Specializations

Mood Disorders

This occurs when individuals experience a change in both emotional and physical functioning. While symptoms can vary, people often experience some level of sadness which impacts their interaction with others. It is common to disconnect from friends and family, as well as experience a lack of interest in activities that you typically enjoy. Low self-esteem, a pessimistic outlook, feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, coupled with anxiety may leave you feeling empty.

Physical symptoms may include: change in appetite, sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, body aches, fatigue, headaches, and gastrointestinal difficulties.

Bipolar Disorder

With Bipolar disorder you may experience periods of mania as well as periods of depression. During periods of mania, you might feel restless, irritable, heightened energy levels, and feel on top of the world. You might be more likely to take risks and engage in more risky behaviors like drinking and driving, and/or gambling. Other types of changes may include: racing thoughts, rapid speech, little to no sleep, and hyper-sexuality.

• Major Depressive Disorder
• Seasonal Affective Disorder
• Dysthymia
• Bipolar Disorder

Anxiety Disorders

This occurs when individuals experience excessive amounts of worry which can be specific to a source or it can be global. It is not the same as the everyday stress that people experience that comes and goes from time to time. Anxiety is similar to a false alarm that keeps going off in your head. Continuous worry makes is difficult to concentrate, make decisions, or even stay present in the moment; meaning the mind is focused on the past or the future.

Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep are common. Many times, but not always, physiological symptoms are also experienced such as increase in heart rate (at times you may feel like you are having a heart attack), flushing of the face, hotness of the skin, perspiration, dizziness, difficulty breaking, and gastrointestinal difficulties.

• Generalized Anxiety
• Social Phobias
• Panic Attacks
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Childhood Disorders

These are challenges that sprout during the early developmental years of one’s life. They can be related to a range of symptoms, or behavioral and physical delays. Symptoms will vary based on the specific disorder. A broad overview includes: difficulty concentrating, trouble in managing behavior, difficulty taking direction from others to following rules, and stressed social relationships.

• Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Oppositional Defiant Disorder
• Conduct Disorder
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Parenting Guidance – Parenting a child with special needs, behavioral, and/or attention difficulties