In most cases, children are able to overcome their fear of the darkness before they are 10 years old, utilizing either conventional methods such as installing a nightlight or due to the sense of invulnerability proprietary to the demographic. However, San Diego therapy specialists suggest that for some people, this phobia never disappears and they are forced to live with it for the rest of their lives if they do not seek treatment.

In the psychology community, the phobia is generally referred to as Nyctophobia, but other terms have also been used to describe it, including Lygophobia, Achluphobia or Scotophobia. The problem with individuals who are suffering from this condition is that it is not the idea of a threat stalking them from the shadows that mortifies them, but rather the darkness itself.

How does the fear of the dark manifest?

Because other people and even the media have a tendency of ridiculing and trivializing the idea of being scared by the dark, most patients will refuse to seek counseling and will simply modify their behavioral patterns in a manner that enables them to avoid stressful situations. In other words, they will steer clear of dark locations, they will leave all lights open at night, they will carry several light sources with them at all times, etc.

These erratic behaviors can be accompanied by a physical symptomatology, which includes panic attacks and shortness of breath when the person is distressed, an accelerated pulse and excessive sweating. The Nyctophobia patients can also begin to tremble uncontrollably or become dizzy and some reported intense chest pains.

What determines the development of Nyctophobia?

There is no specific pattern for all individuals that suffer from this phobia, but the generally accepted explanation resides in the association of a traumatic experience with the dark. As long as the trauma is not dealt with, the phobia of the dark is also perpetuated. An alternative explanation given by therapists is that the Nyctophobia is only a superficial facet of a fear that has been buried deeper into the subconscious of the patient. Individuals who are more susceptible to experience anxiety at elevated levels have a higher chance to develop Nyctophobia.

Is Nyctophobia treatable?

Fortunately yes, the medical community can help anyone get over this irrational fear of the darkness. It has been suggested that the relaxation techniques such as yoga can also be utilized successfully, but it is better to leave matters in the hands of professionals. However, if you intend to attempt treating yourself, then in addition to relaxation techniques you should also start by rationalizing your condition and convincing yourself that the threat is only in your head. It also helps to learn more about the mechanisms of phobias.

With respect to seeking professional help, the most widespread method of curing Nyctophobia at the moment is through a cognitive behavioral therapy referred to as gradual exposure. Gradual exposure is successfully utilized in the treatment of numerous other phobias and it consists in subjecting the patient to a direct confrontation with the object of his terror over the course of several sessions that increase in duration when he begins to make progress. San Diego therapy professionals can also administer medication in order to permit those with severe forms of Nyctophobia to face their fear without experiencing a powerful panic attack.

Many San Diego therapists agree that when it comes to everlasting youth, the secret is more in the mind than in Botox and all the cosmetic treatments your plastic surgeon has to offer. While physical exercise and proper lifestyle do have their very great importance, what goes on in your mind will largely determines your physical well-being and as a result, how slowly or quickly your body will age.

1. Stay away from bad news!

The first thing you need to do to keep your mind in good shape is to avoid unnerving news. This might seem impossible to do as there are several things which are beyond our control, but you do not need to go out seeking all the negative information you can come across.

This is especially one of the traps that so many ladies fall into. Imagine that a gathering of kindergarten mothers sitting in the park as their children play, discussing all the terrible things that can happen to your children and how dangerous the world is. While it is good to be informed and take precautions, this should not become a daily lifestyle. If you discover some particular news is really upsetting you and causing you to spend sleepless nights, then you do not need to hear it.

2. Have a cheerful attitude

The next tip has to do with your general disposition towards life. True, some unfair things have happened to you and you cannot help but feel like life sucks, but you should not dwell on these negative issues. As the saying goes, count your blessings. Try make a conscious effort to look for the good in life and you will most likely discover that you have a whole lot going for you.

