Family ConflictsWhat kind of problems can be helped?
Family Conflicts
Is there too much yelling and fighting in your home?
Is your child having problems at school?
Is your child simply being a "normal teenager", or are you seeing signs of a more serious problem.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the challenge of a blended family?
Couples
Does it seem like you can't talk without getting into a fight? Or maybe the "spark" just seems to be gone, or you are wondering if you can recover from discovering an affair.
What if this marriage can not be saved?
Mediation may help you reach a less expensive, less emotionally damaging settlement. Counseling may help you focus on what's best for your children as you continue to be partners in parenting.
Grief/Loss--Deep grief may be a normal response to death or any important loss (See "Transitions" below). But if it becomes dangerously paralyzing, or goes on too long, maybe you could use some help
Transitions/Life Changes--"Mid-life" and other life stages, divorce, stepfamily issues, retirement or job loss and health challenges may overwhelm your ability to cope. But these can also be times of intense positive change.
Career Issues--Is it time to reassess your career direction, write a new resume, look for a new job?
Performance Enhancement--In the arts, athletics, education or business, improved mental focus can lead to peak performance.
Stress--Challenges in life may come to you by choice or uninvited. But excessive stress does not need to accompany them automatically. And it can have very serious consequences to your physical health.
Panic and anxiety--Fears and strong anxiety reactions may keep you from living a full life. For some, they may even keep you house bound.
Trauma --If you have experienced trauma, such as sexual abuse, violent crime, serious accidents or natural disasters, domestic violence, wartime battle, etc., you may find it difficult to let go of memories and fears, or you may find yourself emotionally numb.
Pain Management--Even with "untreatable" chronic physical pain, improved coping capabilities can reduce the impact of pain.
Gender--Are you "transgendered", trying to cope with sexual orientation, crossdressing, or sexual identity issues? You may be afraid to let people know, or dealing with negative reactions from loved ones who find it difficult to understand.
Depression--This is a serious but very treatable disorder. Seek an evaluation if you have symptoms such as: loss of energy, sleeping problems, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness, weight changes, or difficulty enjoying life.
Severe Mental Illness-- (Illnesses such as Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression) and severe forms of depression, panic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder)
Gambling--Is a gambling habit out of control?
What about medication?
Medication can be effective in controlling symptoms of serious mental illness, such as voices, hallucinations, delusions and paranoia. It can also be useful in relieving symptoms such as panic, confusion, obsessions, depression, anger and anxiety. Studies generally show that medication is more effective and benefits more long lasting when used along with psychotherapy. I will help you decide whether it is advisable to consult with your primary care physician or psychiatrist to see if medication may be appropriate.
