Areas of focus

Healing minds and transforming lives

anxiety & Stress

While anxiety and stress share some common symptoms and can often overlap, they differ primarily in their triggers, duration, and impact on a person’s life.

Stress is usually tied to a specific situation or event and is generally temporary.  In stressful situations, learning tools of mindfulness (such as relaxation techniques and imagery) and cognitive behavioral therapy can be especially effective.

Anxiety, on the other hand, can persist even without an obvious cause and often requires a different approach (or combination of approaches) to manage effectively.  Treatment for anxiety is determined collaboratively between the individual and therapist.

Most people experience anxiety or stress at one time or another.  Neither feeling is bad, and both can serve us well in proper measure, directing our attention to better outcomes.  However, if feeling overwhelmed, we can react and let our anxiety and stress take over in unhealthy, paralyzing  ways. If you are feeling that sense of overwhelm or “paralysis,” call our office.  We are here to help.

Depression

We have all felt “down” at some point in our lives, and that is normal.  However, if one’s “down” state lasts for an extended time or begins to interfere with daily activities, it is time to seek professional help.

Treatment for depression encompasses various strategies and therapies aimed at alleviating symptoms, improving one’s mental health, and enhancing overall quality of life for individuals experiencing depressive disorders. Treatment is often a multi-faceted approach.  It is tailored to the severity of the depression and the individual’s specific needs.

Through a combination of psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and other therapeutic interventions, individuals can achieve significant relief from depression and build a foundation for long-term wellbeing. The effectiveness of treatment can vary, and it is often necessary to try different approaches or combinations of treatments to find the most effective strategy for each individual.  If you are feeling depressed and are experiencing difficulty overcoming this feeling of “down,” please contact our office. 

Emotional Regulation

Emotional regulation is the ability to manage and respond to one’s emotional experiences in a healthy, adaptive way. It involves processes and techniques the individual can use to influence and moderate emotions—learning not just how to experience emotions but how to express emotions to others. Effective emotional regulation helps maintain emotional stability, enhances wellbeing, and supports better functioning in daily life.

Studies show that emotional regulation is an important skill for maintaining mental and emotional health. By developing strategies to manage and respond to one’s emotions effectively, individuals can enhance their wellbeing, build stronger relationships, and navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and resilience.

Grief & Loss

Grief is the natural emotional response to losing someone or something significant in a person’s life.  It is a personal experience and varies widely among folks in terms of intensity, duration, and how it manifests in one’s body and in life.  Loss refers to the absence or taking away of something or someone previously present, valued, or loved.  It can take many forms, including the death of a loved one, the end of relationship, losing a job, opportunity or dream—even losing a sense of safety or normalcy in life.

Together, grief and loss encompass the emotional, psychological and physical reactions that individuals experience when confronted with the significant change.  Although grieving is essential for healing, the process is as unique as the person experiencing it.  The only constant in healing is actually moving through this hazy process called grief.  There is no right or wrong way to grieve; it is your grief, but you do not need to feel alone in grief.

If you are grieving or have experienced loss,  please call our office.  We are here to help—to compassionately walk alongside you in your journey.  We can provide you with a safe space to feel supported, help you process the emotional confusion,  and offer guidance to find peace through the many changes you may face.  The overall goal will be helping you learn to adjust to this changed way of life, maintaining an appreciation for what was in life, and honoring the impact of your loss by finding meaning and developing or strengthening your own resilience and personal growth.

Life Transitions

Therapy for life transitions focuses on helping individuals navigate significant changes in their lives. These life changes include events such as moving to a new city, starting or ending a relationship, career changes, retirement, becoming a parent, or dealing with a death or some other form of loss or life stage. The goal is to provide support for your healing and development of coping strategies—and guidance to facilitate personal growth during these periods of adjustment.

Life Transitional therapy offers valuable support for individuals in need.  By addressing personal and practical challenges, such therapy can facilitate a smoother transition, promote positive coping strategies, and help individuals build a foundation for their future. Whether through individual therapy, group support, or specialized counseling, therapy for life transitions aims to enhance wellbeing, strengthen resilience, and foster personal growth during periods of change.

Men's Issues

Men face a wide range of issues in life, often influenced by societal expectations, personal experiences, and individual mental health needs. We focus on working with men 15 years of age and up on issues that include mental health concerns, relationships, identity and self-esteem, work and career, major life changes, emotional expression, masculinity, and societal expectations.

Relationship Counseling

Relationship counseling is designed to help individuals address and resolve relational issues with others. The goal is to improve communication, develop greater empathy and understanding, and foster connection. Relationship counseling and therapy can be highly beneficial for those looking to improve their relationships, resolve conflicts, and build a stronger, more fulfilling connection with their partners, family members, and others.

SUBSTANCE ADDICTIONS

Substance addiction treatment involves various medical, psychological, and behavioral therapies designed to help individuals overcome substance use disorders. The goal of addiction treatment is to help individuals achieve and maintain sobriety, improve their quality of life, and address the underlying issues contributing to their addiction.

Treatment involves a comprehensive and multifaceted approach designed to help individuals achieve and maintain sobriety, improve their overall wellbeing, and address the underlying causes of their addiction. Through a combination of medical care, behavioral therapies, and ongoing support, individuals can build a strong foundation for a healthier and more fulfilling life.

TRAUMA

Trauma is an emotional response to distress or overwhelm that exceeds your ability to cope. The distress/overwhelm can occur in a variety of ways. It can be a single event (such as an accident or assault), or prolonged exposure to something that causes harm or threat of harm (such as abuse, neglect, or bullying). It can even include the circumstances surrounding an event (such as minimization, discount, ridicule, or lack of needed support).

The amount of time to reach resolution and health will vary from person to person—depending on the client needs and history. Still, EMDR is generally recognized as an efficient and effective treatment modality. By using EMDR, clients can work through trauma, replace negative beliefs with positive ones, and move forward with greater emotional resilience and wellbeing.