About Us

This is one of the most frequently asked questions in the mental health field. A psychiatrist has a medical degree with specialized training in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Most psychiatrists rely on the use of medications to reduce symptoms associated with a variety of psychiatric disorders, such as serious anxiety or depression, and may only see clients every few weeks to monitor the effectiveness of the medication. A clinical psychologist, on the other hand, has an advanced degree (typically a Master’s degree or Ph.D.) and many years of training in the treatment of psychiatric conditions through a variety of techniques that do not involve medication. This type of treatment is often referred to as “talk therapy” because it relies on techniques other than medication. Therapy sessions typically take place over a period of several weeks or months, depending on the duration and severity of the presenting problem. Psychologists and psychiatrists often work together to coordinate care for the same client when both medication and talk therapy are determined to be the most effective treatment. 

We will gladly refer you to a trusted psychiatrist in our area so you can be safely and properly evaluated for medications.

Confidentiality is the cornerstone of psychotherapy. The responsibility to protect confidentiality is taken very seriously. State laws and professional ethics recognize the importance of the privileged nature of confidential communication between a client and a therapist. The only kind of information exempt from confidentiality laws involves the threat of harm to yourself or toward another person, a well as disclosure of child or elder abuse. No information will be share with another agency or individual without your written permission. 

A wide variety of clinical techniques may be considered depending on the symptoms that have caused you to seek therapy. The type of treatment you receive is based upon the results of an initial evaluation and a collaborative agreement between you and your therapist regarding your specific treatment goals. Treatment plans are tailor-made for each individual and may include techniques such as behavior modification, cognitive restructuring, relaxation training, hypnotherapy, problem solving approaches, insight-inducing strategies, or a combination of one or more techniques. 

You’re in charge. Therapy won't work unless you feel completely safe and comfortable. Successful therapy depends on the relationship of mutual trust and respect that forms between the therapist and the client. If you do not feel comfortable with your therapist, you have every right to ask to see someone else. However, we see it as helpful to your therapeutic process and considerate to your current therapist to discuss this prior to making a change.

 Everyone’s experience in therapy is unique. The amount of time required for therapy usually depends on the severity of the problem, length of time since the problem began, and the individual’s coping style. Many people find that their problems are resolved within a period of weeks or months with therapy, but for others the process is much longer. Most of us would like to find a quick fix for our problems, and that’s understandable. However, some clients find that long-term therapy resolves complex problems and prevents them having to return to therapy each time they face a new crisis. 

Many people are depressed and don't even realize it. We all experience periods of sadness or down days. However, if symptoms persist and interfere with work and/or relationships, this may be a sign that professional help is needed.

You may want to consult with your physician or someone on our staff if you experience five or more of the following symptoms for more than two weeks:

• Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
• Sleeping too little or too much, early morning awakening and insomnia
• Changes in appetite or weight
• Loss of pleasure or interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Social withdrawal
• Feeling restless or irritable
• Persistent physical symptoms that don't respond to treatment
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decision
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Note: Thoughts of death or suicide warrant an immediate evaluation by a professional. Please let someone know if you feel this way in order to arrange an emergency evaluation.

The likelihood of depression increases if you have a chronic illness such as cancer, heart disease or stroke. Depression affects about 19 million American adults within any given year. Millions of children and adolescents also experience symptoms of depression that are misdiagnosed due to "acting out behavior." Nearly 80-90% of those who receive treatment experience significant and lasting relief from their symptoms.

No one should have to suffer from depression at any age. Always err on the side of caution. If you are not sure that you or someone you love is depressed, schedule an evaluation to find out today.

Information used with permission from the "Get Screened, Get Treated, Get Better" campaign of the National Mental Health Association

EMDR is an acronym for a new psychotherapeutic technique called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. When people suffer from trauma, it often ties into REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, which is the time when we process our daily emotions. Some trauma may be so painful, that the REM process rejects it. EMDR is an intensified version of REM, developed to handle trauma in its most serious form. EMDR allows a client to process an emotional experience that h/she cannot yet talk about it freely. Most importantly, it can eliminate stress surrounding the traumatic event, with the purpose of allowing new life in the once traumatized and emotionally difficult memory.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title="Who can be helped with EMDR?" style="simple"]Since the initial medical study in 1989 positive therapeutic results with EMDR have been reported with the following populations:

• People who have witnessed or been a victim to disaster (rape, accidents, earthquakes, fires, murder, gang related violence)
• People suffering from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
• People who suffer from phobias
• People who suffer panic disorders and anxiety attacks
• Persons exposed to excess loss (loss by death, divorce, loss of a house by fire)
• Crime victims and police officers who were once overcome with violent memories
• Accident or burn victims

"What problems are helped using EMDR?" 

The studies to date show a high degree of effectiveness with the following conditions:

• Loss or injury of a loved one
• Work or car accident
• Fire
• Assault
• Robbery
• Rape
• Natural disaster
• Injury
• Illness
• Witness to violence
• Childhood abuse
• Victims of violent crimes
• Performance and test anxiety
• Trauma
• Depression
• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Phobias
• Fears
• Childhood trauma
• Physical or sexual abuse
• Post traumatic stress
• Bad temper
• Overwhelming fears
• Low self-esteem
• Relationship problems
• Brooding or worrying
• Trouble sleeping

"How Does it Work?"

The therapist works gently with the client and asks him/her to revisit the traumatic moment or incident, recalling feelings surrounding the experience, as well as any negative thoughts, feelings, and memories. The therapist then holds her fingers about eighteen inches from the clients face and begins to move them back and forth like a windshield wiper. The client tracks the movements as if watching ping pong. Other forms of bilateral stimulation may also be used from alternating hand taps or auditory tones. The more intensely the client focuses on the memory, the easier it becomes for the memory to come to life. As quick and vibrant images arise during the therapy session, they are processed by the eye movements, resulting in painful feelings being exchanged for more peaceful, loving, and resolved feelings.

"What are the Symptoms that can be helped by EMDR?"

• High Anxiety and lack of motivation
• Depression
• Memories of a traumatic experience
• Fear of being alone
• Unrealistic feelings of guilt and shame
• Difficulty in trusting others
• Relationship problems

The EMDR technique is most effective when used in conjunction with other traditional methods of therapy in treating these and many other emotional disorders.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a gentle, evidence-based therapy that helps people heal by exploring the different “parts” of themselves. We all have many inner parts—such as the part that wants to achieve, the part that feels anxious, the part that criticizes, or the part that carries deep pain. These parts are not bad; they developed to help us cope with life. But sometimes they get stuck in extreme roles that cause us stress or conflict.

At the core of IFS is the belief that everyone also has a Self—a calm, compassionate inner presence that can help guide healing. When we connect with this Self, we can listen to our parts with curiosity instead of judgment, helping them release burdens from the past and find healthier roles.

• Encourages self-compassion and understanding rather than self-criticism.
   
• Helps reduce inner conflict by creating harmony between parts.
   
• Supports healing from trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship struggles.
   
• Builds lasting change by addressing the root causes of emotional pain.
   

In IFS sessions, you’ll be invited to:

• Notice and describe the feelings, thoughts, or behaviors that come up.
   
• Explore the different parts of you with curiosity and respect.
   
• Connect with your Self to bring calm, compassion, and healing.
   
• Work toward unburdening parts that are stuck in painful roles so they can feel freer and more balanced.
   

In short: IFS helps you discover that all your parts have good intentions, and with the support of your Self, they can transform. This process creates more peace, clarity, and confidence in your daily life.