Cynthia Prather, MSEd., NCC

When researchers recently used brain scans to study the effects of child abuse and emotional violence on children’s emotional development, they found that abused children’s brain activity patterns were similar to those of combat soldiers. Heightened activity in two areas of the brain associated with detecting potential threats led the abused children to become as “hyper-aware” of dangers in their environment as soldiers were in theirs. Some researchers speculate that this enhanced reactivity to such threats as anger may lead abused children to be more susceptible to mental illness later in their lives. This would help explain why maltreated children are twice as likely as children with normal childhoods to experience persistent and recurrent depression. These children need our help.

If you or a loved one has suffered from child abuse and you are dealing with the effects, you deserve help. We can provide the support and compassion that you need to deal with the various aftershocks that can come from having had an abusive childhood, including stress, anxiety, and depression. If you would like an appointment or if you have any questions, please call one of our offices or 800-325-1192.

P.S. Childhood maltreatment is one of the most influential risk factors linked to later-life mental health problems such as anxiety disorders and depression.

Karen Gotto, LMHC, LMSW

Fibromyalgia is a common syndrome characterized by chronic body-wide muscle, joint, tendon, and other soft tissue pain and tenderness that is difficult to diagnose and harder to treat successfully. This situation is complicated where teens are concerned because no medications are available for children and teens with the syndrome. Instead, experts recommend that young fibromyalgia patients use coping strategies to manage the pain. Among the most effective of these treatments is cognitive behavioral therapy, which employs any of a number of strategies that help youngsters distract themselves from the pain, avoid feeling overwhelmed, and calm themselves. By including behavioral changes in their lives, young fibromyalgia patients may improve their mood if not relieve pain.

If your teen is suffering from fibromyalgia, and you think cognitive behavioral therapy would help, please call our office.  Our compassionate therapists can provide the help that your child needs to deal with his or her situation and manage this difficult illness. In addition, we can help both teens and adults who are wrestling with issues like depression, anxiety, or stress.  To schedule an appointment, call one of our offices or 800-325-1192.

P.S. Children and teenagers with fibromyalgia may best benefit from a three-pronged treatment approach that involves cognitive behavioral therapy, physical therapy, and treatment of sleep problems.

Denise Pulido, LISW

As research accumulates on the issue of bullying among children and young adults, it is becoming increasingly clear that this behavior should not be tolerated as just another part of growing up. There is now evidence showing that children cannot be expected simply to “develop a tougher skin” against repeated teasing, threats, gossip, and/or physical contact. Moreover, bullying may be more pervasive and have more drastic consequences than many might have previously expected. According to a recent survey involving 38,000 students, 38% of middle-school students identified themselves as victims of bullying, among whom nearly 21% reported stress and 17% considered suicide. Among high school students, the corresponding percentages were 28%, 40%, and 21%. These are numbers to be taken very seriously.

If you or a loved one is dealing with the mental and emotional fall-out of serious bullying, you need to take action right away. We can provide the support and compassion that you need to deal with this difficult situation. We offer proven techniques for dealing with a variety of issues, including depression, stress, and anxiety for any reason, including bullying.  If you would like an appointment, please call one of our offices or 800-325-1192.

P.S. Cyberbullying exerts even more pronounced harmful effects upon victims than other bullying behaviors because it is more insidious, flying beneath the radar of adults and leaving those harassed with no refuge.

Kelly Mouw, MA

Autism is a developmental disorder that begins at birth or within the first two-and-a-half years of life and involves a display of puzzling behaviors not associated with typical children. Since the 1990s, the rate of incidence of autism has increased considerably. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are now estimating that one in every 110 children is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with boys outnumbering girls with the disorder four to one. Once the disorder is diagnosed, early intervention can help improve a child’s development. Along with dietary approaches, medication, and complementary and alternative medicine, behavior therapy can help encourage positive behaviors, discourage negative behaviors, and improve a number of skills.

We understand how difficult it can be for families dealing with an autistic child. It’s not something anyone should do alone. Our compassionate counselors can provide the support and help that you need to deal with this long-term and complicated aspect of your life. We can also help mitigate the stress and anxiety that comes with having a special-needs child.  For an appointment please call one of our offices or 800-325-1192.

P.S. The earlier an autistic child is treated, the better the outcome can be expected to be.

Amber Lonsdale, LMFT, CACD

If you are wrestling with insomnia, then it is likely that you’re dealing with depression as well. At our office, our compassionate counselors understand that insomnia and depression can affect anyone at any time, for any reason, or for no reason at all. We can provide you with the proven tools and safe space you need to deal with this issue. You deserve to be healthy again and we can help that happen.  Please call one of our offices or 800-325-1192 for an appointment.

P.S. Sleeping either too much or too little is a classic symptom of depression.