Erin Pritchard, MA, LPCC-S | EMDR Intensives

I'm sorry to hear that's how he's responding, that doesn't sound very helpful or validating of your emotions or respectful of your boundary to to communicate differently with you about your feelings and mental health. Ask if he's willing to read a book on communication with you (Gottman's "... more

No, not without a signed release of information (ROI) from you (the client).

This is something that would be really awesome to get your healthcare team to collaborate with you on. Discuss medications and any lifestyle adjustments with your primary care provider (PCP); have your PCP do a full bloodwork up to check vitamin levels and thyroid functioning; have your OBGYN or... more

Ugh, overworked and underpaid is such a terrible combination. I applaud you for recognizing your value, both monetarily and otherwise. To manage your anxiety at work, consider putting together a small grounding box for yourself to have at work - fill it with fidgets, hard candy or gum, something... more

Sounds like she might be triggered and having a trauma response. This is normal for folks who've experienced trauma. The part of our brains that detects "danger" acts like a smoke alarm in our house: it's constantly scanning for threats and makes a bunch of noise if it detects one. Smoke alarms can... more

Sounds like you are really experiencing a rough time. I applaud you for recognizing the need for change. Healing is possible! Find a good therapist you feel safe with who specializes in trauma and PTSD. They will work with you to help you learn healthy coping skills, feel safe in your body again... more

It's hard to answer this without knowing more specifically the anxiety and depression symptoms you are experiencing - but typically treatment for anxiety and depression is multi-faceted. Going to therapy, working with your primary care doctor to check for (and treat) any physical factors, learning... more

You have been through so much - sounds like you are very resilient! And how brave of you to consider exploring counseling for the first time. Based on what you shared, I would encourage you to seek out a therapist who specializes in trauma, which can often show up as depressive and anxiety symptoms... more

Yes! Definitely common for people to cry during a therapy session. For some folks, therapy is the safest place for them to truly allow themselves to have, or express, their emotions.