How To Begin

Nothing changes, if nothing changes.

There are many reasons to seek out a counselor.
Significant life changes. Worry. Anxiety. Fear. Mental disorders.
Increasing challenges and difficulty in relationships around us.

Sometimes we seek out counseling in the hopes that the counselor will provide instant solutions. Through a CBT approach, my job is to help you see old problems in new ways, find better solutions, and enable you to reach healthy decisions.

Treatment Indicators

If you are experiencing one or more of the below indicators, it might be a good time to begin working toward being the person you aspire to become.

  • Significant life changes/traumas (jobs, marriage, divorce, abuse, deaths)
  • Difficulty in relationships (home, work and/or friends)
  • Excessive worry, anxiety or dread
  • Chronic fear of the future or failure
  • Sadness or boredom that won’t go away
  • Feelings of loneliness or being left out
  • Irritability, negativity or uneasiness
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Increased use of alcohol or drugs
  • Compulsive acts or thoughts
  • Obsessive or intrusive thoughts or images
  • Thoughts of dying or suicide
  • Chronic illness or pain of unknown origin

 

Treatment Preparation

There is an old joke…

Q: How many psychologists does it take to change a light bulb?
A: One, but the light bulb really has to want to change.

The CBT approach encourages you to be mindful of the choices you make both inside and outside of our appointments. Incorporating the below almost always contributes to our work being more successful, more quickly.

  • Please fill out my New Patient Form and bring to your first appointment.
  • Plan for the time and attend each appointment you make.
  • Come prepared with a list of objectives for each session, and for long-term.
  • Eat healthy. Research good nutrition habits, and adopt them.
  • Reduce caffeine and increase your water intake.
  • Get a good night’s sleep. 7 hours minimum.
  • Take a multivitamin with minerals B-complex, and Omega 3s.
  • Exercise to improve overall physical condition.
  • Download my HealthMind Advice PDF with tips for overall better mental health