Individuals diagnosed with Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder typically have difficulties with attention, hyperactivity, and / or impulsiveness. The diagnosis includes three different types: Predominantly Inattentive Types, Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type, and Combined Type. The differences between the types are that individuals with Inattentive Type typically have difficulties with attention, focus, and following through on instructions, while individuals with Hyperactive-Impulsive Type show more symptoms of fidgeting, being “on the go” often, blurting comments out, and interrupting others.

Individuals with anger management issues have trouble processing and expressing their vulnerable feeling states in a healthy and appropriate manner. Anger may function to suppress more difficult emotional states. Individuals with anger problems are often raised in homes that modeled violent and aggressive ways of negotiating conflict. Treatment for anger management often involves training in emotional awareness, problem solving training, role-play, relaxation exercises, and developing an understanding of the cues that trigger aggressive episodes.

Anxiety is a common emotion that anyone has either experienced (e.g., flush cheeks and racing heart before giving a speech) or can relate. Individuals diagnosed with anxiety disorders, however, experience an ongoing or heightened level of anxiety (e.g., tension, restlessness, accelerated heart rate, panic) that interferes with their daily functioning at home, school, work, or within the context of their marriage or relationships. In some cases the individual becomes so panic stricken that he or she becomes immobilized to the point that one cannot leave the house, refuses to drive, or in the case of social anxiety develops various types of phobias (irrational fear of an object or situation).

Every child faces emotional difficulties from time to time. Feelings of sadness, loss, or emotional extremes are part of growing up. Conflicts between parents and children are also inevitable as children struggle through adolescence to develop their own identities. At times, however, some children may develop inappropriate emotional and behavioral responses to situations in their lives that persist over time. There are three criteria that can help in deciding whether a child’s behavior is normal or a sign that the youngster needs help:

Does it just go on and on with no sign that the child is going to outgrow it and progress to a new stage?

How intense is the behavior? Are they frightening to parents and suggest that some specific intervention might be necessary? Pay attention to the child’s feelings of despair or hopelessness; lack of interest in family, friends, school or other activities once considered enjoyable; or behaviors that are dangerous to the child or to others.

How old is the child? Not all children reach the same emotional milestones at the same age, but extreme deviations from age-appropriate behaviors may well be cause for concern.

Bullying is a form of aggressive behavior in which someone intentionally and repeatedly causes another person injury or discomfort. Bullying can take the form of physical contact, words or more subtle actions.

As with anxiety, depressive symptoms are a common human experience. We all get down or experience the blues from time to time. However, with depressive disorders, the frequency and / or intensity of the depressed mood (e.g., sadness, tearfulness, hopelessness, loss of pleasure, insomnia, loss of concentration, loss of appetite, and difficulty making decisions) becomes so pervasive that it causes a significant disruption in daily living. In the most extreme case, one may begin to question whether life is worth living resulting in suicidal ideation.

Conflict can happen when family members have different views or beliefs that clash. Sometimes conflict can occur when people misunderstand each other and jump to the wrong conclusion. Issues of conflict that are not resolved peacefully can lead to arguments and resentment. It is normal to disagree with each other from time to time. Occasional conflict is part of family life. However, ongoing conflict can be stressful and damaging to relationships. Some people find it difficult to manage their feelings and become intentionally hurtful, aggressive or even violent. Communicating in a positive way can help reduce conflict so that family members can reach a peaceful resolution. This usually means that everyone agrees to a compromise or agrees to disagree. Sometimes, strong emotions or the power imbalances that can be present in relationships are difficult to resolve and can only be addressed in a counseling situation.

High-functioning autism includes individuals with an autism spectrum disorder who can communicate, read, write, and handle social interaction to an extent. They can live independently and are mostly like everyone else. People with High Functioning Autism spectrum disorder may have a hard time in social situations and reading social cues. They may find that it is difficult to make friends and to communicate freely with other people. These are symptoms that are common throughout all of the Autism spectrum disorders. It is also possible that individuals living with High Functioning Autism can find it difficult to make eye contact and may have a repetitive routine and/or habits.

Individuals with obsessive thoughts may have trouble pushing negative thinking out or feel overwhelmed by constant self-criticism or need to change something in their environment.  These ideas, urges or images may lead to feelings of distress, anxiety, panic or depression.

Whether learning, organization or social, some individuals may benefit from support to assist with a variety of accommodations.  With professional support, an individual’s study skills, patterns, and learning styles can be explored and work can be done to identify new strategies.  Additionally, if a client would benefit from accommodations, either via an IEP or 504, the therapist can assist with advocating for the client.

Individuals who engage in self-injurious behavior typically intentionally direct harm on their body (e.g., via cutting, burning, scratching, etc.). These behaviors can be seen as “parasuicidal” and can be connected at times to actual suicidal behavior. Individuals who self-harm express their feelings through injurious behaviors. Self-injurious behavior can be included as symptoms of other disorders (e.g., Borderline Personality Disorder). Therapy focuses in on helping bring awareness to the individual of their dysfunctional behaviors and guiding them to more functional ways of expressing difficulties.

Social skills are what we use to understand and communicate with others.  An understanding in expected and unexpected social behaviors is important in functioning well within society and various relationships with others.  If an individual is struggling with connecting, building and maintaining relationships and social cues are not being understood, this an area that could be managed and focused on in treatment.

Following any distressing or life-threatening event, psychological trauma can set in. Sufferers may develop emotional issues, such as extreme anxiety, anger, sadness, survivor’s guilt, or PTSD. They may have ongoing problems with sleep or physical pain, trouble with their personal and professional relationships, and low self-esteem issues. Research on trauma outlines several healthy ways of coping, such as avoiding alcohol and drugs, seeing loved ones regularly, exercising, sleeping, and other methods of self-care. There are people who are able to overcome trauma, offering inspiration to others who have had life-altering negative experiences.

Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, sexual abuse or assault, domestic violence, combat, or natural disaster. Immediately after the event, shock and denial are typical. Longer term reactions include unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, strained relationships and even physical symptoms like headaches or nausea. While these feelings are normal, some people have difficulty moving on with their lives. Psychologists can help these individuals find constructive ways of managing their emotions.