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
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...
I specialize in working with youth and families who have experienced trauma, have difficulty regulating their emotions, or are having difficulties in school. I understand it can be difficult for a child or adolescent to seek mental health services; I use various techniques including play and art to help engage my clients in the counseling process. I make sure to involve clients in every step of...
I like to use empathy, humor, and some silliness to connect with clients as we work together in the therapy process. Using a strengths perspective, I work with clients to understand how their experiences shape them while working to overcome life’s challenges. I enjoy working with kids of all ages, adults, and families and have experience working with clients suffering from depression, suicidal...
I specialize in trauma (PTSD), perinatal disorders, and couples counseling using a wide range of evidence-based modalities, including both cognitive (“talk therapy”) and neuro-based approaches (EMDR, etc.). Trauma, such as childhood abuse or neglect, sexual violence, domestic violence, etc., can create chaos in many areas of your life, including relationships, parenting, work/school performance...
I believe in providing a safe space where clients can feel supported to explore their emotions, values, and beliefs. Working across multiple cultures and backgrounds, I have learned to encourage openness and creativity with compassion. Using an integrative approach, I incorporate different modalities with a focus on psychodynamic, relational, and trauma focused therapies. Seeking therapy can be...
Are you feeling overwhelmed, unsure or worried about parenting? Do you have questions about alternative discipline techniques that will work for your family? Are you currently pregnant and want more support during pregnancy to prepare for parenting? I specialize in supporting families who are feeling burnt out, exhausted or unsure what to do with the demands of parenting. I work collaboratively...
Feeling anxious, depressed, stressed or want to improve your life? Have you had a recent loss or wish to improve the relationships around you? Do you have the desire to make positive changes in your life? Are you looking for new direction, perspective, insight, seld-awareness and self-change? If you are reading this than I believe you do. Together, let’s work together to reach your goals for a...
In the counseling process, I use relationship building to develop the foundation from which to address needs. Drawing from personal experience and education, I work hard to support people as they move from where they are to where they want to be. Motivated by my deep faith, I feel that all people matter and that change is always possible. After receiving my bachelor’s degree from North Greenvil...
Gil Fernandez holds a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling and Psychology and is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. He is trained in CBT, EMDR, Motivational Interviewing, substance abuse recovery, mind-body relaxation, and cognitive restructuring with a specialization in trauma resolution and co-occurring disorders. Gil Fernandez performs Immigration Evaluations and Assessments where hi...
Too often, we find ourselves stuck—stuck in a relationship, job, life transition, or emotional experience. As your therapist, I offer a warm, genuine, and challenging space to hear and examine the unique life experiences that have led to your current emotional circumstances. My approach facilitates an environment that encourages insight, openness, and collaboration, so you feel safe enough to...
