Starting therapy for depression can feel intimidating. You might wonder what you’re supposed to say, worry that your problems aren’t “serious enough,” or fear being judged. These concerns are common—and they’re often the very things depression tells us to believe that keeps us from getting help. Therapy is about having a safe space to be honest, supported, and understood so you can get to your therapy goals. Knowing what to expect in the first few sessions can make taking tha

I am often asked about psychiatric medications as part of a mental health treatment plan. In this blog, I ask some of the most common questions I receive to Yeganeh "Anna" Jalaeian, DNP, MS, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP, CAS, who is licensed in Virginia and who I collaborate with for medication management. Why is it important to seek thorough clinical assessment for ADHD or ADD prior to seeking a prescription to treat it? Difficulties with focus and concentration can come from m

The holiday season brings some much needed time off, traditions, and for many of us, an opportunity to reconnect with family. But if you’re like a lot of people, family gatherings can be a source of stress rather than joy. From old conflicts to differing opinions, the dynamics that come with being around family during the holidays can trigger feelings of frustration, anxiety, and even resentment. The holidays don’t have to be a time of dread when it comes to family. With some

Alex (a fictional patient) came to me seeking help with lying, saying that whenever he is “in trouble” – in his partnership or at work, he lies to escape accountability. He says he doesn’t understand why he does this as a pattern but wants to stop because he is no longer trusted at home and his credibility at work is waning. As we explore some of his early experiences, he shares that whenever he made a mistake, his parents met him with overwhelming punishment and was made to

Clients sometime ask me questions about psychiatric medications. In this blog, I ask some of the most common questions I receive to Andrea D. Skrocki, PMHNP-BC, a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner licensed in Colorado who I collaborate with. When do you think it is appropriate for patients in talk therapy to consider a medication assessment? While talk therapy is highly effective for many people, there are certain situations where supplementing therapy with psychiatric medicatio

Anyone who has experienced a panic attack knows that they feel awful. There is often a sense of, “I need to get out of here!” or a loss of control. For more extreme panic attacks, it may feel like you are dying. More commonly, the following fears may come to mind: ·       Having some kind of breakdown ·       Fainting or collapsing ·       Being unable to breathe ·       Feeling trapped ·       Confusion and not being able to relieve it Panic tries to negate your trust in you