Once you choose to look on the bright side of things you will realise that your days will not seem so long, and you will find it much easier to do literally everything. Wear a smile in the process and laugh often. It has been proven that a laugh, even a fake one, releases a multitude of feel good hormones carousing through your body, and you can be sure that this is good for you!

3. Express yourself

A problem shared is half solved, this is so true. If you carry all your burdens on your own you will not make it. Find a trusted person with whom you can share your challenges and your joys, it will make your life so much easier.

Journaling also tends to have the same effect. The main point is to release or vent out emotions in a healthy manner. When you keep things bottled up, your mind tends to magnify them and you might feel like you are facing a much bigger problem than you actually are.

The solution lies within you; all you need is to find a good way to seek it out. Painting, dancing and any other form of self-expression will do too. There are issues though that you cannot solve by any of the great methods discussed. Do not be afraid to seek professional help you need it, visiting a good therapist might be the best thing you could do for yourself. Try our therapist offices in San Diego and start changing your life.

Granted, going for San Diego therapy has been treated with much disdain; it has even become a joke among friends – when someone is acting up, they are told they need professional help. This might have caused you to think that you need to be really messed up to need to see a therapist.

Perhaps even worse is the perception that going to the therapist or psychiatrist will reveal deep dark things about yourself that will make you hate yourself, or even worse, the therapist will despise you. If you are thinking along these lines, we want you to know that this is totally false!

Well, seeing a therapist is a normal part of living healthy, just as you need to keep your physical body healthy and you visit your GP every so often whenever you feel something that is not normal or just for regular check-up. In the same way you need to take care of your mind, and seeing a therapist is one of the ways of doing so.

If you fall under any one of these categories, then you need to book an appointment with your therapist; it will do you a world of good.

1. You have gone through loss and do not know how to cope

Everyone at one point or the other goes through loss, and it is a traumatizing process. Whether it is a spouse, child, sibling, parent or close friend, it can be one of the most painful experiences known to man.

Different people have different ways to grieve, but at the end of the day, they are able to pick themselves up and get back to life. If you discover that you are unable to do this, then you need to see a therapist. You will be able to sift through the confusion that your emotions will probably be at the time and find strength to heal.

2. You are too stressed

While it is a normal part of everyday life to experience pressure and stress especially at work, it can become extreme and you will know when this happens. If you have resorted to unhealthy habits such as drinking to cope with the pressure, then you need professional help.

Sometimes all you need is to speak out and you will discover that there really is no reason for you to be so anxious. If you allow stress and anxiety to incubate within you for too long, you might find yourself facing more serious problems such as depression and tension headaches. Nip it at the bud by going to see a psychiatrist when it becomes too much.

3. You have serious phobias

It might be perfectly normal to be afraid of heights and you need not see a therapist for that. But you are the one who knows whether your phobia is running your life. Some fears keep people from going out and becoming all they are supposed to be. Sitophobia for example, is a fear of eating and if not addressed and on time, it can lead to all manner of health problems. It is normal to fear, but if your fear is controlling your life, you should try therapy which can be life changing!

Visit us in San Diego and start changing your life!

Many people struggling with their weight can be helped when they go for San Diego therapy. They usually by this time have tried all sorts of diets and exercises and they know that they have to lose the extra weight but they always sabotage themselves in the process and go back to the lifestyle that landed them in that problem in the first place.

The fact that most of what we put in our mouths is influenced by what is going on in our minds might explain why this is so. It might be a waste of time to try losing weight when the mind factor has not been dealt with because the problem will most likely recur. The following are the 5 main mind disorders that lead to overeating.

1. Compulsive overeating

This refers to a situation where the individual is driven from within to eat and just cannot able to help themselves. That chocolate chip cookie draws them and they cannot resist the urge. Most people who suffer from this condition complain of feeling restless until they are actually able to eat what they are craving and they might even lose sleep at night as a result.

Natural ways of dealing with this include exercise and getting yourself involved in other matters to avoid thinking about food.

