Psychology Archives - Page 2 of 5 - Gale Forensic Psychology

Vitamin D and Mental Health

July 22, 2021
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Why Everyone is Craving Vitamin D

Most people understand the importance of consuming various vitamins; however, many people are not getting enough Vitamin D and it can affect their mental health. This vitamin is called the sunshine vitamin because most people can get what they need directly from the sun. The body produces Vitamin D from sunlight. Numerous people do not get enough sunlight on a regular basis, so luckily it is also available by consuming certain things. Vitamin D deficiency is becoming more apparent because people are spending way more time inside. Some people also choose to take supplements with the vitamin in it.

Why Vitamin D

Most people instantly associate Vitamin D with bone health; however Vitamin D does so much more. There are several processes that Vitamin D helps in. One of the most important functions of the vitamin is the regulation of the absorption of phosphorous and calcium. It also helps with immune system function. It is imperative for healthy bones and teeth. It also helps to combat certain diseases. If the body is unable to get enough of the D vitamin the risk for abnormal bones increase.

Vitamin D Helps to Regulate Mood

Vitamin D is described as a natural mood regulator. Sometimes a change in attitude and outlook is because the vitamin is lacking. In fact, when someone is missing this important vitamin, they may become depressed. Some people who do not get enough Vitamin D on a daily basis, become more anxious. It is suggested that adults get 2000 IU of Vitamin D each day. Some doctors recommend getting Vitamin D levels checked to ensure enough of the vitamin is being taken each day.

How to Get Enough Vitamin D

There are several ways to ensure that enough Vitamin D is taken on a daily basis.

One way is to ensure that at least ten to thirty minutes each day is spent directly in the sun. This can help to increase D3 levels. If natural sunlight is not an option due to time or location, purchasing a therapy lamp is another great option. Another way to get Vitamin D in daily is by the food eaten. Some good food options are salmon, tuna, milk, eggs and mushrooms. Supplements are another great way to increase Vitamin D levels. It is important to review exactly how much Vitamin D is in the supplement because there can be quite a range.

Vitamin D is very important to keep the body functioning properly. If anyone is having trouble with their anxiety or depression getting more Vitamin D may help.

See our blog for more topics on mental health.

Differences Between Therapeutic Psychology and Forensic Psychology

June 27, 2021
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Differences Between Therapeutic Psychology and Forensic Psychology

When it comes to mental health, it is incredibly important to make sure one finds the best suited mental health professional possible in order to increase one’s chances of a desired outcome. Most people find themselves visiting a mental health professional for one of two reasons. They either take it upon themselves to seek out treatment in order to improve their mental health or situation, or they have been mandated by a court or a place of employment to seek an evaluation. The differences in these psychology practices can be found here.

Mental health professionals usually specialize in different areas of practice. Regardless of purpose, it is important for a client to understand the major differences between these two specialties within the psychiatric realm. The fundamental difference between the roles of therapeutic psychologists and forensic psychologist, is whether the client is pursuing voluntary treatment vs. involuntary assessment. This article will further explore the major differences between forensic and therapeutic psychology.

Reasons for Therapy

A therapeutic psychologist is much more open to a client establishing and modifying their treatment goals. A psychologist who specializes in this field will usually be sought out by a client when they have perhaps experienced difficult circumstances or significant hardships in their life, and they would like to address these issues in order to develop appropriate coping mechanisms for the situation at hand.

The main purpose of a forensic psychologist, is to ascertain whether the individual is of sound mind to stand trial or, in the case of employment, return to duty. A forensic psychologist is not hired in order to assist an individual in improving their psychological well-being. Rather, a forensic psychologist’s role is focused on the legalities, rather than dispensing therapeutic advice.

For example, a law enforcement officer who has been involved in a particularly stressful incident while on duty may be mandated by his department to undergo a psychiatric evaluation before he is allowed to return to regular duty status. Another example, could be a criminal defendant, who’s mental capacity may be called into question. One of the deciding factors in whether they would be deemed “criminally insane,” or fit to stand trial, would be the outcome of a mandated forensic psychiatric evaluation.

Confidentiality

A common myth is that all psychologists are held to the same standard of confidentiality, however this is not the case when it comes to forensic psychologists. While psychologists who specialize in therapeutic psychology are held to a high standard of confidentiality (with the exception of imminent threat or harm being posed to the client or others), forensic psychologists are usually required to report their findings to the court, or agency, which mandated the screening.

