Areas of Focus
Anxiety
Anxiety is the fear of a future event that seems stressful, dangerous, or threatening to our well-being. This is a natural and adaptive response that motivates us to problem-solve or take action so we can accomplish important tasks, meet deadlines, prevent mistakes, make decisions and avoid pain. However, anxiety also has a dark side, such as when it is excessive, prolonged, or getting in the way of the life you want to live.
Depression
Depression is a common and serious mental health disorder that affects how you think, feel, and handle daily activities, making even small tasks seem daunting. While it is common to feel sadness or grief when faced with difficulties in life, depression goes beyond feeling sad or having a bad day; it’s a persistent condition that can significantly impact your daily functioning, relationships, and overall quality of life. Depression is not a weakness or something you can "snap out of"; it often requires treatment and support to manage effectively. Some common symptoms of depression include a persistent feeling of sadness, hopelessness, or a lack of interest in activities that were once enjoyable.
Trauma
Some life experiences leave a lasting imprint on our minds and hearts, making them difficult to move past—this is what we call trauma. Trauma is more than just a term; it’s a profoundly distressing experience that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope, often leading to feelings of powerlessness, fear, and confusion. It can arise from a single event, such as an accident or natural disaster, or from prolonged exposure to distressing situations, like domestic violence or childhood abuse. Trauma doesn’t just cause emotional pain; it disrupts your sense of safety, well-being, and ability to function, altering how you view yourself, others, and the world. It can create a cycle of fear and despair, where you repeatedly relive painful memories, like an ongoing movie in your mind. Whether short-term, or a constant weight on your shoulders, trauma can feel ever-present, even when no one else sees it.
Self-Esteem
Low self-esteem is characterized by a negative self-image, often leading to feelings of unworthiness, insecurity, inadequacy, and failure. You may find yourself fixating on and criticizing your perceived flaws, weaknesses, and mistakes. With high expectations for yourself, you strive for perfection, and when you don’t meet those standards, you dwell on past experiences, wishing to avoid repeating them. You long for the-confidence that others seem to possess, the ability to accept mediocrity without feeling defeated, and the resilience to move past criticism or rejection. While such self-doubt and insecurity are common in today’s world, the downside of low self-esteem can hinder your ability to form meaningful connections, take chances, enjoy the present, and acknowledge your own strengths and achievements.
