Author name: Tara Amanna

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OCD

ERP Therapy for OCD

OCD

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, also known as OCD is mental health condition that has two main components: Obsessions and Compulsions. Obsessions are unwanted intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant anxiety.  Some examples of obsessions are: Worrying about germs and getting sick. Worrying about eating something bad and throwing up. Worrying about hurting someone you love despite having no intention of doing it. Worrying that something bad will happen. Worrying that you will be responsible […]

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Breast Cancer

Coping with Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer

The Big “C.” It is the terrifying word that we all dread to hear…. Cancer…. This word can send chills down someone’s spine, make them feel like they are going to pass out, or have an overwhelming fear of panic are just some of the many reactions we may have. Growing up, I was surrounded by cancer in my home, so the “C” word was sadly not a foreign one. I saw both my mother

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teens

Transitioning from High School to College

teens

The end of an era. Graduating from high school is such a huge accomplishment and it is so exciting, but to many teens, absolutely petrifying. I have worked with high school students, specifically juniors and seniors since 2008 (a long time, I know). As the end of senior year approaches, I have seen so many mixed emotions from both my students and my clients. They are excited, happy, sad, shocked, and sometimes indifferent. They are about

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Anxiety

Generalized Anxiety Disorder: What It Is and Ways to Treat It

Anxiety

Anxiety is a word that is known to many, possibly too many. A common question I get is “Why do I have anxiety?” Sometimes it is not always clear. Anxiety can come from genetics, life stressors, environment, and even facing a traumatic event. Anxiety can, at times, be very crippling. Some of the most common symptoms of anxiety are struggling with sleep, struggling to concentrate, becoming irritable, and of course, constantly worrying. Many clients will

A woman sitting with her head in her hands, expressing distress inside a room.
Depression

Depression: Finding the Light

Depression

Depression comes in many forms and there are many different levels of depression. To start, I will explain the most common forms of depression to help you get a better understanding. Adjustment Disorder, with depressive symptoms: The onset of this depression is triggered by an adjustment such as loss of job, an unwanted move, or a breakup. The DSM 5 lists the following symptoms for a depression specifier: low mood, tearfulness, or feelings of hopeless

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Anxiety, teens

Teenagers: Coping with Anxiety

Anxiety, teens

More and more often, both as a licensed clinician and as a high school counselor, I see so many teenagers plagued with anxiety. Since I started counseling over 10 years ago, I feel that the numbers of teenagers having symptoms of anxiety has increased. What I see even more are teenagers who do not have strong coping skills. When you mix these two characteristics, lack of coping skills and heightened levels of anxiety, you can

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Depression

Grieving During the Holidays

Depression

The holidays are upon us and they are known to be some of the most joyous times of the year, but not for everyone. Individuals who are grieving may find the holidays to bring sadness to them because they recently lost a loved one. When you lose someone dear to you, you face many changes, especially during the holidays you celebrated with them. The person who passed may have always made your favorite Christmas cookies

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social anxiety

How To Help Your Teen With Social Anxiety

social anxiety

Social anxiety disorder affects many of our young adolescents and teenagers. Often times you will notice that your teen is very nervous about a presentation they have to do in class or reluctant to ask a teacher a question. Outside of school, you may realize that your teen will not order their dinner when out to eat or will not ask a store employee a question. At times, I have heard parents say that they

A teenager in a hoodie having a therapy session with a female therapist on a sofa.
Anxiety, OCD

Difference Between OCD & Anxiety

Anxiety, OCD

Two of the most commonly confused disorders are Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). One of the main reasons why is because they have symptoms that overlap which can make it more confusing to tell the difference. Many of times GAD worries are based off of reality whereas OCD worries are more bizarre, but this is not always the case, which is why it can make diagnosing these disorders correctly even harder. While both involve anxiety,

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Divorce

Teens of Divorce: How to Help Your Teen

Divorce

Divorce happens…  Sometimes children expect it, sometimes they do not.  Regardless, it is a huge adjustment.  Everything a child has known within their immediate family is now changing.  And although the change may be good in many ways, it is a still a change.  And change can be hard for many people, whether it be good or bad. How to Help Your Teen Through Divorce So how can you help your teen while going through