What to Expect in an Initial Individual Session
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If you decide to make an appointment for an individual therapy session, here is what to expect. The initial meeting will primarily consist of taking a thorough history of the problem and any precipitating factors. I will then take a history of your family of origin, going as far back as you can recall. I will be looking for family patterns as well as birth order and history of mental illness, substance abuse and violence. I will ask questions about current relationships, work and social activities to get a clear picture of your life. Finally, we will mutually set goals for what you want to accomplish for therapy and when we will know therapy is finished. Individuals come to therapy for many different meetings. There may be a specific crisis that prompts a visit or a long standing issue that you would like to resolve. Some people come to therapy for personal growth or because they just don't feel their life is how they want it to be. Therapy can be a place to learn how to modify one's thinking, think of problems in different ways or just have someone objective to talk to. At times, individuals come to therapy to discuss problems in their marriage. As a general rule, this is less helpful than couples therapy unless there are issues of safety involved. If you are unhappy in your marriage yet want to stay married, I will encourage you to bring your spouse to sessions over time to work on the relationship together. This concept may also apply in other family situations. While the individual may be the focus of attention, it may be helpful at times to bring in other family members and I will discuss this with you if the need arises. As always the number of sessions depends on progress and readiness for change. Typically you will know when you are done and people frequently come for a series of sessions, take a break and return when they are ready to look at different issues or progress to another level. It’s a beautiful hot summer day, yet some people just can’t get out of bed. Depression is more than just a one day case of the blues. How can you distinguish depression from grief or a bad day and what do you do if you determine that you or someone you love is depressed? Depression vs. Grief Suffering any type of loss, be it a death, break up or even a move from one location to another is bound to bring up feelings of sadness. There may even be crying spells, loss of appetite and an inability to concentrate. While these symptoms can also signal major depression, the intensity and duration distinguish them from a depressive episode. A grief reaction may last several months to a year but one will notice that symptoms diminish with time. With major depression, symptoms stay the same or worsen and there is also a preoccupation with worthlessness, as well as suicidal ideation. There may be physical agitation and a loss or gain of weight. Those who are depressed feel that life is no longer worth living and find no joy in any activity. What to Do? True clinical depression requires treatment. Up to 15% of individuals with severe major Depressive Disorder die by Suicide (DSM IV). If you or someone you know feels depressed, the first step is to see your physician who can prescribe an anti-depressant or refer you to a psychiatrist. In addition, it has been shown that the combination of medication and psycho therapy can improve depressive symptoms in the long term. Depending on the issues, therapy can address family and personal concerns as well as provide ways to modify one’s thought process to lessen the potential for future episodes. What else helps? If you are the person who is depressed, it is important to take care of yourself physically. Sleep patterns are often altered so getting enough rest might not be a problem. Rather, it is important to get out of bed regularly and get some exercise. Even a simple walk outside will be helpful in lifting mood. Eating balanced meals is often a challenge since loss of appetite is a symtom yet dehydration and lack of nutrition can worsen depressive symptoms I help couples, families and individuals understand the patterns of thoughts, feelings and behaviors that keep them from having the relationships and the successes that they desire. I work with them to mobilize their ability and power to make the choices and changes that will make a real difference in their lives. In the 35 years I have worked with clients, I've learned that our lives can change instantly. Sudden death, life threatening diagnosis, accidents, job loss, marriage, or divorce can shake us at our inner core. I also know that conflicts in relationships can be devastating and confusing. I strive to provide a safe, caring, compassionate and professional environment for you to work and find solutions. Feel free to call for a brief telephone consultation (no charge) to determine if I'm the right person to help you with your concerns. Membership: Indiana Oncology Social Workers; National Association of Social Workers.

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