Coping mechanisms, or coping skills, are behaviors that people engage in to help them deal with difficult or stressful situations and emotions. Some can be healthy, but others aren’t.
Available Treatment Options
Therapists and counselors often work with clients to discover what coping mechanisms they’re using and determine if they are helpful. With this information, the person and the therapist can develop different coping mechanisms that are less harmful, such as meditation, exercise, journaling, drawing, or time with family.
Therapists Who Specialize in Helping Those Who Struggle With Coping Skills
At times, life can feel disconnected, overwhelming or lacking in meaning and purpose. Our relationships often suffer even our relationship with ourselves. Perhaps you’re stuck having the same fights with your partner over and over again or with yourself in your own mind. Perhaps you’re carrying memories of painful experiences, fears or shame leaving you paralyzed in your journey toward wholenes...
We are wired for connection and authenticity; however, often we are faced with experiences that leave us feeling lonely, stuck, and overwhelmed. I believe one of the bravest things you can do is ask for help along the journey. Therapy is a place where you are able to be still, explore the places in your heart that are left unknown to you, and consider taking risks and making wanted changes in y...
*Accepting new clients / Evening & Saturday availability* As the parent of a struggling kid or teen, you often find yourself wondering what you can do to help them feel better. Maybe your child is having a lot of "red card" days at school, or your teen is having a hard time making friends. Maybe he seems worried all the time, or her personality has changed. It feels like you've tried everything...
I’m very passionate about helping people, and celebrating their courageous strides. It takes courage to seek counseling, and courage to trust the process. I strive to create a partnership that is therapeutic in nature, and intentional in effort. It is with that intention, courage, and partnership that I assist my clients’ in reaching therapeutic goals, accepting and achieving growth, increasing...
Life isn’t always easy. Sometimes, even the strongest people amongst us need a little bit of help to work through some of life’s more challenging problems. Everyone has battles to fight and hurdles to overcome at some point. Whether you struggle with anxiety, depression or have concerns about your child's self-esteem, you should know that there is hope for a better tomorrow. Seeking support for...
In life we all face obstacles that can leave us confused, scared and even anxious. These obstacles can affect our emotional state, our relationships with loved ones and even our careers. My desire is to help clients address these obstacles and reach their full potential. I will use a technical integration approach of researched based theoretical modalities to meet each clients individual needs....
I believe your story isn’t finished yet. I believe healing and change are possible. I believe there is hope. For the past nine years, I’ve been providing professional counseling services to children, adolescents, and adults in office, school, and home-based settings. I specialize in treating teen girls and young women battling depression and anxiety, but offer a variety of services for children...
Is your child or teen anxious, showing signs of low self-esteem, or having difficulty coping? I am here to support them and you as a parent as they navigate new and challenging experiences, learn about themselves, and explore connections with those around them. I believe that all people can build resilience and experience personal growth, joy, and happiness through adversity. With a specialty o...
The pandemic has left you feeling completely overwhelmed. You're trying to juggle school, working from home, household responsibilities, or parenting. The balance your life used to have is long gone, and you're not even sure where to begin to try and get it back. Even asking for help seems overwhelming. I specialize in working with teens, adults, and families struggling with mood disorders,...
I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) as well as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) in the state of Iowa. I earned my undergraduate degree in social work from Dordt College, Sioux Center, IA, and my Master of Social Work degree from the University of Iowa. I provide counseling and psychotherapy to individuals as well as couples and families. I have a special interest in...
Pat offers counseling to adolescents and adults. He starts his work with clients by attempting to see the world through their eyes. By establishing a trusting relationship based on understanding and shared goals, the process of removing barriers that prevent individuals from having a fulfilling life can begin. Pat believes that human beings are complex, but understandable. Breaking old habits a...
It has been difficult to fall asleep at night due to excessive worrying, life has been extremely challenging to manage; extreme grief, sadness, anxiety doesn't seem to go away no matter how much therapy you have tried. It's difficult to manage impulses that create difficulties in life. Conflicts in relationships with family members or romantic partners? Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and...
As a licensed clinical social worker with over 14 years of experience with adults, young adults, adolescents, and families, I understand the importance of empowering people, and recognize the resiliency and strength of the human spirit. My area of focus is working with veterans and families, LGBTIQA2+ related stress in adolescents and young adults, and domestic / intimate partner violence. Some...
Matthew is an individual psychotherapist possessing a wide range of skills, techniques, and strategies to help manage and resolve issues with preteens, teens, and adults. He is a calm, relatable, and experienced mental health therapist. He believes in trust, safety, and creating a space where his clients can be themselves without judgment. Matthew understands that having a strong connection wit...
In my own life, I have recovered from many challenges. With the help of a Spiritual Director, I gained insight into how past experiences were negatively impacting present decisions. What I learned most is that survivors of any type of painful experience must process their pain. Processing pain requires confronting what has happened in a safe space. I understand first hand how difficult it is to...
