I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your help, patience and understanding. You went above and beyond the call of duty and it was not taken or granted. Her mom and I are taking charge and we will have a happy ending.
-- Jeff, father of 13 year old girl
Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness and for showing my daughter such kindness when she had trouble finding her way. I greatly appreciate you taking the time to get her settled. She is making friends and I am hopeful it will get easier.
-- Marlayne, mother of 13 year old girl
Anxiety
What is Anxiety?
Have you ever experienced stress, panic attacks, worried thoughts, fears, and/or rituals that affect your daily life? That is anxiety.
Anxiety can be good. It gives our minds and bodies clues that we need to protect ourselves, either by leaving a bad situation or by motivating ourselves into positive action. This is called the Fight or Flight Response.
Anxiety can be problematic as well. When you feel anxious and do not know how to manage or handle the anxiety, this is a bad thing. People need coping skills to function in life so they can handle the ups and downs of situations, feelings, thoughts, and unknown circumstances.
Have you ever experienced stress, panic attacks, worried thoughts, fears, and/or rituals that affect your daily life? That is anxiety.
Anxiety can be good. It gives our minds and bodies clues that we need to protect ourselves, either by leaving a bad situation or by motivating ourselves into positive action. This is called the Fight or Flight Response.
Anxiety can be problematic as well. When you feel anxious and do not know how to manage or handle the anxiety, this is a bad thing. People need coping skills to function in life so they can handle the ups and downs of situations, feelings, thoughts, and unknown circumstances.
How to Identify When You Need Help With Your Anxiety:
People with generalized anxiety disorder display excessive anxiety or worry for months and face several anxiety-related symptoms.
Generalized anxiety disorder symptoms include:
Panic disorder symptoms include:
Social anxiety disorder symptoms include:
People with generalized anxiety disorder display excessive anxiety or worry for months and face several anxiety-related symptoms.
Generalized anxiety disorder symptoms include:
- Restlessness or feeling wound-up or on edge
- Being easily fatigued
- Difficulty concentrating or having their minds go blank
- Irritability
- Muscle tension
- Difficulty controlling the worry
- Sleep problems (difficulty falling or staying asleep or restless, unsatisfying sleep)
Panic disorder symptoms include:
- Sudden and repeated attacks of intense fear
- Feelings of being out of control during a panic attack
- Intense worries about when the next attack will happen
- Fear or avoidance of places where panic attacks have occurred in the past
Social anxiety disorder symptoms include:
- Feeling highly anxious about being with other people and having a hard time talking to them
- Feeling very self-conscious in front of other people and worried about feeling humiliated, embarrassed, or rejected, or fearful of offending others
- Being very afraid that other people will judge them
- Worrying for days or weeks before an event where other people will be
- Staying away from places where there are other people
- Having a hard time making friends and keeping friends
- Blushing, sweating, or trembling around other people
- Feeling nauseous or sick to your stomach when other people are around
Getting Help with Anxiety:
- Phase of Life Transitions
- Relationships
- Friendship (Making & Maintaining)
- Making healthy decisions
- Peer Pressure
- Self-Harm
- Stress & Anxiety Reduction
- Coping Skills & Strategies
- Dealing with changing family dynamics (step-parent/step-siblings/new home and/or new school)
- Stress and Anxiety Reduction (Quiz)
It has been a long and exhausting day but I did not want the day to end without extending my heartfelt thanks to you for the outstanding job you did today to help DHHS students cope with the suicide of their classmate. Your willingness to step in and do what needed to be done was very gratifying to see. I appreciate your professionalism and your compassion. Thank you!
-- Jennifer Errion, M.Ed., LPC, Assistant Director of Student Support Services DeKalb County School System
Depression
Quiz: Am I Depressed?
What is Depression?
Depression is a persistent mood disorder that negatively impacts your daily life. It is a serious disorder that has led to suicide in adults and children if gone untreated.
