Counseling Bergen County

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: Eating Disorders

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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

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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

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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

Binge Eating Disorder: Eating Disorders

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Binge Eating Disorder: Eating Disorders

By: Isabella Favuzza

Overeating is a common occurrence, as most individuals have taken an extra serving or two of a delicious meal or consumed an abundance of sweet treats during the holiday season. However, frequent and uncontrollable overeating may lead to medical and mental health issues. Binge eating disorder involves regular consumption of large amounts of food exceeding the average calorie limit. This amount is far more than the majority consume within a day. Those with a binge eating disorder typically eat quickly and cannot stop eating even when uncomfortably full. These individuals binge at least once a week for several months. Binge eating disorder may be caused by various factors, such as genetics or stress from life’s obstacles. Sometimes people eat to cope or when feeling stressed, and the desire morphs into an involuntary need.

Those with a binge eating disorder often feel embarrassed or ashamed about the amount of food consumed during the binge period. Many attempt to restrict themselves calorically to lose excess weight and reduce binging. However, rapid restriction may increase urges, creating a loop of restrictive binge eating. Binge eating disorder is commonly associated with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and suicidal thoughts and/or behaviors. Psychological treatment can provide mental support and guidance through this challenging time. Proper treatment enables an individual to take control of the disorder and maintain a well-balanced diet through therapeutic techniques. A psychologist can reduce and eliminate binge periods, allowing healthy weight loss and mental stability. Psychological treatment breaks through guilt and shame to aid struggling binge eating and have a better quality of life.

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/binge-eating-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353627

Child Therapy: Behavioral Issues

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Child Therapy: Behavioral Issues

By: Isabella Favuzza

Many assume that children are naïve; however, they are quite receptive to social cues and environmental issues. Children typically sense unpleasant emotions from surrounding adults and internalize these feelings due to an inability to discuss complex situations. Children who experience these larger-than-life moments for their age may resort to behavioral defiance. There are numerous environmental stressors that lead to behavioral outbursts, such as divorce, separation, lack of friends, etc. These stressors may cause aggression, lack of empathy, refusal to adjust behavior, school disruptions, lack of social opportunities, or self-injury. A psychologist assists children challenged with complex obstacles and channels these undesirable emotions into positive, constructive thoughts.

Behavioral therapy identifies unwanted behaviors and enables children to understand said behaviors and their root causes. Children can understand complex issues in latent terms and cope with or adjust their actions to make healthy choices. There are various types of therapeutic techniques to communicate these feelings and provide greater insight. Play therapy involves toys that engage the child while acting out distressing situations. During exposure therapy, the psychologist discusses troublesome triggers and explores solutions if or when a child encounters them. Clinical reconstruction enables children to transform negative, destructive thoughts into positive emotions through therapeutic exercises. Ultimately, behavioral therapy utilizes reinforcement of pleasant actions, trigger identification, and therapeutic techniques to prevent outbursts while modeling proper behavior.

If you or your child is struggling with behavioral issues or mental health 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.lumierechild.com/blog/does-your-child-need-behavioral-therapy

Divorce Therapy: Former Couples & Children

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Divorce Therapy: Former Couples & Children

By: Isabella Favuzza

A divorce marks a challenging time in most people’s lives, especially for the former couple’s children. The couple’s emotions can range from relief and gratitude to grief and fury. The former couple may subconsciously pass these emotions onto their children, creating an unhealthy or unstable home environment. The children may also internalize these feelings, causing behavioral outbursts. Although the former couple no longer loves one another, they do love their children and must work together to ease the transition. Therapeutic services enable the former couple to mutually come together, operating as a united front for the sake of the children.

Many are accustomed to marital counseling to solve issues and prevent a divorce. However, divorce counseling has gained popularity as former couples are unsure of the next steps as parents. Although the former couple has separated, they love the children unconditionally and strive to provide a warm, healthy home free of tension. A psychologist allows the couple to disclose their thought on parenting and next steps without a heated argument. The therapist acts as a guide to put aside the former couple’s unwanted feelings toward each other and create a resolution that benefits the children. The therapist provides insight and parenting styles that ease the effects of the divorce on the children. Ultimately, divorce counseling allows the former couple to put their emotions aside and unite when deciding on parenting styles, communication, living arrangements, etc.

