What we treat
common diagoses: Anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), borderline personality disorder (BPD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), eating disorders, grief and loss, prenatal and post-partum depression, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, phobias, and chronic stress.
Symptoms may include: These can include persistent low mood or sadness, racing thoughts, an inability to focus, lack of motivation and energy, chronic rumination and overthinking, and difficulty staying present. Severe social anxiety and avoidance of social situations, communication difficulties, and struggles with expression are common, along with low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness. Many individuals have trouble relaxing and experience constant tension, feeling stuck or stagnant in life. Frequent anger outbursts, crying spells, and overwhelming feelings of despair or dread are also prevalent. Separation anxiety, intense fear of abandonment, codependency, and unhealthy relationship patterns often emerge. Feeling misunderstood or isolated, dealing with intrusive and unwanted thoughts, and experiencing emotional numbness and detachment are frequent issues. Excessive worry and fear about the future, obsessing over potential negative outcomes, and difficulty maintaining a healthy work-life balance can be distressing. Clients may feel disconnected from reality or "crazy," struggle to connect and form relationships with others, and face disordered eating patterns and body image issues. Intense grief, difficulty coping with loss, panic attacks, irrational fears impacting daily life, and post-partum depression symptoms such as sadness and fatigue are also common. Chronic stress and feeling constantly overwhelmed significantly impact daily functioning and overall well-being.
Through therapy, clients will develop coping strategies, build resilience, and work towards a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Education
Anxiety
(Excessive worry and fear, restlessness or feeling on edge, difficulty concentrating, rapid heartbeat or sweating, sleep disturbances)
Anxiety is a common mental health condition characterized by excessive worry and fear about everyday situations. It can manifest through physical symptoms like a racing heart or sweating, and it often affects sleep and concentration. You might find yourself constantly on edge or struggling to focus on tasks. Anxiety can range from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), which involves persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life, to specific phobias or panic disorder, where anxiety is triggered by particular situations or events. Therapy can help you develop coping strategies and manage these feelings more effectively, providing tools to navigate daily stressors and reduce overall anxiety.
Depression
(Persistent sadness or low mood, loss of interest in activities, fatigue and low energy, changes in appetite or weight, feelings of worthlessness or guilt)
Depression is more than just feeling down; it’s a persistent state of sadness that can affect every aspect of your life. You might lose interest in activities you once enjoyed, experience changes in your appetite, and feel overwhelmingly tired. These feelings can make it hard to get through the day and affect your relationships and work. Depression can stem from a variety of factors, including genetics, chemical imbalances, and life events. Therapy provides a supportive environment to explore these feelings and find ways to improve your mood and outlook, helping you reconnect with your life in meaningful ways. Treatment often involves identifying negative thought patterns and behaviors, and developing healthier ways to cope.
Post trauMATIC stress disorder (ptsd)
(Intrusive memories or flashbacks, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, negative changes in mood and thinking, hypervigilance and being easily startled, sleep disturbances or nightmares)
PTSD can develop after experiencing a traumatic event, leading to intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to that event. You might have flashbacks, avoid places or activities that remind you of the trauma, and feel constantly on edge. These symptoms can interfere with your ability to live a normal life. PTSD can affect anyone who has gone through trauma, whether it's a one-time event like an accident or a prolonged situation like ongoing abuse. Therapy helps you process the trauma and develop strategies to reduce its impact on your daily life, allowing you to regain a sense of control and safety. Techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) are often used.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
(Recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions, compulsive behaviors or rituals, fear of contamination or harm, need for symmetry or order, significant distress or interference with daily life)
OCD involves unwanted, persistent thoughts and repetitive behaviors aimed at reducing anxiety. These compulsions can take up a lot of time and interfere with daily activities. You might find yourself performing rituals or routines to manage your anxiety, but these behaviors often provide only temporary relief. OCD can vary widely in severity and form; some people might obsess over cleanliness, while others might need to perform certain routines to feel safe. Therapy can help you understand the nature of your obsessions and compulsions and develop healthier ways to manage them, improving your quality of life and reducing the hold OCD has on your daily routine.
Prenatal
(Persistent anxiety, overwhelming worry, depression, feelings of sadness or hopelessness, mood swings, irritability, emotional instability, and sleep disturbances)
Prenatal mental health refers to the emotional and psychological well-being of a woman during pregnancy. This period can be marked by significant changes, both physically and emotionally, as the body prepares for childbirth and motherhood. Hormonal fluctuations, changes in body image, and the stress of impending parenthood can all contribute to mental health challenges during pregnancy. It’s crucial to understand that these feelings are common and that seeking support is a positive step toward ensuring a healthy pregnancy and a smooth transition into motherhood.
Learn more about perinatal mental health. Meet our Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional, Stacey.
Bipolar Disorder
(Periods of elevated or irritable mood (mania), periods of depression, rapid speech and racing thoughts, impulsive or risky behavior, changes in sleep patterns and energy levels)
Bipolar disorder is characterized by mood swings that include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). These shifts can affect your energy levels, sleep, and decision-making. During manic phases, you might feel unusually energetic or irritable, while depressive phases can bring overwhelming sadness. Bipolar disorder is often a lifelong condition, but it can be managed with a combination of medication and therapy. Therapy, often combined with medication, helps manage these mood swings and maintain a more stable mood. It provides tools and strategies to navigate the ups and downs, helping you lead a more balanced life. Psychoeducation, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and family-focused therapy are often beneficial.
Postpartum
(Intense sadness and feelings of disconnection; postpartum anxiety, characterized by overwhelming worry and physical symptoms like a racing heart; postpartum OCD, with intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors related to the baby’s safety; and postpartum PTSD, which may develop after a traumatic birth experience and include flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance.)
Postpartum mental health focuses on the emotional and psychological well-being of a woman after childbirth, often referred to as the "fourth trimester." This period can be a time of significant adjustment as new mothers navigate the physical recovery from childbirth, the demands of caring for a newborn, and the emotional shifts that accompany this life change. Hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and the challenges of new responsibilities can all contribute to postpartum mental health issues. Understanding that these challenges are common and seeking support early can be key to ensuring a healthy recovery and a positive start to motherhood.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
(Difficulty paying attention and focusing, hyperactivity and excessive movement, impulsiveness and interrupting others, difficulty organizing tasks, forgetfulness and losing things)
ADHD is a condition that affects your ability to focus, stay still, and control impulses. It can make daily tasks challenging, whether at school, work, or home. You might find it hard to complete tasks, stay organized, or remember important details. ADHD is commonly diagnosed in childhood, but it can persist into adulthood, affecting professional and personal life. Therapy helps by providing strategies to improve focus, organization, and impulse control, making it easier to navigate daily responsibilities. Behavioral therapy, skills training, and sometimes medication are effective in managing symptoms. With the right support, individuals with ADHD can develop skills to manage their symptoms and achieve their personal and professional goals.