If you have been experiencing some of the following signs and symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, you may be suffering from depression:
Depression is a persistent mood disorder that negatively impacts your daily life. It is a serious disorder that has led to suicide in adults and children if gone untreated.
If you have been experiencing some of the following signs and symptoms most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, you may be suffering from depression:
- Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
- Feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism
- Irritability
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
- Decreased energy or fatigue
- Moving or talking more slowly
- Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
- Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
- Appetite and/or weight changes
- Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
- Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment
Keep in mind that most emotional and/or relationship problems have evolved over several years, and it is unrealistic to expect them to be solved quickly. In most cases, sessions are scheduled weekly and then spaced farther apart as your goals begin to be met. The length of counseling or therapy cannot usually be determined ahead of time, but the decision to continue or not will ultimately always be yours. Some clients will engage in therapy for a period of time and then take a break from therapy knowing they can return at any point in time for "refresher" sessions or if difficulties arise.
Getting Help with Depression:
- Shifting Negative Thought Patterns
- Getting "Unstuck"
- Setting Life Goals
- Career Challenges
- Parenting
- Empowerment & Self Confidence
- Coping Skills and Strategies
- Body Image
- Self-Harm
- Depression (Quiz) and other Mood Disorders
I just want to say that I really appreciate, and I wish I could pay you back, the attention to my daughter this year. I am very proud of her and fail at times in communicating that to her. Your encouragement has made an impact on her, and one that I think will carry her through life. She was frustrated with life this year. It’s been a struggle for me to find a way to help my daughter, and frankly I’m proud she found a way to get through it. It wasn’t as a result of me, but as a result of you. Again, I can’t say in words how much I appreciate your attention to my child and I’m confident she will never forget your words of encouragement and advice!!!
-- Dee, mother of 14 year old girl
Thanks for all you have done for my son. He has really matured while he was in middle school and, at least in part, that was due to you. Thanks for listening to him anytime he had a melt down and helping him work it out. -- Marie, mother of 14 year old boy
Anger Management
Quiz: Do I need Anger Management counseling?
What is Anger Management?
Anger is a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility. Anger is a normal emotion. Everyone experiences anger. Problems arise when a person's action cause pain to themselves or others. Anger Management is a skill that a person needs to learn in order to practice responding to anger feelings in a healthy and productive manner.
Therapist Qualifications:
Bree Winkler has been a Certified Anger Management Specialist since 2014. Through training and experience, I can help you (or your adolescent) understand and handle problematic anger responses. In-session and homework practice will both be key elements in making positive habit changes.
Anger is a strong feeling of annoyance, displeasure, or hostility. Anger is a normal emotion. Everyone experiences anger. Problems arise when a person's action cause pain to themselves or others. Anger Management is a skill that a person needs to learn in order to practice responding to anger feelings in a healthy and productive manner.
Therapist Qualifications:
Bree Winkler has been a Certified Anger Management Specialist since 2014. Through training and experience, I can help you (or your adolescent) understand and handle problematic anger responses. In-session and homework practice will both be key elements in making positive habit changes.
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Dangerous (re)Actions of Anger:
Cry/yell/scream Alcohol Addiction Illegal Drug Usage Get sarcastic Using Mean/Disrespectful Language Abusive (physically, sexually, emotionally) Ending meaningful relationships Withdraw/Avoidance Risk-Taking behaviors Refusal or Unable to Communicate Effectively Self-Harm Suicidal Ideation and/or Intent Destruction of Property Others are Afraid of you |
Signs and Symptoms of Anger:
Grit your teeth Headache Heart races Sweaty palms Red-faced Stomachache Overly emotional Get depressed Feel guilty Feel hopeless Feel resentment Become anxious Feel impulsive Lose sense of humor Crying |
Throughout counseling, you will learn to:
- Identify your anger triggers
- Accept that anger is a normal part of life
- Practice expressing yourself in a healthy manner; your feelings, needs, and thoughts.
- Safely explore why anger is controlling you
- Learn alternative ways to express anger (verbally and physically)
- Recognize that asking for help is a good choice
- Feel proud of yourself