Eileen Wynne, PhD

07/09/2024

Su***de, Depression, & More: Walking Through Difficult Conversations with Teens

In my New Orleans practice, I work with parents, teens, and families who find themselves facing a mental health crossroads. Some come with concerns about depression, anxiety, and age-related stressors. Others come with dire worries about self-harm and suicidal thoughts. Regardless of the specific issue, one thing is clear: talking about mental health with teens can be incredibly difficult.

As a therapist, I have seen firsthand the challenges of discussing such sensitive topics with young people. There are often feelings of fear, shame, and discomfort for parents and children. But avoiding these conversations is not an option – it's crucial for parents to learn how to approach them in a supportive and effective way.

The next moments following recognition are critical in laying the foundation for future conversations and actions. When wading into this delicate territory, parents should keep a few key points in mind.

Understanding Teen Mental Health

Mental health includes a person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how they think, feel, and behave – and for teens, this can be a particularly vulnerable time.

1 in 5 adolescents experience a severe mental disorder at some point during their life. Add in the pressures of school and extracurriculars, social media, and parental expectations, and it's no wonder that teenage mental health is spiraling.

Some common signs of teen mental health issues include changes in behavior or mood, difficulty concentrating or completing tasks, social withdrawal, and physical symptoms such as headaches or stomachaches. It’s crucial for parents to pay attention to these signs and have open communication with their teens about their well-being.

Preparing for the Conversation

So, how do you begin a conversation with a teen who may be suffering from suicidal thoughts or anxious behaviors? It all begins with preparation. This will help you stay focused and calm during the conversation. Here are some tips for preparing:

read more at

Is your child struggling with thoughts of depression, self-harm, or su***de? Learn how to engage with them in conversation, and how therapy for teens can help.

05/07/2024

What To Expect In The Therapy Session

For many, the idea of going to therapy or counseling can be a bit… intimidating. Despite the many benefits they know come with therapy, people often avoid seeking professional help. One of the most common reasons for this hesitation is a fear of the unknown - not knowing what to expect from the therapy experience.

With my extensive background as a licensed therapist and certified life coach, spanning over two decades, I've encountered almost every reason why people hesitate to discuss life's difficulties with a professional. Some express concerns about the topics of conversation, others about my reactions, and many feel uneasy about confiding in a stranger.

First, it’s helpful to remember that these concerns are entirely normal and understandable.

In my practice, I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel empowered to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. My interactive and collaborative approach focuses on building a strong therapeutic partnership with each client – which allows me to tailor treatment to each client’s unique needs.

In this post, I want to shed some light on what you can expect when chatting in therapy, particularly when working with me. By demystifying the therapy process and highlighting what you can expect, I hope to ease some of the apprehension you may feel and encourage you to take that first step toward prioritizing your mental health and well-being.

Topic Freedom in Therapy

One of the most important aspects of therapy is the freedom to discuss whatever is on your mind.

In my New Orleans psychotherapy practice, I encourage clients to bring up any issues they want to explore, whether it's relationship conflicts, work-related stress, changes in mood, or self-esteem concerns. This open-ended approach allows us to look at the ideas that matter most to you and can have the greatest impact on your well-being.

However, I understand that this level of freedom can be both liberating and challenging – especially for those who are new to therapy or are struggling with anxiety or depression.
It's common to feel unsure about where to start or worry that your concerns aren't "important enough" to discuss. As your therapist, part of my role is to help guide you through this process and create a space where you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and experiences.

Read more at: https://www.eileenwynnephd.com/blog/what-to-expect-in-the-therapy-session

04/11/2024

The Loneliness Epidemic - Strategies for Fighting Isolation

Loneliness is a growing problem among young adults and career professionals, and as a therapist and life coach here in New Orleans, I see it every day in my practice. The COVID-19 pandemic has only made things worse, leaving many people feeling isolated and disconnected from others.

I've seen the toll that loneliness can take on my clients' mental health and well-being. Young adults are really struggling right now as they try to navigate a world turned upside down by the pandemic. It's disrupted their education, social lives, and career paths, leaving them feeling uncertain and disconnected.

Career professionals in New Orleans are also facing their own set of challenges. Balancing work and personal life is harder than ever, and the pressure to succeed can make it easy to neglect social connections and self-care. As a result, many professionals are feeling burnt out and alone.