Once again, the important thing to keep in mind is whether that client is seeking out voluntary treatment vs. involuntary assessment. With an involuntary psychological evaluation, one should always assume that the results of the screening, or interview, will likely be discussed with an outside agency, in order to determine the next best course of action.

Both therapeutic psychologists and forensic psychologists play a vital role in society. Being able to identify and distinguish between the functions of therapeutic and forensic psychology is crucial in order to identify the right specialist for the job.

If you are in need of a Forensic Psychologist, look no further! Contact us today.

Nonverbal Communication Skills

June 10, 2021
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Don’t underestimate the power of your nonverbal communication skills

Pretty much everyone has heard of the saying “read between the lines”. Well, the same can be true for communication as well. Nonverbal communication is reading body language such as facial expressions, hand gestures, touch, and movement. It can even include the tone of someone’s verbal communication.

Why Nonverbal communication is important

First impressions are largely made within seven seconds of meeting someone. That’s a short span of time. So a lot of it comes down to reading body language. We as people transmit so much information about ourselves through nonverbal communication and we don’t even realize it. The way we walk, for example, can give off cues as to how confident a person is. A person moving their feet a lot can show they are anxious about something.

Another reason why nonverbal communication is important is that it helps counselors and healthcare providers in building a good rapport with their patients. When this happens then the patient is more willing to open up about feelings or behaviors they otherwise would not have.

Types of Nonverbal skills

There are 9 types of nonverbal communication.

Kinesics
Haptics
Proxemics
Territory
Environment
Paralinguistic’s
Chronemics
Attractiveness
Olfactics

Kinesics is all about how we move our body, head, hands, and arms. This type of nonverbal communication also includes the facial expressions we make.

Haptics is the physical contact or touch that we have with others. A handshake when meeting someone is a form of this. Our haptics can characterize the relationship we have with someone.

Proxemics is all about space and distance. How people use the space around them can show the level of discomfort someone is feeling.

Territory gives you a sense of a person’s power. People who open up their bodies and take up space portray having power.

Environment is about the objects we surround ourselves with to give off a certain impression.

Paralinguistic’s analyzes how someone is speaking. This involves listening to the pitch, tone, volume, tempo, and articulation.

Chronemics is how a person uses their time. This includes the punctuality of a person or their willingness to wait for something or someone.

Attractiveness isn’t just about the physical appeal. Maintaining a good level of eye contact, having a lively face, and open gestures are also part of our attractiveness.

Olfactics is how we assess smells.

Take Away

Our body language is a crucial part of our communication with others. It helps us to deliver clear messages and create a good impression on others. We use it to show our feelings about things and people. So do not underestimate the power of your nonverbal communication.

If you feel like you need help with your verbal or nonverbal communication, please reach out to our team.

Developing Perspective

May 31, 2021
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The Power of Perspective

Everyone knows that individuals have their own personal strengths and weaknesses. Some people are incredibly kind, and others might be especially brave. But there is a virtue that many people overlook, and it’s actually one of the most important. Here we talk about developing perspective and how to see things differently.

What is Perspective?

Individuals who are high in their perspective skill are generally full of wisdom. They’re able to see the forest through the trees and can use their knowledge and life experiences to have a balanced view of any situation or scenario. In other words, they’re able to tell when the “glass is half full or half empty”.

Perspective is an important skill to have because it bridges the gap between cognitive ability and empathetic feeling. It’s an essential virtue that allows individuals to use their strengths in both a social and logical context.

Benefits of Developing Perspective

People who have lofty perspective skills are generally better able to learn from their mistakes, as well as accept and repent for the consequences of their actions.

Other benefits to having high perspective include:

Generally able to give sage advice
Linked to wellbeing in older adults (physically and socioeconomically)

How to Improve Perspective

The development of perspective skills has been linked to cognitive behavioral therapy. This type of therapy is helpful in identifying and diminishing negative thoughts, and refocusing that energy on managing emotions. Having and keeping perspective in mind can help counteract anxiety, depression, and general negativity.

There are other ways to develop perspective other than therapy. In fact, one of the easiest ways to do so is to approach situations with the following questions:

What’s the best/worst thing that could happen here? Now, what’s most likely?
What are other people thinking and feeling that I might not be?
Will this matter tomorrow, next week, or next year?

Keeping these questions in mind when dealing with hard situations can help turn anyone into a well-rounded, highly perspective person.

Other Skills to Use

While perspective is a really important skill, it’s not the be-all-end-all of personal virtues. That being said, it can be considered a signature strength because it can help improve and strengthen other skills.

