Life can be a balancing act sometimes. Changing life circumstances, such as moving out of home to attend college, starting a new relationship, getting married or divorced, having a child or losing a loved one, can place an enormous demand on us physically and emotionally. Most of the time we are capable of taking in and living through such events, good or bad. But sometimes the ride is not so smooth, we get stuck and life feels out of balance. Some people can start having experiences they have not had before, like symptoms of depression or anxiety. By now, you have probably tried to manage the psychological discomfort by doing what helped you in the past and talking to friends, family and colleagues, or using medication, drugs or alcohol. All of these may or may not have been helpful. If you feel you have tried everything you could and still feel that life can offer you more, now may be a good time to seek professional help from a psychotherapist, psychologist or a psychiatrist.
Ambivalence about starting psychotherapy is not uncommon. Like anything new, it can be anxiety-provoking. Psychotherapy can offer greater opportunities and healing but it can also be emotionally painful in the process as clients gain clarity and awareness into their own motivations and into those of people around them. Successful psychotherapy helps clients become aware of their options and act according to their “owned” decisions.
In my practice I offer individual assessment and psychotherapy services for treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, including Major Depressive disorder, Bipolar Disorder (former manic-depressive), Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety. I am also experienced in treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and effects of domestic abuse, loss and major illness.
In my work with couples, I help partners who are struggling with communication, fidelity, establishing boundaries with in-laws, lack of intimacy and loss of sexual desire. I counsel divorcing or divorced couples on the subject of co-parenting.
In family therapy sessions, I help parents and their children correct problematic behaviors by re-establishing family roles, directing communication and strengthening personal boundaries. I assist blended families in establishing new connection. I work with adolescents on improving their compliance with school requirements, boosting motivation and exploring ambitions, teaching them relationship skills and managing mood swings that are common at this age.
To help my clients reach their goals, I effectively utilize techniques of cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy and mindfulness- based therapy. My approach to working with my clients is direct, symptom- and goal-oriented.