Loneliness is a tricky issue because it's not just about how many social interactions you have, but also the quality and depth of those connections. In my experience, tackling loneliness requires a well-rounded approach.

In this blog, I want to take a closer look at what's contributing to loneliness among young adults and career professionals in our city. But perhaps more importantly, I want to share some practical strategies I've found helpful for my clients in building meaningful connections and resilience, even when times are tough.

What Factors Contribute to Loneliness?
First, let’s remember that loneliness is not abnormal. As humans wired for connection, it’s normal to have times when we feel disconnected from others. However, the key is to recognize when these feelings are becoming a chronic issue and take action to address them.

The Rise Of Pseudo-Social Media
First up, social media. It's a double-edged sword, isn't it? On one hand, it keeps us connected to friends and family, but on the other, it can make us feel more isolated than ever.

Scrolling through curated feeds of people living their best lives can leave us feeling like we're missing out or not measuring up. Plus, all that screen time can eat away at opportunities for in-person interactions and deep, meaningful conversations.

Read more at: https://www.eileenwynnephd.com/blog/the-loneliness-epidemic-strategies-for-fighting-isolation

03/11/2024

Therapy & Emotional Intelligence – How Your Mental Health Plays Into Your EQ

As a therapist working with young professionals and college students in New Orleans, I've seen firsthand the immense pressure many of my clients face to excel in their personal and professional lives. And if there’s one concept I’m finding popping up more and more, it’s emotional intelligence (EQ) – especially within self-improvement and professional development.

Many ambitious individuals invest significant time and money in attending conferences and reading self-help books that promise to boost their EQ. However, I've found that these methods often fall short in delivering the lasting results that lead to change. That's why I believe therapy offers a unique and powerful pathway to developing and refining emotional intelligence.

So, how exactly can the process of therapy lead to an enhancement on EQ? Let’s explore the five key components of EQ as outlined by Daniel Goleman's model: self-awareness, self-regulation, social skills, empathy, and motivation – and how therapy addresses and enhances each of these components in ways that traditional EQ development methods simply can't match.

The Limitations of Traditional EQ Development Methods
In recent years, there has been a surge in the popularity of self-help books and conferences that claim to help individuals increase their emotional intelligence. While these resources can offer valuable insights and strategies, they often fail to provide the personalized guidance and support necessary for lasting change.

One of the main issues with these traditional EQ development methods is that they tend to be one-size-fits-all. They don't consider each individual's unique challenges, strengths, and weaknesses. And simply reading a book or attending a conference is a passive experience lacking the active engagement and feedback therapy provides.

How Therapy Addresses and Enhances Each Component of EQ
1. Self-Awareness
Self-awareness serves as the cornerstone of emotional intelligence. It encompasses grasping your emotions, strengths, weaknesses, values, and aspirations, and recognizing their influence on others. In therapy, you have the opportunity to share your innermost thoughts and feelings with a trained professional who can provide valuable insights and feedback.

Through this process, you gain clarity on your strengths and areas for growth. You become more attuned to your emotions and how they influence your behavior. This heightened self-awareness is a crucial step in developing greater emotional intelligence.

2. Self-Regulation
Self-regulation is the ability to manage your emotions and adapt to changing circumstances. In therapy, you learn effective strategies for regulating your emotions, such as deep breathing exercises or progressive muscle relaxation techniques. Your therapist can also help you identify and develop adaptive coping methods that work for you.

Moreover, the therapeutic relationship itself can have a profound impact on your ability to self-regulate. By experiencing the emotional support and guidance of your therapist, you internalize new ways of managing stress and difficult emotions.

Read more:

Discover how therapy can help you develop emotional intelligence skills to navigate challenges and achieve success in early adulthood.

02/05/2024

Building Healthy Relationships through Self-Care and Boundaries

Do you find yourself constantly saying "yes" to requests from others, even when you genuinely want to say "no"?

Do you go out of your way to accommodate people, forgetting your own needs and desires in the process?

If this sounds familiar, you may exhibit people-pleasing behaviors.

