Mental Health Disorders and Weight Gain: Breaking the Cycle Through Therapy
Filed June 10, 2026 under Article.
Dr. Sergey Terushkin MD, FACS, FASMBS — Bariatric Surgeon,
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Set the Room in Teletherapy: Opening Lines That Secure Privacy and Focus
Establishing clear boundaries at the start of a teletherapy session is critical for both client safety and therapeutic effectiveness. This article draws on insights from mental health professionals who specialize in remote care to outline three essential opening strategies that protect confidentiality and maintain focus. These practical techniques help therapists create a secure virtual environment from the first moment of contact.
Psychologist Brief,
Ending Therapy Well: Closing Rituals Clinicians Use to Protect Gains
Ending therapy is just as important as the work done throughout treatment, yet many clinicians struggle to create meaningful closure for their clients. This article explores practical closing rituals that help solidify progress and mark the transition out of therapy. Drawing from insights shared by experienced mental health professionals, these strategies offer concrete ways to protect therapeutic gains and honor the work completed.
Psychologist Brief,
Therapy Homework That Gets Done: Small Tweaks Clinicians Use to Boost Follow-Through
Getting clients to complete therapy homework remains one of the most common challenges clinicians face, yet simple adjustments to how assignments are designed can dramatically improve follow-through rates. This article explores practical strategies that experienced therapists use to turn homework from a source of frustration into an effective tool for progress. Experts in the field share specific techniques for crafting assignments that clients actually complete, from timing and structure to personalization and caregiver involvement.
Psychologist Brief,
Therapy Homework: How Clinicians Turn Avoidance Into Action
Therapy homework can be the bridge between insight and real change, yet many clients struggle to follow through. This article explores practical strategies clinicians use to help clients move from resistance to consistent action. Drawing on expert insights from the field, these approaches focus on making assignments manageable, addressing concerns openly, and setting realistic expectations.
Psychologist Brief,
Why Insight Alone Doesn’t Always Lead to Change in Therapy
Filed May 29, 2026 under Article.
Kara Guindin,
Telehealth: Quick Moves to Re-Center Distracted Clients
Keeping clients focused during virtual sessions remains one of telehealth's biggest challenges. This article brings together proven techniques from mental health professionals who have mastered the art of addressing client distraction. Learn practical strategies to recognize and redirect divided attention while maintaining therapeutic rapport.
Psychologist Brief,
Small Tweaks That Raise Therapy Homework Follow-Through
Therapy homework can be a powerful tool for progress, but only if clients actually complete it. This article explores practical strategies backed by insights from experienced mental health professionals to improve homework completion rates. These four approaches address common barriers and help clients build consistent follow-through between sessions.
Psychologist Brief,
Scripts That Cut No-Shows in Private Practice Scheduling
No-shows disrupt care continuity and strain practice resources, but the right communication strategies can reduce them significantly. This article compiles proven scripts and techniques from scheduling experts and seasoned practitioners who have successfully minimized missed appointments. These approaches focus on clear expectations, empathetic follow-up, and practical scheduling tactics that respect both clinician time and patient needs.
Psychologist Brief,
Make Therapy Homework Stick: Framing That Increases Follow-Through
Getting clients to complete therapy homework remains one of the most persistent challenges in clinical practice. This article presents proven strategies from experienced therapists who have cracked the code on increasing client follow-through between sessions. Learn three practical reframing techniques that transform homework from a dreaded task into an opportunity for real change.
Psychologist Brief,
Land the Last X Minutes: Closing Routines That Calm Therapy Sessions
Ending a therapy session well matters just as much as how it begins. This article brings together insights from experienced therapists who share their most effective closing routines to help clients transition smoothly back into daily life. These five practical strategies create calm endings that reinforce progress and prepare both therapist and client for what comes next.
Psychologist Brief,
Collaborative Safety Planning for Passive Suicidal Thoughts in Outpatient Therapy
Passive suicidal thoughts present unique assessment challenges in outpatient settings, requiring clinicians to distinguish between fleeting ideation and true risk. This article examines practical approaches to collaborative safety planning when clients express wishes to die without active intent or plans. Drawing on insights from mental health professionals experienced in suicide risk management, we explore concrete strategies for determining when observation is appropriate and when more intensive intervention becomes necessary.
Psychologist Brief,
Open Repair After a Therapist Miss: Phrases That Rebuild Trust in Therapy
When a therapist makes a mistake, the path forward depends on how they respond. This article examines the specific phrases and approaches therapists can use to repair ruptures and restore trust after missteps in therapy. Drawing on insights from mental health professionals, these strategies focus on centering client experience and understanding the real impact of therapeutic errors.
