What’s the difference between worry and anxiety? How can I best parent my anxious child? How do I date after a divorce? Does my child have OCD? Are your thoughts intrusive?
If you’re asking these types of questions, you’re not alone. Welcome.
stop worrying, start living
Stop worrying,
start living
Tell me about your situation
- I’m an adult experiencing anxiety.
- I’m a parent who wants to help my anxious child.
- I’m an adult with obsessive compulsive disorder.
- I’m a parent of a child who has obsessive compulsive disorder.
- I’m divorced and want tools to help me adjust to this new life.
- I’m not looking for therapy but would like career or life coaching.
My specialties and expertise are focused on treating adults and children who have anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive spectrum disorders, are going through life transitions (like life after divorce), or who would like help with their parenting skills.
I prefer the down-to-earth approach, so I translate the evidence-based research and give you useable solutions. I listen to your needs and then together we develop a plan that feels doable and that includes milestones to note improvement. Believe it or not, therapy shouldn’t be boring or stodgy, and it shouldn’t last forever.
Conversations with Joanna
Reach Your Goals: Acceptance and Commitment Coaching
I have to be honest. I cringe at the term “life coach.” What does that even mean? I also lose my mind since anyone, yes anyone, can say they’re a life coach and market themselves as such. There isn’t a governing licensing board like there is for therapists. There are some coaching accreditations (I myself…
Coronavirus Anxiety: 3 Tips to Deal With Life After Lockdown
Now that the gradual reopening is upon us, it’s interesting to see the continuum of responses. From elated to cautiously optimistic to downright terrified, how ever you’re feeling, that’s ok. It makes sense, after all, to have some worry about this next phase — there are still so many unknowns out there. While we can’t…
5 Ways Growth Mindset Can Help During COVID-19
As we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re navigating through an uncertain and stressful time. People are going to have various reactions. Given my experience, I have this anecdotal sense that when under this kind of stress, we become more of what we are. If someone’s temperament runs on the anxious side pre-pandemic, it’s going to…
The Anxiety of COVID-19
Last month, I posted (on Instagram) some reminders for those dealing with excessive worry or anxiety right now because of COVID-19. As the situation continues, even those who don’t normally deal with anxiety may be feeling it. It’s important to know that one, you’re not alone. The situation is triggering a lot of people. And…
What’s OCD Got to Do With It?
I really try not to be offended easily, and truly, I’m not. But as someone who treats patients with obsessive compulsive disorder, there’s something I need to say. Even in this unprecedented, high-stress, we-have-to-wash-our-hands situation, it is not ok to associate “crazy” with “germaphobe” as I heard a very well-respected reporter say. It’s not ok…
7 Things People Without Excessive Anxiety Can Teach Us
Everyone has some anxiety. It’s a normal emotion that we actually need, because it protects us from danger. We don’t want to get rid of it. For those with excessive worry or anxiety, however, improving your ability to differentiate between danger and discomfort is important. Tolerating discomfort and learning how to better respond to that…