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.

Events in your life may trigger some types of depression and chemical changes in your brain may cause others. Our compassionate and highly skilled therapists at Kennedy Counseling will get you back on your feet and help you discover the joy of living again. We employing relational, insight oriented therapy along with the behavioral interventions of cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy. We also examine lifestyle and addresses changes that may need to be made in terms of sleep, nutrition and exercise.

Depression is highly treatable and psychotherapy addresses the thinking patterns that precipitate depression. Studies show that a course of psychotherapy prevents recurrence. Drug therapy in combination with psychotherapy may be needed in order to help relieve more serious symptoms so that you are better able to engage in meaningful psychotherapy.

Post-partum depression is one type of depression in which the birth of a baby can trigger mood swings and or crying spells in the days or weeks that follow. It is important to seek treatment right away so that the depressive reaction does not become prolonged and severe. At Kennedy Counseling we have highly trained specialists in this area that can help you find balance and be able to enjoy your new baby.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is another common type of depression in which depressive symptoms coincide with the changing of seasons, often triggered by the winter months. Our specialists use relational psychotherapy along with the adjuncts of mindfulness, light therapy and possible medication to address the more serious symptoms of SAD.

Bipolar Disorder is sometimes called “manic depression” as there are marked periods of mania or a high, “up” mood followed by bouts of “low'“ depressed mood. Hypomania is when the highs are not as noticeable but friends and family notice an increase in agitated energy which you may feel is only increased productivity. It is important to receive an accurate diagnosis as bipolar illness may require mood stabilizing medication along with psychotherapy and lifestyle modification.

Please reach out and make an appointment for a consultation with one of our highly skilled therapists here at Kennedy Counseling. Even getting a consultation appointment on your calendar will help you feel that you are taking action and control of your depressive feelings. Meanwhile get back to basics- eat three meals a day and two light snacks even when you are not hungry, get eight hours of sleep a night, and exercise three times a week even if all that means is taking a walk around the block. Connect with a trusted friend or family member and share your struggle with depression. Reflect on a time when you enjoyed your life and remind yourself that depressive feelings will end and your emotions will feel balanced again.

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. Signs may be irritability, restlessness and difficulty sleeping. GAD often has a genetic basis and it has been noted that there is often more prefrontal cortex and amygdala activity in response to stimuli in the brains of those predisposed to GAD. This genetic predisposition along with the occurrence of a trauma or stressful event is at the root of GAD.

Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that causes panic attacks which are sudden feelings of terror when there is no real danger. You may have physical symptoms and fear that you are losing control. Physical symptoms can include pounding heart, shakiness, nausea, dizziness and a feeling of being disconnected from oneself. symptoms can appear without warning and peak in minutes. Often panic attacks stop when the stressful event is resolved but for others they remain.

One of the most troublesome aspects of panic attacks is the intense fear that you will have another one which can contribute to avoidance of situations and/or people that you come to associate with anxiety. panic attacks may come on suddenly and without warning but over time and with insight oriented psychotherapy with one of our specialists here at Kennedy Counseling the trigger and root cause is often discovered and addressed. Many people that suffer from panic attacks have had a history of childhood physical or sexual abuse, experienced a traumatic event or going through a life event that involves deep loss such as divorce or loss of a close family member.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is an anxiety disorder in which a person has certain thoughts “obsessions” and feels the need to perform certain routines repeatedly, “compulsions’ to an extent that impairs day to day functioning. Common compulsions are excessive handwashing, counting, or checking to make sure appliances are shut off or doors are locked. Treatment involves psychotherapy, possible medication and CBT where one of our specialists helps you examine, challenge and expose thoughts while preventing the compulsion response.

Living with any anxiety disorder can be a long-term challenge but it is highly treatable. In many cases, it occurs along with other mood disorders. In most cases, anxiety disorders improve with psychotherapy. Our highly trained therapists will address your anxiety with a combination of insight oriented therapy to help get to the root of the anxious thoughts and then CBT and DBT if needed to examine unhealthy patterns of thinking and help reduce feelings of high emotion. There is also a possibility that you may need medication when symptoms are severe so that you are better able to engage in psychotherapy. Your therapist will also discuss possible lifestyle changes that will alleviate symptoms of anxiety such as creating a daily routine and bedtime routine to help calm your nervous system.

