See my ad in this issue of the North Port Magazine.
North Port Magazine - November 2012
This blog is for individuals who are interested in personal growth and development. The information provided here is personal in nature. I respect the privacy of each individual and their uniqueness.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Psychotherapy
can lesson generalized anxiety disorder
Concerns are part of life for most people that are expressed as fears and worry periodically through day to day activities. But people with generalized anxiety disorder, (GAD), worry all the time – about money, health, family, work or almost anything. Just the thought of getting through the day can trigger intense fears.
People with GAD think a lot about potential danger or disaster. They often look ahead, trying to make sure bad thing don’t happen. People with GAD often make frequent safety checks to make sure things are ok which may lead to other possible diagnoses. For example, repeatedly call to see if a relative made it home from work safely while worrying excessively that something has gone wrong. They also tend to:
·
Feel restless, irritable and have trouble concentrating.
·
Have muscle muscle tension, fatigue, trembling,
headaches, or other physical symptoms.
·
Anticipate the worst, even though there is little reason
to expect it.
People
often don’t understand the symptoms, which also can include heart palpitations,
perspiring, trouble sleeping, and even tingling in the the extremities. Many
people who suffer from anxiety or panic disorder will find themselves in the
emergency room because they think they are having a medical emergency like a
heart attack. The symptoms are intense and can be exacerbated by how the
individual perceives the situation.
GAD
can begin at any age, but it usually starts during childhood or adolescence, according
to the National Institute of Mental Health. Approximately twice as many woman
as men are affected. This may be due to males’ efforts to self-medicate with
alcohol or other drugs to minimize symptoms or that males are less likely to
seek treatment. Researchers are working to pinpoint the cause of GAD, they
suspect genes may play a role.
The
good news, people who are diagnosed with GAD by a licensed therapist or
psychiatrist, generally experience considerable relief from their symptoms. Diagnosing
the specific type of anxiety the person is experiencing is critical to
determining the type of treatment options available.
Those
individuals who suspect there are experiencing symptoms associated with GAD or
related anxiety disorder should start by talking with their primary care
physician (PCP) to rule out any medical explanation for their symptoms. Once
their PCP rules out a physical cause, they will refer the patient to a licensed
mental health professional for further treatment.
An
effective treatment of choice for GAD is cognitive-behavioral therapy CBT). CBT
teaches the patient to change their thinking patterns associated with GAD while
responding differently to situations that cause their anxiety. The behavioral
component includes learning how to relax and respond to their symptoms
employing techniques they discussed in therapy.
At
Estar Counseling Services, Inc. we focus directly with the symptoms that are
specifically related to the heightened state of anxiety. We work with the
patient in a confidential setting to determine what is causing the anxiety and
once this is accomplished it is easier to find ways to work through the
anxiety.
Anti-anxiety
medications and anti-depressants may also be used in conjunction with talk
therapy. It can take several weeks for the medications to take full-effect. If
one medication is not effective, others may be tried.
A
key to preventing and conquering anxiety is to properly learn to manage stress.
The less stress we allow into our lives, the less likely they are to experience
clinical anxiety.
Those
that identify their stressors and find a way to relieve their stress are more
likely to minimize the symptoms of their stress and subsequently their anxiety.
Easy
ways to manage the stress in all of our lives includes, limiting alcohol,
getting enough sleep, exercising, and eating properly. Making time to do something enjoyable for
ourselves is crucial to our emotional well-being.
Bio
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in individual, couples and family therapy, and maintain a private practice in North Port, FL.
With over 20 years’ experience as a marriage and family therapist, and as a graduate of Walden University in Minneapolis, MN, specializing in brief therapy, I am currently a private practitioner working with a broad spectrum of clients.
In addition to being a prominent relationship therapist, I have presented at local conferences and to general audiences speaking on the topics of ADHD, stress, and relationship issues.
I am an interactive, solution-focused therapist. My therapeutic approach provides support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. I integrate complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding, he works with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.
Web site
Good afternoon,
I have spent several hours preparing my updated web site. It is still a work in progress but if you have the time take a look at it and tell me what you think at www.estarcounseling.com
I have spent several hours preparing my updated web site. It is still a work in progress but if you have the time take a look at it and tell me what you think at www.estarcounseling.com
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