Depression

People who struggle with depression usually feel down for extended periods, lose interest in activities once found pleasurable and report physical symptoms such as insomnia, appetite changes and fatigue. If you are depressed, you will likely experience irritability, crying spells, social withdrawal, feelings of hopelessness, irrational guilt or intrusive, negative thoughts. Depression affects people of all ages and from all walks of life. The good news is that all types of depression: chronic, acute or situational, respond well to treatment.

 

Trauma

Experiences which are especially frightening, life-threatening or overwhelming can leave a lasting impression and negatively impact daily life and relationships with a variety of symptoms. These symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, intense distress with physical reactions to reminders of the event, hypervigilence, exaggerated startle response, as well as any or all of the symptoms of anxiey and depression.  However, as disturbing and intense as these symptoms are, they are very amenable to treatment and in most cases can be cleared up quickly and without additional distress in a few therapy sessions.  See www.cleartrauma.org for more information on the type of treatment I offer for trauma.

Anxiety and Panic

Feelings of anxiety and symptoms of panic can result from long-term stress or a single overwhelming event.  Regardless of the cause, the ongoing worry, mental obsession and physical discomfort of anxiety do respond to therapy.  The more intense symptoms of panic episodes, such as changes in heart rate, shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating or feelings of dread, are also very treatable.  Usually a combination of medication and therapy are utilized, but many clients respond very well to therapy alone for treatment of anxiety and panic and do not require medication. 



Grief and Loss
Throughout the span of a lifetime, there will be losses through death, divorce, separation, physical illness and other changes.  How we come through these losses can determine the quality of the rest of our lives.  Sometimes the progression through grief can become complicated by a number of factors which therapy can help resolve. Sometimes it is just beneficial to have a guide through the process who can aid in overcoming the obstacles to natural bereavement.  Whatever type of loss you are facing, therapy can be a powerful component in your healing process.



Life Transitions
Maybe you are starting a family, blending two families with a remarriage, going through a divorce or the end of a long-term relationship.  Perhaps you have lost or changed jobs, homes or communities.  Maybe you haven't done anything yet, but you're thinking about it and you're not sure what to do.  Dealing with major life change - whether in process, or in the thinking and planning stages - is a reason many people come to see me.  They find that therapy plays an essential role in achieving the best possible outcome and reducing the distress involved in a life-changing event.