248-841-4080
Shopping Cart
Your Cart is Empty
Quantity:
Subtotal
Taxes
Shipping
Total
There was an error with PayPalClick here to try again

Counseling for Individuals, Couples, & Families /Tele-Mental Health
Counseling for Individuals, Couples, & Families /Tele-Mental Health
North Oakland Counseling LLC (248) 841-4080
North Oakland Counseling LLC (248) 841-4080
My Blog
Blog
Helping Your Child Develop Healthy Eating Habits
Posted on March 25, 2014 at 7:40 PM |
![]() |
Tips for helping your child develop healthy eating habits: (American Psychological Association)
|
Effects of Stress on your physical health
Posted on January 24, 2013 at 9:08 PM |
![]() |
The effects of stress on your physical and mental health
How to deal with stress
|
Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Posted on January 24, 2013 at 9:06 PM |
![]() |
What is ADHD? Attention
Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a condition that becomes apparent in
some children in preschool and early school years. It affects 3-5% of
school children. About 2 million children in the United state are
diagnosed with this condition and at least one in a classroom of 25-30
children will have ADHD. ADHD often continues into adulthood. Symptoms of ADHD The
principle characteristics of ADHD are Inattention, Hyperactivity, and
Impulsivity. According to the most recent version of the DIAGNOSTIC and
STATISTICAL MANUAL of MENTAL HEALTH (DSM IV-TR), a person with ADHD may
show one of three patterns of behavior, hyperactive & impulsive, inattentive, or combined type. How do you know if it is really ADHD? Not everyone who is hyperactive, impulsive, or inattentive has ADHD. The diagnosis requires that such behavior be demonstrated to a degree that is inappropriate for the person's age, the behavior must appear before age 7 and continues for at least 6 months. Above all the behaviors must create a real handicap in at least two areas of a person's life such as in the classroom,
in the playground, in the community or at home. It is important that a
child receive a though examination and appropriate diagnosis by a well
qualified professional. Diagnosing ADHD in Adults Diagnosing
ADHD in adults is not easy. To be diagnose with ADHD, an adult must
have childhood-onset as well as persistent and current symptoms. for an
accurate diagnosis the history of the person's childhood behavior
together with an interview with his partner, parent or any close
associate or friend is needed. Treatment & Intervention Approaches for ADHD Psychotherapy Behavioral Modifications Support groups Parenting skills training Medications |
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Posted on December 19, 2012 at 1:37 PM |
![]() |
A person who experiences a catastrophic event may
develop ongoing difficulties known as Post.traumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD). The traumatic event may have involved severe injury or a situation with life has been threatened (examples: victim or a witness of physical or sexual abuse,
violence in the home or in the community, automobile accidents, natural
disasters, etc) Symptoms of Post-traumatic stress disorder typically start within three
months of a traumatic event but n some cases they may take years to surface.
Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms may persist or they may come and go Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms are generally grouped into three
types: !-intrusive memories. 2-Avoidance and numbing. 3- Increased anxiety
or emotional arousal.
