Although the topics I address are wide ranging and unique, the list below covers some of the most common issues I address with my clients. I draw upon a number of evidence-based best practices including: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Narrative Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Family Systems Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) Christian Counseling (upon request) Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Motivational Interviewing (MI) Depression Depression is more than simply feeling unhappy or fed up for a few days. Most people go through periods of feeling down, but when you’re depressed you feel persistently sad for weeks or months, rather than just a few days. Some people think depression is trivial and not a genuine health condition. They’re wrong – it is a real illness with real symptoms. Depression isn’t a sign of weakness or something you can “snap out of” by “pulling yourself together”. The good news is that with the right treatment and support, most people with depression can make a full recovery. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is proven to be the most effective treatment approach for depression and as a Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist I am uniquely qualified to help you. Anxiety/Panic Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear that can be mild or severe. Everyone has feelings of anxiety at some point in their life – for example, you may feel worried and anxious about sitting an exam, or having a medical test or job interview. During times like these, feeling anxious can be perfectly normal. However, some people find it hard to control their worries. Their feelings of anxiety are more constant and can often affect their daily lives. As a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional by the Institute of Certified Anxiety Professionals I am uniquely qualified to help you find relief from anxiety and panic. Addiction Addiction is a condition in which a person engages in the use of a substance or in a behavior for which one repeatedly uses the substance or pursues the behavior despite detrimental consequences. Addiction may involve the use of substances such as alcohol, inhalants, opioids, cocaine, nicotine, and others, or behaviors such as gambling, gaming or pornography. There is scientific evidence that the addictive substances and behaviors share a key neurobiological feature—they intensely activate brain pathways of reward and reinforcement, many of which involve the neurotransmitter dopamine. Quitting “cold turkey” is rarely successful so treatment is needed and can help you reclaim your life. Having overseen services providing the most effective treatment modalities with those most severely affected by addiction for six years I am uniquely qualified to help you find freedom from addiction. ADD/ADHD Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a group of behavioral symptoms that include inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Symptoms of ADHD tend to be noticed at an early age and may become more noticeable when a child’s circumstances change, such as when they start school. Most cases are diagnosed when children are 6 to 12 years old. The symptoms of ADHD usually improve with age, but many adults who are diagnosed with the condition at a young age continue to experience problems. There are useful skills to help manage ADD/ADHD for those struggling with the condition. Couples Couples come to counseling for many reasons and at different stages in their relationship. Some couples need new tools to resolve ongoing conflict or make an important decision about the relationship. Others want to deepen intimacy, clarify values or renegotiate roles. Couples therapy is not just for couples in crisis. I welcome couples at all points on the commitment, gender, and sexuality spectrums. Families Family therapy or family counseling is designed to address specific issues that affect the psychological health of the family, such as major life transitions or mental health conditions. It may be used as the primary mode of treatment or as a complementary approach. Families can benefit from therapy when they experience any stressful event that may strain family relationships, such as financial hardship, divorce, or the death of a loved one. In addition, it can be effective in treating mental health concerns that impact the family as a whole, such as depression, substance abuse, chronic illness, and food issues, or everyday concerns, like communication problems, interpersonal conflict, or behavioral problems in children and adolescents. Child/Adolescent Childhood is challenging enough whether you are this age or parenting this age. Sometimes normal challenges are complicated with behavioral problems like anger, social anxiety, depression, substance use, ADHD, or dealing with divorce. Having a professional who understands this age group and is experienced treating children or helping parents manage behavioral challenges can result in happier and better adjusted children. Trauma Trauma is an emotional response to an event like an accident, sexual assault, violence, or other upsetting events. Shock and denial are common after such incidences but longer term reactions like unpredictable emotions; flashbacks, increased alcohol consumption, and strained relationships may be evidence that one is having difficulty moving on with their lives. Symptoms of trauma are treatable and with effective treatment an individual can return to their normal functioning. As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional by the International Association of Trauma Professionals I am uniquely qualified to help you move on from your trauma.