Specialties
Anxiety
While occasional anxiety is a normal response to stress, when the anxiety is excessive and interferes with one’s life it crosses the line of an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are characterized by excessive fear, worry, or nervousness that are difficult to control. The worries can be persistent and often irrational and affect one’s emotions, and physical well-being. Other possible symptoms include restlessness, muscle tension, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, and avoidance behaviors. Common anxiety disorders are; generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias. Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent mental health issues, but they are also highly treatable through evidence-based approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, mindfulness-based strategies, and in some cases, medication.
OCD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by the presence of obsessions, compulsions, or both. Obsessions are intrusive, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant distress or anxiety—such as fears about safety, contamination, harm, or moral wrongdoing. In response, individuals may engage in compulsions—repetitive behaviors or mental acts (like handwashing, checking, counting, or seeking reassurance)—in an attempt to reduce the anxiety or prevent a feared outcome. While compulsions may offer temporary relief, they ultimately reinforce the cycle of fear and make the symptoms more persistent over time. OCD can be debilitating and time-consuming, but it is treatable. The most effective treatment is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that helps individuals confront their fears without engaging in compulsions. In some cases, medication such as SSRIs may also be helpful.
Panic Disorder
Panic disorder is a type of anxiety disorder marked by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks—intense episodes of fear or discomfort that come on suddenly and peak within minutes. These attacks are often accompanied by physical symptoms such as a racing heart, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, and a sense of losing control or impending doom. Many individuals with panic disorder begin to fear having future attacks, which can lead to avoidance of certain places or situations—a pattern known as agoraphobia. This cycle of fear and avoidance can significantly interfere with daily functioning and quality of life. Panic disorder is treatable, most effectively through cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that focuses on interoceptive exposure (gradual exposure to feared bodily sensations) and cognitive restructuring.
Stress
Stress is a natural physical and emotional response to demands or challenges—whether they come from work, relationships, health concerns, or major life changes. In small doses, stress can be helpful, motivating us to take action or stay alert. However, when stress becomes chronic or overwhelming, it can take a serious toll on both mental and physical health. Prolonged stress has been linked to issues such as anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, headaches, high blood pressure, and weakened immune functioning. People may respond to stress in different ways, and coping strategies that are effective for one person may not work for another. Managing stress often involves a combination of lifestyle changes, such as regular physical activity, healthy sleep habits, social support, and relaxation techniques. In some cases—professional help is needed to help process one’s thoughts and feeling and facilitate the necessary change.
