Therapy

I am a certified Grief Recovery Specialist®. I offer adult grief counseling in a group setting or one-on-one. I also provide grief counseling to children, young adults, couples and families.

There are over 40 losses which can produce the range of emotions that we call grief. Grief is a normal and natural reaction to loss. We grieve after death, divorce or end of a relationship, loss of health, major financial changes, moving, and many others.

The Grief Recovery Method® is an action program for moving beyond loss. It is a program which creates a safe environment in which to look at old beliefs about dealing with loss; to look at what losses have affected your life; and to take new steps which lead to completion of the pain attached to one of those losses.

Recovery from a significant loss is accomplished by discovering and completing all of the undelivered communications that builds up in relationships. We are taught coping skillls that often do not work. For example, "be strong" and "keep busy" are examples of misinformation that do not help us feel better. As a member of Grief Recovery, you will make small, action steps that will truly help you strive and thrive in the face of a painful loss.

I am an EMDR certified therapist. If you are struggling with a childhood trauma or a present day trauma, please contact me. I can help you heal from the disturbances caused by trauma or trauma-related events.

Depression or depressive feelings can affect adolescents, young adults and adults. This illness is caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental and psychological factors. Research studies suggest that depression is a brain disorder. Chemicals used in the brain for communication are out of balance. Depression affects about 1 in 10 adults, and women are affected more than men.

It is normal to have the "blues" or have the 'blahs". Everyday ups and downs are normal as well. However, if the "low" feelings and "down" mood lasts for 2 weeks or more, the condition may be depression and it is important to seek professional help.

Here is one person's story that describes what depression is like. This personal story can also be found on the National Institute of Mental Health's website.

"It was really hard to get out of bed in the morning. I just wanted to hide under the covers and not talk to anyone. I didn't feel much like eating and I lost a lot of weight. Nothing seemed fun anymore. I was tired all the time, and I wasn't sleeping well at night. But I knew I had to keep going because I've got kids and a job. It just felt so impossible, like nothing was going to change or get better."

Some symptoms of depression are lack of pleasure, feelings of worthlessness, being overly sensitive and feeling trapped. Additionally, an increase or decrease in weight, a change in sleep patterns, fatique and lack of concentration are other common symptoms.

Depression is a treatable illness. For instance, therapy will help regain feelings of pleasure and worthiness. It will also help individuals feel empowered.

If you are feeling depressed, tell a trustworthy friend or relative and seek out a mental health practitioner.

Anxiety can be described as sensations of excessive worry, doom, dread or panic that are overwhelming and often debilitating. Panic attacks are often associated with an increase in anxiety. Symptoms of anxiety affect the mind, body and/or behavior.

Anxiety management techniques can significantly reduce levels of anxiety. Understanding your brain and managing your anxious mind, behavior and body will offer tremendous relief.

There are different types of anxiety, including social anxiety, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder and generalized anxiety. Students can sometimes struggle with test anxiety.

If you are experiencing anxiety that is difficult to manage and are having restlessness, fatigue, reduced concentration, irritability, muscle tension, and/or disturbed sleep, it is important to get help from a mental health professional.

I can help you understand triggers for your anxiety and guide you through ways to manage the anxiety. Anxiety is treatable and often can be significantly reduced so you can enjoy your daily routines.

Are you struggling with having meaningful, happy relationships with family, friends or partners? I assist clients in exploring relationship needs and the core emotions that are linked with them. Learning to enhance communication skills and to strengthen connections are esssential pieces to the counseling.

Solution Focused Therapy and techniques from Dr. John Gottman, one of our country's leading relationship expert, are utilized in sessions.

Stress can take a toll on our bodies, both emotionally and physcially. Stress is a common reason why people seek counseling. High stress levels affect one third of the American population. Extreme stress is a major health problem in the United States.

Stress from work, family life, and other responsibilities and demands can be extremely overwhelming. There are ways to manage stress so that day to day activities are easier to confront and complete.

In my work with clients who are seeking help with stress management, I offer quick and easy techniques to reduce stress and find balance with family, friends, recreation, and work/school. A mindfulness approach to stress management, including guided imagery and relaxation training, are part of the therapy.

Self esteem is manifested in our sense of self worth and awareness of self. Sometimes our confidence has dwindled, has been shattered, or has never been developed.

Counseling can help individuals explore such key issues as acceptance, identity, and relationships and how these factors can affect self-esteem.

Often adolescents struggle with self esteem. Counseling can help adolescents build a strong sense of confidence and self-worth.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective approach to helping individuals increase self esteem.

Parenting through the years is a journey through joys and disappointments, accomplishments and challenges. It can be the most extraordinary experience, yet at the same time, be confusing, exhausting and agonizing.

I can offer caregivers support and guidance to create a fresh, new perspective in maintaining healthy relationships with children and a postive home environment. Clients will learn about the developing brain and understand why adolescents do the things they do. Consequently, caregivers will improve communications and strengthen bonds.

There are a variety of life transitions that can be either postive or negative planned or unexpected. Regardless of the type of transition, these events can produce feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, fear, anger, sadness or shock. Retirement, moving, changing jobs, leaving for college, a serious illness, getting married, accidents and having a baby are examples of life transitions.

I help clients reduce the pain associated with these negative emotions. Also, counseling will foster insight and reflection on how a transition can lead to exploration of goals and to understanding personal strengths. Time in therapy will likely create a sense of renewal, acceptance and peace.

If you are in need of emotional support during a life transition, please contact me.