ANXIETY
We live in a stressful and anxiety provoking culture. It is healthy and normal to feel anxious at times. But people who suffer from anxiety disorders experience a level of anxiety that impairs their ability to live their best life. They are impaired and sometimes debilitated by the intensity and power of worry and fear. If you are suffering from an anxiety disorder, effective treatment will allow you to gain a sense of control, find confidence and get your life back.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder, (“GAD”), is an anxiety disorder characterized by chronic anxiety, exaggerated worry and tension, even when there is little or nothing to provoke it. Social Phobia, also known as Social Anxiety Disorder, is an anxiety disorder characterized by overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in everyday social situations. Panic Disorder is an anxiety disorder and is characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms that may include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or abdominal distress.
I believe the most effective therapy to treat anxiety disorders is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (“CBT"). It teaches people different ways of thinking, behaving, and reacting to anxiety-producing and fearful objects and situations. CBT can also help people learn and practice social skills, which is vital for treating social anxiety disorder. Our work together will focus on identifying, challenging, and then neutralizing the unhelpful or distorted thoughts that underlie the anxiety disorder.
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Click here for additional anxiety resources.
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DEPRESSION
Depression is a common but serious mood disorder. It can cause severe symptoms that affect how you feel, think, and handle daily activities, such as sleeping, eating, or working. Depression is influenced by risk factors that include a personal or family history of depression, major life changes, trauma, stress, and certain physical illnesses and medications.
It IS possible to feel better. Depression can be treated and the earlier that treatment can begin, the more effective it is. CBT is a proven and effective psychotherapy approach to treat depression. Psychotherapy or a combination of psychotherapy and medication is often recommended. If you decide to explore the benefits of adding medication to your treatment, I will connect you with a doctor, or work with your existing physician. I believe clients are best served when they have a psychotherapist and physician working collaboratively to assure the best care and treatment effectiveness possible.
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