People-pleasing typically stems from the human instinct to seek external validation and acceptance. However, the irony is that the more you censor your true feelings and go against your own boundaries to please everyone else, the less you end up pleasing yourself. This inevitably leads to resentment, emotional exhaustion, and diminished self-identity.

The key is to shift the focus back to honoring your own needs equally, if not more, than others' expectations. This requires establishing clear personal boundaries and communicating them assertively.

Boundaries are the guidelines that define what behaviors you find acceptable and unacceptable from others. They are essential for maintaining healthy relationships and self-esteem. However, people-pleasers often struggle with setting boundaries for fear of disapproval or damaging their relationships.

The good news is that it is possible to overcome the habit of excessive people-pleasing. With self-reflection, prioritizing self-care, and practicing saying "no" without guilt, you can start to transform your relationships and reclaim your sense of self. In my practice, I’ve helped many take actionable steps to transform from constantly saying "yes" to finally saying "yes" to yourself. Let’s take a closer look.

The Cost of People-Pleasing
Constantly saying "yes" to others' requests takes a major toll over time. People-pleasing comes with several psychological, emotional, and social consequences:

Emotional Exhaustion
When you routinely push aside your own needs to tend to everyone else's, you deplete your emotional reserves. This leads to burnout, anxiety, resentment, and fatigue.

In fact, researchers have compared people-pleasers to the metaphor of a leaking bucket - you keep pouring energy into others' buckets until your own runs empty. Setting boundaries and saying "no" allows you to refill your bucket.

Loss of Self-Identity
People-pleasers often mold themselves into what they believe others want them to be. In the process, they lose sight of their authentic desires, preferences, and values.

Essentially, excessive accommodation leads to a weak sense of self and self-esteem. Reclaiming your identity requires getting back in touch with your feelings and honoring them.

Relationship Imbalance
When you don't communicate your true needs, people come to expect that you'll always comply with their expectations. This breeds one-sided relationships where only the other person's needs get met. These relationships lack reciprocity, intimacy, and mutual fulfillment. Setting clear expectations about what you will and won’t do brings back balance.

The more you ignore your personal boundaries, the more emotionally drained, frustrated, and underappreciated you feel. That’s why breaking this cycle is critical.

Tactics to Shift from People-Pleasing to Self-Pleasing
Breaking the habit of excessive people-pleasing takes commitment, but it is an investment towards greater well-being and self-respect. Here are six actionable steps:

Read more at:

Discover the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care in building healthy relationships. Begin your journey toward authenticity and assertiveness.

12/24/2023

Can Daily Affirmations Truly Change Your Life? The Power Behind Positive Thinking

You may not realize it, but you do talk to yourself. All the time, actually. And those words you say to yourself profoundly affect your mindset, self-belief, and ability to achieve your goals. The stream of self-talk running through your mind impacts your emotions, your outlook, and even your abilities.

That's why, as a licensed psychotherapist with my Ph.D. who has counseled countless young adults and professionals over my 25+ year career, I'm an enthusiastic proponent of positive daily affirmations. When you actively take charge of your self-talk and uplift it with short, empowering statements, it works to combat negativity and transform how you see yourself.

But what is it about integrating daily positive affirmations into our lives that makes such a big difference? Let’s take a look – and see how you can begin to empower yourself with this simple yet profound daily habit!

What Are Daily Affirmations?

Positive affirmations are short, uplifting, and empowering statements that we can repeat to ourselves. Typically, they assert something positive about ourselves, using the present tense – and seek to identify, replace, and overcome any negative beliefs they may have.

When we say an affirmation aloud, our brains start to process it as true – which is why repeating positive affirmations daily can be incredibly powerful for your self-confidence.

These affirmations are different from aspirations – something you seek to become some day rather than in the present moment. Affirmations are about self-love and acceptance right now, in this moment – and they are a fantastic tool to have in your self-care arsenal.

The Science Behind Positive Daily Affirmations

As I always tell my clients, never implement a strategy without first understanding the science behind it. This helps us to ensure that we’re not wasting our time and energy on techniques that won’t work – or worse, could potentially do more harm than good.

Affirming oneself positively goes back thousands of years across spiritual traditions and rituals. However, the practice of "positive affirmations" became popularized in a self-help context in the 20th century. Books like "The Power of Positive Thinking" brought the specific idea of repeating uplifting statements to boost one's life to the mainstream.

