Counseling for Individuals, Couples & Families
Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a major depressive disorder that occurs during the same season each year. Also known as the “winter blues,” SAD typically comes on in the fall and winter, when the light is diminished. SAD is believed to affect nearly 10 million Americans and is four times more common in women […]
Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a major depressive disorder that occurs during the same season each year. Also known as the “winter blues,” SAD typically comes on in the fall and winter, when the light is diminished.
SAD is believed to affect nearly 10 million Americans and is four times more common in women than men. Many people experience symptoms that are severe enough to affect their quality of life.
Though not everyone will experience the same symptoms, here are some of the most common:
If you suffer from SAD, here are some ways you can alleviate your symptoms:
By far the greatest relief, according to research, comes from the use of lightboxes. Lightboxes emit high-intensity light between 2,500 to 10,000 lux. Compare this to a normal light fixture that emits only 250 to 500 lux.
Lightboxes closely mimic the sun’s natural rays, helping our brains produce the right amount of neurotransmitters that are responsible for mood.
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may only need to use the lightbox for 30 minutes once a day. For more severe symptoms, people have found relief by using the box for long periods of time and can often feel true relief in as little as two weeks.
Some insurance providers will cover the cost of lightboxes, but not all do, so be sure to speak with your provider.
While it may feel counterintuitive, if not downright impossible, to get up and get moving when you’re feeling depressed, exercise is one of the best ways to improve your mood. Exercise not only reduces stress and tension, but it releases those feel-good endorphins. Studies have also found that one hour of aerobic exercise outdoors (even if the sky is overcast) has the same positive effect on mood as 2.5 hours of using a lightbox.
It’s common to turn to junk food when you’re feeling the winter blues. High-sugar foods tend to give us a temporary boost in energy levels and mood. But then we come crashing down and feel even worse. A better choice is to eat a balanced and nutritious diet, opting for complex carbohydrates like sweet potatoes and whole grains.
If your symptoms are very severe, and if you are having any thoughts of harming yourself, then it is important to speak with a therapist who can help you navigate your depression and offer coping tools.
If you or a loved one are currently suffering from SAD and would like to explore treatment options, please get in touch with me. I would be more than happy to discuss how I may be able to help.
Your nervous system runs and powers every organ and every other system, from your brain to your digestion, breathing and beyond. But what many people don’t consider is that the natural aging process, toxins and diseases can damage your nervous system, and therefor your overall health and well-being. What does the nervous system do? Your […]
Your nervous system runs and powers every organ and every other system, from your brain to your digestion, breathing and beyond. But what many people don’t consider is that the natural aging process, toxins and diseases can damage your nervous system, and therefor your overall health and well-being.
Your nervous system is a bit like the Internet. But instead of nodes, your nervous system is a large network of specialized cells called neurons that “talk to each other.” These messages, which are really electrical signals, travel between your brain, skin, organs, muscles and glands. And all of the messages help your body to feel sensations, move and work correctly, and help important information get back to the brain.
Once you begin to understand that the nervous system is what powers the rest of your body, all of its organs and other systems, you begin to realize how important it is to keep your nervous system healthy. Any hit to your nervous system can result in headaches, migraines, muscles spasm, learning difficulties and more.
So how do you keep your nervous system healthy?
If you’re someone who hasn’t given much thought to your nervous system and all it does for you, it’s time you start. Take care of it and it will take care of you!
SOURCES:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21202-nervous-system
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/nervous-system
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/neuro/conditioninfo/functions
Neurodiversity is a concept given life back in the 1990s by an Australian sociologist named Judy Singer. The term is used to represent the different ways people think, behave, communicate, and more. Neurodiversity is often associated with challenges an individual may face. For instance, people with neurodiverse traits may be diagnosed with conditions such as […]
Neurodiversity is a concept given life back in the 1990s by an Australian sociologist named Judy Singer. The term is used to represent the different ways people think, behave, communicate, and more.
Neurodiversity is often associated with challenges an individual may face. For instance, people with neurodiverse traits may be diagnosed with conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHA) dyslexia, or autism. But the concept turns the traditional diagnoses on their heads. Instead of thinking something is “wrong” with the person, the new science is suggesting that within the human genome, there is a diversity we’ve yet to fully grasp. Conditions aren’t necessarily faults in the brain but rather a unique expression.
Extensive data points to the fact that there are greater rates of depression and anxiety co-occurring in individuals with diagnoses of autism, ADHD, and dyspraxia. Autism alone has been linked to higher rates of anxiety, eating disorders, mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and more. Much of this may stem from the fact that individuals with autism have typically been found to have low levels of dopamine, a “feel good” neurotransmitter greatly responsible for elevated moods.
