Adult Therapy
Are You Worried About Your Mental Health And Wellbeing?
Do you feel persistently withdrawn, confused, anxious or on edge. Are you preoccupied with worry, self-doubt, sadness or anger? Do you feel as though these distressing thoughts and emotions limit your life, relationships, and opportunities? Perhaps you want to set and achieve goals, but you don’t know where to begin.
Wherever you are in life, there are times when you may need additional care and support, especially if you are struggling with:
Anxiety or Depression
Grief or Loss
Relationship, Dating or Intimacy Issues
Career Decisions of Dissatisfaction
Unhealthy Eating Habits or Body Issues
Substance Abuse
Destructive Behaviors
Intense Stress
Marriage
Separation/Divorce
Family Issues
Major Life Transitions
Questions About Identity & Sexuality
Whether you or someone you love is struggling mentally or going through a conflict or crisis, you might feel lonely and troubled. The uncertainty and unhappiness that often accompanies overwhelming stress, anxiety and sadness can disrupt and interfere with every aspect of your life. You may wake up each morning wondering how you’ll make it through the day. You may find yourself becoming increasingly overwhelmed and isolated in these emotions. More and more, talking to friends and family doesn’t seem to help.
Whether these feelings have come into your life recently, or if you have lived with them for as long as you can remember, there is also likely a part of you that seeks to find a better understanding of your experience and practical ways to overcome challenges.
You Are Not Alone
If you are struggling mentally, emotionally and/or physically, you are not alone, and you are not to blame. Mental health issues can develop from a complex set of factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, hormone imbalances, upbringing, relationship issues and traumatic events.
According to Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults, which is nearly or 18 percent of the population.
Major depressive disorder is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. for people ages 15 to 44, and it affects more than 16 million American adults, which is about seven percent of the population.
Nearly one-half of those diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety. Common anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety, social anxiety, phobias, obsessive compulsive disorder and PTSD.
Even if you’re not struggling with a diagnosable mental illness, there are times when we all experience symptoms of overwhelming stress. For example, when you’re faced with new responsibilities or the loss of something dear to you, it’s normal to worry or doubt that you can cope with the changes. Even changes that are supposed to be good, such as having a child or retiring, can be difficult because they mean adopting a lifestyle that’s unfamiliar to you. We all fall into our routines throughout our lives, and a shift can throw everything out of sync, including your sense of self.
Regardless of the challenges you’re currently facing, if you have not acquired the necessary skills and insight to recognize and effectively cope with stress, it’s no wonder you find yourself overwhelmed during this troubling time. Many people benefit from therapy— from someone dealing with anxiety symptoms, to someone struggling with major depression or PTSD, all the way to every person who is trying to navigate the ups and downs and unexpected turns of life. Here, you receive the opportunity to recognize, release and overcome root causes that are keeping you locked.
Adult Therapy Can Help You Heal And Move Forward
Talk therapy is an effective way to treat a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. In a safe space, outside the stressors of everyday life, you are invited to express your innermost concerns and receive useful tools to mitigate depressive and anxious thoughts, feelings and physical discomforts. Counseling can help you evaluate what you’re going through, acknowledge and honor your losses and challenges and recognize what possibilities exist for your future.
Together, in sessions, you and I will explore your past, as well as how you think about yourself and the world around you in the present. At a pace that feels comfortable to you, we will carefully examine and transform any beliefs and mindsets that may hinder your ability to feel confident, secure and empowered. When you’re able to identify and process pain, you’ll feel more fulfilled, relaxed and able to connect with the important people in your life.
Every person who seeks adult therapy is different. That is why, together, we design a plan of treatment that supports your unique personality, needs and goals. Collaboratively, we examine what brought you here and guide and support you in making positive changes that to enhance your overall mental, emotional and physical health. Even small, manageable changes and practices, such as mindfulness meditation, improving daily routines, practicing positive communication, becoming more aware of your thoughts, feelings and reactions and learning to be more assertive can go a long way in self-improvement.
I know that things may seem overwhelming and hopeless right now, but I also know that you have the power and strength to make changes, get healthy and be happy. I have helped many adults navigate and overcome problems. I know from experience that, with safe, compassionate and empathic therapy, it is possible to live a lighter, more joyful, authentic and meaningful life.
You may still have questions or concerns about anxiety or depression counseling…
Shouldn’t I be able to get through this on my own?
Most of us go through life without ever learning effective, healthy ways to manage stress. Even if you don’t have a diagnosable mental illness, therapy can help you relieve stress, feel supported, and develop skills and strategies to navigate tough times.
Furthermore, you are not alone. So many people feel weighed down and overwhelmed by burdens. And, oftentimes current issues can stir up old wounds, which can lead to a debilitating cycle of fear and dread. Wouldn’t you like the opportunity to learn more about yourself, why you feel this way and which tools can help you manage distress now and in the future?
I’m not comfortable speaking with a stranger about my situation.
Because I have worked as a psychotherapist for some time, I am no stranger to conflict or vulnerability. Although opening up to someone is not easy, you may find that once you share your story, and can make sense of it, you walk away with a newfound sense of awareness and empowerment. If you’re holding onto a deep wound or feeling alone in a personal struggle, you may find tremendous relief in letting it out in a confidential, non-judgmental space.
I don’t want people to know I’m in therapy.
I maintain a strict confidentiality agreement with all my clients. That means that our relationship is confined within the space of my office. If we see each other in public, I will not greet you. If someone asks me if you’re seeking out services in my practice, I will not respond either way. There are specific rules, ethics and laws in place to protect therapeutic confidentiality that I adhere to.
In my practice, you should expect a completely private space to explore and overcome anything that is hindering you. If you have questions about therapy and confidentiality, I encourage you to call my office.
Adult Therapy Can Help You Move Forward
If you’re interested in working with a mental health counselor in Ventura, CA, please call 805-444-8787 for a free 30-minute consultation or to schedule a free face-to-face consultation. I am happy to answer any questions you have about therapy or how my practice can address your needs.