2. Impulsive eating

This category refers to people who have passive minds and normally reach for that bag of chips without even thinking about what they are doing. This lot is made up of people who are easily distracted and do not take the time to use their brain’s faculty that acts as a brake to bad behaviour.

Impulsive eaters tend to be bad at decision making and can say mean things without thinking, out of impulse.  People with ADD, who almost always are impulsive eaters, have greater chances of becoming obese.

3. Impulsive-compulsive eating

This may sound like a paradox but it is perfectly logical. This batch refers to people who are so driven by their impulses to eat that they have no control over their desires and eat compulsively. These are people who usually overthink to the extent that they have no control over how they behave.

4. Emotional overeating

This category of people has sad feelings which overwhelm and they try to get themselves to feel better through food. They normally struggle with self-esteem and low energy. Engaging in active exercise and increasing vitamin D will help the minds of such people to fight such symptoms.

5. Anxiety over eating

People who engage in anxiety over eating suffer from anxiety attacks and all manner of anxiety problems. They keep having this dreadful feeling that something bad will happen soon and they try to calm their nerves using food. They combat their nervousness using food, and if closely monitored, it will be noticed that they are very tense people.

While it is understandable that everyone has problems, if you try to medicate them using food, then you are setting yourself up for disaster. Eating disorders cause much more mental and health disorders than they are worth. If you are afraid that you suffer from one of these, you should undergo therapy before it is too late!

Call us at our San Diego office and schedule a meeting.

It is important to mention that the following article will not debate the ethics and religious morale of the abortion, but will focus on presenting a common mental disorder most women who undergo this procedure experience: the Post Abortion Syndrome. Often perceived as the easiest way to get rid of a problem, clinical evidence shows that abortion is frequently accompanied with diverse psychological symptoms lurking in the subconscious and waiting patiently for the first moment of emotional weakness to strike.

What is Post Abortion Syndrome?

The condition can be best described as a form of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), especially since all stages of the disorder imply a core traumatic experience. From the moment they decide to undergo an abortion to the actual phase when the procedure is complete, women need to make hard, painful decisions and feel distress states that are not typically associated with the experience. However, the effects of the traumatic experience will begin to manifest, sooner or later and the abortion itself cannot be denied, ignored or "forgotten" anymore.

Symptoms of the Post Abortion Syndrome

It is important to note that the symptoms of the Post Abortion Syndrome will manifest and will be felt differently from woman to woman. Regardless of the time when the symptoms show up, women are simply unprepared for the array of negative emotions that start kicking in. In its initial phase, the disorder implies unbearable feelings of guilt, anxiety, anger, depression, suicidal thoughts and a deep sensation of loss. Women in a long-term relationship are not spared by the symptoms either and are subjected to a strong feeling of exploitation.

It is not mandatory for all symptoms to start manifesting at the same time or all of them to be present in order to identify the Post Abortion Syndrome. However, if any of the following signs should appear, it is highly recommended that you seek help:

• Anxiety
• Depressive episodes and suicidal thoughts
• An unbearable sensation of guilt that determines them to become very preoccupied with becoming pregnant again
• High sensitivity to issues concerning motherhood, pregnancy and fertility
• The impossibility to bond with present or future kids
• Very likely to develop an eating disorder
• Reactive psychosis episodes
• Self-punitive behaviors

Despite the fact that the moment when the Post Abortion Syndrome kicks in not known, an interesting pattern has emerged over the years: women who do not experience the symptoms immediately are very likely to feel them during pregnancy or after they had their first child. This is why it is crucial that women who undergo an abortion seek help from San Diego therapy experts.

Treatments

So far, the medical community has been unable to discover an efficient remedy against this disorder, mainly because of the problematic nature of the condition. Nonetheless, women who suffer from the Post Abortion Syndrome claim that there are various combined programs (the Rachel program for example), various therapy approaches and support groups to help them out. In regards to the support groups, it is necessary to mention the fact that they prove to be extremely beneficial for women in this situation, particularly because they provide a safe haven and an understanding environment where they can share their stories and there is nobody to judge them.

