Topics
Stress Management
Everyone feels stress at one point or another in their lives. Quite often it is an appropriate response. Certain strategies are helpful in reducing stress so the symptoms are more manageable. Symptoms include feeling irritable, feeling burned out, having difficulty sleeping, feeling anxious, and experiencing physical symptoms. Techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and visual imagery help alleviate many of these symptoms. Scheduling a time each day to practice these strategies may help in creating a routine where you feel less overwhelmed by stress and feeling more able to cope with life events. Chronic, unmanageable stress has a huge impact on overall emotional and physical health. Depression, anxiety, headaches, pain symptoms, interpersonal difficulties, and decreased work productivity are just a few of the consequences of unmanaged stress. Psychotherapy often incorporates these techniques into sessions for people who have not been able to cope effectively with stress.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic Brain Injury, or concussion, can have a significant impact on daily functioning. Cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning are often affected. Cognitive difficulties can include decreased processing speed, disorganization, attention and concentration difficulties, language difficulties, and memory deficits. Psychological consequences of brain injury can include personality changes, mood swings, decreased patience and frustration tolerance, apathy, depression, and impulse control problems. It is important to follow up with a neurologist if you have sustained a brain injury. You may be referred for a neuropsychological evaluation, which will help clarify the nature of your deficits and provide treatment recommendations. Cognitive rehabilitation treatment focuses on improving and developing compensatory strategies for any cognitive deficits. Psychotherapy addresses the emotional symptoms often experienced in response to changes in functioning. Many injuries are sustained in the course of traumatic experiences, such as a car accident or an assault. Psychotherapy should also address any symptoms of depression or anxiety related to trauma.
