Anxiety and Depression
The “common colds” of a psychologist’s practice, depression affects approximately 20% of the population over a lifetime, and anxiety about 15%. Modern approaches to counseling, including cognitive therapy (or self-coaching), together with other approaches specific to the individual, can show rapid effectiveness for almost everyone suffering with these problems. If you, or someone in your family, is troubled by one of these problems, there is no reason not to feel hopeful that counseling can help. The majority of clients can get some significant benefit within 4-8 sessions. Some do take longer, but it is a worthwhile effort. After a session or two, you will have a clear idea about what would be needed in your case, so don’t hesitate to ask someone who can help.

Adolescents and Children
Children and adolescents can have many of the same problems as adults (anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, stress), but sometimes they are not able to tell us so clearly. Sometimes we see it in their behavior, like angry outbursts, withdrawing from family and friends, doing poorly in school, drug use, or other problems. They may not feel understood, and may not know who to trust with their problems.
We generally meet with the child and the parents, or even the whole family, for the first session. That way, the child doesn’t feel so outnumbered, and has an ally or two. Sometimes it is even useful for the parent or parents to come in the first session without the child to provide the background and make a plan for how best to help the child. Especially if the child is extremely resistant to come in, the parent(s) don’t have to fight about it, just come in for the first session and we’ll go from there. An older adolescent may wish to come in alone, which is okay, as long as the parent(s) come in the first session or two to get acquainted.

Couples Counseling
Relationships are one of the most important aspects of our lives, and sometimes among the most difficult. Coaching in communication skills, problem-solving, and improving intimacy can help almost any couple. Many couples find that using a counselor for brief counseling can help them solve the problems they face, as well as build skills for dealing with other problems later. A very worthwhile investment.

Elders
Retirement and aging brings new possibilities in life as well as new problems for elders and their families. Retirement can bring more freedom and time together but sometimes confusion about how to use it best. Normal aging often brings new medical problems and concerns for the children of elders about how best to help. Individual and family counseling can help sort through the new priorities and manage life transitions. Medicare pays 50% of psychological services so that is a big help for most people.

Alcohol and Drug Problems
Almost everyone knows someone who has had an alcohol problem – a friend or family member. About 10% of the US population is not able to control their alcohol use, and this problem can damage their health, their careers, and their relationships. The best way to get a professional perspective on the issue is to schedule an assessment session. There you can get an outside expert’s feedback on the nature of the problem, and what might be some possible courses of action that might help. Some of the best members of our community have, or have had, alcohol problems, so don’t hesitate to check it out if you are concerned.

Self-Esteem
Self-esteem problems come from a variety of sources, but most originated in childhood when you encountered frustrations and problems that you weren’t able to deal with. There is really no reason to hang on to old concepts of yourself just because you picked them up along the way and they feel like “you.” You can change this view of yourself based on better values that you want to choose now, that more accurately reflect your real situation in life. When you become more selective in this way, you can feel more positive and self-confident based on how you really are. Not hard, worth doing.

College Students
Bloomington is a college town, and many students from out of town can have difficulty adjusting to their new circumstances, or handling the pressures of college. Often there is some contact with the parents initially even if only the student comes in. These young people are usually bright and motivated to improve their circumstances, so generally they benefit from counseling. If the counseling is ongoing, it is often helpful if the parents can also attend a session when they are in town to visit. Parents are especially invited to call with questions, concerns, or to schedule a visit.

Sex Therapy
Almost everyone has some kind of sexual problem sometime in their lives. Not all require professional help, but if a problem causes distress, or doesn’t pass away, then professional evaluation can help prevent it from leading to other problems in your life. Some think that Viagra has eliminated problems with Erectile Dysfunction, and while it has for some people, often there are emotional and relationship issues (as well as headaches sometimes) that also need to be addressed. Treatment for Premature Ejaculation is quick and simple, but still, most sexual problems occur within the context of a relationship, so couples counseling is generally recommended for most sexual problems – it takes two to develop the most satisfying love life! Low Sexual Desire can have many causes, so a more thorough evaluation is needed before a treatment plan is developed. For most people it is embarrassing to ask for help with sexual problems, but very worthwhile in the long run.

Cognitive Therapy
What is cognitive therapy, and why is it so effective? “Cognitive” therapy refers to “thinking,” and how your thoughts affect how you feel and behave. Even though it is such a simple idea, research has found that changing your thought patterns through practice can not only make you feel more relaxed and happier, but also that the change can even be demonstrated in neuroimaging techniques like the CAT scan. This simple technique changes the way the brain functions! You can find it described in many self-help books, such as The Feeling Good Handbook, by David Burns, and many others. Most people benefit by using a consultant or coach to help them focus their practice and ensure an effective result.