areas of focus

---

 Anxiety and stress disorders are very common and treatable, and getting treatment is important to your health and well-being and also to your relationships. I work with clients with Generalized Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, as well as anxiety brought on by recent stressors. I take a mind-body approach, looking at you and your circumstances holistically, to understand your unique causes of anxiety and stress, and how best to help you feel and function better.  

Anxiety and panic attacks feel uncomfortable and even frightening. While medication can play an important role in treatment, it is important for you to change the emotional, cognitive and behavioral factors that contribute to patterns of anxious response and panic. It's also important to see your doctor to rule out any physical causes that may be contributing to anxiety symptoms.  

 Depression is often thought of as simply a health condition, like being low in a vitamin--take an anti-depressant and the "chemical imbalance" is cured. However, many cases of depression are more complex in origin, and psychiatrists themselves often recommend counseling to depressed patients. Depression can be linked to childhood trauma,  long-term stress, interpersonal conflict, grief and loss, social isolation, and substance abuse. 

 Alcohol and marijuana are readily available and widely accepted. So it is no surprise that some people will find themselves crossing over from moderate use to abuse and addiction. For others, there is a long-standing pattern of addictive behavior. 

I have over two decades of experience working with individuals and couples with substance abuse issues, helping them clarify their goals--moderation or abstinence--and supporting them through the process of change and recovery. 

I have great respect for those who embark on the journey of recovery. There are usually underlying issues that need to be addressed as part of that process. Common underlying issues include a need for better coping skills, a history of trauma and loss, chronic physical pain, or intense emotional pain.

If you are ready to stop smoking, vaping or chewing tobacco, I want to help you! I offer a comprehensive approach that utilizes cognitive, behavioral, and mindfulness  strategies, along with  hypnosis, to help you quit for good. If you would like to learn more, contact me for a free 30-minute initial consultation.