Over recent decades, advances in psychology and neuroscience have given more insights into why this simple technique seems to have tangible effects. For example, pioneering psychologist Claude Steele developed self-affirmation theory in the 1980s. His work revealed we have an overall narrative or perception about ourselves needing to be adequate and adaptable. When our self-image feels threatened, self-affirming our values helps restore our sense of integrity.

Studies using fMRIs show that parts of the brain connected to positive valuation and self-identity become activated when we practice self-affirmations focused on our strengths or deepest values. Think of this as a kind of neural reset, helping to create space for new ideas and behaviors.

So, science has illuminated that because our self-perception and inner dialogue sculpt our brain's wiring, purposefully changing our inner voice with positive affirmations creates gradual but impactful restructuring. Cognitive, emotional, and social functioning transform when consistently affirmed by empowering inner messages.

How To Create An Affirmation

Read more at:

Discover how positive affirmations and mental health lifestyle objectives can help you achieve better physical, emotional, and psychological well being!

11/21/2023

Exploring the Patterns and Meanings of Your Dreams

In my work with clients, dreams often come up as a window into their inner worlds. My clients share dreams that seem bizarre or intense and wonder what meaning they could possibly have.

Some have recurring dreams where they’re back in high school but can't find their locker or schedule. Others may describe a startling dream where they’re driving a car that suddenly lifts off and starts flying over the city.

As a counselor, I'm fascinated by the patterns and functions of dreams. Far from being random noise, dreams provide insight into people's concerns, relationships, and creativity. Exploring the world of dreams can enhance self-understanding and uncover surprising connections.

Fortunately, research continues looking into the role and purpose of dreams in human experience. This applies to both adults and children, who often have vivid dream experiences. Whatever the purpose, it’s clear that dreaming is a valuable part of our emotional lives.

I believe everyone has the right to understand their personal dreams and use them as a positive force in their lives. Let’s look at dreams – why they happen, what they mean, and how best to use them – so that everyone can benefit from this underestimated human experience.

The Stuff of Dreams

Decades of research have uncovered some fascinating insights into the content and patterns of our dreams. While the specifics are unique to each individual, certain themes and elements recur frequently across dreamers.

For starters, dreams are far more common than you might expect. Studies show that most adults dream every night, with dreams occurring in all stages of sleep. However, we tend to only remember dreams right before waking up, meaning we recall just a fraction of our nightly adventures.

Most dreams have a narrative structure and are experienced from the first-person perspective of the dreamer. We also rarely dream alone - around 50% of dream characters are people we know, while the other half are strangers or generically identified roles like "a police officer."

Interestingly, studies show men's dreams contain more male characters while the distribution is equal in women's dreams. Feelings and social interactions feature more prominently in women's dreams compared to men's as well.

Dreams & Themes

Research on dream content has identified several common themes. Among them are being chased or pursued, falling, taking an exam or being unprepared, flying, being naked in public, and discovering new rooms or landscapes.

read more at:

Dreams provide a window into your inner world and creativity. Learn about common dream themes and how therapy can help interpret dreams.

11/07/2023

What Is Social Anxiety Disorder?

Every week, I meet with individuals in my New Orleans therapy practice who mention their struggles with social anxiety disorder. Although people often use the term “social anxiety” interchangeably with shyness, there is a world of difference between these two states.

Unlike shyness, which may be temporary, mild, and easily managed, social anxiety disorder (SAD) is an intense fear of being judged negatively or embarrassed in front of others. Sometimes, it can become a phobia, preventing you from engaging with others publicly or privately.

This fear extends beyond general shyness. While shyness may cause discomfort, it does not typically disrupt daily life. In contrast, social anxiety disorder can significantly impact an individual's daily activities and relationships, limiting their ability to function effectively in their personal and professional life.

For instance, a person with social anxiety disorder may have trouble attending work meetings or social events, leading to missed opportunities and potential isolation.

Whether you or someone you know is struggling with social anxiety or phobia, it’s essential to understand what it is, how to recognize it, and the available treatment options. The earlier social anxiety is diagnosed and treated, the more likely it will be successfully managed!

Understanding social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety disorder is a complex cognitive disorder that extends beyond a simple fear of public speaking or facing a large crowd.

