Archives

Agoraphobia: Locked Inside

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Agoraphobia: Locked Inside

By: Camillia Ghavami

                Agoraphobia is an often misunderstood and unacknowledged anxiety disorder. It is characterized by feelings of intense anxiety and avoidance of situations or places that are believed to be hard to escape. Agoraphobia is most often developed after having one or more panic attacks, leading to a fear of having another attack and thus avoidance of places that are thought to trigger these attacks. This anxiety is caused because of a fear that if a panic attack were to occur, there would be no easy way to escape or get help. These situations can include being in a car or airplane, being alone outside the home, or in crowded areas. While relatively ignored, this disorder affected 0.9% of US adults in the last year and 1.3% of US adults are expected to develop agoraphobia over the course of their lifetime. Adolescents show higher rates of agoraphobia with 2.4% of US adolescents aged 13-18 having the disorder. Additionally, while there is no gender differences of agoraphobia prevalence for adults, adolescent females tend to be afflicted by this disorder more so than men, 3.4% and 1.4% respectively.  

                Treatment for this disorder is similar to treatment for most anxiety disorders. First, psychotherapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety disorders. CBT teaches people how to be less anxious by altering their thoughts, reactions, and behaviors to situations. An example of this that can be effective for agoraphobia is exposure therapy. Exposure therapy allows people to confront their fears and helps people engage in activities they had been avoiding due to anxiety. Secondly, agoraphobia can also be treated with medications, with the most common being antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and beta blockers. There are many ways to treat anxiety, and a health care provider can help you choose the best treatment.

If you or someone you know is suffering from 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/

Couples Helped by Therapy

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Couples Helped by Therapy

By: Maya Weisberg

If you hear someone you know is in couples counseling you might assume they are fighting with their partner, unhappy, and on the verge of breaking up or getting a divorce. But contrary to popular belief, couples therapy can be used simply for maintenance purposes. Couples may want to work on strengthening their relationship, learn strategies to deal with future challenges, or see the sessions as ways to prioritize each other despite a hectic schedule.

Many couples seek out a professional only once they are in an active crisis. Often times, this can cause difficulties in successfully addressing the issue(s) at hand. If a couple begins therapy when they are in a good place, future challenges can often be mitigated and addressed before they become detrimental.  Having scheduled time to talk with each other can also be very helpful in making sure partners are communicating with each other. Many people enjoy therapy with their partner as they get to learn more about each other that they might not have otherwise known.  Additionally, through carving out time to actively focus on their relationship, a couple may already be one step closer to avoiding future conflict.

Eliminating the notion that couples therapy is only for those who are in a relationship emergency is crucial. Many couples who would not classify their relationship as “rocky” or “troubled” can benefit immensely from sessions with a trained professional. Couples who do engage in this maintenance therapy sessions may prevent future problems, grow closer to each other, and feel overall happier and satisfied in their relationship.

If you or someone you know is interested in pursuing couples counseling, 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://www.marriage.com/advice/counseling/learn-how-couples-counseling-can-be-used-as-preventative-maintenance/

Relationships & Long Distance: Strategies to Succeed

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Relationships & Long Distance: Strategies to Succeed

By Caroline Buchanan

One of the ultimate tests for a romantic relationship is maintaining the relationship despite the distance. As a result, this could lead to distinct challenges and obstacles. While research from 2018 suggests that couples who live farther than an hour apart tend to break up, at least 60% of partnerships still make their long distance relationship succeed. What are these people probably doing to make it work? The best answer seems to be making the distance work for your relationship, and not working around it (Psych Central). There are strategies that can be implemented to help manage and avoid these common roadblocks.

Strategies:

  • Communication

Your communication method may be the key difference in whether your relationship lasts or falls apart. Phone calls or video calls should be used for heartfelt conversations or heavier discussions. Arguments in text based conversations can lead to misinterpreting the intention behind a message. Use texting mainly for casual contact such as “good morning” and “enjoy your day” type messages.           

