Counseling is a great alternative for people suffering with anxiety, unnecessary worrying, depression, fear and grief. My therapeutic approach is based on establishing a trusting relationship with clients, which enables them to express their thoughts and feelings.
Click here for information about your first appointment.Anxiety is a normal, adaptive response to stress or danger. In general, anxiety helps us cope with tense situations and manage challenges in our daily lives. Unfortunately, for some people, anxiety can become extreme and debilitating. It can interfere with relationships, sleep, nutrition, work, school, and routine activities. Common symptoms of anxiety include:
- Overwhelming fear and nervousness
- Uncontrollable, obsessive thinking or worrying
- Recurring thoughts
- Insomnia
- Irrational ritualistic activities
- Shortness of breath or chest pain
- Weight loss or weight gain
While some anxiety is normal, if worries and fears are preventing you from enjoying life, you should consider counseling for anxiety. Counseling for anxiety allows a person to resume regular activities and regain a sense of control. Rather than treating symptoms with traditional medications, I utilize CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) to identify the source of the anxiety. I will help you understand your anxiety and teach you techniques to use when your anxiety returns. We will develop a treatment plan, which may include lifestyle adjustments, such as stress-management, relaxation techniques, self-care, exercise, and healthier food choices.
Depression is a common occurrence among many individuals, often resulting from traumatic or stressful changes in life, such as divorce, loss, financial stress, or other psychological disorders.
Depression can cause a person to experience overwhelming feelings of anger, anxiety, sadness, frequent crying, worthlessness, and insomnia. Sometimes, these feelings can even cause physical pain, changes in health, weight loss, weight gain and extreme fatigue.
I utilize CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) to assess the depression level. Then, a client specific treatment plan is formed to assist in helping clients overcome their depression. I work with clients to get to the core of the issue, as opposed to masking the symptoms with medication (like a band-aid).
Psycho-education allows us to understand the grief process. There are many stages of grief, such as isolation and depression. Everyone goes through the grief stages at different times, and in different ways. Grieving is a normal process and it can result in many emotions, including anxiety, guilt, anger, and hopelessness. Everyone’s loss is personal and different, and can be life altering. Our normal tendency is to isolate and deal with it alone. Depression is also a common stage of grief. When it begins to interfere with life and relationships, it may be time to find healing and support. It is helpful to meet with a professional when it becomes overwhelming.
Sometimes, when we decide to stay in denial, or grieve in an improper way, it shows up in different areas later in life. I believe people can give you sympathy, but when they have been where you have been, they can show you empathy. I have suffered losses of very close family members over the years, some very tragically, and can share in empathy what loss is like. I provide support, compassion and a safe place to mourn, which is very important for the healing process.
Women generally care for the needs of loved ones before themselves, and have very little time and energy to find their own support. Studies show that our mindset affects our moods, and can sometimes trigger stress-like symptoms within our bodies. I am here to offer you support in a safe and compassionate environment where you can process your struggles. Life struggles for women may include, but not limited to:
- health diagnosis
- weight loss or weight gain
- body image
- prevention and coaching
- self-esteem
- stress, anxiety and depression
- pregnancy, infertility, and pregnancy loss
During your session, we will discuss your concerns, the reasons you are seeking counseling and what you hope to achieve. We will review your lifestyle to get a better understanding of why you may be suffering from stress and anxiety. From there, I will develop a plan to help you decrease stress levels and achieve whole body health and wellness.