Specialties and Information
The counselors at Austin Counseling and Trauma Specialists are educated in different disciplines and trained in different techniques and methods to bring you a variety of therapy approaches to fit your specific needs. Below is a brief list of the different issues and topics that are specialties of our team.
*Victim of Crime (robbery, assault, home invasion, theft, carjacking, etc.)
*Divorce *Accidents *Homicide *Suicide *Sexual Violence *Family Violence *Survivor of Natural or Man-made Disaster *Terminal Illness *Miscarriage *House Fire/Wild Fire |
*Coming Out
*Belonging / Rejection *Confusion *Family Issues *Relationships *Self-Acceptance *Bullying *Suicidal Ideation *Hate Crimes *LGBT Parenting *Health Issues *Aging *Gender Transition |
*Male Survivor Group Available
*Individual Counseling *EMDR *Male, Female, Non-Binary *Childhood Abuse *Adult Assault *Stranger Rape *Acquaintance Rape |
*Death of Family or Friend (adult or child)
*Homicide *Suicide *Miscarriage *Death of a Pet *Loss of a Relationship (break-up or divorce) *Loss of Employment *Loss of Health, Physical or Mental Ability *Loss of Hope or Safety *Military Deployment or Returning Home *Gender Transitions/Reassignment |
Information
Anxiety and/or Depression
Anxiety and Depression
Both be very debilitating and one can contribute to the other. By that I mean anxiety can lead to depression and visa versa. People experiencing anxiety and/or depression can feel lethargic/tired, unmotivated, loss of interest in hobbies/activities, down, fearful, preoccupied, sad, disconnected, isolated, stuck, suicidal and many other ways as a result of anxiety and depression. There may be irrational fears and worries present, changes in eating and sleeping patterns and memory and concentration may also be impacted. Physically someone may experience headaches, nausea or upset stomach, and even panic attacks (headache, increased heart rate, sweats, difficulty breathing, etc.). If you are feeling like you may be suffering with these kinds of issues it can feel challenging to know what to do. It can also be difficult to take the steps even when you know what to do. But you are not alone! Many people suffer from anxiety and/or depression and experience the crippling effects which impede their life and feel like the joy is sucked from life at times. This often impacts one's view on life and thoughts can spiral into a dark place, including suicidal thoughts. While it may feel like there is no way out, I believe there are ways we can help!
Significant Warning Signs
Poor self care - not bathing, brushing teeth etc. - not eating or over eating - increased use of drugs/alcohol - becoming violent/aggressive/frustrated - extreme and sudden mood changes - confusion/hallucinations - talking about suicide or not wanting to live - giving away possessions
What to do?
In a safe an comfortable environment, you can work on methods to reduce anxiety and relieve depression. Talk therapy, mindfulness, meditation, cognitive work and even medication and/or natural supplements can be helpful for treatment (I am not a doctor so please consult a psychiatrist or medical doctor before taking supplements or medications). Other ways to help combat anxiety and depression include exercise, yoga and a healthy diet. WebMD says to avoid carbs, sugar, alcohol and caffeine while other ideas indicate reducing clutter in your home, office, email inbox, etc. help one feel less pressure and calmer. Still other ways to improve your mood is to get involved in something meaningful and set realistic goals for yourself. Volunteer at a pet shelter or get involved in politics or a social cause that is important to you or even plan a trip somewhere you have always wanted to go. Do something artistic or musical. Sing in a community choir or join a dance class. All of these are great for improving mood and people who are depressed or anxious may avoid or feel unmotivated to engage in many of these topics. Talking with your friends, family, coworkers and therapist can all be ways to begin to break the cycle of avoidance and begin to get you engaged. It will take work on your part but you are not alone! Keep in mind, these ideas are not cures but can add up to be helpful steps you can take to improve your mental health. They may seem simple, but can be very powerful!
Both be very debilitating and one can contribute to the other. By that I mean anxiety can lead to depression and visa versa. People experiencing anxiety and/or depression can feel lethargic/tired, unmotivated, loss of interest in hobbies/activities, down, fearful, preoccupied, sad, disconnected, isolated, stuck, suicidal and many other ways as a result of anxiety and depression. There may be irrational fears and worries present, changes in eating and sleeping patterns and memory and concentration may also be impacted. Physically someone may experience headaches, nausea or upset stomach, and even panic attacks (headache, increased heart rate, sweats, difficulty breathing, etc.). If you are feeling like you may be suffering with these kinds of issues it can feel challenging to know what to do. It can also be difficult to take the steps even when you know what to do. But you are not alone! Many people suffer from anxiety and/or depression and experience the crippling effects which impede their life and feel like the joy is sucked from life at times. This often impacts one's view on life and thoughts can spiral into a dark place, including suicidal thoughts. While it may feel like there is no way out, I believe there are ways we can help!
Significant Warning Signs
Poor self care - not bathing, brushing teeth etc. - not eating or over eating - increased use of drugs/alcohol - becoming violent/aggressive/frustrated - extreme and sudden mood changes - confusion/hallucinations - talking about suicide or not wanting to live - giving away possessions
What to do?
