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Ren
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Number of ratings183 Number of reviews65 Listens toOver 18 LanguagesEnglish Listener sinceMay 21, 2016 Last activeover 6 months ago PathStep 267 People helped198 Chats1,656 Group support chats765 Listener group chats377 Forum posts185 Forum upvotes339
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Progressive Relaxation Therapy
Anxiety Support / by Ren
Last post
 August 18th, 2017
...See more Progressive muscle relaxation is a therapeutic precedure used to teach an individual to tense and relax muscle groups, focusing on the sensations involved in relaxation. This method provides individuals with practice in recognizing the sensation of tension which will serve as a cue to produce a state of muscle relaxation. Preparation: 1. Individual sits in chair suitable for complete relaxation 2. Loosen any tight fitting clothing I suggest you either record some of these techniques using your own voice, someone else's voice, or allow someone to read it out and help you relax. Technique: Part 1 A. Now take a deep breath, which will help relax the muscles as you let your breath out again. B. Soon you will notice that your Eyelids begin to feel heavy and they will have a tendency to blink. C. They may blink more and more. D. They will grow heavier and heavier, heavier and heavier. E. You will find it harder and harder to hold them open. F. You may find your vision growing somewhat blurred. G. You may find that you have to swallow from time to time. H. The Eyelids are becoming heavier and heavier now. I. Soon the eyes will want to close and to shut out the light. J. They are getting so heavy now, so awfully heavy, you can hardly hold them open. K. Let them close whenever they are ready. Heavy. Still heavier, and they can close now. Technique: Part 2 A. You are probably feeling listless now, a drowsy, listless feeling. B. It is very pleasant to feel so listless and drowsy. Let yourself relax still more. C. A feeling of well-being gradually comes over you, as though all your cares have rolled away, as though nothing matters, nothing at all. D. A feeling of "I don't care." You are so listless now. E. Give way to the feeling, as it is so pleasant. F. Just let yourself go, drifting deeper and deeper. G. Deeper with every breath you take. Deeper and still deeper. Technique: Part 3 A. Pay attention only to my voice - nothing else seems to matter and nothing will disturb you. B. Let yourself relax completely, now, let every muscle go loose and limp. C. You will notice a growing feeling of heaviness in your arms and legs, perhaps over your whole body. D. There may be tingly feelings here and there, perhaps a numbness. E. And your breathing is getting slow and easy now. Slow and easy. Technique: Part 4 A. Give way to the drowsy listlessness. Let go completely. B. You are going deeper and still deeper now. C. Let all your muscles relax, relax them completely. D. Begin with your feet and your legs. Let the muscles go loose and limp. E. Relax them all. Now your thighs, and your hips. F. Let them relax. Your Shoulders, your arms, and your hands. G. Relax them. Now your neck. Let it relax. H. Do not mind if your head bows forward or to the side. I. It will be perfectly comfortable. J. Your facial muscles can relax, and particularly the eye muscles and the lids. K. Relax now, completely. Every muscle in your body will relax.
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Depression Management and Psychotherapy
Depression Support / by Ren
Last post
 October 29th, 2017
...See more Below are methods and approaches used to manage depression and includes the basis of psychotherapy used in clinical depression. They are widely accepted and scientifically proven to ease the symptoms of depression. Psychotherapy: Reassurance and listening A. Instill hope B. Consider Cork Analogy 1. Think of self as cork under water 2. No matter how much people or events push you under 3. Eventually you will pop up Reinforce Positive Behaviors A. Exercise (Increases Energy and Self Esteem) 1. Comparable effect to Antidepressants B. Healthy Diet C. Attending Counseling D. Antidepressant Compliance 1. Reassure that these are not habit forming 2. Reassure that these are not forever 3. Establish a therapeutic alliance E. Schedule pleasurable activities (esp. with people) F. Repair relationships with family and friends G. Consider keeping a journal Discourage Negative Behaviors A. Challenge negative thoughts B. Sleep disturbance C. Stress in relationships and work D. Poor diet or nutrition E. Alcohol use or Alcohol Abuse F. Medications that worsen depression Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A. Efficacy 1. At least as effect as pharmacotherapy B. Summary of Process 1. Recognize that some perceptions of reality are false 2. False perceptions lead to negative thoughts 3. Learn to identify negative thoughts as they occur 4. Replace distorted thoughts with alternatives 5. Reframe central beliefs about world and self-image C. Techniques 1. Keep a Thought Journal a. Identify specific stressful situations i. Example: Meeting a new person b. Characterize associated mood and automatic reaction i. Example: I am anxious - they will hate me c. Identify reasons for negative thoughts i. Example: Noone speaks with me at parties d. Identify counter-arguments i. Example: I have close friends who care about me e. Substitute negative thought with alternative i. Example: I am likeable - be myself 2. Set goals and activities (example follows) a. Goal: Exercise every day, this improves self-esteem b. Start: Next thursday, before work c. Obstacles: Early wake-up d. Strategies to overcome obstacles i. Be in bed by 10 pm, with clothes set out for AM 3. Progress (example) i. Jan 4: Arrived gym 20 minutes late, short jog ii. Jan 5: Overslept, missed workout, bad day iii. Jan 6: Swam for 40 minutes, feel great References Rupke (2006) Am Fam Physician 73(1):83-86 [PubMed] [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=search&db=PubMed&term=Rupke%20%20%5BAU%5D%20AND%202006%20%5BDP%5D%20AND%20%20Am%20Fam%20Physician%20%20%5BTA%5D] Scott (1996) J Affect Disord 37:1-11 [PubMed] [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=search&db=PubMed&term=Scott%20%20%5BAU%5D%20AND%201996%20%5BDP%5D%20AND%20%20J%20Affect%20Disord%20%20%5BTA%5D]
