Counseling
Clinical Focus
PTSD is caused by direct exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence causing intrusive symptoms associated with the traumatic event(s) beginning after the traumatic event occurred. Symptoms can manifest as recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories, recurrent distressing dreams, dissociative reactions, psychological distress at exposure to internal and external cues, avoidance of stimuli associated with the traumatic event(s), inability to remember an important aspect of the traumatic event(s), and persistent and exaggerated negative beliefs or expectations about oneself, others, or the world (e.g., “I am bad,” “No one can be trusted,” ‘The world is completely dangerous,” “My whole nervous system is permanently ruined”).
Also associated with PTSD is persistent, distorted cognitions about the cause or consequences of the traumatic event(s) that lead the individual to blame himself/herself or others, Persistent negative emotional state, diminished interest or participation in significant activities, feelings of detachment or estrangement from others, persistent inability to experience positive emotions, irritable behavior and angry outbursts, reckless or self-destructive behavior, hypervigilance. exaggerated startle response, problems with concentration, and sleep disturbances.
Anxiety: anxiety can start during pregnancy and persist after delivery of baby. This anxiety could look like ruminating thoughts of something happening to you or baby. Day dreaming about horrific events occurring during or after pregnancy and persistent worries and catastrophizing that causes a significant disturbance and difficulty functioning.
How do I know if I am having trouble functioning?
If you cannot sleep because you are checking on baby all night. This may cause you to be more irritable than usual with others and take your focus and attention away from work or relationships. You may also feel a decline in your sense of self and your ability for motherhood. This anxiety feels completely overwhelming and can leave you petrified in fear at times.
Depression: mostly all women have a period of time when they experience the “Baby Blues,” which is caused by all the hormones wrecking havoc on your emotional health. Baby Blues are short lasting and typically dissipate shortly after baby is born and do not present with significant issues in functioning.
Postpartum depression is apparent when symptoms of depression persist and cause issues in functioning in work, parenting, relationships, in ones view of self, and other responsibilities. Feeling resentment towards your baby or feelings that you’ve made a horrible mistake by becoming a parent are thoughts someone might experience that signal postpartum depression. Other signs of postpartum depression are not taking care of your general hygiene, not wanting to be around baby, feeling resentment toward being a parent, and not wanting to tend to baby.
Women who are pregnant can also experience depression or anxiety. This can be hormone related, relationship changes, body changes, and other stressors contributing to negativistic feelings. It is important for depression and anxiety to be treated so that it doesn’t persist post partum and effect the individual’s ability to parent.
Depression is represented by the following symptoms over the course of a two week period. All symptoms do not need to be present to warrant a diagnosis.
Signs you may have depression include depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, diminished interest or pleasure in previously pleasurable activities, significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain, a decrease or increase in appetite, insomnia or hypersomnia, psychomotor agitation or retardation, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt, diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, recurrent thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide.
There are a number of anxiety disorders and other disorders where anxiety is often present. Anxiety is represented as excessive worry, occurring about a number of events or activities. The individual finds it difficult to control and it is associated with restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge, being easily fatigued, difficulty concentrating or mind going blank, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances. Clients might express previous hospital visits where there was no medical diagnosis made and presenting concerns being difficulty breathing, sense of impending doom, feeling as if they were having a heart attack or could not breath.
We all go through them! Whether it’s from going from a child to an adult, a recent divorce, a newly diagnosed chronic illness, change in religious affiliation, becoming an empty nester, or going to college, it’s a huge change. Sometimes we have trouble adulting or redefining our life after such a huge transition and need someone to parse through our wants, needs and feelings moving forward through life. Most people think that going to therapy always means there has to be “something wrong,” but therapy can be about self exploration, leading to a deeper understanding of the self.
Individuals who meet diagnostic criteria for PMDD have symptoms in the majority of menstrual cycles that are present in the final week before the onset of menses, which starts to improve within a few days after the onset of menses, and become minimal or absent in the week post-menses. Symptoms include mood swings represented by feeling suddenly sad or tearful, or increased sensitivity to rejection, irritability, depressed mood, feelings of hopelessness, self-deprecating thoughts, anxiety, tension, and feelings of being keyed up or on edge.
Symptoms also present include decreased interest in usual activities, difficulty concentrating, lethargy, change in appetite; overeating; or specific food cravings, hypersomnia or insomnia, feeling overwhelmed or out of control along with physical symptoms to include breast tenderness or swelling, joint or muscle pain, a
sensation of “bloating,” or weight gain.
The symptoms are associated with clinically significant distress or interference with
work, school, usual social activities, or relationships with others. Treatment is often comprehensive and involves multiple medical providers if severity warrants it.
Payments/Insurance Accepted
Modalities
PMT is a way to do counseling or psychotherapy. The beliefs that bolster the approach is that the mind consists of many Parts or subpersonalities and that nearly all adult mental and emotional issues result from our histories of painful life experiences. Permanent healing of these issues comes from finding the Parts of the whole self that carry the painful emotional memories and then neutralizing those memories. The Parts or subpersonalities of a person carry the memories. The memories are the targets for healing interventions. The healing work is done by visualizations that neutralize the emotional energy connected to the memories.
