So wait, WHAT DO I DO AGAIN?

August 5, 2011 By

This morning I was catching up on my blog reading and I came across this challenge put forth by IttyBiz. I wish I could articulate this all in that awkward moment when my fellow professional asks the glaring question “So what do you do?”

What’s your game? What do you do?
I provide counseling/therapy/coaching to teens and adults who have problems with depression, sadness, anxiety, self-confidence, and self-esteem. I also write a blog for people who want more help coping with these problems. We all have to develop coping skills to deal with day to day stressors. Soon I’ll develop ebooks and eworkbooks that folks can use at home, or in conjunction with therapy. Even sooner I’ll be opening offices and seeing clients across states.

Why do you do it? Do you love it, or do you just have one of those creepy knacks?
Both. I love helping people. I hate seeing people suffer. I believe we all have this “higher potential.” I want to live in this higher potential. I want everyone to live at their higher potential. I have A LOT of training and I am good at what I do. My clinical team is awesome too.
Who are your customers? What kind of people would need or want what you offer?
My clients are adults and teenagers who experience

• Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, pessimism, and negativity
• Feelings that life has/is ‘passing you by’
• Panic Attacks
• Low self esteem
• Decision making problems
• Anxious feelings
• Irritability
• Fear of being alone
• Social isolation (for example, you don’t want to talk to your families and friends)
• Physical pain
• Thoughts about death or suicide
• Poor concentration, memory or attention
• Loss of interest in things and activities that used to make you happy
• Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness

They also sometimes feel:
• Ashamed
• Angry
• Overwhelmed
• Guilty
• Confused
• “Crazy”?

They need
Emotional support, Information, Clarity, Someone to talk to, Resources, and specific tools to support their relationships.
What’s your marketing USP (or Unique Sells Proposition)? Why should I buy from you instead of the other losers?
Well, a couple reasons. One: We care about our clients. I mean we care. I am a part of a team. We treat the “whole person.” At Miami Psychology (my firm) we have a Marriage and Family Therapist, two Clinical Social Workers, a Psychologist, a Nurse Practitioner, and a Psychiatrist. Two: We’re real people. We can relate. We live here in this urban chaos called Miami too! Three: We’re convenient. We’re centrally located. Our office is near midtown, on Biscayne. It’s 20 minutes from wherever you are… We also have evening appointments…

What’s next for you? What’s the big plan?
Besides more traditional one on one therapy we will begin to offer specialized groups. I’m thinking about a group for Women’s Issues and another group for Teens. We want to set the standard for high quality, accessible mental health care for all Miami-Dade Countians.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Teens & Depression: 5 Behaviors Parents CANNOT Ignore

February 2, 2011 By

Rachel, a 16 year old high school girl, has been experimenting with drugs, skipping school, and dieting. Would you suspect depression or dismiss these behaviors as typical “growing pains”?

Teenage depression is more than mood swings and rebellion. Like adults, teenagers encounter daily life stressors. Depressed teens “act out” in many ways. Ignoring behavior indicative of depression could prove detrimental to a teen’s life. Problems at school, drug use, and suicidality are fairly common outcomes when teenage depression is ignored or untreated. The following behaviors may be signs that your teenager is experiencing depression:

1. Substance Abuse: Teens may use drugs and alcohol to self-medicate their depressive feelings. Never dismiss drug and alcohol use as “experimentation.”

2. Rebelliousness: Yes, teens do test boundaries. However consistent rebelliousness at home and school is likely a manifestation of emotional unsteadiness, feelings of being misunderstood, or a desire to fit.

3. Body Image Issues: Body image is a concern for both teens and adults. In today’s ultra vain world teenagers also feel pressure to look a certain way—taller, thinner, more fit. Negative body image is hand in hand with depression and poor self-confidence and self esteem.

