The essential feature of addictions is the continued use of the substance despite having evidence of the difficulty it is causing.  Often there is a repeated pattern of using substances that result in an increased tolerance, withdrawal, and compulsive use. Despite the desire to regulate use, there may have been many unsuccessful efforts to decrease or discontinue use. The individual may spend a great deal of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of the substance.  Important family, social, recreational or occupational activities may be given up or reduced because of the substance abuse. Severe depression and physical problems can occur with the substance use.  A diagnostic assessment that evaluates the psychological/emotional/medical continuum, the social and family support, and individual pattern of use, is the first step in determining a course of treatment.

Anxiety is the result of a complex set of risk factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, personality, family background and upbringing, conditioning, your self talk and personal belief system.  Many anxious people worry excessively and are pessimistic about the future. This persistent sense of fear and uneasiness takes its toll mentally and physically.  The physical symptoms associated with Anxiety include heart palpitations, trembling, chest pains, choking, dizziness, or sweating.  You may feel an urge to avoid or run away from the situation. This avoidance provides short term symptom relief yet reinforces the feared event.  The nature of anxiety may be experienced as a constant worry or dread (Generalized Anxiety) to a fear attached to a specific behavior or event (phobia).  If you have ever experienced intense fear accompanied by physical sensations such as racing heart, shortness of breath, or sweating then you have likely experienced a Panic attack.  Individuals who experience panic attacks may feel like they are having a heart attack or going “crazy”.  A person who has a Social Anxiety Disorder most likely has an intense fear of being seen, criticized or negatively judged by others. This can ultimately cause a decrease in social and occupational functioning.  Some individuals find themselves warding off or avoiding fear and uneasiness through repetitive compulsive activities or thought patterns (OCD). These thoughts are perceived as persistent and intrusive and cause marked anxiety or distress. The purpose of the compulsive/repetitive behaviors is to prevent or reduce anxiety or distress.  Unfortunately, the very behaviors that are designed to reduce anxiety, are now contributing to it.  Luckily there is a solution! The treatment of anxiety will incorporate a variety of strategies that addresses multiple levels of functioning; including biological, behavioral, emotional, cognitive, interpersonal, and spiritual that are necessary for a full and lasting recovery.

The essential feature of a phobia is a persistent and heightened fear that is clearly linked to a specific object or situation. Exposure to the object or situation will immediately provoke an anxiety response. Additionally the person experiences a significant, persistent fear when anticipating an encounter with the object or situation.  This can lead to severe limitations in social or occupational functioning and mental distress.   Cognitive and behavioral interventions and clinical hypnosis have proven effective in the treatment of specific phobias.

If you suffer from depression then you may experience a decrease in energy, a sense of hopelessness, lowered self esteem, increased irritability or persistent anger, a lack of enjoyment or sense of purpose, social withdrawal or isolation, and a change in eating and sleeping patterns.  Many individuals report an impaired ability to think, concentrate or make decisions. The symptoms of depression vary but generally there is either significant distress or some interference in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.  The symptoms of depression are often associated with certain medical conditions (pain, cancer, major illness) and addictive behaviors, and therefore a careful interview is essential to evaluating symptoms.  There is much evidence to support the use Cognitive- Behavioral interventions in the treatment of depression. The use of medication represents a viable treatment option that is considered in the treatment plan.

A habit may be defined as a learned behavior in response to an interpersonal, emotional or environmental stressor.  There is a failure to resist certain impulses that result in the continued occurrence of the behavior. At one point in time the habit served a useful purpose in allowing the person to cope with a distressing thought, emotion or situation.  Ultimately the purpose of the habit is forgotten resulting in a behavior pattern that while soothing and familiar can have personal, interpersonal and social consequences.

Trichotillomania is the recurrent pulling out of one’s own hair that results in noticeable hair loss. Hair pulling may be brief episodes or can last for several hours. Stressful circumstances frequently increase hair pulling behavior, but hair pulling can also occur in states of relaxation or distraction. There is often a sense of gratification, pleasure or sense of relief when pulling out hair. This disturbance can cause significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning.  Clinical Hypnosis, Behavioral interventions and emotional regulation techniques have shown to be effective in treating this disorder.

Despite the health hazards, the increasing financial costs, and incentives to quit, many individuals continue to smoke.  Treatment uses clinical hypnosis, cognitive restructuring, emotional regulation techniques and relapse prevention to facilitate the process of smoking cessation.

There is nothing more desirable than to be a part of a relationship that is affirming and assists you in growing  to be the person you desire to be. This satisfying kind of relationship requires attention, care and focused effort.  Communication, empathy, increased intimacy, and a life affirming relationship are the result of a secure and safe relationship. Too often couples attempt to change their partner, or behave in a manner that is not consistent with their values, attitudes or intent. Therefore, couples are encouraged to share goals and learn how to address their needs in a respectful rather than a demanding way as well as listen to their partner’s needs in the same manner. Role playing is an important part of the treatment approach as well as learning how to communicate safety, trust and connection.  An individual’s need for connection, caring and comfort are very important in their relationship.   Each partner takes ownership for their own individual growth while learning to support and encourage the growth they desire in their partner. Couples are encouraged to reinforce the positive behaviors in the relationship, and minimize the behaviors that lead to a lack of connection and safety.   A viable relationship is a safe haven where each partner acknowledges that they are emotionally available for each other.  An eclectic approach is emphasized pulling from communication models; solution focused therapy, behavioral modification, and emotionally focused treatment.

Research has demonstrated that there exists a bi-lateral communication between the mind and body.  Because the mind has a strong influence over our physical selves, stress and worry are often translated into physical symptoms. Likewise a calm and relaxed body is certain to have a profound and calming effect on our mental status. Clinical Hypnosis, cognitive restructuring , self compassion and acceptance techniques have proven effective in treating both acute and chronic conditions such as migraines, fibromyalgia, burns, arthritis, and chronic pain. 

IBS is a complex and prevalent gastrointestinal disorder that is difficult to treat with standard medical care.  Clinical Hypnosis along with cognitive-behavioral therapy, are the best researched as an intervention for IBS.

Stress is an everyday fact of life. Stress can be defined as your response to any perceived change in your environment, relationships, or occupation.  Day to day living presents a continuous stream of potentially stressful experiences. But not all stress is bad. In fact a certain amount of stress in our lives is not only desirable but essential. Whether the stress you experience is the result of major life changes or the cumulative effect of minor everyday hassles, it is how you respond to these experiences that determine the impact stress will have on your life. Not everyone will react to the same set of stressors in the same way.  When the perceived changes appear overwhelming or we perceive that we have little or no control over the outcome, then almost universally we can acknowledge the presence of stress.   Cognitive- Behavioral techniques, clinical hypnosis, and relaxation have shown to help improve psychological resiliency and flexibility to change.

Developing a positive regard for yourself is essential to psychological survival. Without some measure of self worth life can be painful with many basic needs going unmet. You may begin to protect yourself by avoiding anything that can cause further self rejection. This avoidance can severely limit social, academic, and occupational risks. You may find it difficult to be open with others, express yourself, hear criticism, ask for help, or solve problems. Cognitive restructuring techniques, developing self acceptance and compassion, and clinical hypnosis have proven effective in helping to raise self esteem by changing the way you interpret your life. You will learn to create new, positive beliefs that will foster self esteem by improving your perception of yourself.

Sports/Work/Creativity -Counseling can be a very effective tool to enhance athletic performance, work through creative blocks, and improve academic performance.