Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) Treatment
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Treatment
Treatment for
Depression
Treatment for Depression
Self-Esteem Counselling
Self-Esteem Counselling
Major Life Transitions
Chronic Pain Management
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) Treatment
At its core, any anxiety disorder - whether it’s social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, or OCD - is based around the overestimation of danger in a given situation, and the underestimation of your ability to cope.
Treating anxiety disorders is a step-by-step process that I can help you bring under control using well researched, evidence-based CBT techniques. Each step can be done gradually, with plenty of time to master your new coping skills. In a short time, I have no doubt you will be impressed with your capacity to manage stress and learn how to relax.
People with Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) often fear any “performance” situation which puts them on the spot. They feel easily embarrassed, blush sometimes, stammer, shake, and get queasy in the stomach. SAD sufferers expect others to evaluate them negatively and judge their own anxiety as a weakness.
It’s good to keep in mind that we’re not all designed to be extroverted “performers”, and that’s perfectly okay. There is a place in the world for every personality type. Your social anxiety treatment includes challenging core beliefs and reassessing your safety behaviours as well as learning new pro-social behaviours that lead to more effective social interactions. Once you start getting comfortable with these skills, you may not suddenly become the life of the party, but socializing might actually become a bit less terrifying, and maybe even enjoyable!
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Treatment
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) can best be described as having an excessive amount of worry about a wide range of topics, which you find very hard to keep under control.
Because GAD can be exhausting, we work at a gradual pace. Starting with keeping a worry diary, we then move onto evaluating the usefulness of worry and uncovering positive beliefs about worry. We continue by strengthening your decision-making skills and problem-re-orientation, practicing tolerating uncertainty exercises, and finally, a worry script to help you realize you can handle the worst-case scenario.
By the end, you’ll be off the “worry train” and feeling much more in control of your thoughts again.
Treatment for Depression
Many people experience depression as loss of energy and drive, sadness, an urge to isolate oneself, seeing the future as bleak, and at its worst, suicidal thoughts. One of the most challenging thought patterns to break out of is the idea that the future won’t get any better.
Although it may not feel like it at the moment, there absolutely is hope and you are more than capable of turning your mindset around. In fact, it is possible for you to experience significant changes within a very short period of time of receiving therapy for depression.
In many cases, depression can usually be traced to distorted thinking. Together we identify thoughts, behaviours, and beliefs that are triggering your depressive episode and we work at breaking out of unrealistic thought patterns. By challenging limiting core beliefs, you will notice a rapid turnaround in your mood. I’m here for you, not just to listen and support, but to give you practical, workable solutions to use even after your depression counselling is over.
Self-Esteem Counselling
Low self-esteem can permeate so many areas of our life. It can interfere with building close relationships, advancing in your career, asserting yourself, and even enjoying your own company. Symptoms of low self-esteem include fear of speaking up, fear of expressing emotions, perfectionism, controlling or obsessive behaviour, self-loathing, depression and anxiety.
With a little help, I know you can come to appreciate your positive qualities. Talking back to your inner critic is a big part of practicing self-acceptance, as well as learning to replace negative messages with more realistic ones. Over time you will find it becomes second nature to believe you are an amazing and incredible person. I will be there to support and encourage on your journey to self-acceptance.
Major Life Transitions
Change of any kind – good or bad – can be unsettling. Stepping out of your comfort zone and familiar routine can feel scary, and often there’s nothing you’d like to do more than just return to your old way of life. Major life changes come in many forms, such as moving to another city or country, going through a divorce, losing a family member or friend, job loss, having a baby, going back to school, changing careers…the list is endless.
I will support you throughout this entire process, and share strategies for managing whatever emotions you might be struggling with. Problems can be re-framed as opportunities rather than threats, and with some practice at problem-solving, and creating a plan of action, you’ll soon find the confidence to pick the best solutions for your future.
Chronic Pain Management
Chronic conditions can bring about major stresses and force you to make adjustments in your life – changes and frustrations that not everyone understands. It’s hard to get used to relying on other people and giving up your familiar way of doing things. Loss of independence can be upsetting, and grieving the loss of your old life, career, and hobbies is part of the process.
In addition to using a solution-focused approach, I also use relaxation methods and practical tools for navigating the logistics of day-to-day life.
Part of chronic pain counselling involves building a self-help toolkit to help you maintain as much independence as possible, including communication skills, working with health professionals, diet and exercise, pacing, re-imagining new career options, and working with technology. We will work on navigating the difficult emotions that arise and learning the ways you can still live a fulfilling and productive life.
“Jenny has done an amazing job of teaching me strategies to reduce my anxiety. I feel like a completely different person! I highly recommend Jenny if you’re looking for ways to reduce stress and live a better life.” – Sarah P.
