Conditions We Treat

This condition is characterized by recurrent panic attacks that typically occur spontaneously or unpredictably, but may be related to settings where attacks have previously occurred. Panic attacks may be described as the sudden onset of physical sensations such as lightheadedness, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, muscle tensions, digestive distress, weakness in the extremities, perspiration, chest discomfort, dizziness, blurred or distorted vision, or the feeling of detachment or unreality. These attacks are often accompanied by intense apprehension, fear, discomfort, or changes in behavior. Panic attacks may also occur as part of other diagnoses.

Agoraphobia is the fear of being alone or in public places where escape might be difficult or help not readily available. This condition is often associated with panic disorder and extreme avoidance of situations where one expects that panic attacks or other discomfort may occur.

OCD is characterized by repetitive, intrusive thoughts, images, and impulses (obsessions) that create distress and lead to urges to engage in repetitive behaviors (compulsions). While OCD can present and shift to any number of topic areas, common features may include excessive washing or cleaning, checking behaviors or reassurance-seeking, putting things in order, counting, repeating phrases, or exhaustive mental reviewing of fears or concerns. These behaviors are usually in response to troublesome intrusive thoughts associated with a number of themes including fears of illness, harm, or extreme perfectionism, and/or efforts to avoid or control distressing thoughts, images, risks, or intolerable discomfort. People with OCD often describe themselves as feeling mentally or behaviorally “stuck” in some manner, but the correct type and level of treatment can help.

Generalized Anxiety can be described as persistent feelings of anxiety—including both physical and psychological symptoms. Excessive worrying, vigilance, difficulty with concentration, and feeling “on edge” are common features of this problem.

Phobias are a type of anxiety disorder that can be described as unreasonably strong fear reactions or avoidance of specific situations or objects. Common phobias include a focus on animals/insects, heights, thunder or storms, modes of transportation (driving/flying/elevators), or medical/dental procedures. Even just thinking about these topics may cause extreme anxiety.

Social Anxiety Disorder (“Social Phobia”) is characterized by excessive worry and self-consciousness surrounding common social situations. These problems may occur in limited situations (such as public speaking or eating in front of others) or the disorder may cause discomfort across a variety of situations where social interaction is likely or expected.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) develops following exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. Traumatic events that can lead to PTSD may include personal or witnessed violent physical attacks, sexual assaults (such as rape), motor vehicle accidents, natural disasters, or military combat.

Particular combinations and variations of CBT techniques are used in designing effective treatments for gaining better control over the interference of these disorders, which also include Hoarding Disorder and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD).

These problems can be described as compulsive pulling of hair, either on the head, face, or body that results in noticeable hair loss, or compulsive and damaging manipulations of the skin. Intense shame and self-consciousness may result in avoidance of activities that may reveal the problem.

These problems are characterized by the persistent presence of tics, which are abrupt, repetitive involuntary movements and sounds. Therapy can help gain more volitional management of tic symptoms as well as address any social concerns and self-consciousness.