Mental health refers to one’s emotional, cognitive, and behavioral well-being. The World Health Organization (WHO) explains mental health as “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.” Mental health is sometimes used as a term to indicate the absence of a mental disorder. The Mayo Clinic explains that mental health disorders in children are “generally defined as delays or disruptions in developing age-appropriate thinking, behaviors, social skills or regulation of emotions. These problems are distressing to children and disrupt their ability to function well at home, in school or in other social situations.” Mental disorders are recognized as one of the leading causes of disability in America. The dropout rate for psychotherapeutic mental health treatment is extremely high, as studies show that between 20% and 57% of therapy clients do not return after their initial session, and an additional 37% to 45% only attend therapy a total of two times.
Engagement In Mental Health
In mental health sciences, Positive Psychology explains that engagement “denotes all the efforts made during therapy, right from the intake sessions, to achieve the desired results.” Experts assert that client engagement reflects the quality of the interaction, the collaborative nature of developing tasks and treatment goals, and the therapeutic alliance between client and therapist. It represents the level of healthy attachment a client has with his or her therapist and can have a direct impact on one’s prognosis. According to British psychologist John Bowlby, founder of the attachment theory, engaging clients from the introductory session and sustaining the interest throughout treatment is essential for:
- Creating a safe environment for the client where he/ she can express fearlessly.
- Exploring past achievements and failures that may be the source of current problems.
- Evaluating the pattern of attachment that the client has with other people in his/ her life.
- Understanding how past relationships might be associated with his/ her present condition.
- Modifying thoughts, perceptions, and actions to build positive relationships with his/ her internal and external worlds.
One study found that engaged clients were more likely to bond with therapists, endorse treatment goals, participate to a greater degree, remain in treatment longer, and reported higher levels of satisfaction. Client engagement is largely recognized as a fundamental element of effective treatment.
Further Information and Support
For most of us, life can be very stressful, leading us to feel emotionally charged, which can cause anxiety, panic attacks, depression, and getting stuck in a cycle of being burdened with negative thoughts. Navigating through the challenges and emotional turmoil of life can be overwhelming, but you do not have to go through it alone. Engage Treatment is a Joint Commission Accredited professional psychological practice. We specialize in treating children, teens, and young adults struggling with depression and anxiety through community-focused treatment plans that incorporate a carefully selected combination of therapeutic interventions. Our compassionate, multidisciplinary practitioners are devoted to providing the highest quality of care that helps ignite positive change and enables clients to reach optimal health and well-being. Please do not hesitate to reach out for guidance. We are happy to answer questions and provide you with any additional information. Feel free to call us at 805-497-0605 or email us at [email protected]. You are also welcomed to get in touch by filling out our contact form. We look forward to connecting and having the opportunity to discuss how we might best be able to support you.