Episode 89 The Benefits & Risks Of Social Media In Therapy: Interview with Dr. Wendy Boring-Bray

What are the risks and benefits of social media in mental health therapy? How does social media affect mental health diagnosis?MEET Dr. Wendy Boring-BrayDr. Wendy Boring-Bray is a Doctor of Behavioral Health and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor specializing in working with individuals that are motivated to make changes in their lives. She is the founder of Diversified Behavioral Health which is a group practice with a mission statement that is “Partnering with individuals to achieve whole-person wellness in their lives, including physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.”She is the author of "A New Beginning" for Psychology Today and publishes articles every month on topics that pertain to mental health, therapy techniques, and how to live a better life.Dr. Wendy received her Master of Arts degree in Counseling from Missouri Baptist and her doctorate from Arizona State University. Wendy has worked as a counselor in different settings such as in-patient, outpatient, and private practice with all ages, but her passion is working with women who are ready to make life changes to capture the life they have dreamed of.Dr. Wendy is known for a warm, relaxed, and comfortable approach to counseling and is an Integrative Psychotherapist, which means that she utilizes a variety of orientations and therapies, according to the client's individual needs. Dr. Wendy's approach involves genuine caring, acceptance, and non-judgment while working with clients from a strength-based, positive, and affirming perspective.Dr. Wendy stays active conducting lectures and training on Shared Decision Making, Compassion Fatigue, Mindfulness, and Self-Care among others. Over a cup of coffee you would learn that she loves her Shiba Inu “Rumi,” can be found watching some sort of historical drama series, her favorite color is teal, and is passionate about encouraging women to pursue their dreams.Find out more about Dr. Wendy at Dr. Wendy Boring-Bray and connect with her on Instagram IN THIS PODCAST:What are the benefits of social media in therapy? 3:17What are the risks of social media in therapy? 7:34The dangers of self-diagnosis in mental health 19:47Protecting yourself as a provider when on social media 21:44<br/>What Are The Benefits Of Social Media In Therapy?How to deal with information overloadIncreasing mental health awareness and eliminating the stigma of seeking mental health therapyHow has mental health therapy evolved through social mediaUtilizing social media to reach a younger generation<br/>What Are The Risks Of Social Media In Therapy?Understanding the risks as a provider when using social mediaUnderstanding the difference between educating and diagnosing peopleSeeking information that is helpful vs. harmful as an individual on social mediaProtecting provider and client privacy with social media<br/>The Dangers Of Self-Diagnosis In Mental HealthStrategies for working with clients that have already made a self-diagnosis through social mediaHow should therapists respond when a client comes in with a self-diagnosis?Learning to ask the right questions as a provider when a client has already made a self-diagnosisThe value of listening and taking the time to evaluate clients as unique individuals<br/>Protecting Yourself As A Provider When On Social MediaNot being afraid to teach general mental health information on social media as a providerAvoiding a one size fits