What is a Health Psychologist?

Making the choice to visit a psychologist can be difficult for a variety of reasons. Frankly, there are an abundance of myths that surround the word "psychology" which can confuse or even frighten you. 

What psychology really is, however, is the study of understanding human behavior, thoughts, and emotions, why we do and say the things we do , and the personal interactions we have within and with others that serve to shape our health, our perceptions, and our world.  Health Psychology deals with these issues by applying an expert knowledge of the interactions between your mind, body, society, and medicine -- and guiding you to solutions that best fit your needs.  The result is a highly specialized therapeutic environment that assists you in preventing illness and adapting to, or recovering from, emotional and/or physical problems that are disrupting your life.

Do I need to see a Psychologist?

As we now know, your emotions and your physical health are closely linked and they interact on many levels. You can benefit from the expertise of a health psychologist to reduce or resolve the emotional and physical problems that are hindering your recovery and your quality of life. 

From treating tension-related muscular pain to helping a terminally-ill cancer patient resolve family conflicts - these are the kind of services I provide to my patients.  It is common to feel "turned upside down" by an illness, but rest assured that we will work to get your life where you want it using the most advanced behavioral and psychological techniques available.

Here are a few reasons to choose my professional Health Psychology services: 

 Your strict confidentiality is maintained at all times.  No information is shared with family members, outside sources, including insurance companies, unless you choose to do so.  A therapeutic environment is only effective when you feel safe to reveal your concerns at a pace tailored to your needs, without the fear of embarrassment or third party knowledge. Maintaining your integrity and confidentiality are my highest priorities, and the reasons many individuals choose my professional services. 

  A healthy way to deal with emotional and physical problems.

  To become educated about the medical system and learn how to navigate through it to get what you want out of your care. 

  To learn how to live a more healthy, less stressful life that fits into your schedule

  Learn more about and enhance your Mind-Body connection.

  Learn how to better support and communicate with your  loved one who has cancer

  Emotional support and strengthening of coping skills when dealing with severe or chronic illness

  Assistance with organizing your medical care to fit your needs

  Biofeedback -  to teach you how to control your emotions, fears, and body systems, and to reduce the pain, stress or discomfort associated with many medical and emotional problems.  It is non-invasive and requires no medication.  Basically, you "teach" your body to fix itself without harmful, often unnecessary treatments.  It is similar to getting a tune-up for your mind and body. 

 Education about how to communicate your needs to your physician to make the most of your medical care.

 Illness training and support groups

 Breaking bad habits such as overeating, poor diet management, weight management, smoking, etc.

  To help you deal with maternal or postpartum depression and the adjustment of raising a child

  Help you deal with troubling emotional, relationship, social, or work issues

And these are just a few... 

I treat each patient as an individual and I work with you to develop the skills you need to solve your current problems, and those throughout your life.  I will take my time to carefully understand your whole situation, you as a person, and the goals you desire.  

My interpersonal style is accommodating and relaxed, but professional and effective.  Still, it is absolutely necessary that you feel comfortable with the person you trust to share your sensitive, frustrating, and often painful issues that you bring to therapy. Understanding this, my policy is to provide a free, no obligation consultation session (at your request) to discuss your concerns and questions, and assure your comfort with me - and most of all, determine if seeing a health psychologist would benefit you - before you make the commitment. 

If I don't feel I can help you, I will help you find someone who can or make the appropriate recommendation for you.