Additional Diagnoses
I have extensive training with depression, anxiety, personality disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder, insomnia, and relationship issues. The majority of those seeking outpatient psychotherapy struggle with depression and/or anxiety. Individuals struggling with depression may experience diminished interest or pleasure in activities, sleeping disturbance, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, and weight changes. Those struggling with anxiety may experience restlessness or feeling "keyed up", fatigued due to being constantly on edge, concentration issues, irritability, tension, or sleep disturbance. Most experience depression and anxiety, and through clinical training and experience, I have found it to be particularly effective to work with the individual to determine which is the driving force in order to focus treatment. Often, the symptoms of the secondary diagnosis diminish with the treatment of the primary diagnosis.
In addition to developing an expertise in the treatment of PTSD, I have extensive training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) in both individual and group formats. DBT has been especially beneficial for those who have found it difficult to develop a life that they experience as worth living, and those who have experienced unstable or unfulfilling relationships. DBT includes helping individuals master skills in mindfulness (focusing on the here and now), emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. Originally developed to treat chronically suicidal individuals diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, DBT is now recognized as effective in treating a wide range of other disorders such as substance dependence, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and eating disorders.
Those experiencing concerns with their partner or family members may choose couples or family therapy. Although many treatments are available, couples therapy generally focuses on increasing effective communication in order to increase intimacy and reach goals. Family therapy also includes a focus on improved communication while incorporating adjustments to the family structure in order to improve family functioning.