Areas of Expertise
DEPRESSION
Depression is a common mood disorder that negatively affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn't worth living.
More than just a bout of the blues, depression isn't a weakness and you can't simply "snap out" of it. There are many different types of depression and its important to have a thorough consultation with one of our compassionate therapists along with a physical exam from your general doctor to rule out medical causes.
ANXIETY
It is normal to feel anxious from time to time, especially if your life is stressful. But excessive, ongoing anxiety and worry that is difficult to control and that interferes with day-to-day activities may be a sign of an anxiety disorder.
It's possible to develop generalized anxiety disorder as a child, teenager or an adult. Generalized anxiety disorder has symptoms that are similar to panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and other types of anxiety, but they're all different conditions. Generalized anxiety disorder is a pervasive feeling of worry and stress that is excessive, uncontrollable and often times irrational.
substance use disorder
Substance use disorder is a disease that affects a person's brain and behavior and leads to an inability to control the use of a legal or illegal drug, medication, phone or computer, or sexual act. When someone is afflicted, they may continue using the drug, device or engage in excessive sexual activity despite the harm it causes to your health, work and/or relationships.
Substance use disorder can start with experimental use of a recreational drug in social situations, and, for some people, the drug use becomes more frequent. For others, particularly with opioids, drug addiction begins with exposure to prescribed medications, or receiving medications from a friend or relative who has been prescribed the medication.
EATING DISORDERS
Here at Kennedy Counseling we treat eating disorders within a framework involving regular psychotherapy, nutritionist and doctor appointments. The team approach to treating eating disorders is essential to success. CBT is commonly used in eating disorder treatment, especially for bulimia and binge-eating disorder. You learn how to monitor and improve your eating habits and your moods, develop problem-solving skills, and explore healthy ways to cope with stressful situations.
RELATIONSHIPS
Many people believe that you should only seek relationship counseling when separation or divorce are looming. But that is often too little, too late. Relationship therapy should begin as soon as the problems get in the way of your daily life.
Remember that there are no wrong reasons to seek relationship counseling. Some couples start therapy as soon as they are married, even without obvious problems, to prevent serious problems from developing. Counselors can help you become a better communicator, develop strong relationship skills, and improve your family’s happiness.
TRAUMA
Trauma is defined as an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, rape, or natural disaster.
However, a person may experience trauma as a response to any event they have found abusive or harmful.
A traumatized person can feel a range of emotions both immediately after the event and in the long term. They may feel overwhelmed, helpless, shocked, or have difficulty processing their experiences. Trauma can also cause physical symptoms.
LGBTQ+
Although a person’s sexual or romantic orientation or gender identity may not be a source of distress, people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, or any other orientation or gender identity may find that the social stigma of living as a minority is a source of stress or anxiety.
When seeking therapy, whether for issues associated with one’s sexual, romantic, or gender identity or for concerns related to mental health, finding a qualified mental health professional who has experience and familiarity with the challenges members of the LGBTQ community often face can be critical to successful therapy outcomes.
PARENTING
Adolescence can be a confusing time of change for teens and parents alike. But while these years can be difficult, there's plenty you can do to nurture your teen and encourage responsible behavior. Helping an adolescent become a caring, independent, and responsible adult can be challenging and our therapists at Kennedy Counseling can help guide and teach you essential parenting skills. Giving positive attention and showing love, setting reasonable expectations, setting rules and consequences, and setting a positive example are all essential parenting skills.
ATTENTION-DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD)
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children. ADHD also affects many adults. Symptoms of ADHD include inattention (not being able to keep focus), hyperactivity (excess movement that is not fitting to the setting) and impulsivity (hasty acts that occur in the moment without thought).
Many ADHD symptoms, such as high activity levels, difficulty remaining still for long periods of time and limited attention spans, are common to young children in general. The difference in children with ADHD is that their hyperactivity and inattention are noticeably greater than expected for their age and cause distress at home or in school.
LIFE TRANSITIONS
Even positive life transitions can be challenging for several reasons. A life transition represents a change from what we were accustomed to previously. Even if we would call this a “good” change, the process of getting adjusted to a new routine can take effort and energy. In response to a life transition, people often feel stress. Some stress helps you feel motivated to take on challenges and make forward progress. However, stress that continues for an extended period of time can negatively impact you emotionally, physically, and mentally. This makes a transition even more difficult to navigate