The strengths that developing perspective can help improve include, but are not limited to:

Positivity
Decision Making
Conflict Resolution
Forgiveness

Perspective Out of Balance

People who overuse their perspective skills are often seen as preachy, and the amount of insight they’re giving is usually unwanted and unappreciated. On the other hand, people who lack in their perspective skills can come across as disconnected or emotionally unavailable.

If you find yourself feeling to off balance, talk to someone. We can always help.

Enabling a Meaningful Work Environment

May 25, 2021
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Enabling a Meaningful Work Environment

A Meaningful Work Environment

Creating a meaningful workplace is becoming more and more important to employers. When employees are engaged in a meaningful work environment, they will feel more motivated and satisfied. Ultimately, this will lead to an overall increase in productivity and quality of services. Employers should be conscious of the dynamic they are creating in the workplace through their leadership choices. There have been many studies conducted on best practices for making a more meaningful work environment. Listed below are a few ideas of how to create a more meaningful work environment.

Create a Shared Goal

Employers should make it a point to make sure all of their employees are on the same page about their organizations’ shared goals and outcomes. Creating a higher purpose will give employees daily motivation. It will also keep employees connected. Having a shared goal can decrease conflict within the work environment. When everyone is working for a common purpose, collaboration and cooperation may come much easier. The shared goal should be known by every employee in the organization, regardless of role. This goal should be connected to the overall impact of the company on the larger society.

Reinforce Prosocial Behaviors

Prosocial behaviors are behaviors that support others. In the workplace, this can look like giving “kudos” to someone on work performance, collaborating successfully, and stepping in when needed. If an employer places prosocial behaviors as a priority, employees are more likely to make prosocial behaviors a priority. When prosocial behaviors are a part of the everyday work environment, people tend to enjoy going to work more. When employees have the “it’s not my job” mentality, tension or division may be created. Employers should find ways to incorporate prosocial values into a reward system. Some organizations choose to incorporate them into evaluations, yearly rewards/bonuses, and even mentoring programs.

Prioritize Mental Health

Mental Health is beginning to come to the forefront of workplace jargon. Depending on your industry, your employees’ mental health can directly impact their career performance. Organizations are beginning to see the importance of mental health, and its role in it. Employers should brainstorm ways to positively add to their employees’ mental health. Employers can provide extra breaks, less workload, and even more vacation time if possible. Some organizations even offer a stipend for a gym membership. Every company is different, but the employees’ mental health should be the main concern no matter what.

If you are finding you need some extra reassurance, contact our office here.

Preparing for a Psychological Evaluation

April 22, 2021
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Prepare for a Psychological Exam

If you just found out you need to go for a psychological evaluation for social security, it can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. With an increase of psychiatric disabilities and people unable to work as a result of these disabilities, it’s important to understand how these psychological evaluations work in the disability application process. The application process for SSI and SSDI is quite similar. The only difference is if you don’t have a lot of work history or work credits you will need to apply for SSI, a need-based program. If you have worked for many years, you may have enough work credits to qualify for SSDI, but the process is still the same. If social security doesn’t have enough medical history for you, they will send you to an evaluation with a professional.

A psychological evaluation, also known as a mental consultative test is with a professional examiner to better understand your condition. Social security will send you to one of these exams in the event there is not enough history in the claimant’s medical records. The exam is completed by an independent doctor that has no affiliation with the Social Security Administration to ensure there are no bias opinions in the exam. During the psychological exam, there are several texts the examiner will complete to include:

• Memory test

• Mood

• Depression

• Language skills

• Awareness

• Counting

• Who the current president is

• Talk about your childhood

During the exam, the evaluator will watch you from the moment you pull into the parking lot. Once you get into the building, the examiner will take you into the room and note how you walk and act. If you allege you have a personality or mood disorder such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, the mental health examiner will discuss your symptoms and how you deal with them each day. If you allege other mental health issues such as panic attacks, anxiety, or depression, the examiner will talk about these symptoms, how you get out of the home, deal with family and the public. The doctor will also discuss your work history, medical history, medication history, establish identity to confirm who you are and typical daily activities.

You can prepare for the psychological evaluation by thinking and writing down some of your symptoms and how long they have lasted. Identifying what triggers your symptoms and what you do to decrease your symptoms. The night before the exam, have a good dinner and good night’s sleep as this will help you the following day.

At the completion of the exam, the doctor you saw will need to write a report to the social security examiner about their findings and opinions about your disability within ten days. This will allow the disability examiner the opportunity to make a decision on your case. Mental consultative exams usually have enough evidence and strongly considered by the medical examiner when deciding a case. If you do not attend the mental health exam, there is a possibility your claim could be denied.

