Therapy for Depression, Anxiety, Life Stressors, Anger

 It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see.  Thoreau 

Depression is one of the leading causes of disability in the U.S., and it affects more than 15 million American adults age 18 and older. 

In therapy you will understand which life problems, behaviors and thoughts contribute  to depression, and recognize which aspects of those problems may be solved or improved. You'll also learn ways to restructure your thinking and attitudes, and learn which faulty ideas may perpetuate depression. 

Finally, you will  learn how to be fully present in the moment,  accept thoughts and emotions as they are, and learn how to better engage as opposed to withdrawing from life.  

To see what some of the causes of depression are, see here 

 Do not judge my story by the chapter you walked in on. J.H.

Most people who suffer depression also suffer from an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health issue in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults age 18 and older, or 18% of the population.    

Experiencing some anxiety is a normal part of life. However, people with anxiety disorders usually have intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. 

In therapy you will develop skills for greatly reducing  anxiety by identifying, understanding, and changing thinking and behavior patterns, developing skills for emotional self regulation and distress tolerance. You'll also learn  breathing and grounding techniques, and will explore the role exercise and nutrition can play in anxiety management.

To learn more about, see here

 Bitterness is like cancer. It eats upon the host. But anger is like fire. It burns it all clean. Maya Angelou 

Anger is a common and healthy emotion, most people get angry 2-4 times per month. Anger becomes unhealthy and even toxic when it is unrelenting or when it turns to rage and becomes all-consuming. Unrelenting anger and rage can result in severe depression, violence and suicidal thoughts. 

 Studies indicate  that roughly 22-25 million Americans, or 9% of adults, have  regular, seemingly uncontrollable anger outbursts. 

You can develop anger manage skills by learning to reduce your reactivity to situations, learning assertiveness skills, developing skills for emotional self regulation and distress tolerance, and  changing your thinking patterns.  

To learn more, see here 

You’ll never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine. Anon.

Major life events are a part of living: a divorce or break-up, living with a toxic parent or family, loss of a loved one,  serious health issues, dealing with mid-life crisis, school /college related issues, or aging concerns. 

Having access to a seasoned, skilled, caring, non judgmental professional can be extremely helpful in understanding and managing a major crisis or concern. A professional can help guide you through problem solving an issue, finding new meaning in your life, negotiating through life changes, or just learning to live a fuller and richer life. 

Be decisive. Right or wrong, make a decision. The road of life is paved with flat squirrels who couldn't make a decision (bumper sticker)

Non-assertiveness is generally a learned behavior and set of beliefs about having to please others and not rock the boat.  It  can lead to:

• Depression and Anxiety--Anger turned inward, a sense of having no control over your life, and stress.
• Resentment--Anger at others for manipulating or taking advantage of you, and anger at yourself for "being weak" and not standing up for yourself.
• Low self esteem--Questioning and downing yourself.  
• Rage or even aggression when bottling up emotions becomes overwhelming. 

Assertive behaviors lead to increased self-respect and self-confidence (and vice versa), and respect from others. Appropriately timed and expressed assertiveness allows others to see you as a worthwhile person, and someone who can be trusted to be honest. Assertiveness allows for developing closer, more fulfilling and richer relationships.

We suffer more often in imagination than in reality. Seneca

The most common child and adolescent problems we see center around defiance, ADHD, behaviors linked to an Autism Spectrum Disorder, too much screen time, poor anger management, excessive worry and anxiety, and depression.

Over 90% of child and adolescent behavior problems can be resolved through modifying parenting behaviors (using our Parent Effectiveness Coaching approach), through a behavioral contract, and the use of natural and logical consequences. More severe problems, such as aggression, verbally abusive behavior, drug/alcohol abuse, and symptoms of ADHD and Autism, may require individual and family therapy. 

At times, children and adolescents carry the family "toxin". That is, they display or manifest whole family problems since they have fewer resources for hiding and managing their pain or trauma.