1-Symptoms of intrusive memories may include:
2-Symptoms of avoidance and emotional numbing may include:
3-Symptoms of anxiety and increased emotional arousal may include:
. A child with PTSD may re-experience the traumatic event by:
|
The Journey of Grief
Posted on October 11, 2012 at 4:39 PM |
![]() |
Grief Definition: Grief is the reaction to a loss, it does not only refer to a loss of a loved one but can also include a loss of relationships, opportunities, etc. Grief is not an event, it is rather a PROCESS and it will take time to work through. It can affect every aspect of a person's life, emotionally, socially, and physically. It may even prompt the person to begin searching for new meaning to life. The word "Normal" is a difficult one to use describing the emotions associated with grief. Some of these emotions may include: Shock & Numbness-Denial-Confusion-Anger & Resentment- Relief-Guilt- Loneliness-Withdrawals While literature provides explanations of the different stages of grief, these stages serve only as a guideline. The grief process is unpredictable with no definite order of the events that must occur. Everyone experiences grief differently and has his/her own pace moving through the stages. There is no exact time limit on grief, a person must avoid the belief that one must "Get over it", rather, the person must find ways to "Cope with it", as some aspects of the loss may stay with the person forever. For some people it may take a year or two to move through the grief process and begin to adapt to life without his/her loved one. These are some ways to help a person cope with a loss:
|
TEST YOUR ANGER CONTROL
Posted on July 25, 2012 at 10:19 PM |
![]() |
Answer the following statements then add up your total score. Circle 1 for never. Circle 2 for rarely. Circle 3 for sometimes. Circle 4 for frequently. Circle 5 for always 1- I get angry with no or little provocation. 1 2 3 4 5 2- I yell and/or curse. 1 2 3 4 5 3- I feel so angry that I feel that I am going to explode with rage. 1 2 3 4 5 4- I have a bad temper. 1 2 3 4 5 5- I have urges to break or destroy things when I become angry. 1 2 3 4 5 6- I have difficulties letting go of thoughts that make me angry. 1 2 3 4 5 7- I feel tense and uptight. 1 2 3 4 5 8- I can't tolerate incompetent people, they make me angry. 1 2 3 4 5 9- I have urges to beat someone up when I get angry. 1 2 3 4 5 10- I loose my temper at least once a week. 1 2 3 4 5 11- I get angry when someone does not understand me. 1 2 3 4 5 12- I find my self quite annoyed with some friends and family. 1 2 3 4 5 13- I get very angry with drivers who cut me off or do not drive the exact speed limit. 1 2 3 4 5 14- I get angry when people do things that they are not supposed to do ( example having more items than they are supposed to in the supermarket express lane) 1 2 3 4 5 15- I am easily frustrated with equipments when they do not work properly. 1 2 3 4 5 16-Some people always rub me the wrong way. 1 2 3 4 5 17- I feel people always try to take advantage of me. 1 2 3 4 5 18- I get angry when my neighbor is inconsiderate. 1 2 3 4 5 19- My anger outbursts embarrass family and friends, 1 2 3 4 5 20- It is very hard for me to forgive a person who made me angry in the past. 1 2 3 4 5 21- When I get angry I blurt out things I later regret saying. 1 2 3 4 5 Score Key: Below 30: You are in a good comfort zone. 30-40: You get angry as often as most people do. Your challenge is to try lowering your score in the coming few months. 50-60: You have plenty of room for improvement. Reading a self help-book on anger management might be very helpful. 60-80: You need to work on controlling your anger in a very deliberate manor. 80 and above: Your anger expression might be interfering with your daily functioning, it would be worthwhile seeking some professional help. |
Spring Break Boozing May put Young Brains at Risk
Posted on March 22, 2012 at 8:46 PM |
![]() |
Binge drinking by teens, young adults linked to long-term problems with impulse control SATURDAY, March 17 (HealthDay News ) Teens and young adults who binge drink during spring break or at any other time may be risking brain damage, an expert warns binge drinking, defined as the consumption of four alcoholic drinks by males and three drinks by females in a day, could be a sign of alcohol dependency or addiction, said Dr. Alicia Ann Kowalchuk, medical director of the InSight alcohol and drug intervention program at the Harris County Hospital District in Houston. The brain continues to develop through age 25, Kowalchuk said, and alcohol, particularly episodes of binge drinking, affects the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain that handles impulse control and decision making. "The developmental delay of this area of the brain caused by binge drinking can make it hard for young people to make healthy choices about acceptable alcohol use and impulse control [later in life], some being more prone to alcohol abuse and addiction," Kowalchuk