Whether you need to accelerate physical healing, boost the immune system, release the tension after a traumatizing experience, or simply want to feel better, you should learn more about the new San Diego therapy dubbed as drumming. Even though drumming is a rather new concept in the therapy field, it is important to note that the therapeutic rhythm techniques have been around for thousands of years. In fact, these techniques have been widely used in regions such as West Africa and Mongolia to develop and maintain a balance between the spiritual, mental and physical.

The positive physical effects of drumming

One of the therapeutic effects of drumming is to relieve chronic pain. Researchers have shown that hitting the drums can help provide a distraction for individuals who are experiencing chronic pain. However, since the activity is relaxing and enjoyable, during drumming the brain starts producing more endorphins, known as natural painkillers, and as a consequence, they help keep the pain under control. With regards to the effects of drumming on the brain, the director to the Center for Biomedical Research in Music, Colorado State University, Michael Thaut, states that this activity can activate the entire brain. In short, the sound produced has the ability to generate dynamic neural connections evenly in the brain.

A further physical effect of drumming on the body is that it helps reduce stress and lowers blood pressure. Given that stress is one of the major causes of lethal conditions, such as strokes, heart attack or breakdowns for instance, drumming can be considered an activity in the advantage of the immune system. A recent study conducted by Barry Bitterman concluded that drumming therapy has shown some positive results in boosting the immune system. According to the researcher, group drumming can help destroy cancer cells and it can also lend a helping hand to the body in the fight against other viruses.

The spiritual and psychological effects of drumming

In a recent study, Ph. D. Barry Quinn has demonstrated that drumming, regardless of how short the session is, can double the alpha brain activity and release some of the stress. Essentially, his research indicated that drumming has the power to change the brain from the beta waves, meaning those that are focused on activity and concentration, to alpha waves, namely the ones associated with calm and relaxation. Due to the fact that alpha waves have also been associated with shamanic trance, meditation and integrative modes of the consciousness, this rhythmic stimulation is believed to positively affect states of mind.

Drumming is another method for people to meet with others who share the same interest. Considering the fragmented society of today and the natural need for support of humans, a drumming circle can be a fine way of interpersonal support. The individuals who can benefit the most and keep their mental health sharp are those who do not have reliable families or live isolated and alienated from them. Lastly, this San Diego therapy approach can help eliminate negative feelings, emotional traumas and blockages, as the vibrations emitted resonate with all cells and promote the elimination of negative cellular memories.

In this day and age, a lot of students can make use of San Diego therapy though most of them may not know exactly what benefits can this bring. In today’s society, a lot of emphasis is placed on success. Many people view those people who go through life achieving success after success with more admiration than those who may stumble once in a while. For instance, when you are in college, there are times when you may get poor grades. In the worst case scenario, you may have to repeat the year in order to satisfy the examiners that you are good enough to go to the next year.

This is often a very stressful time for the student involved, especially when you realize the fact that very few students actually repeat the year. This means that the students who do are usually part of a minority, and may be extremely embarrassed about the issue. This could also lead to a number of other problems such as depression and general withdrawal from society. In many cases, it is often a good idea to try and make sure that such a student goes through San Diego therapy in order to try and clear out a few issues.

This is a very important thing to do, since most students are very good at hiding the anguish of having to repeat the year. This means that though they may claim to be okay, chances are that they are hurting inside. If you are a parent to one of these students, it would therefore be a good idea to try out San Diego therapy sessions. When doing so, there are a number of things that you may need to keep in mind and which can make the process more beneficial for your son or daughter.

For starters, when getting these San Diego therapy services, you should not make too much of a fuss about being there to witness it. There are some cases where children may feel that they have let down their parents, and would therefore want to make up for it. This means that by being with them when being interviewed by the therapist, they may hide some information which they may think embarrasses you or when they want to make the impression that they are fine. However, when the student is alone with the therapist, the chances of them being open are much higher.

