The Healing Place at Lake Norman, PLLC

The Lifeline and 988

The new su***de and crisis lifeline launched today. If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts or in crisis, let them know they can text or call 988 24/7.

The Lifeline and 988 988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Su***de Prevention Lifeline. While some areas may be currently able to connect to the Lifeline by dialing 988, this dialing code will be available to everyone across the United States starting on July...

Calm Clinic - Information about Anxiety, Stress & Panic

One of the resources I share with clients who suffer from anxiety. This is a great and informative resource site to explore with several articles to read for those struggling with anxiety. If you know someone struggling with anxiety, please share.

Calm Clinic - Information about Anxiety, Stress & Panic Disorders Is Anxiety an Intellectual Disability? Anxiety and intellectual disability are two phenomena that often coincide. There does appear to be a link between the two, but the evidence is mixed. The question is: is anxiety... Read More

The Healing Place at Lake Norman, PLLC updated their address.

The Healing Place at Lake Norman, PLLC updated their address.

How do you measure success in your life? What does it look like?

Posttraumatic growth summed up.

Do you notice any of these signs in your relationship? If so, you're most likely in an abusive one. Domestic violence isn't just physical abuse. In fact, most domestic violence is emotional, verbal, and psychological abuse.

Know the signs of domestic violence.

Something seen all too often in a victim advocacy and therapeutic setting. In an abusive relationship/marriage, the abuser will use any tactic to keep control over their victim. In a separation or divorce where they lose power and control, they will continue their abuse to regain control over their victim however they can.

Please feel free to share this.

Trauma can be experienced in so many ways and onset of traumatic stress symptoms/PTSD can be caused by several different things. Being trauma-informed is very crucial.

Depression and anx-LIE-ty will tell you so many things about yourself and your circumstances that aren't true.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Just because someone is having a bad day or has a 'not-so-nice' change of mood, it doesn't make them bipolar.

"If a mood swing is a campfire, bipolar is an out-of-control forest fire.."



https://youtu.be/3lox1FC4zPM

What Is Bipolar Disorder? Claim one week of free access to the MedCircle library to access hundreds of exclusive videos like this one: https://bit.ly/3vN0c8KWhat is bipolar disorder? ...

Why Saying "No" Can Be So Powerful for You

The most effective boundary you can ever set is saying 'no'. It has many variations and flavors too.

Why Saying "No" Can Be So Powerful for You When you're stuck, stressed, or resentful, a firm "no" can open up your life.

Trauma responses are very real. Two more that this graphic forgot to include---fall (yes, that's a thing) and friend (as in forming trauma bonds).

Healing from the emotional and psychological wounds of trauma is not an overnight occurrence, but it's a journey. Some days will be better than others. Focus on the journey and not the destination, and you'll see how far you've come.

What do you know about "gaslighting"?

It is a form of psychological abuse, and it is prevalent in narcissistic abuse. Gaslighting is when an abuser minimizes or denies their abusive behavior and makes the victim blame themselves and/or makes them believe they are 'crazy' and imagining being abused and mistreated.

10 interesting facts about PTSD and those struggling with it.

1. People with PTSD may rehash and still be frightened by these past events, fight against sleeplessness, be dehydrated and/or numb, feel nauseous, and can easily be startled. They can also experience uncontrollable shaking, chills or heart palpitations, and headaches,

2. Approximately seven or eight of every 100 people will have PTSD at some point in their lives.

3. Women are more likely to experience PTSD—approximately 10 out of every 100 women compared to four out of 100 men.

4. About half of people with PTSD may recover in three months without treatment. However, there is the possibility that symptoms will not go away on their own and may last longer than three months.

5. Children may be diagnosed with PTSD if long-term symptoms last more than one month. (The National Child Traumatic Stress Network provides a guide to distinguish the difference between attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD] and PTSD, which often have the same symptoms of restlessness, being fidgety, inability to pay attention, and becoming disorganized.)

6. PTSD that lasts for longer periods may be due to the cause of the number of times that a traumatic incident happened, the severity of the event, fatality risk, a history of past trauma, mental health problems before the current incident occurred, and direct exposure to the traumatic event.

7. People with severe forms of PTSD may experience challenges at work, at home, and/or in social settings.

8. Parents of children with PTSD should encourage their children to express their feelings and thoughts without judgment.
While it may be difficult to interact with someone with PTSD, know that this person is having just as tough a time if not more.

9. The nervous system of someone with PTSD is especially vulnerable, which may lead to behavior or feelings such as being overly alert, angry, irritable, depressed, or untrusting. A supportive social circle may be the best answer to calming him or her down.

10. Face-to-face support may be better than love from afar for someone with PTSD, according to trauma experts. This can come in the form of participating in pleasurable hobbies, rhythmic exercises or dancing, and/or lunch dates.