Please call and make a consultation today with one of our specialists in order to alleviate your anxiety and feel more centered and calm. Meanwhile try some lifestyle adjustments such as adding meditation and/or yoga stretches once a day. Even a few minutes may help and there are excellent apps such as Positivity, Calm and Headspace that will help guide you. In addition make sure to get some physical exercise at least three times a week in order to dissipate the physical tightness that can often accompany anxiety. Avoid alcohol and decrease caffeine consumption along with getting eight hours of sleep and concentrating on eating three healthy meals a day even if you find you are not hungry. Even slight shifts in lifestyle choices along with weekly insight psychotherapy with your therapist here at Kennedy Counseling will make all the difference.

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 one 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, substance use disorder begins with exposure to prescribed medications, or receiving medications from a friend or relative who has been prescribed the medication.

The risk of substance use disorder and how fast one becomes afflicted varies by drug. Some drugs, such as opioid painkillers, have a higher risk and cause reliance more quickly than others.

As time passes, you may need larger doses of the drug to get high. Soon you may need the drug just to feel good. As your drug use increases, you may find that it's increasingly difficult to function without it.

Phone or computer issues are marked by a preoccupation with device that interferes with work, relationships and sleep. The device is turned to when you are experiencing unwanted feelings of anxiety or depression.

Sexual compulsion is the lack of control over sexual thoughts, urges, or impulses. The sexual behaviors are excessive and cause significant negative consequences. Engaging in pornography is a common sexual addiction and may cause sexual dysfunction as real life sexual activity becomes less and less arousing. You may engage in certain sexual acts, prostitution. sexual fantasy, masturbation and exhibitionism or voyeurism.

Substance use disorder can be affectively addressed by our highly skilled therapists here at Kennedy Counseling. This disorder has a genetic component and may be used to relieve feelings of anxiety or depression. It may be situational and a reaction to stress or long term. Treatment consists of first trying the “harm reduction” approach which is limiting the behavior or use to an acceptable amount that does not cause psychological or physical issues. If limiting is not possible (and this becomes clear quickly) psychotherapy along with Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and support groups for device and sexual compulsion, along with medication may be used. If the affliction is severe and not responding we refer to inpatient or intensive outpatient programs.

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.

Eating disorders are diagnosed based on signs, symptoms and eating habits. If your doctor suspects you have an eating disorder, he or she will likely perform an exam and request tests to help pinpoint a diagnosis. You may already recognize that you are suffering from an eating disorder and have taken the important step to reach out for help. We are here for you and will take the steps to help you on your road to physical and emotional health.

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. 

Problems with relationships are not limited to romantic ones, even though that’s the most popular reason people consult for relationship therapy. Relationship therapy is for any couple that wants to improve their relationship and can be helpful for siblings dealing with family issues, or even business partners.

Our couples counselors work in a short term 12 session model in which you set specific goals to resolve within the 12 session framework. If another 12 session course of treatment is requested or recommended either more time can be spent on original goals or other issues may be addressed. Please schedule a consultation and improve your relationship with the help of our highly skilled couples counselors at Kennedy Counseling.

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.

Trauma can have long-term effects on the person’s well-being. If symptoms persist and do not decrease in severity, it can indicate that the trauma has developed into a mental health disorder called Post Traumatic Syndrome Disorder (PTSD).

There are several types of trauma. Acute trauma results from a single stressful or dangerous event. chronic trauma results from repeated and prolonged exposure to highly stressful events. Examples include cases of child abuse, bullying, or domestic violence. Complex trauma results from exposure to multiple traumatic events.

Secondary trauma, or vicarious trauma, is another form of trauma in which a person develops trauma symptoms from close contact with someone who has experienced a traumatic event. Family members, mental health professionals, and others who care for those who have experienced a traumatic event are at risk of vicarious trauma. The symptoms often mirror those of PTSD. This type of trauma is often overlooked.