If you need an exam, contact our office.

Understanding Forensic Psychology

February 28, 2021
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Forensic Psychology and Psychological Assessments

Due to the proliferation of crime TV shows, there has been an increased interest in understanding Forensic Psychology. Profiling criminals and capturing them by the end of a 1-hour program can be satisfying, but it is an unrealistic portrayal of law enforcement and psychologists, specifically forensic psychologists. Forensic psychology combines psychology and the law in which psychology is applied to issues regarding the law and legal system. Individuals working in this field may not be licensed “forensic psychologists,” but school psychologists, clinical psychologists, or counselors whose psychological expertise is utilized in legal cases. These experts may assist in the following ways.

Child custody evaluations
Consult with law enforcement
Testimony as an expert witness
Psychological services to inmates

One hallmark of forensic psychology is the use of tests and assessments to diagnose, provide a recommendation, or give a hypothesis about an individual’s behavior, personality, and skills. A psychological assessment can include a battery of tests to provide a full picture of a person’s behavior, traits, and capabilities. The four components of psychological assessments include norm-referenced tests, observations, interviews, and informal assessments.

Norm-references Tests
Norm-referenced tests are psychological tests standardized on a norm group that allows individualized scores to be ranked according to a scale. These tests can assess intelligence, academic achievement, motor skills, and adaptive behavior. Norm-referenced tests provide information about an individual’s level of functioning in a relatively short period of time.

Observations
Observations are best in the individual’s natural settings, such as at home, in the community, and at school. This allows the psychologist to determine how the person behaves across settings and provides a clearer picture of their overall functioning. This particular method can be instrumental in providing treatment recommendations and determining competency.

Interviews
Interviews are more fluid and less structured than standardized testing. Respondents can share background information, such as childhood history and work experience. This allows the individual to tell their story in their own words and share information that may not organically appear in more structured testing.

Informal Assessments
Informal assessments may include projective tests, language samples, and drawings from children. While these tests need to be cautiously evaluated, as they are not scientifically validated as norm-reference tests, they may shed light and be a supplement to the overall battery of tests.

While criminal TV shows may not accurately portray the field of understanding forensic psychology, they have highlighted the importance of experts in this field and their assistance in legal matters. When psychology and the law interacts, experts can use their clinical skills to assess and evaluate individuals to improve their diagnoses, recommendations, and evaluations.

If you need a Forensic Psychologist, we are here for you.

PTSD, Known as the Silent Scream

February 17, 2021
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What is PTSD? Is it a Complex Disorder?

Why is PTSD referred to as a silent scream? Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is basically an anxiety disorder related to the stress that people undergo after experiencing some form of trauma. It develops after a person experiences some form of trauma that causes intense mental and emotional symptoms, often unseen, PTSD is a silent scream. Common symptoms of PTSD include nightmares, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, social withdrawal, and insomnia. Some common causes of trauma include natural disasters, war, accidents, and violence. It’s different how it affects men and women, and a qualified professional will be able to help navigate this silent scream.

As previously mentioned, many people who have post-traumatic stress disorder have developed negative coping skills that make them avoid thinking about painful memories and stressing over the fears they feel. The avoidance process prevents victims from dealing with their emotions. When people with PTSD learn how to deal with their emotions, their coping skills improve. As a result, their PTSD improves, as well. IF you are looking for help determining how it affects men and women, a professional will be able to assist.

So how do you know if you are experiencing post-traumatic disorder? If you experience persistent and exaggerated flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and stress after a traumatic event, then you may have PTSD. There are two forms of PTSD, acute and chronic. In the acute form, victims are often able to deal with their fears in the spur of the moment; however, victims’ symptoms become so intense that they interfere with their lives in the chronic form.

How is post-traumatic stress disorder treated? The treatment for PTSD depends on its severity. For minor trauma, the treatment ranges from conventional medications (antidepressants, tranquilizers) to psychotherapy. Severe trauma requires medical intervention and mental health treatment.

What are the symptoms of PTSD?

The most common symptoms of PTSD silent scream include intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares, and increased anxiety. Some sufferers develop physical symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches, and nausea. Some develop psychological symptoms such as irritability, depression, and even years of self-destructive behavior.

Navigating the Silent Scream

If you suspect that you suffer from complex PTSD, your first step should probably be to go to your doctor and get a complete physical and mental health evaluation. If you do not feel that this level of professional help is necessary, then consider seeking support through local support groups, like the Trauma Recovery Team or VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol). These groups can provide you with the emotional and practical support you need to feel better and begin to work on your road to recovery from your disorder. If all else fails, then consider seeking an alternative healing method, such as psychotherapy, to treat your symptoms and reduce your stress level.

