All posts tagged: psychologist

The Gaming Mind: A New Psychology of Videogames and the Power of Play

Alex Kriss, Ph.D., on “The Gaming Mind: A New Psychology of Videogames and the Power of Play”

Alexander Kriss, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and author based in New York. His first book, The Gaming Mind: A New Psychology of Videogames and the Power of Play, was published in 2019. He graduated from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts with a B.F.A. in playwriting. He received his M.A. and Ph.D. in clinical psychology at The New School for Social Research. He is also an adjunct professor of psychology at The City College of New York and Fordham University.  He has written about the intersection of mental health and technology for Salon, Psychology Today, and Logic. Alex Kriss on “The Gaming Mind: A New Psychology of Videogames and the Power of Play” . Q: What inspired you to write The Gaming Mind: A New Psychology of Videogames and the Power of Play? AK: I started playing videogames with my father when I was five years old. They were an important part of my life throughout childhood, adolescence, and into adulthood, though I didn’t necessarily appreciate how important for a long time. As I began to develop a professional identity as a clinical …

5 Reasons to Consider Psychiatric Medication

Top 5 Reasons to Consider Psychiatric Medication

Introduction A surprising dichotomy of viewpoints seems to arise around the topic of psychiatry and management; the first is that psychiatrists are real doctors and psychotherapists are quacks.  The second is that medication is for suckers, weaklings, and the desperate. The polarization I’ve observed about these topics is surprising considering all evidence seems to indicate that both work pretty well together.  While it’s not my place to tell people they must be on medication (As in, legally I’m not allowed to), I can certainly tell you about my experience with medication as a supplement to psychotherapy, and why it may make sense to consult with a psychiatrist about your needs. 1. Step Outside the System Our personalities and individual psychologies are complex dynamic systems.  Our character structures consist of many forces, mounting pressures, levers, sources of friction, algorithms, contingencies, etc. that come together to create an overall feeling of goodness or badness of some kind.  The important point about our personalities being systems is that they seem to favor repeated, stable, and predictable outcomes, regardless …

How to pay for psychotherapy

Affordable Therapy: 11 Ways to Pay for Therapy When You’re Broke

Introduction Seeking out psychotherapy to address persisting emotional difficulties, especially when you have never had personal experience with it, is almost always a last resort.  Leaving aside unconscious factors captured by the term “resistance,” the cost of competent treatment remains one of the easiest excuses to cite when avoiding needed care.  While this list won’t help you address any negative feelings you have about therapy and/or what it costs, my hope is that it will: Help people who are ready for treatment and struggling with how they can afford it; and Gently take away poor excuses for avoiding something that is needed. Remember that therapists like to help. That’s how we got into this profession. Don’t let the cost get in the way of the help you need. If you’re willing to do some legwork, there’s a therapist out there for you.#mentalhealth#therapy pic.twitter.com/xTGVlbxrYX — Michael Kinsey, Ph.D. (@mindsplain) May 17, 2020 1. Ask for a Lower Fee and Present a Budget Many therapists will consult at no cost with prospective patients to determine whether the …