In honor of so many trauma survivors we serve at Family Guidance Center, we are launching our two newest support groups for PTSD and grief and loss. June is PTSD Awareness Month, and those who've suffered from the traumatic experiences of domestic violence, s*xual assault, grief and loss, combat, and other forms of trauma will have a safe place to be listened to and supported.

Some don't realize how much goes into the mental health profession. This post can shine the light on what therapy is like "behind the scenes".

How to Build Motivation to Overcome Depression | Psychology Today

"When adversity comes, behave." You CAN behave yourself into motivation and beat depression.

How to Build Motivation to Overcome Depression | Psychology Today So you're not a "10" in every which way. But you're probably pretty spectacular in some way, and definitely good enough in most areas of life. If ever there were a time to stop beating yourself up for being human, it is now.

7 Signs You're Too Hard on Yourself | Psychology Today

When you see the mistakes of others as understable and not your own, you might be too hard on yourself. Do yourself a favor, and cut yourself some slack.

7 Signs You're Too Hard on Yourself | Psychology Today So you're not a "10" in every which way. But you're probably pretty spectacular in some way, and definitely good enough in most areas of life. If ever there were a time to stop beating yourself up for being human, it is now.

Scientists Develop New Blood Test That Could Diagnose Your Level of Depression

"Ultimately, the mission is to save and improve lives." Can we be closer to using biological assessments in diagnosing both unipolar depression (Major Depressive Disorder/Persistent Depressive Disorder) and Bipolar Disorder?

Interesting read.

Scientists Develop New Blood Test That Could Diagnose Your Level of Depression A newly developed system that monitors for blood biomarkers linked to mood disorders could lead to new ways to diagnose and treat depression and bipolar disorder, all beginning with a simple blood test.

9 Reasons Why People Resist Starting Therapy | Psychology Today

You might be surprised and realize that someone coming to therapy isn't such a bad thing at all.

9 Reasons Why People Resist Starting Therapy | Psychology Today So you're not a "10" in every which way. But you're probably pretty spectacular in some way, and definitely good enough in most areas of life. If ever there were a time to stop beating yourself up for being human, it is now.

Different from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), where one experiences posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) from exposure to a traumatic event, Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (cPTSD) is when traumatic exposure is ongoing. A perfect example of the onset of cPTSD is seen in victims of childhood s*xual abuse, domestic violence, s*x trafficking, child abuse and neglect, ongoing exposure to combat, or any recurring exposure to a traumatic event.

Due to severe depressive symptoms, mood swings, and emotion dysregulation, cPTSD is often misdiagnosed as Bipolar Disorder or Borderline Personality Disorder.

Why you shouldn't diagnose yourself...

One common thing you encounter as a therapist is a person seeking services due to being (mis)diagnosed by self, friends, and/or family. What they don't realize is how much harm they can potentially do by mislabeling behaviors, moods, and traits as a disorder when one doesn't exist.

There is much that goes into determining a diagnosis: environment, current stressors, past traumatic experiences, family history, adjustment related stress, substance use, medication, medical conditions, comorbitity, work, and more.

Please be mindful in what you say to others. Habitually browsing WebMD doesn't entitle you to a "professional" opinion nor does having a friend or family member "that acts the same way" as the person you're attempting to diagnose.

What trauma looks like...

The effects of trauma on your health are real. Experiencing something traumatic can alter your perception, your thoughts, how you process emotions, and can negatively impact your relationships too.

What If Certain Mental Disorders Are Not Disorders At All? | Psychology Today

Here's a curveball:

What if most "mental disorders" are really coping disorders? I believe they are. I have noticed that every person diagnosed with a depressive disorder, an anxiety disorder, or PTSD is usually trying to accept or cope with something.

It is always important to find the root of the problem to trace the origin of a "disorder".

What If Certain Mental Disorders Are Not Disorders At All? | Psychology Today A loving relationship can be an oasis in uncertain times, but nurturing it requires attention, honesty, openness, vulnerability, and gratitude.

Brain Activity of Bodily Symptoms in Anxiety Disorders | Psychology Today

Something to consider: anxiety can produce several somatic symptoms that mimic other health conditions. The physiological symptoms of anxiety can range from numbness and tingling sensations in arms and legs, chest pain, headaches, aching muscles, fatigue, and more. The racing thoughts associated with anxiety can lead you to have major health concerns---and more anxiety.

Brain Activity of Bodily Symptoms in Anxiety Disorders | Psychology Today The COVID crisis throws into relief what happens when grief has—quite literally—nowhere to go. The evidence suggests that most people summon strengths that surpass their own expectations.

Here is a look at mood spectrum. This is a very informative graphic on the range of mood.

10 Key Areas Not to Miss When Dealing with Depression

Depression affects so many people. It's estimated that over 300 million people suffer with depression worldwide. It's also a leading cause for disability.

