Because sometimes... you need more than a friend....
Do you struggle with feelings of sadness, low self-esteem, have noticed that things don't seem to matter as much as they used to or you have lost interest in pleasurable experiences? Have you noticed a change in your appetite and/or sleep? If you answered yes to these questions, you may have depression.
Do you worry a lot, have nervous habits? Obsess over things or panic? Do you have intense mood swings that vacillate between depression and feeling really great or irritible? Do you typically feel a sense of tension in your arms and legs, have frequent stomach or headaches or "butterflies" in your stomach? If so, you may have anxiety.
Have you been a victim of, or survived, a violent crime, childhood abuse, sexual assault/rape, incest, or have gone through an event that was traumatizing for you?
I specialize in helping trauma survivors and people who have depression or anxiety. If you are experiencing feelings of sadness, anger/rage, anxiety, jumpiness, feel "checked out" have nightmares, wake up in the middle of the terrified with no memory of your dream, flashbacks, or avoid talking about painful things, or feel you have to live your life checking behind your shoulder so to speak, you may have Acute or Post-Traumatic Stress. I CAN HELP!
I have over 25 years helping people with depression, anxiety, intense feelings of anger, dissociation, and trauma. For women and teens I use a feminist approach along with traditional psychotherapy methods. I also work with male survivors of sexual abuse/incest. I have been training in the treatment of teen/adult survivors of childhood abuse, trauma and have specialized training in the treatment of dissociative disorders.
I utilize various ways to treat trauma problems. Talk therapy is one way, but I have found that trauma requires additional forms of therapy, in addition to talk therapy. Talk therapy focuses treatment on the left side of your brain. The right side, however, is where your intense memories and emotions are housed, thus it is important to also do right-brain activities such as creative therapy or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, to help you heal faster and more fully. I may use activities such as art, crafts, homework, sandplay and EMDR. I am trained to utilize different techniques which will help all symptoms of trauma, depression and anxiety.
My office space lends itself to creative work; it is a very relaxed, welcoming, warm and comfortable. You'll be able to develop a sense of safety here and it is likely to stir up your curiousity!
If you are a parent seeking support for your teen or are a teen needing therapy, I offer specialized therapy just for teens and their families. Please note, unless it is unnecessary or could be detrimental to your teens therapy, parents will also be a part of the therapy process. This is important because issues happen in a group, not alone and typically the group needs a change in addition to the individual child. I like to offer parent support and education along with therapy for a teen. However, if you are a teenager and want to work with me without parental involvement, there are cases in which I am able to provide this for you.
Call me... I can help!
Because sometimes... you need more than a friend....
It is a difficult step admitting you have a problem and may need professional help. In my experience, I have found that people often wait too long before seeking professional help. They typically wait until there is a serious crisis or emotional struggle before seeking therapy. It is natural to feel nervous and apprehensive about going to therapy. Even therapists go through this when they seek therapy!
Therapy is about going on an interpersonal journey. Therapists often play the role of witness, encourage you to look deeper and challenge you to look at things that may be "lurking in the shadows." Therapy can be a wonderful, challenging and rewarding growth and healing process. And, of course, it can be emotionally challenging and sometimes down right painful. But the pain won't last forever. It teaches you how to use your own inner resources to make changes and become a stronger, happier and more empowered person.
Please visit my website for more information. It is focused on helping people learn more and grow! Call me... I can help!
You may contact me at (323) 829-3548. You can also contact me through my website at www.therapist4me.com . Just click on the link listed as "How to Contact Me." I am looking forward to hearing from you!