Greater Valley Behavioral Health by Justin Biske

As a licensed counselor with years of experience in helping clients overcome their mental health challenges through the use of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), I know firsthand how effective this type of therapy can be. CBT focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors to improve overall mental health and wellbeing. In this article, I'll explore how I use CBT to help my clients and the practical steps you can take to incorporate CBT into your own mental health routine. Step 1: Identify negative thought patterns. The first step in CBT is to identify negative thought patterns, also known as cognitive distortions. Examples of cognitive distortions include black-and-white thinking, catastrophizing, and overgeneralization. I help my clients identify these negative patterns and work to replace them with more positive, rational thoughts. Step 2: Challenge Negative Thoughts Once negative thought patterns have been identified, I help my clients challenge them by looking for...

As a mental health counselor, I see many clients who struggle with work-related stress. Long hours, tight deadlines, and heavy workloads can all take a toll on your mental and physical health. However, there are steps you can take to reduce work stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Here are five ways to reduce work stress that I recommend: Practice self-care: Take care of yourself by eating well, getting enough sleep, and engaging in physical activity. This can help you manage stress more effectively and improve your overall well-being. Establish work boundaries: Set clear boundaries between work and home life. Establish times when you will not check work emails or take work-related calls. This can help you recharge and focus on personal relationships and activities. Use relaxation techniques: practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. These techniques can help reduce stress levels and improve mental clarity. Prioritize tasks: Cre...