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Relaxation Techniques
Healthy Living / by Ren
Last post
 August 17th, 2017
...See more The relaxation techniques below have been widely researched and scientifically proven for non-pharmacological treatment of anxiety disorders. Relaxation Techniques: A. Progressive Muscle Relaxation B. Mental imaging 1. Listen to relaxation tapes (Classical Music or Nature sounds) 2. Imagine a tranquil scene (e.g. waterfall or beach) C. Meditation D. Mindfulness-based stress reduction E. Yoga F. Self-Hypnosis G. Biofeedback (visual or auditory) 1. Patient learns to control physiologic responses (e.g. developing muscle tension) H. Breathing retraining (arousal reduction) 1. Take a deep breath 2. Let breath out through pursed lips 3. Abdominal breathing 4. Box breathing for 1-2 minutes a. Inhale slowly for 3-5 seconds and hold for 3-5 seconds b. Exhale slowly for 3-5 seconds and hold for 3-5 seconds I. Massage 1. Gentle 5-minute back rub prior to bedtime Davis (2008) The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook, New Harbinger
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Supportive Psychotherapy
7 Cups Online Therapy / by Ren
Last post
 July 20th, 2021
...See more What is Supportive Psychotherapy? The primary goal of supportive psychotherapy is to strengthen the individual's ability to cope effectively with various life stressors. This is accomplished by: 1. Listening closely and actively 2. Showing genuine empathy 3. Helping clients have a better understanding of their current situation 4. Helping them explore the options available to them 5. Helping them find hope despite difficult circumstances 6. Reinforcing and strengthening their resilience to the challenges they face 7. Maintaining or building up their self-esteem 8. Encouraging them to share their feelings and thought Like most forms of psychotherapy, supportive psychotherapy is also geared towards reducing or alleviating symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other disorders. These qualities match active listening skills and is used by online therapists here at 7cups. Internet-based supportive psychotherapy is a type of supportive psychotherapy that is characterized by having a two-hour initial meeting between the individual and therapist, and then periodic and occasional study conducted by therapist through email and telephone. Who can Benefit from Supportive Psychotherapy? Supportive psychotherapy can be helpful to a wide range of individuals. However, it is especially ideal for the following types of individuals: 1. Those who are focused on surviving as opposed to self-actualizing (e.g. individuals with a chronic physical or mental illness and limited financial resources who are just trying to get through each day) 2. Individuals who are going through an acute crisis in their lives and doing their best to simply get through it 3. Individuals who currently lack a solid support system and are struggling to cope with a challenging situation 4. Individuals who would not respond well (e.g. it would cause more problems than it would be beneficial) to therapy designed to bring about any type of fundamental change In supportive psychotherapy, a very strong emphasis is placed on the relationship between therapist and individual. Therapists strive to make their clients feel supported, understood, and safe. This particular form of therapy is about as non-threatening as they come. Therapists dont poke and prod their clients for deeply personal information, or challenge or confront them as part of therapy. Instead, they work towards nurturing a warm, positive relationship with their clients. This, in turn, helps clients feel more inclined and comfortable working towards their treatment goals in collaboration with the therapist. How Supportive Psychotherapy Works: Supportive psychotherapy works by helping individuals make the necessary changes and tough decisions that will enable them to effectively cope with whatever challenging theyre facing. Challenges can include a wide range of things, such as the death of a loved one, a difficult life transition (e.g. getting divorced or changing jobs), dealing with a major setback, or learning to live with and manage a chronic physical or mental health condition. As with many other types of therapy, the process starts by encouraging the client to talk freely and openly about how he or she feels about and views the situation. A strong sense of trust in the therapist, including his or her ability to genuinely understand what the client is feeling, helps facilitate this process. That being said, its also important that therapy clients trust that the therapist believes in them. Benefits of Supportive Psychotherapy: Supportive psychotherapy offers many potential benefits for those who receive it. They include: 1. Greater flexibility 2. Improved coping skills 3. Increased adaptability to difficult events or situations 4. Improved self-esteem 5. Greater resilience 6. Increased emotional wellbeing and stability 7. Better relationships with others