If you or your partner is struggling with divorce or mental health 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.aamft.org/Consumer_Updates/Children_and_Divorce.aspx

Anger Management: Relationships

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Anger Management: Relationships

By: Isabella Favuzza

A romantic relationship is synonymous with a roller coaster; there are ups and downs and unexpected twists and turns. Those downward periods are associated with bumps that must be navigated together as a couple. These bumps may cause arguments as each individual feels passionately about situations, opinions, etc. Arguments are normal and healthy within a relationship, as partners must express themselves to one another; however, if one individual feels frightened or intimidated due to intense rage, counseling services can be of service. These spouts of fury are known as dysfunctional anger because they do not provide a function during the argumentative stage and cause one’s partner to feel attacked and fearful. Dysfunctional behaviors like extreme rage or fury can be damaging to a relationship, as one individual feels terrified to disclose their feelings and becomes emotionally distant from their partner.

This anger can be diminished and prevented with proper therapeutic treatments. A psychologist can aid couples in overcoming bumps in the road by allowing each individual to communicate their emotions toward one another in a safe environment and dissect the cause of anger during arguments. Psychologists are clinically trained to find the root cause of these behaviors to manage anger and provide relief for the couple. Anger management therapy enables individuals to release their destructive mannerisms and adapt positive life-enhancing reactions to improve the relationship. These treatments also allow the couple to communicate their emotions effectively and have functional arguments to solve problems together as a unit, ultimately preserving the relationship.

If you or your partner is struggling with anger or violence 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.harrymotro.com/couples-anger-management

Addiction: Family Therapy: Families of Addicts

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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/

The Effects of Agoraphobia

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

The Effects of Agoraphobia

By: Michaela Reynolds

Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder that causes an individual to feel an intense fear of being overwhelmed, unable to escape, or unable to get help. Due to this intense fear and anxiety, people will often avoid new places and unfamiliar situations. New places or unfamiliar situations include: open or enclosed spaces, places outside their home, crowds, and public transportation. Usually, Agoraphobia begins with a stressful event that makes an individual feel distressed and in turn, limits their contact with the world. This limitation of contact causes avoidant-behaviors with time the individual remains confined to their home. Agoraphobia is also caused by a stressful life event that triggers a panic attack. Due to the unpleasantness of panic attacks, the individuals will avoid any place or situation that will trigger another panic attack. These instances show that agoraphobia develops over time, rather than happening all at once.

The signs of agoraphobia are similar to a panic attack disorder, but the following symptoms can still occur:

  • Chest pain or rapid heart rate
  • Upset stomach
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Sudden chills or flushing
  • Fearfulness
  • Hyperventilation
  • Excessive sweating

If you or someone you know is struggling with agoraphobia, 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

Sources:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15769-agoraphobia

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/agoraphobia#complications-of-agoraphobia

 Image: https://www.rismedia.com/2020/11/05/are-you-agraid-you-might-have-agoraphobia/

Marriage During Covid-19

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

    By: Sarah Cohen

    During Coronavirus, a lot of extra strain and anxiety have been placed on marriages. While research has shown that disasters uncover strengths in relationships it can also reveal issues. Even in the best relationships, we still always need a little bit of space from each other. 

    Since Coronavirus has begun, applications for divorce have risen greatly in the Chinese city of Xi’an. While divorce rates do increase during times of stress, this is unprecedented. There aren’t just changes in routine and close contact without breaks, there are many other factors influencing marital stress during these times. An increased amount of new anxiety about health and keeping safe from Covid-19, unemployment and therefore financial insecurity, caring for elderly relatives with reduced strength immune systems, lacking social connection outside of the spouse, dealing with childcare and school issues, or simply managing chores and uncertainty about what will be in the future are just a few of the issues that could be causing marital stress. In addition, couples may be using different coping mechanisms during stressful times which clash with the other spouse. One might be active and attempt to be cheerful while the other might be hopeless and passive.

    There are many ways to fight against this marital strain, here are a couple ways to combat it. By picking your battles you can limit the amount of arguments and issues you create in the home. Even further, you can put a time limit on your arguments in order for them not to affect every moment of the day, when the time limit is up you can put it all behind you. Create some alone time, when you make boundaries stick to them. Another way to get some alone time and be active is to exercise, even just by taking a walk. Speaking to other people over the phone or video chat so your spouse isn’t the only person you talk to is another good way to make sure you can have a little break. Lastly, focus on survival during these difficult times not creating issues and rifts between you and your partner.

    If you or someone you know needs support with their marriage, 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/ .

    https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-discomfort-zone/202004/will-coronavirus-infect-your-marriage

    https://time.com/5811146/coronavirus-married-relationship/