Services
Trauma
Trauma can be defined as a type of extreme stress that overwhelms a person’s usual ability to deal with life. Literally, trauma means “wound.” Whether or not an event is considered traumatic is based on an individual’s subjective perception.
Trauma symptoms include: re-experiencing the event, feeling immobilized, disruption in digestion or sleep patterns, hyper vigilance, avoidance, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. Unfortunately, many people try to deal with the often devastating symptoms of trauma with drugs or alcohol. Trauma symptoms can be exhibited immediately or delayed for substantial periods of time. Successful treatment will usually include a combination of therapeutic techniques.
Kay’s diverse therapeutic tool kit for treating trauma may include EMDR, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy or Havening Techniques®, all of which go below the surface of traditional talk therapy and include the body, attachment, and the nervous system in treating trauma symptoms.
Recent research reveals that bilateral stimulation and utilizing body sensations and sensory experiences assists the brain in reprocessing fragmented material.
Addiction
Addiction is often defined as the continued use of a substance (drugs/alcohol) or behavior (gambling, eating, sex) which can interfere with and eventually take over one’s normal lifestyle.
Today, the American Psychiatric Association considers addiction to be a disease. How can we tell if someone is engaging in addictive behaviors?
Common characteristics include the following: impaired control over use of a substance or behavior, preoccupation with getting or having it, using or engaging in despite negative consequences to physical or emotional well-being, and unrealistic or distorted thinking.
Addiction can be physical and/or psychological. Signs of physical dependence include tolerance and withdrawal. Psychological dependence may be a factor when someone begins to lose control over use and/or it negatively impacts their life.
According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, there are different criteria for deciding the best treatment options. The good news is, complete recovery is possible when individuals are willing to make the necessary physical, emotional, and spiritual life-style changes.
Kay's practice is based on a confidential assessment to assist clients in finding the most appropriate treatment and/or support groups available. Referrals are available for detox or in-patient programs as well.
Anxiety & Depression
Anxiety and depression often go hand-in-hand since they share common factors such as general emotional distress. Many individuals who suffer from anxiety also suffer from depression.
Anxiety can be defined as a sense of apprehension when someone is in a state of distress. Anxiety has both physical and psychological symptoms. Common symptoms include: a sense of foreboding or intense fear, rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, and digestive upset.
Depression can be viewed as a state of sadness and difficulty coping with stressful situations. When someone’s sense of sadness begins to interfere with his or her ability to cope with life, it will generally require professional help. Both emotional (sadness) and physical (fatigue, lethargy) symptoms may be present with depression. Causes can be environmental, hereditary predisposition, or biological imbalances in brain chemistry.
Kay uses a variety of tools including mindfulness techniques, experiential psychology, thought monitoring techniques and EMDR protocols. Referrals for psychiatrists are also available.