Psychologist Brief,
Communicate No-Show and Late-Cancel Policies Without Rupture in Private Practice
No-shows and late cancellations create real challenges for private practice clinicians, but harsh policies can damage the therapeutic relationship. This article presents expert guidance on setting clear boundaries while maintaining trust with clients. Learn practical strategies for communicating policies that protect your practice without creating barriers to care.
Psychologist Brief,
Therapy Endings: Conducting Effective Termination
Ending therapy well is as important as beginning it, yet many clinicians struggle with how to make termination meaningful and complete. This article presents seven research-backed strategies for conducting effective therapy endings, drawing on insights from experienced mental health professionals. These practical approaches help ensure clients leave treatment with clarity, closure, and continued confidence in their progress.
Psychologist Brief,
Repair the Therapy Relationship: Openers Clinicians Use After a Hard Session
Every therapist knows that difficult sessions can strain the therapeutic alliance, but what happens next often determines whether the relationship strengthens or fractures. This article gathers practical techniques from experienced clinicians who have mastered the art of reconnecting with clients after challenging moments. Learn specific opening statements and approaches that help repair ruptures and rebuild trust in the therapy room.
Psychologist Brief,
Private Practice Finance: Navigating Fees and Sliding Scale
Setting fair fees and implementing a sliding scale in private practice requires balancing financial sustainability with client accessibility. This article breaks down practical strategies informed by experts in the field who emphasize transparency, clear communication, and outcome-based thinking. Therapists will learn how to discuss costs confidently while maintaining the therapeutic relationship and protecting their practice's financial health.
Psychologist Brief,
Group Therapy Facilitation: Managing Dominant Voices
Managing dominant voices in group therapy requires specific techniques that maintain balance while respecting all participants. This article draws on insights from experienced therapists who have successfully navigated these challenging dynamics. Learn practical strategies, including the bridge and baton move, to create more equitable participation in your therapy groups.
Psychologist Brief,
Therapy Endings: Clinicians Share Closing Moves That Help Gains Stick
Ending therapy well can be just as important as the work that happens during treatment. This article brings together expert clinicians who reveal the specific techniques they use to help clients maintain progress after their final session. From confidence scales to strategic frameworks, these evidence-informed strategies ensure that therapeutic gains last long after treatment concludes.
Psychologist Brief,
Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy: Adapting Session Structure
Traditional therapy structures often fail to accommodate the needs of neurodivergent clients, leading to unnecessary stress and reduced therapeutic benefit. This article explores practical strategies therapists can implement to create more accessible and effective sessions for neurodivergent individuals. Drawing on insights from mental health professionals specializing in neurodiversity-affirming care, these approaches center client autonomy and sensory needs as essential components of the therapeutic process.
Psychologist Brief,
Grief Therapy: Calibrating Early Sessions
Grief therapy requires a delicate balance between providing structure and allowing space for emotional processing, especially in the early sessions. Understanding how to calibrate these initial meetings can make the difference between a client feeling supported or overwhelmed. This article draws on insights from experienced grief therapists to outline practical approaches for establishing safety, honoring loss, and building momentum in the crucial first phase of treatment.
Psychologist Brief,
Behavioral Sleep Health: First-Line Moves for Insomnia
Insomnia affects millions of people, yet many struggle to find effective solutions that don't involve medication. This article presents evidence-based behavioral strategies that address the root causes of sleep disruption, drawing on guidance from sleep medicine specialists and clinical researchers. These practical techniques can help restore healthy sleep patterns through simple changes to evening routines and bedroom habits.
Psychologist Brief,
Land Therapy Sessions on Time Without Losing Connection
Ending therapy sessions effectively is a skill that shapes client progress and strengthens the therapeutic relationship. This article draws on insights from mental health professionals who have refined their approach to session closings over years of practice. Learn five practical strategies that help clients leave with clarity while maintaining momentum between appointments.
Psychologist Brief,
Couples Therapy: Coaching Timeouts During Conflict
Conflicts in relationships are inevitable, but how couples manage those heated moments can make all the difference between resolution and lasting damage. This article draws on insights from relationship experts to explore practical strategies for using timeouts effectively during arguments. Learn how to recognize escalation, establish trust-building practices, and implement structured breaks that actually strengthen your partnership instead of creating more distance.
Psychologist Brief,