  • Acknowledging Fear-based behaviors

 Long distance relationships tend to bring out fears: Fear that the other partner doesn’t care anymore or is going to leave you for someone else. While it’s not uncommon to feel these fears, it is important to recognize these negative thinking patterns. If you are open and clear in your communication with your partner, this may help prevent or subside fears. Let your partner clarify situations that may be bothersome to you.

  • Intimacy

 If you both are comfortable in your relationship, you could imitate the physical connection and enjoy pleasure together by trying erotic conversations, video sex, or phone sex. Make sure you are open and honest about your expectations in engaging in these activities.

While it requires intent and effort, maintaining love in a long-distance relationship is possible. Take the time to think about seeking the help of a mental health professional if you’re experiencing challenges or feeling anxiety in your relationship. This would help you develop specific skills to be able to establish secure bonds.

If you or someone you know is struggling in a long distance relationship, 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://psychcentral.com/lib/how-to-make-long-distance-relationships-work

Social Anxiety: The Surprising Ways Parents Contribute to Social Anxiety in Their Kids

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Social Anxiety: The Surprising Ways Parents Contribute to Social Anxiety in Their Kids

By, Maro Mikhaeil

Being a parent means you will have a defining influence on your child’s emotional and social development. From an early age, your child’s distinct temperament will control how they would respond to the environment. Temperament refers to personality traits that determine individuals’ interactions with their environment. While some children are ready for new experiences, others may demonstrate shyness or uneasiness when faced with unpredictable events. Shyness is a feature of childhood; however, children whose shyness, hesitation to engage in social interactions, or other inhibited behaviors are consistent from infancy to adolescence are more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety disorders such as social anxiety in their teenage years. Discovering this connection could aid you in nurturing your child’s emotional health from birth.

Moreover, a child that shows signs of shyness may hesitate when contacting new people and places, only look down or ignore other children or adults they do not know, and feel uncomfortable to express themselves when participating in social activities. Although, shyness can be temporary, the occurrence of shy behavior in several stages of childhood may mean that there is a need for such a child to have some extra support in their social skills.

Research highlights the crucial role of early intervention as children with shy or cautious natures during their early years have a higher chance of developing social anxiety disorder in their teenage years (Chronis-Tuscano et al., 2009). Researchers considered the possibility that kids who have been shy or anxious from infancy through childhood are more likely to develop anxiety disorders as teenagers (Chronis-Tuscano et al., 2009).

In a similar study, Poole and other researchers followed a group of infants from the age of four months. They monitored their social and emotional development until they were 13 years old. They wanted to know if the infants’ type of response to new situations (positive, negative, or neutral) would influence their behavior and social skills in the future as they grow older. Their research outlined how social anxiety can evolve and how early characteristics may influence these paths (Poole et al., 2022).

For example, if your child’s shyness is why they cannot participate in activities that are part of their day-to-day life or make friends. Then, it may be time to seek the help of a pediatrician or a clinical psychologist. The early intervention could assist in identifying any anxiety that might be the root cause of the problem, and your child will be equipped with the required abilities for a better future. Knowing that temperament from early on can influence mental health later on, one can take active roles in building the child’s development. It’s important to work out open communication with your child and make sure that you pay attention to their emotional needs. The more you do, the better it will be for your child to build these skills and establish valuable social interactions to help children reach their full potential.

If you or someone you know is struggling with social anxiety 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/

References:

https://kidsinfinitelearning.com/social-anxiety-in-kids/

Chronis-Tuscano, A., Degnan, K. A., Pine, D. S., Perez-Edgar, K., Henderson, H. A., Diaz, Y., Raggi, V. L., & Fox, N. A. (2009). Stable early maternal report of behavioral inhibition predicts lifetime social anxiety disorder in adolescence. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 48(9), 928–935. https://doi.org/10.1097/chi.0b013e3181ae09df

Poole, K. L., Degnan, K. A., Harrewijn, A., Almas, A., Fox, N. A., & Henderson, H. A. (2022).Trajectories of socially anxious behavior from age 5 to 13: Temperamental and sociocognitive pathways. Child Development, 93(5), 1334–1346. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.13767

Social Anxiety in Kids: Common Symptoms & Helpful Tips

Panic Attacks vs. Anxiety Attacks: Understanding the Differences and Seeking Help

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Panic Attacks vs. Anxiety Attacks: Understanding the Differences and Seeking Help

By, Maro Mikhaeil

Have you ever felt your heart racing and felt completely detached from the world? Chances are, you may be experiencing a panic attack. Or have you ever felt so irritable and restless to the point where it’s disrupting your sleep? Well, in that case, you may be experiencing anxiety or an anxiety attack. Don’t get the two confused, as there are differences between them.

