SPECIALTIES

ANXIETY AND ANXIETY DISORDERS

Anxiety is a biological reaction. It is the body's way of signaling to us that "something isn't right." Anxiety can be a useful reaction in terms of letting us know that we might need to take some form of action. However, when this response becomes overwhelming, persistent, or interferes with everyday living, it might be an anxiety disorder. This might feel like "fear" and the body might experience uncomfortable physical sensations like heart palpitations, difficulty breathing, or shakiness. 

Anxiety disorders are the most common disorders in the U.S. In fact, 40 million adults are estimated to experience an anxiety disorder each year. However, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) reported only about 1/3 of those suffering receive treatment. The types of anxiety or anxiety disorders I treat are: 

Agoraphobia

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Panic

Phobias

Social Anxiety Disorder

"Everyday Anxiety"

Stress

Worry

CBT, ACT, and Mindfulness are all extremely effective psychotherapies for treating anxiety. Using a biopsychosocial approach, I will assist you in developing skills to cope with anxious symptoms, relate to triggers of anxiety more effectively, and incorporate integrative nutrition and movement to support your nervous system.

TRAUMA AND POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a form of anxiety disorder in which a person develops a reaction to a real or perceived threat of danger or death, to themselves or someone else. While an immediate sense of overwhelm or heightened reaction to a traumatic circumstance could be expected for many, a persistent response to such an incident - one that interferes with one's daily life, work, or relationships -  would be considered PTSD.
Symptoms of PTSD may not present for months or even years after the traumatic event. Signs of PTSD could include intrusive thoughts or memories of the event, flashbacks or nightmares, significant changes in mood or thinking, avoidance of talking about the event or of other people, guilt or shame, "being on edge," or hopelessness about life. Therapeutic modalities such as CBT, ACT for Trauma and ACT for PTSD, and Mindfulness are extremely effective in treating PTSD and its symptoms.

BURNOUT AND STRESS

Constant stress can sometimes manifest into overwhelm, lack of energy, and a sense of helplessness. This cognitive, physical, and emotional exhaustion is what we might consider "burnout." It occurs gradually, over time, but when it creeps up, it can feel difficult to be motivated to accomplish anything or to care about anything. 
Many people think about burnout in the context of work or professional lives. However, burnout can happen in other areas including relationships, parenting, or other domains of a person's life.  Burnout can occur when one feels undervalued/underappreciated and overworked, feels a lack of control or autonomy, does not experience a sense of challenge or mastery, or on the other hand, cannot seem to accomplish goals due to perfectionism or poor boundaries. ACT is particularly helpful in treating burnout in terms of managing stressful thoughts and feelings, values clarification and aligned action, and mindfulness practice.