For urgent matters in the Indianapolis area, please contact us.

How to Use Violence Risk Assessments

January 19, 2021
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How to Use Violence Risk Assessments

Several tests help those struggling with mental health issues and help determine risk factors. In some circumstances, as a result of psychological problems, an individual could become violent. This is a hazard to mental health professionals, but it could also impact the community. To help psychologists identify an individual’s risk factors or if they might be capable of harming someone else, the violence risk assessment was created.

Administering these Assessments

To perform a proper violence risk assessment, a psychologist would first compile key information about an individual’s past behavior health during psychological evaluations. Has this individual previously struggled with mental health issues, been in trouble with law enforcement, or witnessed making threats? This information is important when gauging whether this individual is capable of violence.

In addition to their history, a psychologist will examine the individual’s current state.

Warning Signs

Anxiety
Confusion
Making threatening statements
Destructive toward property

With these steps in mind, mental health professionals not only seek to protect bystanders but the patient as well. It’s important to find the best treatment course and the most beneficial one for the patient. The violence risk assessment doesn’t seek to place blame or shame on an individual. A psychologist can’t fully understand all facets of the situation. There could be mitigating factors, such as environmental effects that have shaped the current behavior health.

When to Use Violence Risk Assessments

In many situations, violence risk assessments are an effective tool. Human resource departments can utilize questioners developed by psychologists to identify warning signs for employees in the workplace. These can be part of the hiring process or the exit interview.

Also, individuals released from prison or mental health facilities undergo these assessments during psychological evaluations. New prisoners or psychiatric patients also benefit from these assessments to determine the proper accommodations. For example, someone at high risk for violence would be ill-suited for minimal security or little supervision.

These tools help in situations of domestic and family abuse. When there are threats of violence, mental health professionals must verify the other family members are not at risk.

Again, these assessments provide mental health professionals with the right information to make the most informed decisions. Violence Risk Assessments are a valuable tool in psychiatric care and a great preventative measure. If psychologists make informed adjustments to care early on, it may save the lives of those involved.

If you need our services, we are here for you.

Psychological Evaluation and Bariatric Surgery

December 30, 2020
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Psychological Evaluation and Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery is a type of surgery that is performed on individuals who are obese and whose Body Mass Index (BMI) exceeds the healthy level. There are many reasons who an individual may reach obesity, some of which include hereditary factors, natural body type, psychological problems leading to overeating and chronic stress. When performing bariatric surgery, the practitioner will often complete a psychological evaluation for the patient prior to the operation. This is because before treating the issue of obesity it is necessary to evaluate the underlying psychological factors contributing to the issue of obesity itself.

Causes of Obesity

For some, the state of obesity is simply caused by hereditary factors or the individual’s natural body type. These individuals may find it necessary to have repeat procedures in order to draw out the fat from the body. Still, others may be obese because they have an underlying psychological issue, such as food addiction or impulsive eating, or the lack of getting any exercise.

Weight Loss Surgery

There are various different types of weight loss surgery that can be performed in order to decrease the amount of fat weight that one holds in one’s body. One of these procedures is the Gastric Sleeve procedure. This involves removing up to 85% of the stomach in order to decrease the sensation of hunger. This can result in losing up to 70% of body weight within two years. There is also a procedure called the Gastric Bypass. This results in up to 60 – 80% of body fat lost in under two years and helps to cure Type 1 Diabetes. It reduces the size of your stomach organ and also reduces the absorption of the food you eat.

Another type of bariatric surgery is Hiatal Hernia Repair. Sometimes the cause of obesity is actually a hernia. The hiatus is the passageway between the esophagus and the stomach. In the case of a Hiatal hernia, this stomach bulges up into the chest through the hiatus. These types of procedures are often free of cost when performed in addition to standard weight-loss surgeries, as they help to ensure the health of the patient.

There are many different reasons why the individual may experience increases in weight, including hereditary factors and lifestyle choices. Individuals may gain weight because it is within their ancestry, they are naturally heavy, they are eating to treat mental health ailments or they are practicing impulsive eating. Whatever the reason may be for gaining weight, there are psychological evaluations that can aid in diagnosis. Many bariatric surgeries exist in order to drop weight including the Gastric Sleeve, the Gastric Bypass, and the Hiatal Hernia Repair. These procedures can help restore the individual to full health.

We can help with your psychological evaluation in preparation for this surgery. Give us a call or click today.