Panic attacks are intense, unexpected feelings of terror, fear, or discomfort. They are unexpected because they aren’t triggered by specific events and may occur without reason. Panic attacks are typically brief and only last several minutes. Physical symptoms include trembling, tingling, rapid heart rate, chest pain, feeling tightening in arms and hands, chills, etc. Symptoms vary from person to person, but these are the most common.

Anxiety attacks or anxiety are characterized by feeling restless and fearful that something is going to happen. Unlike panic attacks, anxiety attacks are triggered by specific events. Some physical symptoms include feeling lightheaded, dizzy, stomach knots, rapid heart rate, heavy breathing, hot flashes, nausea, headaches, backaches, and frequent sweating. Frequent anxiety attacks can indicate a type of anxiety disorder. Anxiety may not always be rational and may just occur because of fearing something bad is going to happen, even though it may just be all in your head.

It’s important to understand how you can differentiate between the two and to seek help when you need it. Often people don’t want to seek help, which can cause symptoms to worsen. Don’t be afraid to seek help, as there are many options available, such as therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. It’s important to prioritize your mental health and take care of yourself. Remember that you are not alone, and many others have experienced similar symptoms. It’s okay to ask for help and take the steps necessary to manage your anxiety or panic attacks. With the right treatment and support, you can overcome these challenges and live a fulfilling life.

If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety or panic attacks, 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:

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition by the American Psychiatric Association (DSM-IV)

https://www.self.com/story/anxiety-disorder-symptoms

https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/anxiety-attack-symptoms

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/307863

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/symptoms-causes/syc-20350961

Major Depressive Disorder: Depression

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Major Depressive Disorder: Depression

By: Isabella Favuzza

Sadness is a common emotion expressed through tears or gloominess. This feeling arises for a variety of reasons, including the loss of a partner, job, house, friendship, etc. Sadness is an intense emotion that every individual feels throughout their life. However, persistent sadness may transform into depression, a mental illness. One may struggle with depression following two weeks of lasting unhappiness, constant exhaustion, and a lack of motivation. Major depressive disorder, also known as MDD, is a clinical term to describe symptoms of perpetual sadness and a loss of interest. MDD can cause numerous emotional and psychological symptoms and prevent individuals from performing daily activities.

Depression involves symptoms such as lethargy, angry outbursts, and feelings of emptiness, reduced appetite, and suicidal ideations. Those struggling with depression find it challenging to partake in normal day-to-day activities like work, school, or relationships. Some may feel unhappy or gloomy without knowing why. Psychological and psychiatric treatment can significantly support those with MDD. A psychologist can identify the root of depression and provide specific therapies like CBT, talk therapy, or hypnosis to reduce these feelings of unhappiness. Psychiatric medications or antidepressants like Lexapro or Sertraline can visibly reduce depressive symptoms through serotonin reuptake. Ultimately, proper treatment can offer those with MDD an opportunity to regain control and provide a better quality of life.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, 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/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007#:~:text=Also%20called%20major%20depressive%20disorder,life%20isn’t%20worth%20living.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: OCD

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: OCD

By: Isabella Favuzza

Many feel overwhelmed with anxiety or stress regarding weight, relationships, family, work, school, etc. However, have you ever counted, organized, or cleaned to cope with these unwanted feelings of stress or anxiety? Perfectionist coping mechanisms are a symptom of OCD, also known as obsessive-compulsive disorder. OCD entails a frequent pattern of unwanted thoughts or fears known as obsessions to combat feelings of stress. Said obsessions commonly inhibit individuals from partaking in daily activities due to inevitable disturbances and distress. Those struggling with OCD feel compelled to soothe urges through ritual behaviors. OCD builds around a theme like the fear of germs, which leads an individual to consistently wash their bodies and disinfect their living quarters.