But what about those individuals whose levels of dopamine are in the normal range? And for that matter, what about depression and anxiety in people who have not been diagnosed with any other cognitive condition?
For years, psychologists, psychiatrists, and neurologists have tried to understand the profound links between body, brain, and life experiences. And what we have learned is that narrow diagnostic categorization doesn’t allow us to recognize all of the diverse ways cognitive conditions express themselves in the human race.
Neurodiversity helps solve this. It embraces the complexity of the interconnectedness of the brain, body and life to help us get better patient outcomes. As clinicians, we need to move away from crude labeling and diagnoses and begin to focus on personalized interventions and treatment plans to better serve our clients.
SOURCES:
Anger is a normal human emotion, however, if it’s not managed properly, it can have disastrous consequences that have the potential to hurt you and others. A lot of people don’t know how to process anger properly. They pile up their frustrations and emotions until they reach a breaking point and explode instead of dealing […]
Anger is a normal human emotion, however, if it’s not managed properly, it can have disastrous consequences that have the potential to hurt you and others. A lot of people don’t know how to process anger properly. They pile up their frustrations and emotions until they reach a breaking point and explode instead of dealing with the anger in a healthy and rational manner.
Most people express anger irrationally and this causes them to feel bad about themselves, especially if they hurt other people in the process. However, you don’t have to struggle with your anger. Biofeedback and Neurofeedback techniques offer skills that help people manage anger effectively.
What is Biofeedback?
Biofeedback techniques offer individuals the skills they need to manage anger effectively. Biofeedback focuses on controlling the power of your mind, to make you aware of what’s going on deep inside you and help you harness more control over your emotions and overall health.
So, How Does It Work?
Researchers haven’t managed to figure out exactly how Biofeedback therapy works, but what they do know is that it enhances relaxation. The Boston Children’s Hospital conducted a study on children who had received biofeedback therapy with the use of a video game program. What they found was a breathrough. They found these children that were exposed to biofeedback therapy had better control over their reactions to daily frustrations compared to before the treatment.
Several relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and mindful meditation are used in biofeedback therapy. A biofeedback therapist will help you to control different body functions using different relaxation excercises. For example, biofeedback teaches deep breathing as a relaxation technique. Focusing on the breath and breathing deeply will allow the executive control center of the brain to keep the midbrain and emotional centers balanced. This allows the mind to view situations objectively rather than reacting impulsively.
There are different types of Biofeedback techniques that can be used to monitor different bodily functions. For anger, Neurofeedback techniques are used. Neurofeedback helps create a stronger connection between the emotional center of the brain and the executive control center. This way, you learn to gain better control over your emotional responses and behaviour. Anger is then expressed in a healthy and rational way.
Biofeedback is a well-researched technique that helps individuals learn to control responses that many believe are impulsive or uncontrollable. If you or someone you love is struggling with anger issues, biofeedback may be the solution you are missing. I use neurofeedback and biofeedback to help people manage their anger in a positive and healthy ways. Please contact me to book a session.
Living with ADHD can be very challenging as the mental health condition can and often does impact interpersonal relationships, academic and work performance, and daily functioning. Traditional Treatments for ADHD Once a diagnosis of ADHD has been made, there are a variety of treatment options. Most mental health therapists recommend using a holistic approach, meaning […]
Living with ADHD can be very challenging as the mental health condition can and often does impact interpersonal relationships, academic and work performance, and daily functioning.
Once a diagnosis of ADHD has been made, there are a variety of treatment options. Most mental health therapists recommend using a holistic approach, meaning using a mix of treatments such as medication, lifestyle changes, and psychotherapy.
When it comes to psychotherapy, the recommended approach has typically been using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a commonly used approach because it makes a connection between the person’s thoughts, feelings and actions. This can help the individual regulate their emotions and behaviors and control some of their ADHD symptoms.
While CBT can be effective, not all people with ADHD may benefit. Luckily there are new approaches, and neurofeedback is a very promising one.
Neurofeedback therapy is a form of biofeedback, meaning it helps make a connection between the mind and body. Neurofeedback is powerful because it can help those with ADHD control the way their mind works by providing direct feedback to their brain.
How Does it Work Exactly?
During a neurofeedback session, a trained professional measures the person’s brain waves an electroencephalograph (EEG )while delivering neurofeedback. The brain waves that are usually impacted in those with ADHD are theta and beta waves.
