Psychotherapy Services

Relationship Difficulties

Many relationships seem to start out well but then develop difficulties, and couples often resist addressing their problems . I believe they really want the relationship to work, so initially, denial or understating is a normal reaction. But the sooner that couples can recognize and work on their issues, the easier it will be to reach their goal of having a more loving and rewarding relationship. Whether it is in your current relationship or your next relationship, you can learn and practice the techniques of a successful and loving bond between you and your partner.

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Depression

Depression can be moderate to severe and comes in many forms. In addition to emotional and psychological factors, some biological and medical conditions may exist, and drugs (non-prescription or prescription) can also influence the level of depression.

 

Depression can also be quite mild and  long-lasting, and in some cases people may not even know they suffer from it. For example, some people may grow up around people that see the “glass as half empty” and unconsciously develop similar viewpoints. Low-grade depression can have a negative impact on your life; however, it can be recognized and helped.

 

 

Anxiety

Anxiety can be mild and/or unconscious in your day-to-day dealings. Have you ever met a person who seems nervous most of the time but may not admit to it? Mild anxiety can be determined and can be helped by a professional.

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Higher levels of anxiety can be mostly based on fear. Sometimes this fear is understandably related to life situations. But anxiety can also be caused by emotional, chemical, and biological factors; and some medical conditions and/or drugs (prescription and/or non-prescription) can contribute to anxiety.

 

 

Substance Abuse

In the initial stages of substance abuse and dependency, the user often does not believe that he or she has a problem. However, over time it can become a huge issue. Substance abuse can wreak havoc with a person’s family, work, friends, and life goals, and it is shamed by society. One of the keys to understanding addiction is the understanding of the person’s environment (family, friends, work, and other potential stressors) and the “benefits” the user sees in using the substance. Often, despite the best of intentions, outside pressures and influences have a negative effect on the person who is a substance user. But with the help of therapy, the individual can begin to acknowledge their substance abuse, and learn how to develop and practice a healthy and rewarding lifestyle.  

 

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Addiction

How do you “escape” when you are not feeling good? I often ask people, “When you are not feeling that good, what do you do?” Responses include the following: watch TV, exercise, read, eat food, call a friend, smoke, look for sex, masturbate, view internet porn, smoke marijuana, use drugs, meditate, disassociate from specific thoughts, have a hot shower, sleep, gamble, pray, walk … and the list goes on. I believe that most people—if not all of us—have some way to escape those undesired conscious or unconscious feelings. So, what do you do?

 

However, the more important question is “How much of a problem is this behavior?”

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If it is problematic, then working to understand how this has developed needs to be done. As with substance dependency, an assessment of influencing factors needs to be made and understood. New coping methods must be practiced and integrated into the patient’s life. At the same time, the initial grass roots issues need to be resolved. And finally, the patient needs to understand and develop new ways of relating to others and the world.  

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Trauma 

Present trauma can be the result of past neglect, abuse, accidents, personal losses, and other physical and emotional disturbances. The effects of trauma have no sense of time. Therefore, people who have suffered trauma might live their lives in a constant state of fear and anxiety. Traditional talk therapy may not be able to “talk away” these traumatic experiences. However, work can be done to “sense away” the traumatic effects. To do this, I utilize the highly effective techniques of the Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM), which help the patient develop a resiliency to the effects of the trauma and truly realize that the trauma is in the past. As a result, he or she can begin living life without fear and anxiety.   

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Grief/Loss

Grief is an emotional response to a loss. Often, the most intense grief is in response to the loss of a loved one; but grief can also be experienced from the loss of a job, a pet, a friendship, financial stability, etc. In addition, life changes such as a move, a job change, or retirement can lead to feelings of grief and mourning for your old life.

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Everyone grieves differently, but allowing yourself to experience all of your grief emotions is essential and healthy. Extreme sadness mixed with other surprising emotions, such as shock, anger, fear, and guilt, are normal and essential reactions when grieving. The more you understand about grieving and actively work through it, the more effective your healing will be.

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Once someone accepts their loss, the emotions should become less intense over time. However, if this is not happening, it may be a sign that grief has triggered another mental-health issue, such as depression. Through my experience and professional training, I can help you with the grief process and associated mental-health issues should they arise.