Discover what Brittany specializes in treating

  • Individual mental health therapy involves one-on-one sessions between a therapist and a client, aimed at addressing and managing psychological challenges and concerns. During these sessions, clients have the opportunity to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a supportive and confidential environment, with the goal of improving their emotional well-being and enhancing coping skills.

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by persistent and intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions). Individuals with OCD often experience distressing and irrational thoughts, such as fears of contamination, harm coming to themselves or others, or the need for symmetry or order. To alleviate the anxiety caused by these obsessions, individuals engage in compulsive behaviors, such as excessive cleaning, checking, or counting. Despite recognizing that their obsessions and compulsions are excessive or unreasonable, individuals with OCD find it challenging to control them, leading to significant distress and interference in daily functioning.

    Treatment for OCD typically involves a combination of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP), along with medication to manage symptoms effectively.

  • Perinatal OCD, also known as postpartum OCD or prenatal OCD, is a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that specifically affects individuals during pregnancy or after giving birth. It is characterized by intrusive and distressing obsessions, often related to the baby's health, safety, or well-being, as well as compulsive behaviors or mental rituals performed to alleviate anxiety or prevent harm to the infant. These obsessions and compulsions can significantly interfere with daily functioning and caregiving responsibilities, leading to heightened stress and difficulty bonding with the baby. Perinatal OCD can manifest in various ways, such as fears of accidentally harming the baby, constant checking on the baby's well-being, or excessive cleaning rituals. Prompt recognition and treatment, including therapy and, in some cases, medication, are crucial for managing perinatal OCD symptoms and promoting the well-being of both the parent and the child.

  • Intrusive thoughts are unwanted and distressing thoughts, images, or urges that repeatedly enter an individual's mind, causing significant anxiety, guilt, or shame. These thoughts often center around themes of harm, violence, or taboo subjects and can be difficult to control or dismiss. Treatment for intrusive thoughts typically involves cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), specifically a technique called exposure and response prevention (ERP). In ERP, individuals gradually confront their feared thoughts or situations while refraining from engaging in compulsive behaviors or rituals to reduce anxiety. Through repeated exposure, individuals learn to tolerate the discomfort triggered by intrusive thoughts without resorting to compulsive actions, ultimately reducing the frequency and intensity of the intrusive thoughts. Additionally, therapy may include techniques such as cognitive restructuring to challenge negative interpretations of the intrusive thoughts and develop more adaptive coping strategies.

    Overall, a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to the individual's needs, coupled with ongoing support, can facilitate significant improvement in managing intrusive thoughts and enhancing overall well-being.

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition characterized by persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life, such as work, relationships, health, and everyday events, even when there is little or no apparent reason for concern. Individuals with GAD often experience symptoms such as restlessness, irritability, muscle tension, difficulty concentrating, and insomnia, which can significantly impair their daily functioning and quality of life. The worrying associated with GAD is typically difficult to control and may interfere with one's ability to relax or engage in activities without feeling overwhelmed by anxiety.

    Treatment for GAD often involves a combination of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and medication to help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.

  • Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), also known as social phobia, is a mental health condition characterized by an intense fear of social situations and scrutiny by others. Individuals with social anxiety experience excessive worry about being embarrassed, judged, or rejected in social interactions, leading to avoidance of social gatherings, public speaking, or other situations where they might be the center of attention. Physical symptoms such as trembling, sweating, blushing, or rapid heartbeat often accompany the anxiety, further exacerbating the distress. This fear can significantly impact one's ability to form relationships, pursue career opportunities, or engage in everyday activities.

    Treatment for social anxiety disorder typically involves therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy, as well as medications to alleviate symptoms and improve overall functioning and quality of life.

  • Phobias are a type of anxiety disorder characterized by an irrational and intense fear of specific objects, situations, or activities. These fears are disproportionate to any actual danger posed by the feared object or situation. Phobias can be categorized into specific phobias, which involve a fear of particular things or situations, such as heights, spiders, or flying, and agoraphobia, which involves a fear of being in situations where escape might be difficult or help unavailable, often leading to avoidance of crowded places or open spaces. Phobias can cause significant distress and impairment in daily functioning, leading individuals to go to great lengths to avoid the objects or situations they fear.

    Treatment for phobias typically involves therapy, such as exposure therapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), aimed at gradually desensitizing individuals to their feared objects or situations and helping them develop coping strategies to manage their anxiety.

  • Panic disorder is a mental health condition characterized by recurrent and unexpected panic attacks, which are intense episodes of overwhelming fear or discomfort accompanied by physical symptoms such as chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, and sweating. Treatment for panic disorder typically involves a combination of therapy and medication. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often the primary therapeutic approach, focusing on helping individuals understand and challenge irrational thoughts and beliefs that contribute to panic attacks, as well as teaching coping strategies such as relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and exposure therapy to gradually confront feared situations. A comprehensive treatment plan tailored to the individual's needs, along with ongoing support and monitoring, can significantly improve the management and prognosis of panic disorder.

  • Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that significantly interfere with daily functioning and development. Individuals with ADHD may struggle with maintaining attention on tasks, staying organized, following through on instructions, or controlling impulses, which can impact academic performance, work productivity, and social relationships. Treatment for ADHD typically involves a combination of medication, such as stimulants or non-stimulants, which help regulate neurotransmitter activity in the brain to improve attention and impulse control, and behavioral therapy, which focuses on teaching coping strategies, organizational skills, and behavior management techniques. Psychoeducation for both the individual and their support network is also essential to understanding ADHD symptoms and implementing effective strategies for symptom management and overall well-being. Regular monitoring and adjustments to the treatment plan may be necessary to ensure optimal outcomes and functioning across various life domains.

  • Therapy coping skills encompass a range of techniques and strategies taught in therapy sessions to help individuals manage and navigate challenging emotions, situations, and symptoms effectively. These skills often include mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing exercises and grounding techniques, which help individuals stay present and reduce anxiety or distress. Cognitive restructuring techniques are also commonly utilized to challenge negative thought patterns and replace them with more adaptive and balanced perspectives. Additionally, problem-solving skills, assertiveness training, and emotion regulation strategies are taught to empower individuals to effectively address and cope with stressors in their lives. By learning and practicing these coping skills, individuals can build resilience, enhance emotional well-being, and develop greater self-confidence in managing life's challenges.

  • Treating low self-esteem involves a multifaceted approach aimed at addressing the underlying factors contributing to feelings of inadequacy and worthlessness. Therapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), is a common and effective intervention for low self-esteem. In therapy sessions, individuals work with Brittany to identify and challenge negative thought patterns and beliefs about themselves, replacing them with more realistic and positive self-perceptions.

    Additionally, building self-awareness, self-compassion, and self-acceptance through techniques like mindfulness and self-care practices is emphasized. Therapy also often involves exploring past experiences or traumas that may have contributed to low self-esteem and developing healthier coping mechanisms. Alongside therapy, engaging in activities that foster a sense of accomplishment, setting achievable goals, and surrounding oneself with supportive relationships can further aid in building self-esteem and overall well-being.

  • Sports performance therapy is a specialized form of therapy aimed at enhancing athletes' mental and emotional well-being to optimize their athletic performance. It involves working closely with athletes to address psychological barriers, such as performance anxiety, fear of failure, lack of confidence, and difficulty managing stress. Sports performance therapists utilize a variety of techniques, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, visualization, goal setting, and relaxation techniques, to help athletes develop mental skills and resilience. By identifying and addressing psychological factors that may be hindering performance, sports performance therapy aims to improve focus, concentration, motivation, and overall mental toughness, ultimately helping athletes achieve their full potential in their respective sports.