Some Reasons People Seek Treatment

Concerns and Treatment

 

What brings people to seek care:

 

Our clients have a variety of needs. Some people would like to better cope with everyday life; others want help with substance use issues or mental health disorders. We often get referrals to our clinic when previous treatments have not worked.

 

Here are some general explanations of some (not all) of the mental health concerns that bring people to see us:

 

Depression

Clinical depression, or major depression, is a mood disorder that involves a variety of factors including environmental factors, genetic predisposition, brain chemistry and personality. It is commonly thought that medications are the only treatment for depression however there are highly effective treatments for depression that can be used in collaboration with, or as an alternative to, medications.

 

Anxiety

Anxiety can present in a number of forms ranging from mild feelings of uneasiness to debilitating panic disorders. There are many effective treatments for addressing anxiety.

 

Relationship Issues

Relationship concerns can come in a variety of forms including marital difficulties, co-dependency issues, interpersonal conflicts, family concerns, assertiveness struggles among others. There are many effective treatments that can help you work towards building strong and healthy relationships and resolve relationship conflicts.

 

Anger Management

Anger Management helps individuals learn how to recognize the signs associated with becoming angry and teaches techniques for coping with anger in ways that are effective and do not cause harm.

 

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is often defined as pain that lasts for a number of months or years ranging from mild discomfort to excruciating pain. Chronic pain can have a significant impact on the mental health and wellness of individuals and can require professional support to address the emotional impact of this pain. Furthermore, individuals that learn additional techniques and concepts to address physical pain find that the discomfort associated with chronic pain can lessen.

 

Work Stress

Stress is a normal and expected part of life however sometimes stress can become overwhelming and interfere with day to day life. When you are experiencing stress as a result of your employment it can be very difficult to cope effectively for long periods of time.

 

Sleep Difficulties

Sleep difficulties can present in a variety of ways. Some people experience prolonged periods of sleeplessness, interferences in sleep, difficulties falling asleep and/or sleep that is not perceived as restful. This can range from short term sleep disturbances due to environmental factors to long term, diagnosed sleep disorders.

 

Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is the continued use of substances despite negative consequences that interfere with an individual’s ability to function at their best.

 

Addiction

Addiction can come in many forms. Some people struggle with dependencies on substances such as alcohol and drugs while others may struggle with behaviors such as gambling, shopping or gaming. Addiction involves a physical and/or psychological dependency, or perceived need, of habit-forming substances and/or behaviors.

 

Low Self Esteem

Self esteem is the value we place on ourselves combined with the value we perceive the world places on us. Sometimes our self esteem, or self value, can be effected negatively by unhealthy, inaccurate perceptions of ourselves.

 

Trauma / PTSD

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that can occur following the experiencing or witnessing of a life-threatening or physically compromising event.

 

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that is characterized by dramatic shifts in mood. Each individual that has a diagnosis of bipolar disorder will have varying symptoms and varying levels of severity. Psychopharmacology (medication) in combination with psychotherapy (talk therapy) in either group or individual formats is suggested for most individuals with this diagnosis.

 

Lack Of Motivation

Most people experience a lack of motivation to follow through with certain things in their life – this is normal. Not wanting to do things that we perceive as not being pleasurable or that we fear may cause us discomfort is common. This can become a problem however if a lack of motivation gets in the way of accomplishing important goals; compromises relationships; effects work and/or school performance; or effects physical/emotional well-being; among others. Sometimes a lack of motivation can be the result of depression, anxiety or other disorders.

 

 

Here are some treatment approaches available to increase wellness and mental health:

 

(Every path to increased mental wellness and the therapeutic relationship between the client and clinician is unique. Often the clinician will draw from a number of treatment approaches.)

 

 

CBT

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a very well researched form of psychotherapy. CBT has shown to be effective in addressing depression, anxiety, anger, eating disorders, PTSD, substance abuse and relationship problems.

 

DBT

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a cognitive behavioral treatment that has shown to be effective in treating a wide range of disorders such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, eating disorders, substance abuse among others. It is recognized as the gold standard psychological treatment for individuals diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).

 

Substance Use Treatment

Substance use treatments come in varying forms. They can involve both inpatient and outpatient programs as well as peer-based programs; abstinence-based approaches or harm reduction approaches. Substance use treatments can involve psychoeducation, counselling, group therapy and self-help programs. NSTN provides support to youths, adults and families that have concerns surrounding substance use or concurrent mental health and addiction issues. Services are offered from a client-centered, motivational interviewing framework. Experienced clinicians will work with clients to establish goals and work towards resolving ambivalence around substance use. NSTN also offers: 

• Completion of assessments and referral packages for inpatient treatment centers (including provincial screening and assessment tools).
• Support navigating substance use and addiction services in our community and throughout the province.
• Referrals to alternate substance use supports.
• Support and information regarding AA, NA, Al-Anon and other Peer Supports.
  

 

Motivational Interviewing

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a client-centred, goal oriented counselling style that helps individuals explore and resolve ambivalence in order to work towards change.

 

Anger Management Treatment

Anger Management helps individuals learn how to recognize the signs associated with becoming angry and teaches techniques for coping with anger in ways that are effective and do not cause harm.

 

PTSD Treatment

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that can occur following the experiencing or witnessing of a life-threatening or physically compromising event. At NSTN, Individual PTSD assessments, treatments and referrals are available by trained and experienced clinicians for children (over 6), youths and adults.

 

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment, on purpose and without judgment. It has been found to be effective at addressing a variety of concerns ranging from severe mental health issues to mild every day stressors.