Ocean Air Counseling employs cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, and supportive therapy practices to assist individuals and families in transforming their lives for the better.
Ocean Air Counseling employs cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, and supportive therapy practices to assist individuals and families in transforming their lives for the better.
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We will work together to identify what anxiety and stress look like for you specifically, when you experience them, what makes them worse, and what you can do to reduce anxiety and stress in your life. I will provide education around the physical, mental, and psychological experiences of anxiety and stress. We will examine thoughts that cause and exacerbate anxiety and stress and learn to create healthy, rational thoughts to replace anxious and stressful ones. We will also explore and practice coping skills for reducing mental strain and physical discomfort.
Depression is quite common and can be triggered by a multitude of events, situations, and life changes. It is an uphill battle that can be won, and I am here to help you in this battle. We will discuss your experienced symptoms of depression, identify patterns in your moods, discuss ways to create a more balanced and healthy lifestyle, and fight negative thoughts that feed depression. I will be here for you—you are not alone. It can get better.
We will work together to first create a safety plan for you and (with your permission) involve your family and other social supports in that plan. We will identify triggers for self-harm and for suicidal thoughts. As we address your suicidal thoughts and/or thoughts of self-harm, we will also be addressing the underlying issues (anxiety, depression, relationship issues, etc). We will identify and practice positive coping strategies and behavioral replacement for self-harm. We will also address self-care and keeping a balanced life.
We are social beings, however managing and navigating social relationships can be difficult at times. Negative past experiences, family/friend cultures, low self-esteem, and other factors can make relationships difficult to maintain. We will join together in discussing the different nuances of your relationships. I will provide education around healthy relationships and we will discuss healthy communication, setting and maintaining boundaries, and finding personal balance in relationships.
We are often our worst critics. Our views of our inner strengths, worth, and abilities are often shaped by our past experiences and feedback from our environments. Together we will review past difficulties, hardships, accomplishments, and challenges that you have successfully navigated to identify the characteristics, strengths, and abilities you currently carry. We will also discuss ways to create new strengths, find new challenges, and reframe negative self talk.
Anger is often stigmatized and can be difficult to discuss. I will join with you in learning about your anger/frustration reactions and triggers. We will explore ways to reduce and cope with frustration and anger. We will discuss communication techniques for helping you communicate your frustrations in a healthy way. We will also discuss ways to get needs met in a healthy, more effective way. Any concerns of violence or physically aggression will be discussed and safety plans will be made to keep you and others safe.
Grief/bereavement is a complicated and individual experience. It is often met with “shoulds” and “shouldn’ts” from others, which prove unhelpful, however well-intentioned their advice may be. With me, you will have a judgement free space to share your thoughts and feelings surrounding your loss. I will help you make sense of a life without the physical presence of your loved one while finding ways to continue a connection with them. I will always be responsive to your level of comfort as you process your loss.
Life changes often, however some changes are emotionally taxing and come without any warning. We will work together to process and make sense of life transitions and changes. We will identify changing life roles and relationships and discuss the emotional tolls this process takes. I will provide a safe space for you to discuss your feelings and thoughts. We will join together to help you plot your course through new and uncharted waters.
Communicating emotions, wants, and needs can sometimes feel complicated and challenging. Depending on cultural norms, family norms, and past experiences, communication can look and feel different from person to person. We will discuss healthy ways to communicate, both in self-expression and in responding to others. We will also identify and practice communication skills. We will check in weekly and discuss your efforts, celebrate progress and plan ways to continue improving.