ANXIETY, MOOD & TRAUMA

ANXIETY

Anxiety comes in many forms: social anxiety, performance anxiety, panic attacks, continual worry, specific phobias, obsessions and compulsions as well as embodied restlessness/jumpiness/difficulty feeling physically calm. Some people feel "gripped" by their anxious thoughts and can't let them go. Others may go to great lengths to avoid feeling anxious or find themselves isolating or procrastinating. Whatever form your anxiety is taking on, lets talk about how I might be able to help you gain a sense of calm self-assuredness.

DEPRESSION

Depression can be difficult to shake. Some people may experience symptoms predominantly around fatigue, low energy and anhedonia (the loss of interest and pleasure in the things that usually bring us joy). Other people feel extra irritable, cynical and angry.  Some may have a hard time sleping and others may feel empty or numb.   It can be hard to take care of yourself when you are feeling depressed, and therapy can feel like one more hurdle or hard thing to do.  I am happy to help you move forward, one step at a time, and navigate the hopelessness that can make it extra hard to stay encouraged.              

SHAME

Shame and excessive guilt are awful to endure. It is important to be able to recognize when we are out of line or have done something wrong, yet excessive shame is toxic and non-constructive. It isolates us from other people and is debilitating. Many of us struggle to administer an appropriate "dose" of self-critique, resulting in repeated ultra-harsh "overdoses". Together we can examine the origins and triggers for your shame as well as provide you with tools to handle shame calmly and assertively.

PTSD

It is normal to have symptoms such as anger, panic, sleep disturbance, loss of appetite and interpersonal distress following a traumatic event.  These symptoms can be short lived for some, and persist for others. EMDR as well as other modalities can help to move past traumatic eventsand return to feeling like yourself again. 

Individuals who suffered unmet attachment needs as a child, may relate to the diagnosis of C-PTSD (Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). C-PTSD suffered may experience high levels of distress in interpersonal relationships. They may find themselves staying in toxic relationships, struggling with codependancy, or experiencing elevated feelings of shame and responsibility. Together we can examine the ways that your trauma has imprinted itself in your present day life, and locate a path forward.

BURNOUT

Burnout is different from just needing a day off to catch up on rest. When people are burned out they often feel physically and emotionally exhausted. They may have a sense of futility, have trouble caring about their goals, and feel irritable with themselves or others. It can be hard to know what life changes to make when we are burned out. Sometimes large changes are needed to overcome burnout, but smaller shifts such as boundary setting can also serve as powerful tools in self-preservation.  Feling burned out and stuck can feel insurmountable when we try to navigate it alone. I am happy to provide you with tools to tackle the challenges of our demanding word.