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Insomnia and Sleep Hygiene
Healthy Living / by Ren
Last post
 August 16th, 2017
...See more ‘Sleep hygiene is the term used to describe good sleep habits. Considerable research has gone into developing a set of guidelines and tips which are designed to enhance good sleeping, and there is much evidence to suggest that these strategies can provide long-term solutions to sleep difficulties. Talk to your health professional about what is right for you, but it is recommended that good sleep hygiene is an important part of treating insomnia, either with other strategies such as medication or cognitive therapy or alone. Obtaining healthy sleep is important for both physical and mental health. It can also improve productivity and overall quality of life. The term sleep hygiene refers to a series of healthy sleep habits and behaviors that can improve your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. These habits are a cornerstone of cognitive behavioral therapy, which is the most effective long-term treatment for people with chronic insomnia. CBT can help you address the thoughts and behaviors that prevent you from sleeping well. It also includes techniques for stress reduction, relaxation and sleep schedule management. Below are some of the most widely researched and approved methods to help improve your sleep hygiene: 1. Establish a regular sleep schedule: A. Go to bed at same time each night B. Get up at same time each day C. Avoid "sleeping-in" on Sunday morning 2. Cut down time in bed (if not asleep, get up) A. Avoid trying to force yourself to sleep B. Use your bed only for sleep and sex C. Do not read or watch Television in bed 3. Make the bedroom comfortable A. Keep Temperature in your bedroom comfortable B. Keep bedroom quiet when sleeping C. Consider ear plugs (silicon) D. Keep bedroom dark enough E. Use dark blinds or wear an eye mask if needed 4. Relax at bedtime A. Try relaxation techniques B. Relax each muscle group individually 1. Begin with your feet 2. Work toward your head C. Deal with your worries before bedtime 1. Set aside a worry time for 30 minutes earlier D. Listen to relaxation tapes 1. Classical Music or Nature sounds E. Imagine a tranquil scene (e.g. waterfall or beach) F. Back Massage 1. Gentle 5-minute back rub prior to bedtime 5. Perform measures to make you tired at bedtime A. Get regular Exercise each day (6 hours before bed is ideal) because Regular Exercise improves sleep 1. Effect may be delayed 2 months (takes a while to notice the benefits) 2. Tai Chi improved sleep in older adults B. Take medications only as directed C. Eat a light bedtime snack or warm drink 1. Warm milk 2. Warm herbal tea (non-caffeinated) 6. Things to avoid A. Do not Exercise within 90 minutes of bedtime B. No overstimulating activities just before bed 1. No competitive games before bedtime 2. No exciting Television programs before bedtime C. Avoid Caffeine after lunchtime (Caffeine half-life exceeds 4 hours) 1. Avoid chocolate 2. Avoid coffee, tea, or soda D. Do not eat a heavy meal within 2 hours of bedtime E. Avoid excessive fluids immediately before bedtime. F. Do not use Alcohol to induce sleep (worsens Insomnia) G. Do not take someone else's sleeping pills H. Do not look at the clock when awakening I. Do not turn on light when getting up to use bathroom
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Dialectical Behavior Therapy
7 Cups Online Therapy / by Ren
Last post
 January 17th, 2021
...See more What is DBT? Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) treatment is a cognitive-behavioral approach that emphasizes the psychosocial aspects of treatment. The theory behind the approach is that some people are prone to react in a more intense and out-of-the-ordinary manner toward certain emotional situations, primarily those found in romantic, family and friend relationships. DBT theory suggests that some peoples arousal levels in such situations can increase far more quickly than the average persons, attain a higher level of emotional stimulation, and take a significant amount of time to return to baseline arousal levels. People who are sometimes diagnosed with borderline personality disorder experience extreme swings in their emotions, see the world in black-and-white shades, and seem to always be jumping from one crisis to another. Because few people understand such reactions — most of all their own family and a childhood that emphasized invalidation — they dont have any methods for coping with these sudden, intense surges of emotion. DBT is a method for teaching skills that will help in this task. Characteristics of DBT Support-oriented: It helps a person identify their strengths and builds on them so that the person can feel better about him/herself and their life. Cognitive-based: DBT helps identify thoughts, beliefs, and assumptions that make life harder: I have to be perfect at everything. If I get angry, Im a terrible person & helps people to learn different ways of thinking that will make life more bearable: I dont need to be perfect at things for people to care about me, Everyone gets angry, its a normal emotion. Collaborative: It requires constant attention to relationships between clients and staff. In DBT people are encouraged to work out problems in their relationships with their therapist and the therapists to do the same