Depression and Anxiety

Levels of depression and anxiety have been rising in recent years, worsened after the Covid 19 pandemic. Rates of anxiety and depression have astronomically increased for children and teens.

Besides learning coping skills to better manage depressive and anxiety-related symptoms, therapy can help people process lifestyle and relational factors that contribute to depression. Therapy offers a safe space to explore how past relationships and experiences are related to present-day anxiety and mood problems.

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. With over 30 years experience as a mental health clinician, Jackie has obtained specialized training in various forms of therapy to treat depression, mood instability and all types of anxiety.

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Technology Based Issues

Technology usage, whether smartphone use, social media participation or video gaming, becomes problematic when it interferes with day-to-day functioning and the fulfillment of basic responsibilities. Some studies suggest that exposure to interactive screens can negatively shift how individuals interact socially and reduce users’ baseline 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.”

Jackie has assisted individuals and families to create greater balance, where technology and screen use is concerned.

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Chemical Dependency

Substance abuse and dependency often exist in relation to other mental health challenges. While there are a number of different approaches to addressing substance abuse and addiction, understanding how treatment works and what options exist with regard to ‘levels of care’ can be enormously helpful.

As a clinician, I have worked in inpatient/detox, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient and regular outpatient settings. I can offer clients much helpful information about what research suggests are the best recommendations for achieving and maintaining sobriety.

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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.

Other factors, such as the prevalence of 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.

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