Licensed Clinical Psychologist, PSY # 29817
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
for depression and anxiety disorders.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a therapeutic approach that focuses on our perceptions and behaviors. CBT helps us understand how our emotional state influences the way we think, and how our thoughts influence the way we behave. While EVERYONE experiences distorted thoughts and occasionally focuses on only the negative aspects of life, CBT allows YOU to think and feel differently. To learn how to change your thinking and utilize tools to help you feel empowered
Depression
Depression should not be treated like a minor nuisance in your life. In fact, depression can range from a low negative mood to a life-threatening condition. When we are depressed we tend to think that there is something wrong with us, with others, or with the world. With a collaborative effort and the use of CBT, you can overcome your depression and begin to feel happy, confident, and in control of your own emotional state. At times, combining CBT and Medication treatment is recommended (prescribed by an MD). Learning tools to change the way you feel can be life-changing and lead to a more positive holistic life.
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Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are triggered by fear and stress; the source of fear can be real or imagined. It begins with the thought "what if ..." and ends with a catastrophe that we created in our minds.
Anxiety-based disorders include panic attacks, phobias, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Trichotillomania (hair-pulling), social anxiety, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Tic disorder, and more. When anxiety symptoms interfere with daily functions, it is important to get help and build the skills that will help you manage the disruption anxiety has brought to your life.
Trauma & Prolonged Exposure
Trauma is an emotional and psychological response to a distressing event that is life-threatening or could cause serious injury, including exposure to violence that is physical, emotional, or sexual. Trauma can be experienced immediately or can have a delayed onset. It often evokes feelings of guilt and regret and can cause psychological disturbances like anxiety and depression. Prolonged Exposure (PE) is an evidence-based treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It helps process the trauma and reduce trauma-related psychological disturbances.
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we can discuss your unique situation and how we may be able to work together.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety-related disorder where a person experiences intrusive, unwanted, and distressing thoughts (obsessions). At times obsessions present as pervasive doubts. The attempt to stop the distressing experience leads to ritualistic behavior, also known as compulsions. OCD affects both adults and children and can be debilitating and time-consuming. Exposure Response Prevention (ERP, or EX/RP) is the most evident base treatment for OCD. During ERP, one learns to resist the urge caused by the intrusive thought and thereby reduces both obsessions and compulsions.
Selective Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) can also reduce OCD symptoms and is sometimes used in conjunction with ERP. (SSRIs' are prescribed medication that could be provided by your primary physician or psychiatrist).
Click here to schedule a free 20-minute consultation;
we can discuss your unique situation and how we may be able to work together.
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) is a treatment of choice for various anxiety-related disorders and is the treatment for OCD. To prevent a state of overwhelm, Exposure can be applied gradually. Gradual Exposure helps build a sense of competence and enhances tolerance to the discomfort. With the support of the ERP therapist, clients learn to 1) expand their ability to cope with the distress. And 2) restrain their need to respond to the urge. Clients learn to face the discomfort and tolerate it instead of avoiding it until they see that it's powerless.
Child and Adolescent Therapy
Just like adults, children are also affected by anxiety and Depression. A depressed child may act irritable, struggle with low self-esteem, and lack motivation. An anxious child may display excessive worry, perfectionism, and disproportional shyness. I have powerful tools to help you and your child cope with such challenging emotions. A healthy parent-child bond is an important piece of children's mental health. I, therefore, employ skill training and psychoeducation for parents as part of the treatment plan. I further use the Supporting Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) treatment modality to help reduce anxiety-related disorders in children.
Contact me to discuss potential options for you and your child's unique situation.
SPACE
Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE), is an evidence-based treatment modality that addresses a variety of anxiety disorders in children and young adults. Using SPACE we examine parental accessive support as a factor sustaining the child's maladaptive behavior. Supporting a child in distress is something that every good parent does. As a SPACE-certified clinician, I will help you attend to your child's emotional and developmental needs without nurturing their anxiety.