Typically, this disorder involves an intense fear of interacting with others, which can manifest in various ways. For example, a person with social anxiety disorder might dread speaking to strangers, making eye contact, entering rooms, eating in front of others, and using public restrooms.

These fears can cause significant distress and hinder the person's ability to lead a normal life. They may find themselves avoiding social situations entirely, which can make it difficult to form and maintain meaningful relationships.
It's important to note that social anxiety disorder is not limited to formal situations. It can rear its head in everyday scenarios like casual conversations or shopping at a supermarket. For instance, a person with social anxiety disorder might feel extremely anxious and self-conscious while standing in line at the grocery store, fearing that others are judging them.

While social anxiety has been understood for many years, the years since the COVID-19 pandemic have added a new layer of complexity to this condition. The fear of contracting the virus, and the feeling that others see one as a potential vector for infection, can be overwhelming for someone with social anxiety disorder.

The added stress of stay-at-home orders and increased isolation amplified symptoms for many – even for those who have learned how to manage their condition. Now, we are continuing to learn more about how the pandemic has impacted people with conditions like social anxiety disorder and what new strategies can be applied to help them manage their symptoms.

That’s why it’s even more critical now than ever to recognize the signs of social anxiety disorder and seek professional help when needed.

What are the symptoms of social anxiety disorder?

Read more at:

What are social anxiety and social phobia, and what are the treatment options for those who need help from a counselor in New Orleans for social anxiety?

09/28/2023

Harnessing the Power of Positive Psychology for Young Adults & College Students

I've observed a transformative shift in psychotherapy throughout my years as a therapist in New Orleans. I've seen countless young adults and college students grapple with their sense of self, academic pressures, evolving relationships, and the challenges of transitioning into adulthood.

This journey can be tumultuous, and often, traditional therapy tends to hone in on what's "wrong" or what needs "fixing."

An interesting movement in therapy has arisen in the past few decades, driven by Dr. Martin Seligman. Known as “positive psychology,” Seligman’s philosophy resonated deeply with me. Instead of lingering on flaws and failings, this approach celebrates our strengths, potential, and the many facets contributing to a fulfilling life.

Imagine the empowerment of young adults and college students when they switch their focus. Instead of being weighed down by perceived inadequacies, they can recognize and harness their unique strengths, propelling them to cope and genuinely thrive.

The Core of Positive Psychology
In my practice, I've always been fascinated by the stories my clients bring, especially the stories they tell themselves about who they are. We often have narratives built on past failures, criticisms, or negative experiences. And for so long, much of psychotherapy focused on addressing and rectifying these perceived negatives.

Positive psychology, however, offers a refreshing difference. At its heart, this approach is not about ignoring problems or challenges but changing the lens through which we view them. It emphasizes human strengths, virtues, and factors contributing to a fulfilling life.

So, what truly distinguishes positive psychology from traditional therapy?

Problem-solving vs. Strength-building: Traditional psychotherapy often zeroes in on diagnosing and treating mental illnesses. While this is undeniably important, positive psychology asks an additional question: "What's right with you?" It's about identifying and building on an individual's inherent strengths.

Past vs. Present and Future: While it's crucial to understand past traumas and issues, positive psychology places a significant emphasis on the present moment and planning for a flourishing future. It's about cultivating happiness, resilience, and positive emotions in the here and now.

Pathology vs. Potential: I've seen many young adults define themselves by their struggles. Positive psychology encourages us to see beyond the current challenges to the vast potential within each of us, waiting to be unlocked.

Over the years, I've integrated these principles into my sessions. The outcomes? A notable shift in mindset, improved well-being, and a renewed sense of purpose among my clients.

Going a bit deeper into the concept, Seligman's philosophy revolves around a few key ideas:

Character Strengths

In collaboration with other scholars, Seligman identified 24 character strengths that we all possess to varying degrees. These range from bravery and love to wisdom and gratitude.

Through his research, Seligman suggests that recognizing, appreciating, and utilizing these strengths can enhance well-being and resilience.

The PERMA Model

One of the core frameworks of Seligman's positive psychology is the PERMA model, which encapsulates five essential elements that people need to attain lasting happiness: Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Achievement.

