Sometimes people struggle at different times in their lives and we just need a little help.  I truly believe that all people are capable of creating change in their life and I believe that sometimes we get stuck in patterns that are difficult for us to see our way through.

Treatment specialization includes:

• Trauma (Childhood or Adult)
• PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
• Family of Origin
• Dealing with Grief
• Physical and Sexual Abuse
• Automobile accidents
• Anxiety
• Depression

What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)? ~ PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder) is a problem that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, like a car accident, sexual assault, natural disasters, combat, or a crime event, etc.  Understanding the signs, symptoms, causes, and how to deal with PTSD is the first step to overcoming the problem.   Some of the signs and symptoms of PTSD:

• High levels of anxiety or panic
• Having recurrent nightmares
• “Flashbacks” feeling or acting as if the traumatic event is happening in the here and now.
• Physical symptoms of panic, increased heart rate, muscle tension, sweating, etc. to the reminders of the event.
• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep or insomnia
• Irritability
• Hypervigilance-feeling constantly on guard or like there is a constant feeling of danger
• Avoiding thoughts, feelings, or conversations about the traumatic event
• Constantly having thoughts, feelings, or conversations about the traumatic event
• A loss of interest in things that once felt important to you
• Difficulty in having positive feelings or
• Experiencing difficulty in relationships and positive feelings such as joy, happiness, or love

What is Anxiety? ~ Everyone experiences some sort of anxiousness every once in a while, but the feelings of panic, fear, and uneasiness that don’t go away can be a sign of anxiety.   A small amount of anxiety for a short period of time can sometimes be helpful in order to get things accomplished but being stuck in the anxiety can be overwhelming and can create a paralyzing feeling where it may be hard to do many things including things that we enjoy. Understanding the signs, symptoms, causes, and treatments for anxiety is the first step to overcoming the problem. Some of the signs and symptoms of anxiety:

• Feelings of panic, fear, and uneasiness
• Problems sleeping
• Heart palpitations
• Shortness of breath
• An inability to be still and calm
• Physical symptoms -muscle tension, headaches, digestive irregularities
• Low self esteem
• Panic Attacks

Dealing with Depression ~ You are not alone!   Sadness is a normal reaction to some of life’s struggles but the feelings of overwhelming sadness, hopelessness, despair, emptiness, and isolation that don’t go away can be a sign of depression.  Depression symptoms make it difficult to function, interfering with and enjoy the things that you once enjoyed.  Understanding the signs, symptoms, causes, and how to deal with depression is the first step to overcoming the problem.  Some of the signs and symptoms of depression:

• Difficulty Sleeping or Sleeping too Much
• Difficulty Concentration
• Loss of Energy
• Overwhelming Negative Thoughts
• Feelings of Hopelessness or Helplessness
• Loss of Appetite or a Significant Increase of Appetite
• Increased Irritability, Anger, and or Aggression
• Increased Alcohol or Drug Use
• Reckless Behavior
• Unexplained Aches and Pains
• Thoughts that Your Life is not Worth Living

I believe that it is important for you to feel that working together will be a good fit and meet your needs for counseling. To set up a free 30 minute No-Obligation Consultation/Visit call me at 952-215-5208.

Connection is the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued: when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship. ~ Brene Brown