Treatment for PTSD and trauma involves insight oriented, relational psychotherapy with one of our highly trained therapists in order to create a safe space to explore the traumatizing event. CBT, DBT, mindfulness and relaxation techniques along with possible medication may all be employed to help reduce the severe effects of trauma.

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

Coping with discrimination and oppression, coming out to one’s family, and sorting out an “authentic” sense of self in the face of social expectations and pressures can lead to higher levels of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and other mental health concerns for LGBTQ people.

Many of the concerns and life challenges LGBTQ people bring to therapy are those common among all people. All couples argue over many of the same things—money, sex, the in-laws, quality time—and all people are subject to the same kinds of daily stressors, such as mood swings, workplace concerns, or low self-esteem.

Though many therapists may be qualified to help, sometimes LGBTQ clients feel more comfortable with a therapist who specializes in or has a great deal of experience with LGBTQ issues. Here at Kennedy Counseling many of our therapists have experience working with the LGBTQ community and provide a safe place for sharing, healing, and growth.

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.

If you are struggling with your teen or need help with a specific issue please reach out to our therapists for guidance. Meanwhile keep in mind that positive attention is a must for teens. Spend time with your teen to show him or her that you care. Listen to your teen when he or she talks, and respect your teen's feelings and do not assume that your teen knows how much you love him or her.

If your teen doesn't seem interested in bonding, keep trying. Regularly eating meals together might be a good way to connect. Better yet, invite your teen to prepare the meal with you. On days when you're having trouble talking to your teen, consider each doing your own thing in the same space. Being near each other could lead to the start of a conversation.

Teens learn how to behave by watching their parents. Your actions generally speak louder than your words. Show your teen how to cope with stress in positive ways and be resilient. Be a good model and your teen will likely follow.

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.

Many adults with ADHD do not realize they have the disorder. A comprehensive evaluation typically includes a review of past and current symptoms, a medical exam and history, and use of adult rating scales or checklists.

Children and adults with ADHD are treated with medication, psychotherapy or a combination. Behavior management strategies, such as ways to minimize distractions and increase structure and organization, and involving immediate family members can also be helpful. Our therapists at Kennedy Counseling are experienced in the treatment of ADHD in children and adults and can help you find relief from this common issue.

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

Changes and life transitions that happen unexpectedly and have a direct impact on our daily lives can be very challenging to cope with. For example, accidents, job loss, and pandemics can happen without much warning. Ultimately, when we are caught off guard by a life transition, it is challenging to navigate because we haven’t had the chance to prepare. COVID-19 and our need to change the way we live, work, attend school and parent has created tremendous stress for many people.

Here at Kennedy Counseling our therapists are experienced in working with many types of transitions and the accompanying stress. Meeting with your therapist and processing the feelings around the changes mitigates the stress and can help you take on the challenges that life transitions bring.

Meanwhile keep in mind that when possible it can be helpful to try to plan for your transition. This may involve outlining a plan for the logistics of your transition or setting a helpful mindset. Try to set the reasonable expectation that you will likely feel stressed and overwhelmed at times. It’s also helpful to remember that feeling stressed during transitions is completely normal! Establishing a routine can help you adjust to a transition. Consider creating morning and evening routines to facilitate a sense of consistency. Regular sleep and wake times, a daily walk, meditation, or intention-setting for the day can be great additions to your routine. Develop helpful self-talk and recall transitions (or other difficult situations) you’ve successfully coped with before. They can be a reminder that you can manage this too. Stay connected to family and friends for social support and practice self compassion as change is difficult and most likely things will not go perfectly.

We all experience life transitions, and some are harder than others. If you find yourself experiencing a high degree of distress during a life transition that is significantly impacting your mood, ability to work, social interactions, or any other important life area reaching out and and scheduling a consultation with one of our compassionate therapists will help you feel grounded and reduce the impact of the stress you are experiencing.