Therapy with Alex G
Mood Disorder Therapy
General unhappiness, depression, bipolar, ADHD, and low motivation counseling for children, teens, and adults in Santa Barbara, CA.
Make Sense Of Life’s Ups and Downs
Mood disorders can arise due to experiencing periods of intense worry and heightened environmental stress, or such symptoms may come on suddenly without a clear cause. When we experience mood concerns, our perceptions often change, and we may begin to withdraw from others and no longer engage in activities we once enjoyed. We may lose hope and struggle to see how anything could get better. Seeking care can also seem scary, as we might fear misunderstanding and negative reactions to our thoughts and feelings. However, you don’t have to feel this way. Therapy can help you move toward healing so that you can find increased connection and enjoyment.Let me help!
Depression
Depression is a mood disorder that affects one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In particular, you may start to notice increasing feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in your usual activities. Depression may also cause changes in your sleep patterns and make it difficult for you to concentrate or make decisions. This can lead you to feel overwhelmed and uncomfortable, struggling to get through each day. While workng with me, I will provide you with a supportive and non-judgmental environment where you can explore and address the underlying issues contributing to your depression. Together, we will identify and work to change your negative thought patterns and re-frame how you think about yourself. I will also help you learn how to redirect your thoughts and feelings, deepen your understanding of your emotions, build up your resilience, and find hope for a brighter future.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder that causes extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity level. It is a mental health disorder that is often misunderstood, and while it can be challenging to receive a bipolar diagnosis, many effective treatments can help you manage your symptoms and feel better. It is also important to understand that bipolar disorder is more than being moody or just "going through a phase." If you have received a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and need therapeutic support in addition to working with a psychiatrist, I can help. In particular, therapy with me can assist you by helping you understand your diagnosis and the challenges that come with it. Through our work together, I will provide you with tools and strategies for managing how you feel and help you cope with stress, identify triggers, and develop routines that work for you. My goal is not only to help you manage your symptoms but to improve the quality of your life overall.
General Unhappiness
General unhappiness is a feeling of dissatisfaction or discontent that persists over time and affects one's overall well-being. It can manifest in different ways, including feeling down, sad, or experiencing a general sense of malaise. Unhappiness often stems from experiencing a stressful event, such as the death of a loved one, divorce, financial hardship, or job loss. When unhappiness becomes prolonged or severe, it can lead to depression or other mental health concerns. Therapy can help you explore the underlying issues that may be contributing to your unhappiness. As we begin to talk through your feelings and experiences, I will teach you how to be more mindful of your own emotions, both pleasant and unpleasant. I will also help you make decisions about how to handle situations so that you can address how you are feeling in a more productive way and, ultimately, feel better and be happier.
Low Motivation
While it’s normal to feel unmotivated occasionally, if you notice that your motivation is constantly decreasing, it may be a sign that something needs to change. Low motivation can be a challenging issue to deal with, as it may lead you to procrastinate and put off important tasks. It can also cause you to make bad decisions that negatively impact your life and the lives of those around you. You may also feel drained and exhausted, making it difficult to get through your day. When experiencing low motivation, it's important to identify the underlying cause, which could be related to a lack of clarity around your goals, a sense of overwhelm, burnout, or mental health issues like depression or anxiety. Together we will focus your efforts, explore your desires and wants, and set realistic goals. I can also help you develop new strategies to overcome obstacles that may be holding you back and assist you in identifying ways to interrupt procrastination. I will provide you with a space to explore your reasons for wanting to increase your motivation and develop strategies to achieve your goals. We will also work on challenging your negative thought patterns and identify skills to improve your motivation, such as goal-setting and problem-solving. Finally, therapy with me will also assist you in overcoming your ambivalence toward change and help you to find the motivation to take action.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD, or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting children and adults. It is characterized by a persistent pattern of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that can interfere with daily activities, academic or occupational performance, and social relationships. Symptoms of ADHD often appear before age seven but may not be noticed until school-age children have difficulty with attention or self-control. The exact causes of ADHD are still unclear, but research suggests that genetics, environmental factors, and brain development all play a role. ADHD can also be hard to diagnose because it has many symptoms that are similar to other conditions and is often confused with learning disorders, mood disorders, conduct disorders, and other types of behavioral problems. If you feel that you may have ADHD or you have an ADHD diagnosis, treatment and support can be instrumental in helping you lead a successful and fulfilling life. Therapy with me can assist you in gaining a better understanding of your ADHD symptoms and how they impact your day-to-day life. In particular, we will work on specific skills to help you develop organizational systems, build up your time management, regulate your emotions, and improve your ability to pay attention and focus. I will also help you become more aware of your strengths and capabilities so that you can utilize your natural talents. In addition, therapy will assist you in honing your communication skills, which can help you improve your relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. You have so much to offer, and your uniqueness deserves to be cultivated.
