Tag: anxiety

Therapy for Infertility

Receiving a diagnosis of infertility can cause significant stress in multiple areas of functioning. This can manifest itself through both internal and interpersonal distress or conflicts.
infertility counselor

It is not uncommon to develop anxiety and/or depression related to reproductive problems.

Common feelings can include: guilt, shame, helplessness.

individual counseling Long Island

Although women can be more susceptible to the effects of infertility-related stress, men are also vulnerable.

counseling for depression

This stress can be accompanied by reduced self-esteem and difficulties with identity. It is common to practice maladaptive defense mechanisms such as avoidance, withdrawal, or denial. Unfortunately, this can further exacerbate psychological and emotional distress.

A tumultuous wave of emotions experienced by both partners during this process can lead to relationship conflicts if not addressed properly.

Individuals within a couple may feel insufficient, dejected, or worthless. Infertility-related stress may also coincide with sexual dysfunction. A spouse may feel the need to hide or minimize their feelings to reduce the amount of strain on their partner. Using such defense methods to ameliorate critical issues can be even more psychologically stressful than the problem itself.

If dealing with reproductive issues, you may be reluctant to reach out for help. You may feel overwhelmed about the future. It is important to remember that you are not alone. Counseling can provide a productive outlet for troubling emotions and a safe place to process and heal.

To better understand the factors involved in your family’s crisis, a licensed counselor can assess your history as well as your current state. Information regarding your symptoms and situational factors can help create a personalized treatment plan for you and/or your family.

A diagnosis of infertility or other reproductive issues may also present a variety of options for alternative conception or adoption. These decisions can be life-changing for all involved. If you are struggling with depression and high stress, it can be difficult to have the ability to think clearly moving forward. A counselor can help you explore the different options you may have and the possible ramifications of each.

Therapeutic treatment can be directed towards optimizing the self as well as strengthening communication with your partner.

Turning counterproductive defense mechanisms into healthy coping strategies can help you regain a calm sense of strength and confidence.

A non-judgmental therapy space can enhance your holistic well-being while renewing both your internal state of mind and your relationships.

For more info. on counseling, call (516) 592-1107 or email Chana Pfeifer, LCSW today

Short Meditation for People with Busy Minds

Chana Pfeifer, LCSW – Short Meditation for People with Busy Minds

Meditating is really hard for me.. I’ve been doing yoga for over 17 years and meditation is the hardest part. Through a lot of practice I find that sometimes it works for me and sometimes it doesn’t, but when it does, I’m really grateful. I do this with a lot of clients in my office. I’ve done it with the elderly in their homes. So I figured that I’d share with you a type of meditation that sometimes works for me.

I’ll do it with you..

I’m going to close my eyes. I’m going to start to breathe in and out of my nose. Breathing in … and breathing out … Especially in today’s day and age, being grateful for my breath. Noticing the air being a little bit cooler as it enters my nostrils. So as we start this meditation, I’m noticing how I feel in my body right now. Any sensations, tightness, pressure, and just noticing without judging it. For me, I’m noticing a little tightness in my chest. What are you feeling? I’m also noticing that right now, I’m feeling a little anxious. Remember to continue breathing in and out of your nose.

Now, my mind is usually racing – I have a very busy busy head. In yoga, they call it a ‘monkey mind’. Remember, to give yourself credit for trying your best during this meditation.

For more info. on counseling, call (516) 592-1107 or email Chana Pfeifer, LCSW today.

Mental Health During Coronavirus

I’m not Susie Sunshine today.. Respect how you feel. Mental health during Coronavirus: Just listen and pray, that’s all we can do.

I’m really struck by a friend of mine who is a nurse and her husband is positive for Coronavirus. I’m not feeling like Susie Sunshine today. I can’t image the horrific images that are going through their heads or how they’re even sleeping at night.

There’s a part of me that feels guilty that I’m OK and I’m not in the trenches.

I’m encouraging myself and you to respect where we are and do what we can, and to really pray for all those who need our help. So, I thank you for listening. I encourage you to reach out to each other and just listen because sometimes, that is invaluable.

Therapy from the safety and comfort of your own home. Soothe anxiety while feeling the security of being in your zone. HIPPA compliant platforms.

I am here for virtual counseling sessions with couples and individual adults during this time. I’m available on Zoom, Skype, and FaceTime. Payments can be made by credit card, Zelle, and Chase QuickPay.

For more info. on counseling, call (516) 592-1107 or email Chana Pfeifer, LCSW today.

Anxiety Counseling Long Island

All humans experience anxiety to some degree in certain situations. Feeling anxious about important upcoming events, grief, stressors, or potentially dangerous situations is considered normal and a beneficial defense mechanism.

A healthy amount of anxiety can be helpful to increase motivation and drive healthy competition and success. However, it can become problematic when it comes with unhealthy apprehension, uncontrollable worry, and intense, irrational fears that interfere with daily life, self-confidence, and relationships.

Some cases of anxiety can be due to a stressful or grief-inducing event, substance use, or a medical condition. Symptoms can also be long-term and chronic and may not improve without treatment.

If you feel that symptoms of anxiety are causing you distress, seeking therapy is recommended.

Many people associate anxiety exclusively with panic attacks, however this is not always the case. In those with generalized anxiety disorder, the pernicious symptoms are present without recurring panic attacks.

Some of the symptoms of general anxiety can be as follows:

  • Mind racing with thoughts or going blank, making it hard to concentrate
  • Excessive worry, apprehension, fear that seems impossible to control
  • Restlessness, insomnia
  • Muscle aches / tension
  • Frequent fatigue
  • Irritability, agitation

Panic attacks are induced quickly and can last for minutes, with recovery and post-attack fatigue possibly lingering for hours. These events can be rare and transient, or chronic and frequently recurrent.

Panic attacks generally manifest with symptoms such as:

  • Increased heart rate, palpitations, chest pain
  • Shaking, restless movement
  • Chills or hot flashes, sweating
  • Feeling short of breath, heavy respiration, tightness in the throat
  • Lightheadedness, dizziness
  • Nausea, abdominal discomfort
  • Feelings of spiraling out of control, impending death or harm
  • Disconnection from reality or time

Anxiety can also manifest itself within other conditions including depression, social anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress, and specific phobias.

A therapist can help you distinguish what type(s) of anxiety you are dealing with. From a cognitive perspective, the licensed provider can help you identify the thoughts that cause it while working through methods to control the anxious behaviors that come as a result.

Regardless of the intensity of your anxiety, symptoms can be managed and fears overcome through reformulating thought patterns in counseling. Being present in a neutral, non-judgmental space where you can express your fears and concerns is helpful in the journey to attain physical, psychological, and emotional relaxation. A holistic approach to counseling can teach you how to approach and handle anxiety-inducing situations without having to deal with the constant stress of fear, worry, and panic. Reaching out for help is the first important step in giving yourself the freedom of a clear, calm mind in the face of anxiety.

For more info. on counseling, call (516) 592-1107 or email Chana Pfeifer at TheHappierMe.LCSW@gmail.com.

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