abuse bergen county

Dissociative Identity Disorder

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Dissociative Identity Disorder

By: Nicole Staub

Dissociative Identity Disorder, DID, can happen when kids are in a traumatic situation and they don’t quite know how to handle their emotions so the kid dissociates from the situation and their mind essentially “shuts off”. When a kid dissociates, it means that the kid is disconnecting from their thoughts, feelings, and memories. What dissociating may look like is that the kid will “space out”. They will stare blankly at things, look disconnected from the conversation or whatever is going on around them. There can be a sudden shift in their mood or behavior as well. Dissociating looks like the kid is daydreaming. When someone “shuts off” during an incident, they will compartmentalize the experience and how they feel. This is a way of their body protecting themselves from facing the incident at hand. The type of situations a kid might be in could be emotional, physical, or even sexual abuse. Most of the time, Dissociative Identity Disorder forms when you’re an adolescent. There have been examples of DID in movies or TV shows. However, more likely than not, movies and TV shows portray the disorder incorrectly.

Dissociative Identity Disorder can help kids keep their ability to understand humor, have creativity, and reflection. If someone has DID, it could be hard for their family and friends to notice when someone is switching. People rarely see the symptoms if someone is experiencing DID. One of the symptoms someone may have is “memory gaps”. Memory gaps are considered missing memories. What this means is that someone might not be able to recall important events or details that have happened in their lives because they weren’t present for that memory. A different identity was present for that event and will remember it. If the patient doesn’t know they have the disorder, it can be scary for them to have “memory gaps”. Having Dissociative Identity Disorder in your adult life can become more of a problem if the threats of the incidents are no longer there. If you are an adult and are first seeking help for DID, it could be more a difficult recovery process but not impossible.

To get diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder, you need to experience these criteria:

– The presence of two or more distinct identities or personality states.

– At least two of these identities or personality states recurrently take control of the person’s behavior.

– Inability to recall important personal information that is too extensive to be explained by ordinary forgetfulness.

– The disturbance is not due to the direct psychological effects if a substance (blackouts due to alcohol) or a general medical condition (seizures).

This disorder is treatable. Typically, how the treatment goes is that it is done in three phases. Phase one is about the patients’ stability and safety. Make sure that the patient has healthy coping mechanisms in general and if the patient has thoughts about or has harmed themselves or has had suicidal thoughts. Phase two is to identify the traumatic situation, address it and working through the problem. Finally, phase three is for the patient to not rely on dissociating when difficult situations occur.

If you or someone you know is having mental health difficulties and/ or experiencing symptoms of Dissociative Personality Disorder, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our offices at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

Source

Dissociative identity disorder: What you need to know | McLean hospital. Understanding Dissociative Identity Disorder. (2024, July 6). https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/did

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: Eating Disorders

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: Eating Disorders

By: Isabella Favuzza

Many people are extremely critical of the person staring back at them in the mirror. We are our own toughest critics; however, harsh self-objectification may lead to a warped body image. Some may attempt to lose excess body fat or weight to adapt to a distorted self-image, but this obsession builds a negative relationship with food. Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) causes one to limit their caloric intake and only consume a select few food groups. This disorder is associated with anxiety surrounding the consequences of eating, avoiding food with undesirable tastes, smells, or textures, and losing interest in eating. ARFID is a relatively newly labeled eating disorder, also known to many as selective eating disorder due to its symptoms. Those with ARFID choose a few foods they consider “fine” to consume and eat them sparingly.

Eating sparingly can cause physical symptoms such as constipation, abdominal pain, significant weight loss, and fatigue. ARFID can also lead to behavioral or mental issues like anxiety, depression, insomnia, etc. While the exact cause of this eating disorder is unknown, research suggests it may result from genetics, environmental influences (models or social media), and previous trauma. Psychological treatment can significantly support those with ARFID. Psychologists can identify trauma, anxiety, depression, etc. and help people cope with these grave issues. Psychologists can offer therapeutic techniques to eliminate one’s distorted body image and start the path to recovery. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

Source:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24869-arfid-avoidant-restrictive-food-intake-disordern

Anorexia Nervosa: Eating Disorders

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Anorexia Nervosa: Eating Disorders

