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Identifying Self Defeating Thought Patterns

Identifying How Your Body Responds to Anxiety
 

I believe that you are the expert about your mental health so collaboration is key in your treatment.  You should feel that the therapist "gets you" and is actively working to help you improve your symptoms and optimize your strengths.    The relationship that you build with your therapist can become a model for the relationship you build with yourself and a "wise voice" that you can carry with you forever.

Therapy does not have to be arduous or difficult;  it can be exciting and fulfilling and ultimately very satisfying.  I am honest and direct and expect that you and I will both be committed to your goals and growth.  You will find I am an active participant in your treatment and progress.  I am trained in many different theoretical models including CBT, DBT and solution-focused brief treatment.  Your treatment may involve keeping a record of your symptoms and thoughts,  relaxation and mindfulness training and identification of maladaptive thinking patterns and their effect on your mood and behavior.   Each individual's treatment is unique and can be very different depending on personality traits, learning styles, strengths and preferences. Treatment will be tailored to your diagnosis, your symptoms and your desires.
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I enjoy what I do and am passionate about helping you reach your goals.
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My Treatment Approach

When you become anxious, typical things happen in your body.  Does your heart beat faster?  Do your palms sweat or do you feel lightheaded?  How does your body feel when you are angry vs anxious?  We will identify what physical symptoms you experience and how they escalate.  We may work on relaxation and mindfulness techniques to lessen uncomfortable physical sensations.  Additionally, we will look at other factors that may be contributing to anxiety (caffeine, alcohol).

 

Many anxious people have thinking patterns that contribute to their symptoms of anxiety.  These thinking patterns may include certain ways of looking at events that are distorted, unrealistic and skewed toward worst case scenarios.  We will identify prominent thinking patterns and work on replacing those thoughts with more realistic statements.  We will identify how changes in your thinking can improve your mood and behavior.

 

It is important that family members and friends are supportive of your efforts and can remind you to employ techniques that may help you during a panic attack or when you are experiencing other sypmtoms.  This is especially true with ptsd and panic disorder.  You may find that a community support group provides a good network of others for support.  

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Keeping abreast of research and effective techniques for anxiety, incorporating relaxation and physical movement into your daily routine and maintaining more realistic thinking patterns are key to living a more satisfying and meaningful life.

Ruminations are thoughts that spiral through your brain over and over,  often when you are still or trying to sleep.  These thoughts invade your brain and seem to have a strength and power all their own.  We will work on quieting these thoughts and redirecting your thinking.
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 Intrusive thoughts are most often associated with trauma and involve unwanted thoughts that occur at anytime usually interrupting daily life or enjoyment of activities.  Treatment involves increased awareness of what triggers the thoughts and management of thoughts when they do occur.

 

Support, Education and Practice

Learning Skills to turn
off the brain

WORDS TO DESCRIBE ME AS A THERAPIST:

relaxed but focused

compassionate

open to feedback

experienced

knowledgeable

collaborative

strengths oriented

competent

I TREAT:

Anxiety Disorders (GAD, Phobias, Panic Disorder, PTSD, and OCD)

Depression

Personality Disorders

Coping with Stress

Grief and Loss

Regulating Emotion/Mood Management

Self-Harming Behaviors

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