In a safe an comfortable environment, you can work on methods to reduce anxiety and relieve depression. Talk therapy, mindfulness, meditation, cognitive work and even medication and/or natural supplements can be helpful for treatment (I am not a doctor so please consult a psychiatrist or medical doctor before taking supplements or medications). Other ways to help combat anxiety and depression include exercise, yoga and a healthy diet. WebMD says to avoid carbs, sugar, alcohol and caffeine while other ideas indicate reducing clutter in your home, office, email inbox, etc. help one feel less pressure and calmer. Still other ways to improve your mood is to get involved in something meaningful and set realistic goals for yourself. Volunteer at a pet shelter or get involved in politics or a social cause that is important to you or even plan a trip somewhere you have always wanted to go. Do something artistic or musical. Sing in a community choir or join a dance class. All of these are great for improving mood and people who are depressed or anxious may avoid or feel unmotivated to engage in many of these topics. Talking with your friends, family, coworkers and therapist can all be ways to begin to break the cycle of avoidance and begin to get you engaged. It will take work on your part but you are not alone! Keep in mind, these ideas are not cures but can add up to be helpful steps you can take to improve your mental health. They may seem simple, but can be very powerful!
***If you are feeling suicidal please call a suicide hotline, 911 or go to a local ER for help!***
Life Transitions
As we navigate through life, we encounter times of transition that can cause stress and imbalance. These transitions can be good or bad and may have similar stress and/or anxiety responses. Examples of life transitions include moving/relocating, new relationships, marriage/divorce, child birth, new job/loss of job, going to college, moving out from your parents home, coming out, gender transition, divorce, empty nest, military deployment/returning from deployment, aging, retirement, disability, midlife crisis and many other things can be recalled as a transition in your life.
Ways to Help Cope
*Remember these transitions are going to be significant memories and it is important to give them the attention and energy they deserve.
*Remember to lean on your support system of friends and family.
*Remember that you have done this kind of thing (transitioned in life) before and you can make it through this transition too.
*For positive transitions, remember that change helps our mind stay active and grow and prevents you from sticking in a rut which stunts brain growth and development.
*Prepare for transitions when you can. If you are going to have a baby, get married, retire, start college, etc., try to be as prepared as you can so there are fewer surprises and less stress.
*Know change is always part of life and we do not get through life with it. Try to embrace the change rather than fight it to help ease the transition. You are not alone in the change.
*Seek counseling if you feel you are not coping well on your own.
Ways to Help Cope
*Remember these transitions are going to be significant memories and it is important to give them the attention and energy they deserve.
*Remember to lean on your support system of friends and family.
*Remember that you have done this kind of thing (transitioned in life) before and you can make it through this transition too.
*For positive transitions, remember that change helps our mind stay active and grow and prevents you from sticking in a rut which stunts brain growth and development.
*Prepare for transitions when you can. If you are going to have a baby, get married, retire, start college, etc., try to be as prepared as you can so there are fewer surprises and less stress.
*Know change is always part of life and we do not get through life with it. Try to embrace the change rather than fight it to help ease the transition. You are not alone in the change.
*Seek counseling if you feel you are not coping well on your own.
Marriage and Couples Counseling
Many people that at some point in a serious relationship or marriage, there is a need for support for the couple. It is not uncommon and can be very helpful for the couple of heal together. We often hear that communication is the key and that money is a primary reason for divorce and parenting is hard and takes a village and all kinds of things about keeping a spouse happy. It is important to remember some of that! Communication is very important, as is money and keeping our self happy so that we can have a healthy connection with our partner.
Communication can fail in lots of different ways and can cause a lot of strife in a relationship. Being aware of how we are communicating and what we are actually saying is important. What is also important, is to hear what is actually being said and not creating a story about what you think you hear. I statements are usually good, clear communication but there are lots of ways to be heard and to listen. Knowing your partner's love language might be important too.
Money. So many issues can pop up around money. Communication plays a role here too but so does a healthy attitude and relationship with money. It's not about how much you have it is about how you both want to manage it and spend it and save and enjoy it and be responsible or not. A good financial adviser can help along with a therapist but let's talk about how to talk and deal with money!
Parenting is tough too! Are you on the same page? Is one of you the good guy and one the bad guy? Do you agree on corporal punishment and discipline techniques? Let's make you guys a team and make sure the parents are a united front and one of you is not triangulated with one of the children. This can really do a number on the relationship. Ask for help. Get a baby sitter. Have a date night! These can all help, but again, communication is going to play a big role here and addressing any childhood trauma or issues you may carry from you own upbringing.
Keeping a partner happy often involves you being happy first. I'm not saying it is all about you, but that you need to make sure you needs are met and you are fulfilled so that you can pass along that goodness and happiness to your loved ones. Certainly, communication is going to come up here too. Talking about needs and desires and getting on the same page will be a key to success here too.
Communication can fail in lots of different ways and can cause a lot of strife in a relationship. Being aware of how we are communicating and what we are actually saying is important. What is also important, is to hear what is actually being said and not creating a story about what you think you hear. I statements are usually good, clear communication but there are lots of ways to be heard and to listen. Knowing your partner's love language might be important too.
Money. So many issues can pop up around money. Communication plays a role here too but so does a healthy attitude and relationship with money. It's not about how much you have it is about how you both want to manage it and spend it and save and enjoy it and be responsible or not. A good financial adviser can help along with a therapist but let's talk about how to talk and deal with money!
Parenting is tough too! Are you on the same page? Is one of you the good guy and one the bad guy? Do you agree on corporal punishment and discipline techniques? Let's make you guys a team and make sure the parents are a united front and one of you is not triangulated with one of the children. This can really do a number on the relationship. Ask for help. Get a baby sitter. Have a date night! These can all help, but again, communication is going to play a big role here and addressing any childhood trauma or issues you may carry from you own upbringing.
Keeping a partner happy often involves you being happy first. I'm not saying it is all about you, but that you need to make sure you needs are met and you are fulfilled so that you can pass along that goodness and happiness to your loved ones. Certainly, communication is going to come up here too. Talking about needs and desires and getting on the same page will be a key to success here too.
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Austin Counseling and Trauma Specialists PLLC
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