventory for personal evaluation is the Love Language Profile, which can be found here. The linked website provides information on the five love languages (words of affirmation, acts of service, giving gifts, quality time and physical touch).

Personally, I’ve been able to apply my understanding of my Love Language profile to romantic relationships and friendships alike–any relationship that is intended to be dynamic and long-term. I find that not only does this inventory educate an individual on how to express love for others emotionally; understanding one’s primary love language(s) can provide dialogue within the context of a relationship to express one’s needs for receiving love.

If you haven’t used this tool for yourself, loved ones, clients, etc…I encourage you to do so!

Time for clients and paperwork. Happy Monday!

RJ