Neurofeedback works by leveling out these brainwaves, which in turn decreases ADHD symptoms.
How Many Sessions are Needed?
Recent research has shown that as little as 30 sessions can be more effective than commonly prescribed stimulants. In fact, some people no longer need their ADHD medication after consecutive treatments.
If you are interested in exploring neurofeedback as an ADHD treatment, speak with your medical provider.
Sources:
https://www.verywellmind.com/neurofeedback-treatment-for-adhd-5271502
https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/neurofeedback
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/315261
They say there are only two things in life you can count on: death and taxes. I would add a third: changes. Every person goes through changes in life. And some of those changes can be significant. Whether you are graduating, starting a new job, moving to a new city, or ending a relationship, you […]
They say there are only two things in life you can count on: death and taxes. I would add a third: changes. Every person goes through changes in life. And some of those changes can be significant.
Whether you are graduating, starting a new job, moving to a new city, or ending a relationship, you may find dealing with change to be stressful. But there is good news. Counseling can absolutely help you navigate these big life changes so you can make the absolute best decision for you.
Here are some ways counseling can help with big life changes:
Managing Expectations
There’s the change itself, and then there’s what we expect life to be during and after the change. Often we can feel stress when reality does not align with our expectations of reality. Counseling can help you manage your expectations so that the transition is peaceful and realistic.
A Positive Framework
Change means one door closes as another one opens. But many people put all of their focus and attention on that closing door. Focusing on an ending can make us feel depressed and anxious.
A counselor can help you focus on the new opportunities ahead of you. This can improve your state of mind, which will ultimately help you make the most of the current situation.
Self-Care
For many of us, change means burning the candle at both ends and not taking care of ourselves. Counseling can remind us (as many times as needed) that we need to make our physical and mental health a priority during this transition.
Now that you see some of the ways counseling can help you through the biggest changes in your life, it’s time to find a counselor who can help you find insight and fresh perspective. If you’d like to explore counseling further, please reach out to me. I’d be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
SOURCES:
https://onlinedegrees.bradley.edu/blog/six-ways-counselors-can-help-clients-dealing-with-major-change/
http://creativeresolutionsinc.com/2021/07/20/how-counseling-can-help-you-through-life-changes/
Life has been beyond challenging for most of us the last couple of years as we’ve dealt with a global pandemic and subsequent lockdowns. And just when we thought we were all out of the woods and life was back to normal, we now find ourselves facing sky high inflation, a recession, and the threat […]
Life has been beyond challenging for most of us the last couple of years as we’ve dealt with a global pandemic and subsequent lockdowns. And just when we thought we were all out of the woods and life was back to normal, we now find ourselves facing sky high inflation, a recession, and the threat of WW III. Needless to say, these events can trigger some pretty strong emotions in us.
We never want to fully deny our emotions. Feeling them is how we process the events of our lives. But there comes the point where we need to figure out a way to move through the emotions and get safely to the other side. One of the most effective ways to do this is through mindfulness.
Mindfulness is a simple, non-judgmental awareness of the present moment. It is a powerful way to connect with our bodies and emotions, but in a higher state of awareness.
Mindfulness helps us regulate our emotions by putting us in a calm and relaxed state of presence. From here we can have a more mature and sensible point of view of the events in our lives.
Second, when practiced regularly, mindfulness can help us develop skills that promote emotional maturity and self-regulation. These skills include self-awareness and attentional control.
And finally, mindfulness can increase the time between trigger and response. In this way, mindfulness acts a bit like an advanced warning system, alerting us to a potential ugly scene, giving us time to engage in emotional self-monitoring. This gives us the opportunity to choose our emotional response very, very carefully.
There are many online resources for getting started with a mindfulness meditation practice. Spend some time searching Google and exploring Youtube for some helpful sites and videos.
If you are interested in working privately with someone on regulating your emotions, please reach out to me. I use mindfulness in my practice with clients and would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Sources:
https://mentalhealthmatch.com/articles/skills/what-is-mindfulness-and-how-to-use-it-to-regulate-emotions
Life often showers us with wonderful blessings in the form of family, good friends, and joyous fun! But at some point in our lives, most of us will also be affected by loss and grief. During these times, it can be immensely helpful to receive help and guidance from a trained and trusted therapist. But […]
Life often showers us with wonderful blessings in the form of family, good friends, and joyous fun! But at some point in our lives, most of us will also be affected by loss and grief. During these times, it can be immensely helpful to receive help and guidance from a trained and trusted therapist.