4. Cutting: Cutting is a form of self-injury wherein the individual cuts on a part of their body, usually their wrist, arm, leg, or abdomen. Cutting is a way that some people, especially kids and teens, cope with the pain of depressive feelings, past trauma, and emotional withdrawal and isolation. Cutting is a cry for help that should never be dismissed or dismissed.

5. Suicide Gestures & Remarks: “I hate this house! I just want to die.” During an argument, a parent might dismiss these remarks as teenage attention-seeking or dramatics. Any ideas, comments, or attempts related to self harm or suicide should be taken seriously. The Center for Disease Control reports that suicide is the third leading cause of death, behind accidents and homicide, of people aged 15 to 24.

Parents and others (teachers, guidance counselors, family members) in contact with teens displaying these behaviors should immediately consult a mental health professional who can appropriately engage and assess the teen.

Natasha K. Nalls is an expert in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders. She works with individuals, couples, families, and groups.

Filed Under: Depression, Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,

Think Past Today: Set a Meaningful Goal

February 2, 2011 By

Depression most often impacts an individual’s capacity to lead a self-fulfilled life and effectively set and achieve goals. Goal setting and achievement are part and parcel to reducing depressive and anxious feelings. Goals give us a sense of purpose.

I’ll start with a working definition of GOAL SETTING: Identifying a specific, tangible goal, and making deliberate action around the achievement of the specific goal.

Notice the key words:
-specific
-tangible
-deliberate action
-achievement

So why is goal setting important?
Goals provide a sense of purpose and a roadmap for daily life. Accomplishing goals gives us a sense of accomplishment. This feeling of accomplishment encourages us to move forward, take a risk, and pursue additional goals. Accomplishment feeds our spirit.

Remember, you can make a goal around anything, including your family, your health, and your career. A goal is the first step in envisioning, generating, and making positive change for your future and emotional health. Sometimes, even just conceptualizing a clear goal is exciting. It gives hope during moments of anxiety, overwhelm, and depression. The vision alone is invigorating.

How do I make a goal?
1. Be honest with yourself. Is this goal something you really want? Is it something you want now? Is this a goal that you want to pursue now? Are you ready to make the effort and take risks?

2. Develop goals around things that excite you. It’s easier to do things that you like or towards something that you really, really want.

3. Be specific AND set a time frame. For example, compare “I want to make more money soon” to “I want to make $135,000 by December 1, 2010.” You want to give yourself a “deadline” to work towards.

4. Have a structured plan. This may seem anal, but write out some type of plan or map.

5. Tell people about the goal! It may be sorta hard to land the new job if NOBODY KNOWS YOU WANT THE JOB! TELL PEOPLE ABOUT YOUR GOALS! Communicating your goals to others allows for others to give you feedback and help. Also, speaking the goal almost majestically brings it closer to reality; the universe begins to align!

Natasha K. Nalls is an expert in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders. She works with individuals, couples, families, and groups.

Filed Under: Goal Setting, Uncategorized Tagged With:

Support your Teen’s Academic Achievement: Six Quick Tips

February 1, 2011 By

I’ve noticed a trend among teens and parents during the school year.

The trend is this: parents do not seek support and services for their teen until there is a crisis.

The most challenging scenario is when a parent comes in for psychotherapy three weeks before the end of the school year seeking behavioral modification assistance for their teen, who is weeks away from grade retention.

Many parents fail to notice that their teen is having a “problem” at school until a negative progress report is sent home, the teen is suspended from school, or a parent receives notice that their child may be retained. Yet many signs likely portended the crisis at hand, including poor study habits, behavior problems at school, and/or attention/focus/concentration problems.

Here are a few habits that even a busy parent can adopt to “be in the know” and help keep their teen on track academically:

1. Talk to your teen’s teachers often. Visit in person. Call. Email. It makes a difference when a teacher knows how to reach you and that you are a responsive and concerned parent.

2. Show up. Have you ever just “showed up” at your teen’s school? It gives you a snapshot of what your child’s school day is actually like. It lets your child know that you are familiar with his school setting, and are comfortable interacting with the faculty, staff, and campus.

