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
Everyone inevitably feels down, anxious, or unmotivated. We struggle with family obligations, identity, relationships, career choices, or just life in general. We may not even be aware of the impact stress has on us. Factor all that in the context of time, money, and societal norms, and we may experience ennui or question our life choices. I want to help people grow and live life in a way that'...
Often we seek therapy when our natural tools alone can't support us anymore. Maybe life has thrown something too big at us, or we have suffered silently for too long. I work collaboratively with clients to move towards personal growth, stress reduction and improved coping techniques. Through compassion and clinical tools I partner with clients to manage life transitions and navigate development...
( English | español ) Do you feel stuck, stressed out, and anxious about relationship issues, career issues, or the direction your life is headed? You are not alone. Many young adults feel the same way. I'm Jerry Ochoa. As a licensed clinical therapist with 10 years of counseling experience, I help adolescents and young adults, just like you, move past struggles, learn new skills, live life...
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I received my Master’s in Social Work from Walden University with a focus on Advanced Clinical Practice. I have experience working with children and adults. Having worked in residential treatment as well as at an inpatient psychiatric hospital, I am suitable for working with most mental health concerns. I have experience supporting my clients with concern...
Life is full of joy and pain. And now may be a time in your life when pain is felt more strongly; the pain from worry, hurt, loss, failure, disconnection, or unfulfillment. We all have a deep yearning to understand ourselves and be understood, especially during those time. I would love to walk alongside you in this journey as you make sense of your pain and regain your joy. I use a variety of...
Are you tired of the same old patterns and anxiety holding you back in life? Perhaps you know what your goals are and you would like to gain some more insight and coping skills as you work towards them. You've been putting a lot of pressure on yourself and you're wanting support as you figure things out. You’re realizing it’s time to take care of you. You are motivated and ready for a change....
Are you a man or woman struggling with anxiety, stress, or depression? Do you stay in your home because you would be so embarrassed if you were to have a panic attack in public? Are you so depressed you cannot sleep at night or maybe you sleep all day? You don't eat. You can't work. You cry all the time. Is your partner done with you and have moved out? Are you a college student who is missing...
I enjoy being able to use my skills and training to help people who are hurting, whether they are experiencing things such as depression, anxiety, grief, or relationship issues. I aim to deeply connect with my clients and understand their feelings, as well as whatever situation they find themselves in. I accept them exactly where they are, and I work to understand where they want to go as part ...
You want to love parenting but lately it feels like survival. Stomach aches and tears at daycare dropoff. Another negative report sent home from the teacher. An “easy” child suddenly morphs into an angry and withdrawn tween. Tantrums, power struggles, and an overall sense of being overwhelmed seem to fill your home. You do what you can to pretend everything is under control, that is until the...
Do any of these sound familiar to you? "I don’t know why I even bother; Nothing ever changes." "What’s the point in trying to talk, when you don’t ever actually hear anything I have to say?" "I feel so alone and misunderstood. You think you know me, but you really don’t." It seems and feels like every interaction is strained, and frustrating at best. Something needs to change. Your relationship...
Kathleen Bergen, M.A. is a Jungian/Depth Oriented, Associate Marriage and Family Therapist. Kathleen understands the importance of working through the source of personal suffering in one's life. This task may feel overwhelming or intimidating to many who are in emotional pain. Kathleen's role as a therapist is to walk alongside her clients as they embark on deep healing, lending a new sense of...
Therapy is the process of coming to live as our best selves. This involves a complex dance of change and acceptance. It's this process that I so appreciate navigating together with my clients. Some people reach out to a therapist because of challenging life-adjustment situations. Others are pushed into therapy by family, friends, or employers when they are in highly distressing situations. Eith...
Carin Ives-Clark is a licensed professional clinical counselor. She earned her bachelor’s degree in special education from the University of Cincinnati and her master’s degree in counseling from Xavier University. Her experience includes working with a diverse population of children, adolescents and families in school-based treatment settings. She provides individual and family therapy for ment...
Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, or another life challenge? I see individuals age 18 and over for counseling in my office located in downtown Port Townsend. Reaching out for help in times of distress is an act of courage. Let's work together to find a path toward positive change and relief from emotional suffering. I can assist you in identifying your goals for change...
Life is complex for everyone. Whether you are a toddler trying to communicate your needs or a family who is stuck in destructive interaction, wouldn't it be great if there was a manual that could give us all the answers? Life experience has taught me that having compassionate support in therapy was the key in finding my "life manual". I strive to give back what has been given to me. I am also...