with them. DBT asks people to complete homework assignments, to role-play new ways of interacting with others, and to practice skills such as soothing yourself when upset. These skills, a crucial part of DBT, are taught in weekly lectures, reviewed in weekly homework groups, and referred to in nearly every group. The individual therapist helps the person to learn, apply and master the DBT skills. Generally, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) may be seen as having two main components: 1. Individual weekly psychotherapy sessions that emphasize problem-solving behavior for the past weeks issues and troubles that arose in the persons life. Self-injurious and suicidal behaviors take first priority, followed by behaviors that may interfere with the therapy process. Quality of life issues and working toward improving life in general may also be discussed. Individual sessions in DBT also focus on decreasing and dealing with post-traumatic stress responses (from previous trauma in the persons life) and helping enhance their own self-respect and self-image. During individual therapy sessions, the therapist and client work toward learning and improving many basic social skills. 2. Weekly group therapy sessions, generally 2 1/2 hours a session and led by a trained DBT therapist, where people learn skills from one of four different modules: interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance/reality acceptance skills, emotion regulation, and mindfulness skills are taught. Reference Psych Central. (2016). An Overview of Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Psych Central. Retrieved on August 16, 2017, from https://psychcentral.com/lib/an-overview-of-dialectical-behavior-therapy/
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Behavior Therapy
7 Cups Online Therapy / by Ren
Last post
 August 16th, 2017
...See more Behavior therapy is focused on helping an individual understand how changing their behavior can lead to changes in how they are feeling. The goal of behavior therapy is usually focused on increasing the persons engagement in positive or socially reinforcing activities. Behavior therapy is a structured approach that carefully measures what the person is doing and then seeks to increase chances for positive experience. Common techniques include: Self-Monitoring — This is the first stage of treatment. The person is asked to keep a detailed log of all of their activities during the day. By examining the list at the next session, the therapist can see exactly what the person is doing. Example — Bill, who is being seen for depression, returns with his self-monitoring list for the past week. His therapist notices that it consists of Bill going to work in the morning, returning home at 5:30 p.m. and watching television uninterrupted until 11 p.m. and then going to bed. Schedule of Weekly Activities — This is where the patient and therapist work together to develop new activities that will provide the patient with chances for positive experience. Example — Looking at his self-monitoring sheet, Bill and his therapist determine that watching so much television alone gives little opportunity for positive social interaction. Therefore, they decide that Bill will have dinner out with a friend once a week after work and join a bowling league. Role Playing — This is used to help the person develop new skills and anticipate issues that may come up in social interactions. Example — One of the reasons that Bill stays home alone so much is that he is shy around people. He does not know how to start a conversation with strangers. Bill and his therapist work on this by practicing with each other on how to start a conversation. Behavior Modification — In this technique the patient will receive a reward for engaging in positive behavior. Example — Bill wants a new fishing rod. He and his therapist set up a behavior modification contract where he will reward himself with a new fishing rod when he reduces his TV watching to one hour a day and becomes involved in three new activities. Reference Herkov, M. (2016). About Behavior Therapy. Psych Central. Retrieved on August 16, 2017, from https://psychcentral.com/lib/about-behavior-therapy/
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Feedback & Reviews
Thank you so much. You were really helpful. :)
Thank you❤❤❤
She's great, she makes me feel better about myself! She's definitely helped me out a lot and is an amazing person, she lists all the options to make your situation better and always looks on the bright side of things!
Ren is a really helpful person. He understands people's situations and takes them seriously and maturely. I recommend him!
I think Ren was the best. I'll never delete this app.
One of the best listeners I've talked so far! Ren, You are amazing ~
It was nice
It was good
Amazing. It's like having a convosation with someone who understands exactly how I feel and why.
He is a really caring and emphatic person. It is very easy to talk to him and he cares about people.
Thank you so much!
She was great and I felt better after talking to her
Awesome listener and great advice
nice guy
You're my first listener here and i'm glad it was you❤️
Ren is my favourite listener by far. He understands everything I am going through and tries his hardest to make me feel happy. I highly recommend him :)
Ren was truely amazing and I am so grateful for her spending time talking to me 🙏🏻x
Haven't really chatted for long yet, but they've be really nice so far and seem to be understanding
Nice person:)
She really listened and gave great advice while making you feel good!