PMT aims to help you find the memories of events that created a problem Part, and then to neutralize the negative emotions and body sensations still attached to the memories of those events. The result is that the Part becomes centered rather than extreme, calm rather than agitated. When that Part and others become centered and calm, so do you.
To learn more about Parts & Memory Therapy watch the video below.
EMDR is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences using an 8 phase treatment sequence. Repeated studies show that by using EMDR therapy people can experience the benefits of psychotherapy that once took years to make a difference. It is widely assumed that severe emotional pain requires a long time to heal. EMDR therapy shows that the mind can in fact heal from psychological trauma much as the body recovers from physical trauma. By removing traumatic experiences, which has previously blocked you from living your most prosperous life, you can start to live life without the negative symptoms and find your new normal.
To learn more about EMDR watch the video below.
Brainspotting is a powerful therapeutic approach designed to help individuals process and release deep-seated emotional and psychological trauma. It is based on the idea that certain eye positions are connected to unprocessed experiences stored in the brain. By identifying and focusing on these spots, people can access and resolve emotional wounds that traditional talk therapy may not fully reach.
During a session, a therapist helps the client find a “brainspot” by noticing subtle cues like eye movement or bodily sensations. The client then maintains focus on this spot while allowing thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations to arise naturally. This process helps the brain tap into its own healing abilities, allowing unresolved experiences to be processed and integrated.
Brainspotting has been used to help with trauma, anxiety, and emotional blocks, offering a gentle yet effective way to promote healing. While more research is still emerging, many individuals report profound shifts and lasting relief after engaging in this technique.
Here’s a video that provides a great introduction to Brainspotting for those new to the concept:
Natural Processing is a therapeutic approach that helps individuals work through emotional and psychological challenges by integrating body awareness into the healing process. It focuses on the natural connection between thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations, allowing unresolved experiences to be processed in a way that feels organic and intuitive.
During a session, clients are guided to tune into bodily sensations related to their emotions while maintaining a relaxed, present-moment focus. This approach encourages the body’s natural ability to process and release stored experiences, leading to deeper emotional resolution and greater overall well-being.
Natural Processing is especially helpful for those who feel stuck in traditional talk therapy or have difficulty accessing deeper emotional layers. By engaging the mind and body together, this method can lead to profound shifts, offering a gentle yet effective path toward healing and personal growth.
Here’s a video that provides an introduction to Natural Processing:
Disclaimer: Optimal Focus Counseling does not provide, advocate for, or soul-facilitate the use of illegal substances. All medicine-work sessions occur exclusively in jurisdictions where such treatment is legal (e.g., New Mexico) and are facilitated by appropriately licensed local providers.
Preparation and post-psychedelic integration work done by Dominique Wilson, LCPC
Texas 83971
Illinois 180012945
Missouri 2020024009
Arizona LPC-20033
Nevada CP2802
Exploring Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy
Psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy represents a groundbreaking approach in mental health treatment, offering profound opportunities for healing and personal growth. By integrating carefully guided psychedelic experiences with therapeutic support, this therapeutic modality can catalyze transformative insights and facilitate deep emotional processing.
How It Works
During psychedelic sessions, which are conducted in a safe and supportive environment, clients experience altered states of consciousness induced by substances like psilocybin (magic mushrooms) or MDMA (ecstasy). These experiences are not about escapism or recreational use but are meticulously structured to enhance introspection and emotional exploration under the guidance of a trained therapist. For clients who legally access psychedelic medicines in other jurisdictions (such as New Mexico), I provide specialized Preparation and Integration therapy. I do not provide, facilitate, or administer controlled substances in the state of Texas, Arizona, Missouri or Illinois. I am currently being trained and supported by Catherine Warnock, LPC in NM. For these sessions, you’d be referred to her in NM or another state program where it is legal.
Benefits
Research and clinical trials have shown promising results in treating a range of mental health conditions, including PTSD, depression, anxiety disorders, and trauma-related issues. Psychedelic-assisted therapy can often lead to breakthroughs in understanding one’s patterns of thought and behavior, facilitating a deeper connection with oneself and others.
Integration and Support
Crucially, the therapy doesn’t end with the psychedelic experience itself. Integration sessions, where clients discuss and process their experiences with their therapist, are integral to translating insights gained into lasting positive change in everyday life. This holistic approach aims to empower individuals to heal and thrive beyond the therapy room. We provide Preparation and Integration counseling for individuals seeking or returning from legal psychedelic experiences in other jurisdictions.
Is Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Right for You?
Psychedelic therapy is not suitable for everyone and requires careful consideration and screening. If you’re curious about whether this approach could benefit you or want to learn more about its potential effects and safety, I’m here to provide guidance and answer your questions or check out https://www.mariposacounselingcenter.com/ to contact Catherine Warnock directly.