Have a history of failed relationships that seem to have a common thread? Have you found yourself suddenly agreeing to do things you formerly discounted ever doing? Do you often get off the phone with a friend, feel empty, and realize he/she didn't ask you one thing about how you're doing? You might be operating from some codependent ways of being you learned at a younger age. These traits served you in the past and may no longer be working in your adult life. Take the Codependent Self Evaluation below to explore your patterns. If you answer "frequently" to three or more, consider emailing me for an appointment and we'll begin your process of living a more empowered, assertive, fulfilling life.
> I'm not sure if I understand if I am self aware or practicing mindfulness. How much are you able to track your reactions, your bodily sensations during the day? Are you a product of your thoughts or are you able to be a witness to the one having thought? If you find the questions on this Mindfulness Evaluation foreign to you and you want to learn more, contact me and we'll get started on living a more mindful life.
> My mind is racing much of the time and I have trouble sleeping.
Perhaps you've been told you're an anxious person but never considered yourself a worrier. Maybe you are easily overwhelmed and sometimes have trouble prioritizing and completing tasks. You might even get antsy if you have nothing to be stressed about like on the first couple days of a vacation. If you score higher than 50 on this Penn State Worry Questionnaire and want to try a more peaceful way of moving through the world, consider scheduling a session with me.
> I feel dull, angry, and sad all at once some days.
Find yourself feeling sad and alone when everyone around you seems happy? Do you often feel angry in response to events that don't typically stir anger in others? Have you found yourself crying for no apparent reason? Take the below Mental Health Self Evaluation to explore your mental health patterns.If three or more of your answers tend to the "frequently" spectrum, consider emailing me for an appointment. If several answers seem indicative of depression, please consider calling for more immediate help: San Francisco Crisis Hotline (415) 781-0500 or Colorado Crisis Hotline (844) 493-8255 or National Suicide Prevention 1-800-273-8255.
> I want closeness and attention from others and yet when I get it, I want to crawl out of my skin with discomfort.
Do you struggle with getting close to others emotionally and/or romantically? Ever been told "you're a tough nut to crack"? Do you crave closeness with others yet then feel smothered as soon as you do get the attention and intimacy? According to Dr. Jonice Webb, Childhood Emotional Neglect is invisible. It is a parent's failure to respond enough to a child's emotional needs. It is, in some ways, the opposite of mistreatment and abuse. Whereas mistreatment and abuse are parental acts, Emotional Neglect is a parent's failure to act. This sets up a child to become often times an insecure avoidantly attached adult or at least to be really uncomfortable with emotions, being vulnerable, and relationships of any closeness. Take this Childhood Emotional Neglect Quiz by Dr. Jonice Webb to see if you relate. If you want to explore how to have more secure attachment and comfort with intimacy and vulnerability, consider scheduling a session with me.
> I have weird physical symptoms like gut issues, circulation problems, headaches, or autoimmune disorders that doctors can never seem to resolve.
Adverse Childhood Experiences are traumatic events that occur during childhood (0-17). They have lasting, negative effects on health, well-being, and opportunity. Many people don't realize the impact various childhood experiences and environment had on their development because they were "all they know." Depending on the levels of abuse, neglect and household dysfunction, there can be consequences physiologically, psychologically and relationally. Take this ACE Quiz developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kaiser Permanente to learn your indicators of risk. This quiz sadly does not yet account for the impact of racism, bullying and discrimination. Research results show the higher the score, the higher the risk for negative health outcomes with age. If this quiz resonates with you, consider scheduling a session with me or some other somatic and trauma informed provider.