3. Talk to your teen. Do you know your teen’s closet friends? Do you know their parents? Do you know about your teen’s latest crush? You should. Practice talking to your teen about anything and everything. Open communication doors so that your teen feels more comfortable discussing topics like personal relationships, decision-making, and feelings.

4. Set rules and boundaries. Every piece of research shows that teens need rules and boundaries. They need curfews. They need a routine. They need to know what is expected of them. There should be consequences when rules and agreements are broken.

5. Be emotionally supportive. Like adults, teenagers thrive on attention, emotional support, and positive feedback. Recognize your teen’s accomplishments, and nurture positive behaviors and interests.

6. Seek professional services early on. Procuring mental health services for your child may take time. In many school districts, school psychologists and social workers are extinct. Upon first indication that your teen is struggling, seek guidance from school personnel on identifying a professional in your area. Remember, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Natasha K. Nalls, LCSW, ACSW, CAP is an expert in the treatment of epression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders. She works with individuals, couples, families, and groups.

Filed Under: Developing Insight, Goal Setting, Life and Work Balance, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,

How to Solve a Problem

February 1, 2011 By

Problems cause anxiety, stress, and distress. Problems tend to paralyze and overwhelm us. Wikipedia succinctly summaries a problem as “an obstacle which makes it difficult to achieve a desired goal, objective or purpose.” Generally, the most distressing problems impact us interpersonally and may occur at home, school, or work. Sometimes a problem is clearly your fault and in other moments, you just end up in a bad situation! The ability to problem-solve ongoingly, quickly, and with good success is imperative to healthy and happy living. “Being stuck” impairs our ability to be fully self expressed and successful. I’ve noticed that successful and happy people can move through problems and barriers and create something new QUICKLY. This ability to generate in the face of a problem is steeped in creativity and problem solving acumen.

Often, individuals may seek psychotherapy services to help resolve their personal and social problems, particularly when these problems seem overwhelming, cause depression and anxiety, and generate somatic symptoms (e.g. headaches, back pain, fatigue).

Here are a few tips on how to solve any Problem:

1. Tell people you trust about the problem. Ever notice that you happily discuss successes but are maybe shy and/or ashamed to let someone know about an issue or problem you have? We all want to look good, of course. The problem is that no one person possesses all the resources to resolve every type of problem or barrier that she might experience in life. So, tell your friend about your problem. Tell your sister. Tell your dad. Tell your colleague. These people may have more insight than you, or at least a new perspective. Moreover, maybe they’ve had the exact same experience and can share some wisdom. Maybe they can point you in the direction of someone who has more information.

2. Think. This may seem very obvious. I have personally experienced different “levels” of thinking. So when I do something challenging, or really want to think of a new solution, or really one to be creative, I find myself thinking more and HARDER. This entails objectively considering the problem, looking at my options, identifying old and new resources, and planning. Thinking and telling people about your problem go hand in hand.

3. Write out a plan. Take out a sheet of paper and make a few bullets. Take out your cell phone and make a note to yourself. Scratch down some ideas on a post it. Getting your ideas out of your head is a form of catharsis.

4. Ask an expert. Ask someone who knows more than you for advice. Evaded taxes for the past 10 years? Call a CPA. Chronically depressed? Contact a psychotherapist. Gaining weight? Consult a nutritionist or weight loss expert.

5. Don’t just ruminate, take action. Finally, make some move towards resolving your problem. Sometimes acting or responding too prematurely to a problem only makes the problem worse. On the other hand, avoiding or putting the problem off may make it worse.

6. Repeat steps 1 through 5. A problem sometimes isn’t so easy to solve, that’s why it’s a problem! It may take a while to sort out solutions and next steps to your problems. That’s okay. Change is a process. Decision-making is a process. After a while the processes outlined here become natural.

Natasha K. Nalls is an expert in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse disorders. She works with individuals, couples, families, and groups.

Filed Under: Effective Communication, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , ,
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