Treatment Areas

Thrive therapists have specialized training in a number of issues but conceptualize and treat emotional pathology from a wholistic framework.  A mental health diagnosis can be a helpful and orienting construct, but people don't fit neatly into any one box.  And specific issues (depression, anxiety, intimacy issues, substance abuse, compulsions, etc.) tend to stem a complex combination of factors including early and recent experiences, biological predispositions and general life circumstances.  We value diagnostic frameworks but look at the larger picture.   With that said, the following are a some diagnoses and challenges we frequently see in our practice.   

---

• Attention Difficulties/ADHD
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Trauma Recovery/PTSD
• Compulsions
• Bipolar Disorder​

• Substance Issues
• Emotional Regulation
• GLBT Related Issues
• Intimacy Difficulties
• Motivation Problems
• Productivity/Creative Blocks​​

---

---

Depression

​Depression can cloud all aspects of ones life.  Ones general worldview darkens, sense of self becomes lost, energy depletes and attention and memory can become impaired.  One becomes more prone towards irritability and may lash out at loved ones.
When in a depressed state goal-oriented tasks becomes a struggle, activities that once brought joy can feel a chore and there is often disinterest or ambivalence about social interactions.  Often times, when somebody is experiencing a significant depression they want nothing more than to be left alone.  This chain of thoughts, feelings and behaviors can spiral into difficulties with interpersonal and vocational aspects of life.  Already challenging situations can become further entangled and overwhelming.  Prolonged time in a depressed state can reinforce entrenched, negative thinking, increase vulnerability to future depressive episodes and further complicate the path back to optimal wellbeing.
When struggling with depression, it is important to realize that it is both episodic and treatable.  Psychotherapy helps.
Core aspects of treating depression often involves helping patients:

• Identify and understand conscious and unconscious maladaptive thought patterns
• Explore key developmental experiences and ways they have adapted to challenges
• Explore and help move past underlying feelings of guilt, regret or remorse
• Better leverage and activate internal and external resources

People often feel some degree of relief within the first few sessions, although sustainable improvement can take time.  Taking an initial step towards improving one’s situation can be an empowering experience, instill an appropriate sense of hope and make difficult emotions experienced throughout the week more tolerable.  As the therapeutic process develops core issues can be worked through, longer term goals are addressed and sustainable gains become evident.  By the end of a successful therapy, patients often enjoy a greater sense of self-appreciation, deeper satisfaction in relationships and a greater ability to tolerate emotional distress and challenges.
Therapy is challenging at times, but Thrive therapists strive to make it a comfortable, uplifting experience.  Laughter is a critical component and often more healing then tears.