A Shift from Victimhood to Agency: Many young adults and college students come to me feeling trapped by their circumstances. Seligman's approach emphasizes shifting from a mindset of victimhood to one of agency and control. By focusing on our strengths, we recognize our capability to influence our situations positively.

Incorporating these principles into my practice has been nothing short of transformative. I've watched my clients, especially young adults and college students, transition from feelings of helplessness to empowerment. Instead of getting stuck in the quagmire of their issues, they begin to see the vast landscape of their potential, reshaping their life narratives with their strengths at the forefront.

Benefits for Young Adults & College Students
Improved Mental Well-being:

Read more at:

What is positive psychology, and how can it help young adults thrive in a chaotic world? Learn how to get started with therapy in New Orleans with Dr. Wynne.

07/27/2023

Mastering Self-Awareness: Unleashing the Power Within to Achieve Your Goals

Self-awareness serves as a guiding light in our pursuit of personal growth and achievement. Yet, we often struggle to remain mindful, clear and focused when our goals seem far away. This is where mastering self-awareness comes in.

As a therapist and counselor in New Orleans, I work with individuals who desire to unlock their inner potential and achieve their goals daily. Through my practice, I have found that self-awareness is the foundation for building meaningful, successful lives.

Let’s break down some of the top methods and techniques that can help you to unlock the power of self-awareness in your daily life:

Recognizing the Egocentric Bias
Do you ever find yourself thinking that the world is out to get you? Have you ever attributed someone’s actions towards you as a sign of ill will when they could have acted out of their own needs and desires?

If so, you may be experiencing what psychologists call “the egocentric bias.” This occurs when we assume our perspective is correct and everyone else must be wrong.

The key to breaking the egocentric bias is recognizing it in yourself. Once you are self-aware enough to recognize the bias, you can begin to step back and observe your own thoughts objectively. This will give you a better chance of understanding how your reactions may differ from someone else’s perspective.

Widening Perspectives for Directed Living
A narrow perspective limits our understanding of the world and hinders personal growth. We can broaden our perspectives by embracing sublime experiences and moments of reflection.

For example, by engaging in activities such as meditation or mindfulness, we can become aware of our thoughts and feelings – allowing us to step back and observe them objectively.

This helps us to gain insight into ourselves and the world around us, leading to greater understanding and acceptance. Additionally, it gives us access to ideas outside our frame of reference and allows for a deeper connection with others.

We can also become better equipped to direct our lives by widening our perspectives. We may find that our conclusions from our personal experiences no longer hold true and that alternative paths emerge as possibilities for us to explore. This can lead to a newfound sense of freedom, enabling us to more freely choose how we will conduct ourselves and respond to situations.

Harnessing Self-Distancing for Emotional Regulation
Another critical benefit of widening our perspective is regulating our emotions. By looking at a situation from an outside point of view, we can gain a deeper understanding of what we are feeling and why.

By adopting a third-person perspective, using "you" or "one" instead of "I," we can normalize negative experiences and assess them with less emotional intensity. This reframing process allows us to view setbacks as opportunities for growth and develop resilience in the face of adversity.

And once you can regulate your emotions, you can use the newfound clarity to make better decisions.

Understanding the Impact of Emotions and Self-Reflection
Our emotions are fleeting and should not define us. Instead, we should use them as a compass to determine the direction of our lives.

When we practice self-reflection, we cultivate the ability to identify which emotions are most beneficial for our goals and objectives. Self-reflection allows us to assess our strengths and weaknesses honestly and develop solutions to move us closer to success.

And it’s not just about our internal feedback. Soliciting honest feedback from trusted sources helps us gain self-awareness and assess our reality, successes, and failures more accurately.

Navigating Internal and External Expectations
Navigating the expectations placed on us by society, family, and peers can be challenging. For example, think back to when you were in high school. You may have felt pressure to pursue a specific college major or career path simply because it was the norm for students your age.

Self-reflection helps us recognize our values and goals that may not align with those expectations, allowing us to make decisions that are true to who we are. It also helps us better manage outside pressures by making sure our decisions are based on our own values and ambitions.

Read more at:

Ready to start your journey of self-awareness and personal growth? Reach out to Dr. Eileen Wynne for personalized psychotherapy and counseling in New Orleans.