said in a Harris County Hospital District news release. Drinking can have other health consequences for young people, she noted "Alcohol impairs good judgment and exposes teens and young adults to make irrational decisions like drinking and driving, riding with someone who's been drinking, engaging in unintended or unprotected sex, or committing criminal activities," said Kowalchuk, who is also an assistant professor in the family and community medicine department at Baylor College of Medicine, also in Houston. Parents need to have forthright and consistent talks with their children early in life about the dangers of alcohol, she advised. "If they hear anything that sounds middle of the road, they hear 'yes to drinking,'" Kowalchuk said. "Any ambiguity as a parent will be interpreted as an approval for drinking. The clear message needs to be that alcohol is not acceptable because it's not safe or good for your developing brain." For additional information visit: The U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism has more about talking to children about alcohol. |
Recent Free Press article: Anti Bullying Efforts
Posted on January 24, 2012 at 12:33 PM |
![]() |
Shedding light on Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or the Winter Blues
Posted on January 9, 2012 at 11:28 AM |
![]() |
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is the clinical name for winter blues. It affects about 5% of those who live in northern states (such as Michigan). It is characterized by feelings of sadness and depression during the winter months when the temperatures drop and the days grow short. Women are 2-3 times more likely to suffer from winter blues Symptoms of SAD (Occurred for the past two winter seasons) include the followings:
Effective techniques to treat winter depression: 1-Increase your daily exposure to as much natural light as possible when you can gain access to more sunlight in the winter months. Sitting next to a south-facing window when possible will increase your sunlight exposure. 2-Take walks throughout the day (even if you don't normally do so). 3-Try to exercise next to a window (or outdoor when possible). 4-Maintain your daily schedule and lifestyle as much as possible. 5-Keep a regular pattern of sleep, this is extremely essential. 6- Consult with your family doctor about light therapy. Light therapy has shown to be an effective treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder. You can purchase inexpensive light therapy lighting fixtures for your home or office. You can also replace commonly used light bulbs in your home with brighter full spectrum (also known as broad spectrum) light bulbs. These light bulbs can provide light that is similar to natural sunlight. (Note: Light therapy is very helpful for individuals affected by SAD, but could exasperate symptoms of Bipolar Disorder, provoking a manic episode, so try to refrain from self-diagnosis) When other self-help methods are not effective, the winter blues can be treated with psychotherapy or psychotropic medications . Talk about this condition with a professional, it's nothing to be ashamed or afraid of. With a little effort, the winter blues can be beaten. |
10 tips to help you cope with the " Holiday Blues"
Posted on December 21, 2011 at 12:18 PM |
![]() |
The holiday season can be a time of joy, parties, and family gatherings. But for some it can also be a time of loneliness, anxiety, and reflections on past problems and failures. Many people develop stress response or "Holiday Blues" during the holiday season exhibited through physical and emotional symptoms. Others may experience " Post Holiday Blues" as a result of financial constraints compounded with stress, fatigue and the holiday "Let Down". These are 10 tips that could help you cope with the " Holiday Blues": 1-Try to set realistic expectations and goals of yourself, and LOWER your expectations of others. 2-Surround yourself with caring and supportive people, reach out for new and old friends. 3- Keep in mind that the holidays do not banish reasons for feeling lonely and depressed. 4- Let go of the past and make a conscious effort to move forward with your life by making small positive changes. 5- Continue to engage in physical activities, this will increase the " feel good hormones" in your body. 6- Assert yourself by saying " No, but thanks" when you know for sure that the environment is going to be negative based on past experiences. 7- Be aware of your alcoholic intake, alcohol will increase symptoms of depression. Just say "NO" 8- Choose healthy food that will stabilize your blood sugar, remember the connection between mind and body. 9-Try to focus on the spiritual aspect of the holiday season. 10- Practice gratitude everyday, be thankful for everything you DO have and always look at your glass as " HALF-FULL" I wish all of you a happy and Joyfull holiday season. Dina Abu-Isa, MA, LPC, NCC Owner & psychotherapist/ North Oakland Counseling |
/