My Approach
Since some things work better than others for each person, I offer a range of treatment options. Some people do very well with the medications they know and have been on for years. Some like non-medication treatments, some prefer meditation and breathing, some do well with new things they have never been exposed to. I always have something new for you to try.
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The most important thing is to find out why a person has a symptom. The presence of a symptom really isn't enough. Until you know why something is the way it is, how do you decide which direction to go?
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If you know your medications and are comfortable with them, I can continue them for you. You don't have to change your medications just because you change your provider. I follow all the DEA rules about combining medications, how often you need your labs drawn or blood pressure checked. You will be monitored for medication safety and efficacy at your appointment.
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Some people don't like taking medications, and that's fine as well. Sometimes there are over the counter options that can do well for you. Sometimes a dietary elimination or something to do with your schedule can be enough to make symptoms livable. Let me know how you want to handle things and we will figure it out.
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Vitamins and minerals are important for basic biological function. The B vitamins help your mitochondria generate electricity and that is your life. Making sure that you have enough B vitamins is essential in figuring out causes of depression, fatigue, low energy, and pain. The most common dietary deficiency in America is magnesium. Most of the people who see me benefit from having more magnesium on board.
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I use heart rate variability training (HRV) with biofeedback to help people get to know their fight or flight response better. Once you learn how to modify your level of anxiety with something you do, it's likely that you'll get better at managing anxiety overall. HRV training teaches you a skill. Once you know how to do it, you can use it at any time. Usually 2-4 sessions is enough to learn the basics. There is always more to learn, but you might not need to take it very far to benefit. Many times, combining HRV with some medication and nutritional guidance, people make a lot of progress. I use the HeartMath institute training and equipment.
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Neuroptimal neurofeedback is a method of "holding up a mirror to your brain" and using the brain's natural ability to reorganize and optimize itself. Think of it as mechanically assisted meditation. People become more aware of their choices in life and it can put a little pause in your action before you commit so you can think it through one more time or possibly make a different decision. This type of neurofeedback is automatic, you do not have to "start" or "stop" anything to have it work for you. A series of eight treatments is the basic course. The benefits are persistent, but maybe not permanent. You might find yourself wanting to go back for more sessions every few months. There are people who benefit from Neuroptimal neurofeedback in terms of anxiety or ability to relax. Others find they can concentrate better and might even do better in school. This is achieved through optimizing your use of your brain so you waste less energy.
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If you have a child age 6 or older, I work with two child psychologists. You will see the psychologists at least a few times. The purpose is to figure out whether something is developmental, personality based, or medical. If a child doesn't have a psychiatric problem then I do not want to start medications. We always check first. It's not important that I fix the problem, the important thing is that we get your child in front of the right person. Sometimes a combination of parent coaching and child therapy is what is needed.
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Those are a few of the treatment options available from me, from my professional colleagues at Mid Valley Counseling, and with other providers in the area who I know and who I trust.
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