June 2007

In this newsletter:
• Fast Help: Anxiety Screening
• Therapist Q&A
• Clinic Announcements - more NEW STAFF added!

Anxiety Screening
Most people experience anxiety at some point in their lives. For example, it's common to experience anxiety if we are adjusting to a new job, relocating to a new town, or beginning a new relationship. However, anxiety becomes problematic if it reaches the point of affecting our daily functioning. If left untreated anxiety can be a debilitating disease and can manifest in many ways, including fear of speaking in front of groups, excessive worrying about places, people, or events, or anxiousness following a traumatic situation or event. Some people experience panic attacks, a disabling and overwhelming feeling that includes symptoms of anxiety, when a situation feels out of control.

According to Edmund J. Bourne, Ph.D., author of The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook (3rd edition) (2000), anxiety is often recognized in the following forms:

Physically: Shallow breathing, muscle tension, cumulative stress, poor/inadequate diet, lack of regular exercise.
Emotionally: Suppressed feelings, especially anger.
Behaviorally: Avoidance of feared situations, fighting against anxiety or panic, focusing upon symptoms of anxiety or panic when they occur.
Mentally: Negative self-talk (e.g., “what if…I should…I have to…I must.”)
Interpersonally: Poor skills leading to frustration and a lack of adequate social support.
Whole Self: Low self-esteem, which can lead to insecurity, shame, and feelings of inadequacy.
Spiritually: Emptiness, lack of direction or meaning in life.

Below is a brief online questionnaire to help measure your level of anxiety and determine if professional assistance would be recommended:

http://psychcentral.com/quizzes/anxiety.htm

Whatever the cause, it’s important to note that there is help for people struggling with anxiety. Anxiety is a treatable illness, though only a trained healthcare professional such as a therapist or doctor can accurately diagnose the condition. Behavioral health therapists are trained to treat anxiety disorders and reduce symptoms of anxiety to help individuals get back on track and improve quality of life. A referral for medication helps many to take the edge off while dealing with difficult issues in the scope of talk therapy. If you feel you are experiencing anxiety and may be interested in a treatment consultation, please call us today. We look forward to working with you and helping you live a lifestyle free from anxiety.


Therapist Q&A
I believe my husband has a drinking problem. How can I get him the help he needs?

Many family members struggle with the concern that a loved one may be suffering with an alcohol or drug addiction. Abuse or addiction can take many forms, including alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription medication, and tobacco. Chemical makeup can make people more susceptible to becoming addicted to a substance (for example, if there is a family history of abuse or dependence). Others may form an addiction as a means of dealing with complicated life stressors such as problems on the job, marital or relationship problems, or the death of a loved one.

It's important to note that alcohol and drug dependence is a serious disease and should be treated as such. Therefore, only a qualified healthcare professional should assess the severity of the problem in order to ensure the person is connected with the proper level of care. There are varying levels of treatment available for individuals struggling with substance abuse; most are covered under major insurance plans. Please contact us today if you have any concerns about a loved one struggling with substance abuse. We will ensure they get the help they need as well as be able to assist other family members affected by the problem.

If you have a question you'd like answered by us, please send an email to: cpa@wi.rr.com. Your confidentiality is always maintained.

Clinic News
We are pleased to announce the addition of another seasoned therapist to our staff at CPA. Mary Hargarten, MSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with individuals, couples, and families. Mary brings several years of clinical experience to Clinical Psychology Associates and is excited to be accepting new clients at this time. To learn more about Mary and her specialty areas, please view her profile on our website or contact Mary by phone 262.251.1112.

We are accepting new clients at this time. If you know anyone you think would benefit from counseling or a consultation with us, please have him or her give us a call. We thank you in advance for your referral.