Our Services
Depression and Anxiety
Levels of depression and anxiety have been rising in recent years and rates of anxiety and depression have astronomically increased for teens and adolescents.
Besides learning coping skills to better manage depressive, mood related and anxiety symptoms, therapy can help people process lifestyle and relational factors that contribute to depression.
We offer individual evaluations and on-going psychotherapy to address mood-related symptoms, including depression and bipolar disorder, as well as all forms of anxiety. We often work collaterally with psychiatrists, family physicians and nurse practitioners to address clients’ symptoms with a multi-disciplinary approach. We also extensively plan treatment with clients to offer effective, real time techniques to better manage depression and anxiety.
Technology Based Issues
Screen addiction is a growing problem for all ages and demographics. Screen use includes gaming, internet addiction, social media use, etc. Studies suggest that exposure to interactive screens can impair social skills development and reduce users’ attention spans.
Like other behavioral addictions, technology and screen exposure triggers the release of dopamine in the brain, creating conditioned, repetitive experiences which can lead to ‘dopamine tolerance’ - a state described by Nicholas Kardaras as “the need for higher and higher doses (of dopamine) to feel something - anything.”
Due to our special interest in this phenomenon, we have researched treatment approaches and obtained professional training to help clients maintain healthy relationships with tech.
Self Defeating Behaviors
Have you ever wondered why you or a loved one continue to act in self-defeating ways that block achieving important goals, despite a genuine desire not to? Sometimes, despite our best intentions, we repeat old, nonsensical thinking or behavior patterns that keep us stuck.
Talking to a therapist in a safe, non-judgmental space allows one to process the numerous factors that contribute to problematic or self-defeating patterns. Our treatment approach emphasizes ‘slowing down’ the internal process to see more clearly what’s happening in the mind and heart, then, curiously exploring new patterns.
Adolescent Issues
Adolescents often have unique therapeutic needs and can benefit from counseling that is supportive and non-judgemental. Because adolescence, as a stage of development, is marked by numerous physiological and psychological changes, adolescents are particularly susceptible to mood and behavioral changes.
Social media and peer influences can increase levels of distress and trigger states of crisis for young people. Therapy offers a safe space for teens and their families to explore and process their emotions and behaviors, with the aim of reducing distress and helping them to continue to progress toward their goals.
Couples’ and Relational Conflict
Relationship issues, more than many other concerns, prompt people to seek psychotherapy. Relationship conflict or discord can be confusing, difficult to sort out on one’s own and fraught with emotions.
Having worked with numerous couples’ we primarily utilize the therapeutic approach of Emotionally Focused Couples’ Therapy. This modality, developed by Dr. Sue Johnson, has been researched and proven effective. What makes EFT Couples’ Therapy different is it’s primary emphasis on the attachment bond as a focus of treatment.
Trauma/PTSD
Having worked for many years with victims of crime, as well as children and adults, who suffered serious abuse and neglect, Jackie has received specialized training in numerous therapy approaches specifically designed to treat trauma, PTSD and CPTSD.
Some of the treatment approaches we utilize include EMDR (Received Level 1 and Level 2 Training in 2007 and has utilized this technique for 19 years), Emotional Freedom Technique (Tapping), Applied Polyvagal Theory and Somatic Informed Trauma Therapy.