Specialties

What is anxiety?

Anxiety, also known as GAD (generalized anxiety disorder) is a condition that causes excessive worry. Symptoms of anxiety include nervousness, restlessness, increasing heart rate, a sense of impending doom, sweating, and panic attacks. Between 10-15% of Americans suffer from some sort of anxiety disorder. If left untreated those dealing with an anxiety disorder can go on to develop major depression. 

What is depression?

Depression, also known as MDD (major depressive disorder) is a condition that diminishes one’s ability to experience joy. Symptoms of depression include persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, changes in appetite & sleep patterns, loss of energy, feelings of worthless & meaninglessness, and suicidal thoughts. It is estimated that 15% of the adult population will experience depression at some point in their life. Tragically, over 1 in 6 people dealing with depression go on to commit suicide.

What is trauma?

Psychological or emotional trauma is any adverse experience that a person is unable to understand, process, or cope with. Far more common than most people believe, trauma is often a product of abuse and neglect in childhood. An ACE (adverse childhood experience) study showed that only one-third of respondents reported no adverse childhood experience. Most, if not all, of us will experience some type of trauma in our lifetimes, while the severity of that trauma may vary greatly.

Symptoms of trauma include excessive feelings of guilt, shame, self-blame, anger, sadness, shock, denial, confusion, irritability, mood swings, disconnection, fatigue, insomnia, and nightmares. Unprocessed trauma is often the underlying cause of an anxiety or depression disorder.

How does psychotherapy help?

Psychotherapy works by providing a safe space in which a client can become increasingly open and accepting of their inner experience. This can only happen in the presence of acceptance and trust, both of which are requirements in the client-therapist relationship. As such a relationship develops, the client can drop their defensiveness allowing themselves to feel whatever arises. They may experience feelings and attitudes which they were previously unaware of. With this growing awareness, repressed and neglected parts can be accepted and integrated into a greater wholeness of being. Our therapists work with a variety of leading-edge therapeutic methods that are effective for treating trauma, alleviating anxiety, and dissolving depression.

Subspecialties

Our practice’s main specialty is in the treatment of anxiety, depression & trauma but some of our therapists also specialize in life adjustments, loss & grief, OCD, PTSD, and Fertility. In the process of pairing you with a therapist we will make sure they specialize in the issue you are looking to address.