Those struggling with OCD face symptoms like fear of contamination, feelings of uncertainty, aggressive or horrific thoughts, unwanted ideals, the need for order or balance, intense stress, etc. These systems can restrict an individual from performing daily tasks in the workplace or even in the comfort of their own home. Psychiatric treatment can reduce OCD’s severe symptoms and allow individuals to reclaim their lives. Proper medication and other effective treatments can increase and regulate serotonin levels within the body, easing obsessions and unwanted thoughts. Ultimately, psychiatric treatment can significantly reduce unwanted obsessions and urges, enabling those struggling with OCD to reclaim their lives.

If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD, 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/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20354432

Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Anxiety

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Anxiety

By: Isabella Favuzza

It’s common to feel nervous or stressed regarding specific events like gaining or losing weight, presenting for an audience, meeting new individuals, etc. These skittish or tense emotions are known as anxiety and frequently arise during these situations. However, some may feel anxious regardless of the event. Those diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder struggle to control their anxiety, and these emotions interfere with daily tasks. Generalized anxiety disorder can lead to behavioral symptoms like persistent worrying, overthinking, indecisiveness, difficulty concentrating, etc. Those with an anxiety disorder may fall victim to severe psychical symptoms such as fatigue, muscle tension, nausea, and trembling. Both behavioral and psychical systems can impair one’s daily activities and significantly reduce their quality of life.

Generalized anxiety disorder may arise from various biological and environmental factors like genetics, personality, and diverse brain structures and/or chemistry. Anxiety disorders frequently have underlying genetic causes, as anxiety typically passes from parent to offspring. Also, those with timid or worrisome personalities may be prone to generalized anxiety disorder. Psychological and psychiatric treatment can significantly support those with generalized anxiety disorder. Psychologists can identify the roots of one’s anxiety and soothe the individual through hypnosis, talk therapy, etc. Also, psychiatrists can offer calming medication to reduce feelings of anxiety, fear, and worry. Ultimately, proper psychiatric intervention can significantly diminish anxiety through prescribed medications to improve their overall quality of life.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an generalized anxiety 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/generalized-anxiety-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20360803

Religious Trauma and Spiritual Abuse

GalleryJudy Gurfein Leave a comment

Religious Trauma and Spiritual Abuse

Amelia Amen

Religious trauma and spiritual abuse can have a profound impact on a person’s well-being and sense of self. It occurs when religious beliefs, practices, or leaders are used in harmful ways, causing emotional, psychological, or even physical harm. This can include manipulation, exploitation, guilt, fear, or shame tactics, as well as the imposition of strict rules and expectations. Leaving an abusive religious environment can lead to feelings of disorientation and loss of self-identity in an individual, both can result in developing religious trauma.  It is important to acknowledge that not all dogmatic religious experiences are traumatic, but when it does happen, it can be deeply distressing.

               Enduring long-term spiritual abuse births religious trauma. The exertion of control and mistreatment from religious members over a person is one of the main reasons why spiritual abuse occurs. It can be difficult to see the signs of spiritual abuse when a community has been integrated in their faith over a long period of time. Spiritual abuse tactics include lack of freedom to make decisions, justify abuse by usage of religious beliefs or scriptures, coerced into having sexual relations with religious leader or community member, fear and isolation as weapons, humiliation, intimidation into conformity, and more. Experiencing abuse in a spiritual community can leave lasting scars on people and cause them to lose their faith as a whole. Mental health issues such as depression, isolation, sexual dysfunction, PTSD, and emotional dysregulation can all develop from religious trauma. Healing from religious trauma often involves seeking support, therapy, and finding a safe space to explore and redefine one’s spirituality on their terms. It is important to remind yourself that you deserve a journey of healing and growth that aligns with your own beliefs and values.

If you or someone you know is seeking therapy for religious trauma or general trauma, 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 Psychotherapy & Psychiatric Services. Contact our Manhattan, NY or Paramus, NJ offices respectively at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://www.counselingpsychotherapynjny.com

Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3269830/

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