But there are many Christians who wonder and worry if working with a therapist will somehow go against their religious beliefs, or if the therapist will eschew those beliefs. This is never a concern when working with a Christian counselor.
Christian counselors understand firsthand that when dealing with the loss of a loved one, a job loss, divorce, or a health crisis, a strong and resilient faith is the VERY THING that can get you through the darkness and back into the light.
Christian counseling combines an individual’s faith with the traditional principles of psychology, with the ultimate goal of improving the individual’s mental health and interpersonal relationships. Christian counselors often use scripture and biblical teachings to help their clients deal with the challenges they are facing.
Perhaps one of the biggest differences between the two types of counseling is that Christian counselors, in addition to mainstream cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, use a wide variety of tools and resources such as prayer, bible study, and affirmations to help their clients deal with grief.
Christian counselors also take more of a holistic approach to mental health, understanding that your spiritual health is directly linked to your mental health and emotional well-being.
And, while secular therapy may focus on the “problem” you are facing, Christian counseling focuses on your relationship with God.
If you or someone you know is suffering from grief and would like to work with a Christian counselor, please be in touch with me. If you are not local, I also provide sessions over the internet.
SOURCES:
According to a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide was the tenth leading cause of death overall in this country, claiming more than 47,000 people’s lives in 2019. In fact, there was nearly double the rate of suicides that year as homicides (19,141). Suicide prevention is an incredibly important agenda, […]
According to a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide was the tenth leading cause of death overall in this country, claiming more than 47,000 people’s lives in 2019. In fact, there was nearly double the rate of suicides that year as homicides (19,141).
Suicide prevention is an incredibly important agenda, and the reason Lifeline and other mental health organizations have come together to raise awareness of the issue during September, which has officially become National Suicide Prevention Month.
Suicide is still a stigmatized and taboo topic, and this month is about not only raising awareness but spreading hope and critical information to people who have been affected by suicide. With the goal of making sure everyone who needs access to vital resources has access, it’s important those touched by suicide get involved this month.
There are a few different ways to add your voice and experience to the narrative this September:
Spread the Word
Lifeline’s website provides banners, flyers, and logos that you may download, print, and post around your local community, helping to spread awareness. There are also brochures and pamphlets you can order to hand out on college campuses, local businesses, and health clinics.
Volunteer
Contact your local Lifeline crisis center about volunteering opportunities.
Share Your Story
If you have battled your own mental health issues and found recovery and hope for a brighter future, it’s a wonderful idea to share this hope with others.
Conversely, if your life has been touched by suicide in some way and you feel strong enough to share your personal experience, it’s also so very beneficial to share your story with others. Your personal account may help others spot the warning signs in their own loved ones.
Get Help
If you or someone you know is still grieving the loss of a loved one from suicide, it’s important to get the help you need. All loss is difficult to navigate, but in my practice, I have found loss from suicide can feel like an overwhelming weight to carry.
If you’d like to explore treatment options, please reach out to me.
SOURCES:
October is National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month, a time when clinicians and their communities come together to spread awareness and combat mental illness. By working together, we can all promote the importance of mental health screenings while reducing the stigma associated with mental health illnesses. Common Symptoms of Depression The following are some […]
October is National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month, a time when clinicians and their communities come together to spread awareness and combat mental illness. By working together, we can all promote the importance of mental health screenings while reducing the stigma associated with mental health illnesses.
The following are some of the most common symptoms of depression. If you or someone you love has been experiencing one or more of these nearly every day for at least two weeks, it’s a sign you or they may be suffering from depression:
It’s common for people battling depression to feel worse during the holidays. That’s one reason why the month of October was chosen as the awareness month; because it gives people plenty of lead time to get help before the festivities hit.
During this time, many clinicians, hospitals, and mental health facilities will either reduce or completely waive the fees for mental health screenings. This makes it far easier for those individuals who believe they may be suffering from depression to receive an affordable and accurate diagnosis.
If you or someone you love is suffering from depression, it’s important to get screened. After your screening, a qualified practitioner will discuss a treatment plan with you that may include talk therapy, medication, or a combination of the two.
If you are someone who has recovered from depression, it’s a wonderful idea to share your journey with others if you feel comfortable doing so. Often when people are struggling with their own darkness, knowing someone has walked through to the other side and is living once again in the light, can offer hope and encouragement.
If you or someone you love is interested in speaking with a trained therapist, please reach out to me. I would be happy to discuss how I might help.
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