Flowers grasps new concepts quickly and accepts constructive criticism and instruction concerning his work. I would like to say that it is pleasant to talk to flowers, she is reliable and intelligent person with good sense of humor.
Flower is super sweet and understanding. They have helped me out so much. Thank you flower!
What a amazing listener I even spoken to. So helpful, friendly, kind, always happy to support me, very quick replying.
Such a lovely perosn to talk to
What a compassionate listening ear, through a very difficult time. I came to the conversation angry and frantic and left feeling at peace. Thank for not telling me how to feel or invalidating my hurts. What a treasure, I will not forget your kindness!
Goddess of Flowers was wonderful... just what I needed.
Definitely is good at inspiring and helping with getting a few things off the chest
Friendly and helpful, thank you x
So sweet and encouraging.
A very kind and attentive person. Listens to all you have to say and makes you see the bright side of things. Has a wonderful way with words.
An amazing listener. Great to talk to.
This person truly understood me. I really recommend this person if you have something difficult going on. An amazing human being.

Fast response. Understands very well. Thank you. It was great talking to you. I'm feeling really happy ;) you are the best listener! Amazing listener! :)
thanks
amazinggggg
She truly deserved her name. She helped me deal with my demons as best as she could :)
Wonderful listener, very kind hearted and understanding. Listens to everything and helps you calm down. One of the best listeners on 7cups of tea. :)
Smart and so helpful. Really cares and wants to help. Two thumbs up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This listener was so good i teared up, i recommend this person to anyone for anything because he saved my life and i cant thank flowers enough
Absolutely fantastic this listener made me feel safe and more confident in myself, she truly deserves everything this world has to give
WOW ABSOLUTELY AMAZING
A very empathetic listener. She makes you feel like a friend...a great asset to this community. Thank you!
Excellant
Kool
a godsend and an absolute savior. i think im at the right place and right time to meet someone you can help me so perfectly like this. I have benefitted well from this and would very much come back for another session. ive learned alot and she is just so kind and patient its something everyone dreams to have and im so lucky to speak to someone thats vibrant and caring. ive never felt so much better and i feel like i have a friend to speak to when im having episodes or problems. thank you sweet person i dont know what i would have done without you
I felt so much better after talking to this amazing person, so vibrant and full of life, i will be coming back for more motivation and peace of mind!
I cant believe ive found this beautiful person, just unbelievable im crying tears of joy
I am not able to fully describe or comprehend how this listener has helped me. It was more than life saving, but I have finally understood and found purpose to my life. This person is amazing and I could never know how to thank him/her. It was the most helpful one-hour experience in my entire life. I am so glad I found this place because I've found a lot of hope here. This person is so amazing in analyzing my situation and his responses seemed to hit me with amazement, I truly wish I've met flowers before. I felt so safe and secure here that it wasn't an issue of explaining what I had in mind because I was never ever disappointed. I hope this person has an amazing life because a small text will not be able to explain how smart, confident. and helpful this person really is.
The Goddess of Flowers is truly a Goddess of much more. She is kind,honest, and sincere, while still making an effort to listen and hear what one truly has to say. She is a great listener for someone who just needs a had in their life and wants somebody to lean on, but I do not doubt that she can take on much more. Thank you so much.
So sweet and caring. She's the best.
She helps me a lot. The talk was excellent. Thank you again !
an amazing person who's really helping others .
Very sweet and understanding . Sounded genuinely concerned . I really feel much better after talking :) thank you so much! you've made my day better. hugssss
Flowers is a lovely person with a beautiful soul. I will always be grateful for this listener.
THE person who you need to be with when you're feeling low...
S/he is very warm and caring. You can talk to her/him about anything you want.
Awesome help. Thanks so so much. 7cups is my go to resource for help with anxiety.
the best listener EVER
an angel sent to me. thank you so much
Absolutely brilliant!!!
Thank you so much for all your amazing help! Such a wonderful listener and truly helpful.
great listener
very helpful and quick grasp of the problem. had no idea these things could actually be of assistance
Felt like I was speaking to someone close to me, the help was amazing. Thank you so much for the positive and wise words I can now sleep feeling more secured than I was
Such a friendly and thought provoking person ... whoever that was ... i am just in love with this .well.. My first best experience ... :( I was hell depressed ... but now i ma like Much Much better ... he was really really helpful ... Just a reason to sign up for this website
Absolutely uplifting and heartfelt responses. Bless this beautiful person.
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