By: Isabella Favuzza
People are typically their own worst critics when viewing their physical appearance. However, obsessive thoughts and actions regarding one’s appearance are mentally and physically harmful. Those with anorexia nervosa are hyper-focused on their “flaws” and live in a constant state of fear regarding weight gain. Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of weight gain and extreme measures to rid the body of excess fat. To accomplish this weight loss goal, many restrict their caloric intake, exercise excessively, abuse laxatives or dieting aids, and induce vomiting. Those with anorexia live in fear and utilize these procedures, regardless of the amount of weight lost. Various factors induce anorexia. Western society idolizes thinness, especially within the young female demographic, while some associate self-worth with body weight.

Behavioral and mental symptoms include hunger denial, daily measurements, lying about the amount of food eaten, etc. While these symptoms harm the mind, anorexia also destroys the body due to low body weight, abnormal blood counts, fatigue, yellow skin, dehydration, etc. Anorexia is a detrimental disorder that can result in death due to organ failure and dehydration. Psychological therapy can be life-saving through negative thought reversal and promoting healthy eating patterns. Psychological intervention and cognitive-behavioral therapy support anorexics through mental health regulation and well-balanced nutrition training. Ultimately, proper intervention enables anorexics to regain control of their thoughts and prevent medical complications by maintaining a healthy weight.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

Source:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anorexia-nervosa/symptoms-causes/syc-20353591

Bulimia Nervosa: Eating Disorders

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Bulimia Nervosa: Eating Disorders

By: Isabella Favuzza

Many people have critiques when observing their appearance in the mirror. However, these critiques may transform into unhealthy and even life-threatening obsessions. Some may hyper-focus on their bodyweight and only see flaws looking back when staring into the mirror. These harsh judgments can lead to dieting, purging, and/or restriction. Bulimia nervosa involves binge eating and purging those unwanted calories. Binge eating is the overconsumption of food, even when one is uncomfortably full. Some feel the uncontrollable need to eat as a coping mechanism for life’s stressors, complex situations, etc. Those who binge-eat typically feel embarrassed or ashamed of their eating habits and attempt to reduce their caloric intake through unhealthy mechanisms. The purging state rids the body of overconsumption through voluntary vomiting, dieting pills, misusing laxatives, etc.

Bulimia nervosa is a complex mental illness that cannot be easily overcome. Those with bulimia nervosa live in fear of gaining weight, despite their involuntary cravings to eat. Purging through laxatives, dieting pills, and excessive vomiting can be potentially fatal. Psychological treatments can help reduce bulimic symptoms through cognitive-behavioral therapy. This form of therapy encourages healthy eating patterns and nutrition training to establish a well-balanced diet. Psychological intervention is designed to enable bulimics to regain control of their lives by managing cravings and stress, providing well-balanced nutrition, and instilling emotional stability.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an eating disorder, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

Source:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bulimia/symptoms-causes/syc-20353615

Addiction: Drug Abuse

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Addiction: Drug Abuse

By: Isabella Favuzza

Many partake in recreational drug use, assuming addiction is nearly impossible due to occasional drug use in social settings. However, more than 70% of individuals who use drugs recreationally develop an addiction and experience negative consequences associated with said addiction. These behaviors involve compulsiveness, the inability to stop using the drug, undesirable emotions, withdrawal, etc. These unpleasant symptoms and behaviors can also negatively affect the addict’s relationships with work, loved ones, etc. A majority of addicts desire to stop using drugs but find it extremely challenging as the drug creates a physical and neurological dependence. No one wants to become a drug addict; however, drug use neurologically alters the brain, making it burdensome to quit.

Counseling services can identify the triggers leading to continued drug use, provide intensive intervention, supply vital behavioral strategies, offer peer support, and reduce the risk of relapse. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, can help addicts cope with feelings of guilt, shame, anger, sorrow, etc. A psychologist can also provide intensive care to assist with drug detoxification and withdrawal symptoms that can be grueling to experience by oneself. Therapy provides addicts with behavioral and cognitive tools to cope with triggers, understand past drug abuse, and maintain sobriety. Ultimately, therapy enables drug addicts to reclaim their livelihood and relationships with loved ones by relinquishing the negative consequences of drug abuse.

