How anxiety manifests is specific to each person. Some may experience more cerebral anxiety symptoms such as intrusive thoughts, overthinking, self-doubt and difficulty concentrating in the present moment. Others may experience more physical anxiety symptoms, including tension headaches, restlessness, insomnia and rapid breathing. During our initial session, I will tailor your anxiety treatment to how you specifically experience anxiety which oftentimes includes mindfulness techniques for immediate relief in addition to other treatments that will loosen the grip anxiety holds in your life. I know, I’ve been there.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is developed after surviving a traumatic event or events that can have debilitating effects if left untreated. Symptoms of PTSD present in our minds, bodies, and emotions including sleep disorders, mood changes, feeling unsafe and hypervigilant, loss of interest and connection, use of maladaptive strategies to avoid the pain associated with traumatic memories, anxiety, and depression. I am trained in evidence-based treatments, including EMDR and somatic counseling to alleviate PTSD symptoms and promote possibility and hope of re-engaging with life.
Depression is a disorder of the brain and not a lack of willpower. Often times feelings of shame can accompany depression because there’s the assumption “I’m a failure”. This is not true. Depression can feel crippling, making it really hard to show up in life, often presenting feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, lack of motivation, inability to experience joy, feelings of worthlessness and guilt, and mood changes such as anger and irritability. When we are burdened with depression symptoms it can make reaching out for help seem overwhelming. Further isolation can worsen what you are feeling. Seeking help can alleviate depression symptoms through connection and identification of past and present experiences and belief systems that harbor pain and disappointments.
In the wake of loss, when it’s puzzling and despairing how life can resume, it can often be helpful to seek support from someone professionally trained to offer a safe environment to process anger, disbelief, denial, fear, hopelessness, and other symptoms that are specific to your personal loss.
I specialize in healing relational trauma, that is, the aftermath of physical, mental, and/or emotional abuse, neglect, and abandonment in a relationship, often experienced from childhood. The prevailing negative, oppressive effects on our self-esteem, emotional safety, how we see ourselves, and the type of relationship we believe we deserve can be traced back to our attachment wounds.
Prenatal therapy focuses on addressing the emotional, psychological, and relational challenges that may arise during pregnancy. This may include addressing anxieties related to childbirth, processing feelings of ambivalence or overwhelm about impending parenthood, exploring changes in identity and relationships, and coping with physical discomfort and hormonal fluctuations. Additionally, prenatal therapy may involve preparing individuals for the emotional demands of labor and delivery, as well as developing coping strategies for managing stress and uncertainty during this transformative time.
Postpartum therapy, on the other hand, is aimed at supporting individuals in adjusting to the realities of parenthood and addressing the myriad of emotions and challenges that can accompany the postpartum period. This may include addressing mood disorders such as postpartum depression or anxiety, processing birth experiences, navigating changes in identity and relationships, managing sleep deprivation and fatigue, and adjusting to the demands of caring for a newborn while attending to one's own needs.
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex and often misunderstood mental health condition characterized by pervasive instability in mood, interpersonal relationships, self-image, and behavior. As a highly trained specialist in the field, I perceive BPD as a nuanced disorder with multifaceted manifestations.
Individuals with BPD often experience intense and fluctuating emotions, leading to difficulties in regulating their feelings. This emotional dysregulation can manifest as impulsivity, mood swings, and outbursts of anger or distress. Their sense of self is frequently unstable, leading to identity disturbances and feelings of emptiness. Interpersonal relationships are marked by a pattern of intense, unstable attachments, alternating between idealization and devaluation of others. Moreover, individuals with BPD often struggle with a pervasive fear of abandonment, which can significantly impact their interactions and behaviors. They may engage in self-destructive behaviors such as self-harm or suicidal gestures as a way to cope with emotional pain or to seek attention and validation.