Specialized Areas of Treatment
*PTSD/CPTSD AND OTHER TRAUMAS
Trauma can manifest from direct or indirect experiences in adulthood or childhood, resulting from single or multiple adverse events that have not been acknowledged or resolved. Unaddressed trauma, whether from childhood or adulthood, can impede mental and emotional development. Psychotherapy and mindfulness techniques offer avenues to alleviate symptoms associated with trauma.
*ANXIETY
Anxiety can induce sensations of unease, fear, stress, and bodily tension. Challenges with concentration and attention, commonly associated with ADHD, may stem from anxiety. Various factors, positive or negative, can trigger anxiety. Psychotherapy and mindfulness serve as effective methods in alleviating its symptoms.
*depression
Depression and various mood disorders can drain your energy, leaving you with feelings of emptiness, hopelessness, and helplessness while also diminishing your interest in everyday activities. Psychotherapy, sometimes complemented by medication, can effectively address these symptoms, enabling you to lead a more fulfilling and balanced life.
*Grief and Bereavement
Grieving is an inherent process that unfolds in response to experiencing or anticipating a loss. Depending on the magnitude of this loss, complex grief may emerge, hindering the healing process for oneself or a loved one. Each individual follows a distinct and self-determined path in their journey of healing. Psychotherapy aids clients in navigating through the pain, facilitating a gradual transition into a healing trajectory tailored to their own pace.
*Addictions
Addiction can manifest in various forms, such as substance use, alcohol consumption, sex, gambling, food, and shopping, often stemming from unresolved trauma, unprocessed emotions, and other underlying factors. Psychotherapy plays a crucial role in mitigating symptoms that contribute to addictive behaviors, fostering comprehension of addiction as a "brain disease," instilling motivation for change, and empowering individuals with the resilience needed for recovery.
*Chronic/Terminal Illness and Coping
MLC focuses on providing specialized support in oncology and dialysis yet extends its services to individuals facing acute, chronic, and/or terminal diagnoses. Coping with such challenges alone can induce significant mental stress. Processing the initial shock, disbelief, confusion, and pain associated with receiving a life-altering diagnosis can greatly benefit from therapeutic support and services, offering relief and bolstering support during difficult times.
OTHER RELATED TRAUMAS
Racial Trauma
Unfortunately, in our current era, racial disparities, inequalities, and divisions persist. Racism has inflicted trauma, anxiety, depression, and distress in the lives of BIPOC people, including Black/African Americans, Indigenous, Latinx, and Asian individuals, for over four centuries. Some experiences result in situational depression, evidenced by heightened mental health symptoms due to racial tensions. Dr. Joy DeGruy's book, "Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome (PTSS)," delves into the myriad issues triggering trauma in Black/African Americans, rooted in generational patterns stemming from the enslavement of their ancestors, highlighting the epigenetic aspect of trauma transfer across generations. Similar patterns exist for indigenous persons and all people of color (POC). Psychotherapy offers tools to cope with and manage symptoms arising from everyday microaggressions and, more significantly, the unjust killings faced by Black/African American individuals today. #BIPOCMentalHealthMatters
lgbtqi+ trauma
Disparities persist for individuals whose sexual orientation, gender identity, or non-gender identifying roles diverge from mainstream societal norms. Our LGBTQIA+ community has fought tirelessly for rights that heterosexual individuals often receive without question. Hate crimes and discriminatory practices against this population have induced symptoms of trauma, anxiety, and fear. I take pride in utilizing psychotherapy to assist numerous LGBTQIA+ clients in alleviating these symptoms, and I am committed to advocating for their equality and support. #DiverseMentalHealthMatters
Religious trauma
Religious trauma refers to the psychological distress or trauma experienced as a result of harmful religious teachings, practices, or experiences. It can occur when an individual feels invalidated, shamed, or coerced by religious beliefs or authorities, leading to emotional or psychological harm. Religious trauma can manifest in various ways, including feelings of guilt, fear, anxiety, depression, or difficulty establishing healthy boundaries. It may stem from experiences such as spiritual abuse, rigid belief systems, rejection by religious communities, or conflicts between personal beliefs and religious teachings. Treatment for religious trauma often involves therapy, support groups, and exploring personal beliefs in a safe and non-judgmental environment.
NarcissIStic abuse and trauma
Narcissistic abuse occurs in relationships with individuals who exhibit narcissistic traits, such as excessive self-focus, manipulation, lack of empathy, and a desire for control. Victims of narcissistic abuse often experience emotional, psychological, and sometimes physical harm due to the abuser's behaviors, which may include gaslighting, belittling, emotional manipulation, and devaluation.
Trauma from narcissistic abuse can manifest as:
- Low self-esteem: Victims may feel worthless or inadequate due to constant criticism and manipulation.
- Confusion and self-doubt: Gaslighting tactics cause victims to question their reality and perceptions.
- Emotional instability: Frequent emotional highs and lows result from the abuser's manipulation and unpredictable behavior.
- Hypervigilance and anxiety: Constant fear of being criticized or manipulated can lead to heightened anxiety and trauma responses.
- Isolation: Narcissistic abusers often isolate their victims, cutting them off from support systems.
The trauma from narcissistic abuse can have long-lasting effects, including PTSD-like symptoms, difficulty trusting others, and struggles with emotional regulation. Healing often requires therapy and rebuilding self-worth.