Challenges I can help with

Anxiety

The word anxiety can mean a lot of things. Anxiety can feel like nervousness, or a lack of calm both mentally and in your body. It can take the form of worrying – persistent worry thoughts or ruminating, or a general feeling of worry, fear, or dread. Anxiety can also mean feeling chronically irritable or annoyed, and it can show up as difficulty concentrating. No matter what you’re experiencing that fits under this label of anxiety, I can help you get to know and attend to whatever part of you is driving it. 

Depression

Depression is also a word that encompasses a lot. Depression is defined by a down, low, or hopeless mood, and/or feeling a lack of joy or pleasure in engaging in life. These experiences are often accompanied by feeling frequently tired or lacking energy or motivation. Depression can mean difficulty concentrating or making decisions. It can also take the form of feeling bad about yourself, or feeling worthlessness, or a sense of guilt. I can help you explore what’s driving any facet of depression that’s present for you so that we can come to an understanding of how to help shift it.

Chronic pain/headaches/digestive issues 

Chronic physical pain may be driven by psychological factors. Chronic back pain is common, but chronic pain can occur in any area of the body. Migraines, tension headaches, and digestive issues such as IBS can also be psychologically induced. Please check out my “Chronic pain/chronic illness” page on this site to learn more about how therapy with me can help with these physical concerns. 

Chronic illnesses 

The mind-body connection can impact or even drive chronic illnesses. Not all chronic illnesses are impacted or driven by psychological factors, but it’s always worth investigating whether they are. If we find that the illness is not psychologically heightened or induced, therapy with me can help with the experiences of anxiety or depression, or any other mental health concerns that are tied to the illness. Please check out my “Chronic pain/chronic illness” page on this site to learn more about how therapy with me can help with physical concerns.

Self-criticism/low self-esteem/social anxiety 

Whether it’s a self-critic voice that feels like it’s always there, persistent preparing or rehearsing for social interactions, a pervasive sense of low self-esteem/low self-worth, or feeling withdrawn, tongue tied or nervous socially, we can get to the know the parts of you driving these experiences and give them the help they need. 

Addiction/addictive tendencies  

Addictive tendencies and addictions can touch so many aspects of our lives, ranging from drinking or drugs, to food, to scrolling, to work, to exercise... Any addiction or addictive trait deserves to be treated with curiosity and compassion. Addiction is an indicator that there are parts of you that need attention and care. 

Relationship issues  

I work with individuals only, but individual therapy can be helpful in most relationship issues and is often a valuable accompaniment to couples’ or family therapy. Our parts are activated in our patterned interactions with our loved ones. Together we can investigate and work on helping what’s coming up for you in the relationship challenges that you’re experiencing so that you have more perspective and choice in how you act or respond in those relationships. 

Challenges with anger  

Anger can feel instantaneous, automatic, and uncontrollable. It can be activated by both external and internal triggers. I can help you go beyond trying to prevent, stop or shove down the anger. Together we can explore what’s driving the anger in the first place, and what’s needed in order for the anger to shift.