Of course, this does not mean that you would be kept out of the loop completely. Once the San Diego therapy session is over, the therapist may give you an overview of his findings and also advice you on how to handle your child so as to make sure that they do not get depressed. Of course, the issue of patient-doctor confidentiality also applies. If the student told the therapist something in confidence and he think that you do not necessarily need to know it, chances are that he will keep that to himself so as to gain more trust from your child. When all is said and done, this is an example of a very good scenario where San Diego therapy may be extremely helpful for your child.

Music Therapy is an integral component of San Diego Therapy.

Combating the negative effects of stress can nowadays be achieved in a fun way with the aid of music-based San Diego therapy. According to several studies carried out in the past decades, music has the role of allowing a person to open up emotionally and hence, let loose the feelings bundled up inside that are responsible for illnesses. Overall, the promoters of music therapy believe that tunes inspire people to examine themselves, their lives and their relationships with the people around them.

The consequences of music on the body

It has been shown that patients that are about to undergo surgery typically require less anesthesia, have less adverse reactions to the analgesics and heal more rapidly when music is played before, during and after the medical intervention. In addition, people that are recovering from serious conditions, such as strokes and heart attacks tend to respond more quickly to the medical treatment if soothing music is played in their rooms.

One explanation for these miraculously fast recoveries is that the music vibes stimulate the brainwaves to sync with the beat. While faster and stronger beats can sharpen focus and concentration and promote alert thinking, slower and more meditative rhythms promote a calming and relaxing state. It is worth mentioning that music also stimulates the brain to shift speed easier and led several scientists to believe that the effects of music can be felt long after the patient has stopped listening to it.

Given the way the brainwaves are affected by music vibes, it is only natural that the alterations are felt throughout the other bodily functions, mainly the breathing and heart rate. In a nutshell, as slower and meditative music can plunge a patient in a calming state, the rest of the body activates a relaxation response. Consequentially, it is no wonder that San Diego therapy utilizing music has gathered successful results in lowering blood pressure, ease muscle tension, boost immunity, etc.

Music and your state of mind

Since music promotes physical relaxation, that implies people under a lot of stress can eliminate some tension they bundled inside. In addition, soothing songs can help people get into a meditative state, thus providing an effective alternative for those that find the meditation technique too advanced. The fact of the matter is that by listening to music, and especially positive upbeat tunes, can help a person leave his worries behind and take their problems off their mind. This effect is also given by the fact that music usually includes affirmative lyrics. Therefore, from this point of view, music can be held responsible for promoting a positive focus and attitude.

Music can be used as a sole therapy, but also in combination with other meditation and relaxation techniques, when it can help stressed individuals get into the zone. Music therapy goes very well with practices such as yoga, guided imagery, self hypnoses as well as other DIY stress relief techniques like taking a warm bath or exercising. All in all, music-based San Diego therapy can help people under a lot of stress surround themselves with positive energy.

Even though it is in human nature to fear certain objects, animals or situations, sometimes; when the fright turns to horror and it takes over your life, it is best to consult with a San Diego therapist. The extreme and unreasonable fear of heights, snakes, needles, insects, germs and so on that is associated with physiological symptoms is known in the medical community as a phobia. It is important to note that people with phobias are so scared of the circumstance, animal or item that they start experiencing anxiety, restlessness and the physical reactions just by thinking of the object of their fear.

The difference between phobias and normal fright

Fear is a normal adaptive human response in life threatening situations that determines the body and mind to become alert and hence, be able to respond quickly to protect the person from danger. The difference between a normal concern and a phobia is that the phobic perceives the threat even when it is not there or with an exacerbated level of danger. For instance, knowing that certain breeds of dogs, like the Rottweiler or Pit bull are usually dangerous, a normal person will simply get nervous at the sight of these specific dogs and avoid them. On the other hand, a phobic will refuse to go to the park or any other location where there is a minor possibility to see any dog.

