Anger is a natural and normal emotion that usually is caused in response to something that feels unfair or unjust. Anger involves a judgment that some behavior or situation is unacceptable. Anger can motivate us to right a societal wrong, confront an unhealthy behavior, or other means to enact positive change. However, many people are not taught about anger as a healthy emotion. In dysfunctional family systems, anger is felt but not discussed. People believe anger itself is unacceptable, therefore stuffing their angry feelings until they implode, internalizing the emotion and poisoning themselves. On the other hand, anger can be exhibited through rage, tantrums, and other explosive behaviors. Anger can be in response to ungrieved losses, abusive relationships, and other issues. We need to be able to accurately identify, verbalize, and take responsibility for our angry feelings. This does not mean that you agree with the thing that has caused you anger. It simply means you want to rise above the feeling, see it for what it really is, and deal with it in a productive way. I can teach you how to deal with angry feelings safely and manage your anger to regain wellbeing.

It has been said that we can judge our emotional and mental wellbeing by the health of our relationships. We have a deep need to feel seen, loved, and accepted from others, and this creates a feeling of safety and trust in relationships when our emotional needs are met early on in life. However, when we grow up in family systems that are chaotic, addicted, or neglectful, many individuals recreate these same relationship dynamics later in life with intimate partners, friendships, or even in workplace relationships. This “hanging on” to an unstable relationship can lead to frustration, depression, and loss of self-esteem. Codependency is otherwise known as relationship addiction, and its consequences can be just as emotionally harmful as other addictions. Seeking professional help for codependency can help you identify boundaries, practice healthy communication, and regain self-esteem.

"Self-esteem comes from doing esteemable acts"- Francine Ward Therapy is about finding the courage to love and accept ourselves- through freedom of self-judgment, we access the power to enact positive changes in life. I empower my clients to gain self-awareness, motivation for change, self-forgiveness, and self-esteem. These qualities are not always innate, but they can be taught and fostered with professional help. Through cognitive, emotional, and behavioral interventions, self-esteem can be cultivated and improved.

Depression has many symptoms and manifestations depending on the individual. It may show up as physical fatigue, emotional withdrawal, social isolation, feelings of shame or worthlessness, or even addiction to harmful substances and/or behaviors. Depression is the body's way of telling us information about what needs to change. Evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness techniques, and other therapeutic interventions can help relieve depressive symptoms.

People dealing with anxiety can experience frequent worrying, chronic stress, and psychosomatic symptoms. Overthinking, perfectionism, and catastrophizing become habitual patterns that make anxiety difficult to deal with. I utilize stress reduction techniques, mindfulness interventions, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients reduce and overcome their anxiety.

Losing someone we care about, whether it’s through death or the ending of a relationship, can leave feelings of loneliness and isolation. Unresolved grief can lead to chronic depression, loss of self-esteem, and conflicts with relationships and work. Grief and loss can arise from other significant life events, including the loss of identity or loss of safety. Examples include the loss of a job, divorce, or even experiencing a dysfunctional childhood. Without proper support, these experiences can manifest negative consequences in our lives. Mourning what you have lost is a necessary part of wellness, and a licensed professional can help you revisit and process your loss.

Experiences of trauma and/or abuse impact an individuals’ functioning, sense of self-worth, and beliefs about others and the world at large. Examples of traumatic experiences can include, but are not limited to: · Poverty · Environmental disasters · Death of a family member or close friend · Surviving assault · Witnessing violence in the home, school, or workplace Sexual abuse, physical abuse, and emotional abuse are some of the worst offenses people can endure, especially as vulnerable children. Survivors may experience intense emotional shutdown or other psychological defenses because they have dissociated themselves from experiencing any feeling. They may also experience nightmares or intense flashbacks of their traumas which render them in a state of hypervigilance. Trauma is stored in the body, and trauma-informed interventions utilizing the mind-body connection can help relieve the trapped stress that lingers long after the threat is gone.