There are various forms of depressive disorders: major depressive disorder (commonly known as major/clinical depression), persistent depressive disorder (chronic depression or dysthymia), adjustment disorder with depressed mood (situational depression), depression associated with bipolar disorder 1 and 2, and cyclothymic disorder (cyclothymia).

Depression can also be diagnosed with features. These features can be: anxious distress, melancholic features, mixed features (mania and depression), a seasonal pattern (seasonal affective disorder), psychotic features (congruent or incongruent), catatonic features, peripartum features, or features that are atypical. Depressive episodes can also be mild, moderate, or severe.

Though depression more common than previously thought, it is also highly treatable. Many find relief from psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both.

10 Key Areas Not to Miss When Dealing with Depression New research distills insights from patients, caregivers & health professionals.

Can Childhood Trauma Make the Body and Brain Age Faster?

Childhood trauma can have a dramatic effect on one's life, including their development at various stages in life.

Can Childhood Trauma Make the Body and Brain Age Faster? A new study reveals surprising results.

A 5-Step Method for Addressing Negative Self-Talk

Negative self-talk is often the result of depression and anxiety. It can also lead to depression---even anxiety. It can affect self-esteem, destroy your awareness of self worth and value, and even impact your goals, relationships, and overall wellness.

Here are some useful tools to help turn negative self-talk around. Feel free to share!

A 5-Step Method for Addressing Negative Self-Talk Don't let negative self-talk stop you from living a positive life.

Are We Killing Ourselves With Kindness? | Psychology Today

Learning how to say "NO" can help you build healthy boundaries. Killing others with kindness--as the saying goes--is one thing, but are you killing yourself by being too kind to those who take advantage?

Are We Killing Ourselves With Kindness? | Psychology Today Kindess is viewed as one of the greatest traits that a person can have. Groups thrive on kindness and generosity among members. But is there a limit to our niceness?

Narcissist or Sociopath? Similarities, Differences and Signs

Often times, the lines might become blurry. Know the differences between these two cluster B (dramatic erratic) personality disorders. Those who meet the criteria for these personality disorders tend to manipulate, are superficially charming, and lack empathy. They can abuse you, they will use you, throw you away, and make make you feel bad for it.

Narcissist or Sociopath? Similarities, Differences and Signs 7 reasons why it's often so tough to spot them, and how you can.

How to Stay Mentally Strong During a Crisis

How are you staying mentally strong during the COVID-19 crisis? What are some of the things you are doing?

How to Stay Mentally Strong During a Crisis From medical emergencies to financial crises, these strategies can help.

During this time of crisis, stress levels are on the rise and feelings associated with depression and anxiety are too. Please feel free to share.

Here are some helpful ways to cope:

The Power of No

One of the most powerful and empowering things you can say is "No". Boundaries and self-care begin when you know your limits and you start saying "no".

The Power of No Wielded wisely, No is an instrument of integrity and a shield against exploitation. It often takes courage to say. It is hard to receive. But setting limits sets us free.

Given the circumstances and the current climate of panic, people all over are experiencing very high levels of stress, grief, uncertainty, and even depression in response to the fallout of COVID-19.

Because of this crisis, I am now offering teletherapy which is very convenient and affordable. Additionally, I am still offering services at four office locations (Statesville, Taylorsville, Lenoir, and Cornelius), and I am discounting my rates for those without insurance during this time of crisis and great need.

14 Benefits of Teletherapy for Clients

Now doing teletherapy!

Considering the public health concerns over the coronavirus, we are now able to deliver teletherapy. Teletherapy is convenient for clients in several ways. It is convenient, secure, easy, and readily assessible.

14 Benefits of Teletherapy for Clients Online counseling is the new frontier. Reasons to consider taking the plunge.

Teetering on the Edge of Burnout? Don't Avoid People

When you experience feelings of burnout, what do you do? Do you cope by isolating yourself or do seek support by socializing?

How do you cope?

Teetering on the Edge of Burnout? Don't Avoid People When burnout and exhaustion rise, resist the temptation to withdraw socially.

Sexual assault (SA) by definition is any unwanted or non-consensual contact of a s*xual nature. However, each State defines it differently.

Sexual assault is a common form of trauma. So common that 17-25% of women and 1-3% of men have been s*xually assaulted in their lifetime. Several researchers believe that if men were not ashamed to disclose being s*xually assaulted the percentage of male victims would be much higher (in clinical practice it tends to be higher).

Sexual assault is prevalent and results in victims suffering significant psychological consequences throughout their lifespan. In fact, s*xual assault in comparison to other forms of trauma has a more substantial impact on mental health.

North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault

I am now accepting new clients in Caldwell County at our new space in Lenoir.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/nc/taylorsville/702930?sid=5e5c4146e0ce6&ref=6&tr=ResultsName