Therapy Services

People seek counseling for a wide variety of reasons; from needing help to adjust to a difficult change or event to more chronic struggles.  Fortunately, there is help and hope.  I work with each client's unique set of experiences, beliefs, attitudes and circumstances to develop an individualized treatment plan.  Below are listed some of the common concerns that I treat.

Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety are perhaps the most common reasons for people to seek counseling. Fortunately, there are multiple treatment options that have been proven to be effective in alleviating the symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Common Symptoms:
  • feeling 'blue' or down most of the time
  • excessive worry
  • feeling pessimistic
  • changes in eating and/or sleeping habits
  • isolating from others
  • feeling alone and misunderstood
  • thoughts of suicide or self-harm
  • irritability
  • feeling tired or agitated
  • loss of interest in things that you once enjoyed
  • crying often
  • feeling self-conscious or that others are constantly judging you
  • feeling fearful

Substance Abuse and Addictions

In my work with addiction I have found that, while people use different substances or behaviors, they all use for the  same reason:  they want to feel different.  Generally, the addictive behavior starts as a way to cope-a way to feel better--then that coping skill becomes destructive.  Together, we work to identify more adaptive coping skills, understand the mechanisms of addiction and begin to rebuild.
Common Symptoms:
  • drinking more than you intend to
  • other people have mentioned that you may use too much or over do it often
  • blacking out
  • spending more money on alcohol or drugs than you intended
  • needing more of the substance to feel the same high or buzz
  • using your substance of choice to ease unwanted feelings such as stress, worry, anxiety or sadness
  • drinking before or during work or school
  • hiding or lying about how much you use
  • missing work or school because of use

Trauma and PTSD

Trauma can take different forms - there can be a major event that is easily identified as the cause...or there can be a serious of smaller events that create an ongoing feeling of fear or uncertainty.  I work with clients to understand and process through their trauma(s) and begin the healing process. 
Common Symptoms:
  • hyper-vigilance
  • nightmares or difficult sleeping
  • feeling 'on edge'
  • isolating from others
  • heightened startle response
  • panic attacks
  • flashbacks