If you or someone you know is struggling with drug addiction or abuse, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

Source:

https://www.hanleycenter.org/five-big-benefits-of-counseling-in-drug-addiction/#:~:text=Counseling%20provides%20additional%20benefits%20to,recovery%2C%20and%20reducing%20the%20risk

Addiction: Alcoholism

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Addiction: Alcoholism

By Isabella Favuzza

American society deems alcoholic beverages such as cocktails a social normality, but many walk the fine line between social drinking and alcoholism. Whether you are drinking to socialize, conform, enhance, or cope you may find yourself unable to control the alcohol cravings. Loved ones may describe you as bad tempered or irritable and you may find yourself yearning for that next sip, regardless of the occasion. Many alcoholics are unaware when they cross that fine line; most don’t remember/feel the change.

Alcoholism is a burdensome journey that should never be traveled alone. Asking for help is the first and most challenging step for alcoholics due to guilt, shame, etc. Therapy provides the appropriate and essential tools to aid struggling alcoholics to cope with these anguishing feelings of resentment, anger, and sorrow. Throughout the course of therapy, a psychologist will help alcoholics identify drinking behavior/patterns, identify risk factors, set goals, think positively, provide intensive intervention/care, and routinely monitor the progress. Therapy is designed to construct a recovery plan that enables alcoholics to recover from drinking, regain control of their livelihood, thrive at work, and connect with loved ones. Ultimately, the alcoholic benefits from therapy by regaining control and reestablishing a healthy relationship with friends and family.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol abuse or addiction please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

Addiction: Family Therapy: Families of Addicts

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment
Why are Support Groups for Families of Drug Addicts Important? - Recovery Centers of America

Addiction: Family Therapy: Families of Addicts  

By: Isabella Favuzza

Addiction is a challenging journey that should never be traveled alone. Asking for help is the first and most challenging step for addicts and their loved ones. Addicts struggle with the painstakingly long road to recovery, but many neglect the pain of the addict’s family. Addiction is not an isolated incident as the disease affects the entire family and other loved ones. Family and friends typically receive most of the backlash and consequences associated with substance abuse. The loved ones may place the addict’s feelings/needs above their own and endure self-guilt due to the addict’s substance abuse and subsequent behavior.

Many families are challenged with the addict’s behavior and their personal emotions, resulting in a lack of self-care. A lack of emotional and/or mental care may lead to depression, and/or anxiety. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Family therapy provides the appropriate tools to help struggling families and friends cope with feelings of guilt, shame, anger, sadness, etc. Family therapy is specifically designed to remedy these undesirable emotions by allowing each individual to be heard and accepted in a nonjudgmental space. Family and friends can feel cared for and fulfilled, creating positive reactions with the addict. Ultimately, family therapy sessions enable loved ones to understand/support one another and cope with the addict’s conflict/behavior in a health manner.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcoholism or alcohol abuse please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

Source:

https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/how-to-support-someone-through-substance-use-recovery/

PTSD in Military Veterans

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

PTSD in Military Veterans

By: Mercedes Renter

What does PTSD stand for? Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health disorder which often develops after someone goes through or sees a life-threatening event. The symptoms of PTSD tend to start soon after the traumatic event but may not appear until months or years later. There are four common symptoms of PTSD. The first symptom is reliving the event which can feel very scary and real. Nightmares can occur as well as flashbacks and you may see, hear, or smell something that can remind you of the event. The second symptom is avoiding things that remind you of the event. For example, for veterans they may avoid gun ranges when they are not deployed because it can trigger past emotions. The third symptom is having negative thoughts and feelings which did not occur before the traumatic event. An individual suffering from PTSD can feel numb or may think the world is full of danger and have a hard time with trusting anyone. The fourth symptom is feeling on edge which can lead to having a hard time falling asleep, find it hard to concentrate, or even become startled by a loud noise or surprise.

There are lifestyles changes that can help a veteran cope with post-traumatic stress disorder. Interacting with trauma survivors and other veterans who have experienced PTSD can be beneficial. Additionally, exercising can be helpful by providing a steady schedule into your everyday life. Eating healthy and spending more time with loved ones are also healthy habits that can help cope with post-traumatic stress disorder. These are all helpful changes for an individual suffering from PTSD because it allows a positive change in their daily life.