The physical and psychological signs of phobia

The symptomatic picture of a phobic can present emotional and physical reactions varying from mild discomfort to a full blown panic attack. The symptoms experienced can aggravate severely if that person realizes that there are little chances of escaping the object of the fright. In addition, the closer a phobic is to the threatening object, the greater the amplification of the symptoms.

The physical reactions to a typical stressful situation for a phobic include excessive sweating, dizziness, lightheaded sensations, uncontrollable trembling or shaking, a pounding heart, tingling sensations, stomach churning, chest pains and difficulty breathing. The psychological signs associated with a phobia are loss of mental control, an unbearable sensation that he needs to get away, high levels of anxiety, panic, feeling powerless although realizing the overreaction and detachment from oneself.

When to seek help and treatment for phobias

The first sign that it is best to talk to a therapist is when the person acknowledges that he is dramatizing when posed face to face with the object of his fear. Another sign that it is time to see a specialist is when the person starts avoiding places and situations and the fright is so intense and disabling that the avoidance creates disturbances in the normal routine.

Given that a phobic cannot get rid of the anxiety and horror on his own, the best approach is to talk to a therapist. The methods employed by therapists are very effective and some patients have even reported a full recovery in one to four sessions. The top three phobia treatments used by a San Diego therapist and that have shown quick and overall positive results include: facing the fear one step at a time, learning relaxation techniques and challenging negative thoughts.

What are your thoughts? Please let me know by leaving a comment below.

While it is often a sensitive and controversial issue, the fact is that Attention Deficit Disorder affects many children today, and if it is not addressed in the right way by a San Diego child therapist, it can make their adulthood very difficult to manage. Not only is this condition debilitating to the child, but it can also have a very stressful effect on family relationships. Furthermore, if no treatment is sought for a child suffering from ADD, they will have great difficulty making and sustaining friends and other relationships.

Some parents will turn to the conventional route of medical assistance and press their physician for a prescription. However, this is not the best way to treat this condition, and in some cases the medication given can cause other kinds of problems in the individual too.

Take responsibility

Your San Diego therapist will advise that one of the key initial therapeutic approaches is for the child to take responsibility for their condition. This may appear to be counterproductive to some, however, taking responsibility for action and lack of actions allows an individual to understand that they have choices. This is very important for a child when many times they can feel as if everything is addressed for them and they have very little choice in the matter.

Attention Deficit Disorder can be successfully addressed without the need for medical intervention. We will undertake several different approaches to help your child have more control, which can go a long way into alleviating many of the problems associated with Attention Deficit Disorder.

Some easy changes you can make

Simple changes in diet and lifestyle can make a huge difference to the symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder. Many processed and packaged foods contain additives that have been proven to increase or even aggravate the symptoms of the issue. Eating regular healthy meals keeps the body hormone levels correct, and this affects focus and concentration issues too.

Exercise has also been shown as a key involvement in changing symptoms for Attention Deficit Disorder. Exercise releases certain chemicals into the body, and these hormones directly affect mood, attention and focus. Exercise does not need to be intense; just a few minutes a day running around a field with a football or skipping can easily help with Attention Deficit Disorder.

You should encourage your child to take part in any sport that they show an interest in, as this is likely to keep their attention much longer than something you have chosen that you may think is of interest.

Add a dose of therapy too

Once you have started to make changes in lifestyle and diet, combining this with advice and assistance from your San Diego family therapist can dramatically help your child. Therapy can help create a change in habits and re-train new ones that are more beneficial. This is not likely to happen overnight, but if addressed on a regular basis, the worst symptoms of Attention Deficit Disorder can be controlled and, in some cases, eradicated.

It is important that all family members undertake therapy with your San Diego child therapist as well as the child that is directly affected by Attention Deficit Disorder. This is so the child does not feel singled out and also so that other family members can learn coping mechanisms and how best to help their child or sibling.