Over the course of any given day thousands of people will be seeing a therapist, social worker, or counsellor, and many will be given a mental health diagnosis for the first time as well.
Reactive attachment disorder, bi-polar disorder, borderline personality disorder, major depressive disorder with psychotic features; what do they all mean?
These are just some of the mental illnesses listed; but what do they all mean? To many without a sound knowledge base, they can sound arcane, but you can help them along the way.
First, it’s vital to know clearly what you are diagnosing someone with. This gives people a starting point to do any additonal research or get a second opinion. Some can have names that seem like random words, like reactive attachment disorder, and they may not be easy to remember, but it’s important to be clear.
Next, what are the symptoms or criteria for the disorder. It is not always obvious but by explaining the symptoms, it can give people a clearer understanding of what is going on. It also will be one of the first steps towards healing, as they start to identify on their own any unhelpful actions or thoughts that are part of the illness.
There is no blood test for depression. It is based on observations and communication; so you should have a clear idea of why you believe it is that particular mental illness and then clearly communicate it. This also provides a good opportunity to add any information you may feel helpful or was missed that may impact the diagnosis.
Last, make certain the person knows what the treatment options are. While it may be given in vague terms, they should know in advance what the plan is to help them overcome this issue. Whether it is individual therapy, a support group, or another form of treatment, you should know what it is and understand how it is supposed to specifically help.
Understanding these basics is necessary for the start of a good outcome and recovery.
College of Allied Educators offers our Graduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology programme, training you to help yourself and others towards a happier life by breaking away from destructive habits and thoughts and developing new, more beneficial ones.
- POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY
Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology (PGDICP) is a counselling psychology course accredited by the Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC). The part-time Postgraduate Diploma in Counselling Psychology programme focuses on developing and enhancing experiential knowledge and skills through a holistic approach. Some of the subjects covered include Counselling Children, Addiction Intervention, Crisis Intervention, and Family Therapy. - DIPLOMA IN COUNSELLING PSYCHOLOGY
Diploma in Counselling Psychology (DCPSY) is a counselling course covering a range of conceptual and functional skills in counselling. It trains students to apply appropriate counselling psychology skills in different situations, and equips students with the ability to work effectively as a counsellor.
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