If you or someone you know is struggling with Post-traumatic stress disorder please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrics, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling and Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively at (201)-368-3700 or (212)-722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny/com

Reference: https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_veterans.asp

Alcohol Usage Increase during Covid-19

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

By. Alexis Yennie

Alcohol consumption has been rising consistently since the beginning of the Covid-19 outbreak. Having people see alcohol as an “effective pain killer”, women’s rates of consuming alcohol are much higher than men’s; due to the increase of work stress and also domestic duties (childcare, homeschooling, and being in charge of the household), Experts are becoming gradually more concerned with individuals and the choices they are making about how they choose to ease the pain during the pandemic. During this pandemic, times are uncertain; including things such as death and unemployment.

A survey that was done by the RAND Corporation and overseen by the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) compared different drinking habits from 2019 to the present day with a collection of 1,540 participants. The results showed that both men’s and women’s rates have been dramatically increasing since the pandemic began. It also showed an increase in binging episodes as well. The results also showed that it was on average, five more drinks for men and four more drinks for women, within a couple of hours; women’s consumption amount increase by at least half.

The study that was done did not only show the amount of excess drinking that occurring but also showed the psychological impact that binge drinking has created for a majority of people.  Emotions such as guilt, shamefulness, and depression, have all been a common theme of emotions between individuals. A lot of individuals feel that there is no better option and it was an easy way to cope with the new “norm”. Unfortunately, there are new innovative ways of obtaining alcohol from the comfort of your home through liquor store home delivery apps; only adding more fuel to an already big fire.

If you or someone you know is struggling with high levels of alcohol usage, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professionals who deal with drug and alcohol problems. We have psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioner, and psychotherapist Arista Counseling and Psychotherapy is located in Paramus, NJ, and Manhattan, NY you can reach us at (201)-368-3700 or (212)-722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/

Source: https://abcnews.go.com/US/alcohol-consumption-rising-sharply-pandemic-women/story?id=73302479

Image Source: https://www.recoveryintune.com/drug-and-alcohol-abuse/

 

Gambling Addiction

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

By: Heather Kaplan

Gambling is defined as playing games for a chance to either win or lose money. One who is a compulsive gambler is someone who is unable to resist their impulses to gamble. This leads to severe disturbances in their personal and social lives. The urge to gamble becomes so great that this tension can only be relieved by more gambling. One who exhibit such behavior can be classified to have a gambling addiction. Unfortunately, many gambling addicts are not aware that they have a problem. They only begin to realize the severity of the issue when they hit ‘rock bottom’.

There are various symptoms that indicate that someone is a compulsive gambler. One who has a gambling addiction usually progresses form occasional to habitual gambling. He begins to risk more and more money, which can lead to both financial and personal instability. Someone is said to have a gambling addiction if four (or more) of the following have been demonstrated in the last twelve months:

1. Needing to gamble progressively larger amounts of money to feel the same (or more) excitement

2. Having made many unsuccessful attempts to cut back or quit gambling

3. Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut back or quit gambling

4. Preoccupation or excessive thoughts (planning next gambling venture, thinking of ways to get more money to gamble with)

5. If the person is using gambling to escape problems of distress, sadness or anxiety

6. Gambling larger amounts to try to recoup previous losses

7. Lying about the amount of time and money spent gambling

8. Relying on others to borrow money due to significant gambling losses

Gambling addiction is a significant problem in the United States, impacting 1-3% of adults, men more often than women. Various complications can arise from having a gambling addiction. Those with such gambling behavior often have problems with alcohol and other substances. These people also tend to have financial, social, and legal problems. Those with gambling addictions are also at higher risk for considering or attempting suicide.

If you or a loved one is exhibiting any of the eight behaviors listed above, you may be at risk for developing a gambling addiction. The licensed psychologists, psychiatric nurse practitioners and psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy are here to help. Contact our Paramus, NJ or Manhattan, NY offices respectively at (201)-368-3700 or (212)-722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, visit http://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com/