Dr. Robert Jaffe, Ph.D, LMFT

818-906-7079

drjaffe1@aol.com

Dr. Mitra Rashidian, Ph.D, LMFT, CST, ABS

818-745-1014

dr.mitra@hearttoheartcounselingla.com

Depression and Anxiety

Anxiety

Anxiety is a natural human response to stressful situations, manifesting as feelings of fear, unease, or worry. During these moments, a person might experience physical symptoms like excessive sweating or a rapid heartbeat, which can be unsettling. Some people report feeling dizzy, or even feel like their head is going to explode. Remember, it’s entirely normal for these feelings to dissipate once the stressor has passed.

Yet, for some, anxiety can linger persistently, morphing into panic attacks which can cause unease, dread, or worry that profoundly impacts day-to-day life. These experiences could be indicative of an anxiety disorder, which is a genuine mental health condition, affecting a significant number of individuals in the United States—up to 40 million people, to be more precise. It is important to recognize that anxiety disorders are not something one can simply get over, and they deserve compassionate and comprehensive treatment, including psychotherapy. Remember, seeking help and support when you need it, is a courageous step towards healing, and finding a path to a more balanced and fulfilling life. 

If you or your loved one are suffering from the devastating effects of anxiety, the gift of healing is the most powerful and important gift that can be given.

Empowering Your Journey: Compassionate MDRT model of therapy for Anxiety Management

In MDRT therapy, you will gain invaluable skills to effectively manage anxiety symptoms, including:

  • Breathing techniques: Learning to regulate your breathing, fostering a sense of calm and control during stressful moments.
  • Mindfulness: Cultivating present-moment awareness to reduce anxious thoughts and find grounding in the here and now.
  • Becoming aware and changing negative thought processes: Challenging negative thought patterns and replacing them with more constructive and empowering perspectives.
  • Positive outlook: Discovering the art of seeing challenges from a different angle, promoting a more positive outlook on life.
  • Self-Motivation & Much More: Tapping into your inner strengths, motivations, and resilience to navigate anxiety and life’s uncertainties.
  • Meditation and hypnosis: Accessing the unconscious 

We wholeheartedly believe that with the MDRT model of therapy and the right support, you possess the strength to liberate yourself from the clutches of anxiety. Our mission is to accompany you on this transformative journey, providing guidance and care as you take courageous steps towards change and growth. Together, we will forge a path towards a life where anxiety no longer holds you captive, and you can thrive with newfound empowerment. You are deserving of a life of fulfillment and joy, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

References:

Otto, M. W., Smits, J. A., & Reese, H. E. (2004). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for the treatment of anxiety disorders. The Journal of clinical psychiatry, 65, 34-41.

Depression

At some point in our lives, almost all of us grapple with intense inner pain. Whether it’s depression, anxiety, substance abuse, or even thoughts of self-harm, these struggles stem from the battles we wage against our own inner demons, as we try to make sense of our histories and current life situations (Steven C. Hays, PhD).

If you find yourself feeling down, hopeless, or isolated, know that you are not alone. Depression is a complex mental health condition that affects how we feel, think, and navigate our day-to-day lives. It can bring about severe mood changes, making even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming, and leaving us perpetually tired and sluggish.

Depression does not discriminate and can touch people of all ages and all walks of life. It may manifest, due to various reasons, such as imbalances in brain chemistry, losses, significant life changes, or struggles related to chronic health conditions. It can also result from past traumas that have gone unresolved.

Remember, seeking help and support is a brave and essential step towards healing. With compassion and understanding, we can navigate the challenges of depression together, uncovering new paths towards hope, resilience, and renewed joy in life. You deserve care, and you are worthy of finding relief and support in your journey towards healing.

Understanding the Impact of Depression

Depression can deeply affect every aspect of your well-being, encompassing your emotional, psychological, and physical health. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of depression is crucial to seeking support and finding healing. Some common symptoms of depression include:

  • Ongoing feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or despair
  • Persistent low mood that linger
  • Experiencing low energy and feeling emotionally drained
  • Irritability and difficulty managing emotion
  • Loss of interest in activities that once brought us joy
  • Withdrawing from friends and family, feeling socially isolated
  • Changes in sleep patterns, either sleeping more or less than usual
  • Changes in appetite, either eating more or less than usual
  • Anxiety that exacerbates feelings of distress
  • Experiencing physical aches and pains, sometimes without a clear cause
  • Thoughts of death or suicide, which require immediate attention and care

Remember, seeking help is an act of strength, and reaching out for support can make a significant difference in your journey towards healing. You deserve compassionate care and understanding as we work together to navigate depression, and foster a path towards a life of hope, resilience, and renewed joy. You are not alone, and we are here to accompany you on this transformative journey.

Compassionate Care for Depression Therapy

With genuine care and empathy, we offer thoughtful feedback and recommendations, collaboratively determining the areas of focus for your depression therapy. Together, we decide on the frequency of therapy sessions, ensuring a personalized approach that suits your needs.

In your subsequent visits, we tailor the care to your unique circumstances, employing therapeutic techniques that may include:

  • Multidimensional Relational Therapy (MDRT) to address through the inclusion of spirituality issues related to meaning and purpose.
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy to address thought patterns and behaviors
  • Gestalt therapy for fostering self-awareness and personal growth
  • Object relations therapy to explore the impact of past relationships on your present
  • Neuro-linguistic programming to enhance communication and self-awareness

Throughout your journey, we remain committed to your healing, providing ongoing therapy, for as long as necessary to support your well-being.

If you are seeking help for your depression from a caring and compassionate therapist, do not hesitate to reach out to us. Remember, you are deserving of continuous support, and together, we can embark on a transformative path towards relief and renewal.