Individuals

Why Seek Help?

POTENTIAL REASONS FOR SEEKING HELP

You may consider yourself (or believe others see you as) generally high-functioning and well-adjusted, yet inside you’re hurting and feeling distressed. You may recognize that you repeat negative habits and patterns which lead you to feeling frustrated, sad or angry.

THERE MAY BE TIMES WHEN…

• You have difficulty in close relationships or social situations.
• You find yourself repeating unproductive patterns you wish you could change.
• You are troubled by thoughts or feelings you don’t understand or want to have.
• You wish you could express what you need and want more clearly.
• You feel isolated or lonely and unable to find support from others.
• You have difficulty focusing your attention, you find yourself doing things impulsively that you later regret, or you feel restless or fidgety much of the time.

These are all good reasons for seeking help, since these are difficulties that can be overcome. I can help you escape from the unproductive patterns that are leading to your distress and support you in a process of growth that will lead you to feeling greater fulfillment in your life. I am also experienced with recognizing adult ADHD and can help you sort out the way it may be influencing your life and help you choose appropriate treatment.

What's Bothering You?

PERSONAL CONCERNS

There are many ways in which common life events or circumstances can throw you off balance or keep you from achieving all that you want in life. This is a natural, normal part of being human! It is healthy and appropriate to seek help in navigating these issues, and I am especially familiar with the following areas of difficulty:

• ADHD
• Depression
• Anxiety or Fears
• Relationship Difficulties
• Sexual or Physical Abuse as a Child
• Divorce or Separation
• Loss or Grief
• Women’s Issues
• Gay & Lesbian Issues
• Life Transitions and Changes
• Professional and Career Pressures
• Loss of Motivation
• Career Changes

Generally, anything that you feel may be holding you back, no matter how small or silly it may feel to you, is a legitimate concern. You don’t need to ‘grin and bear it’ when I can help you find ways to lighten your load and reduce your pain and suffering.

How Therapy Helps

A UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP

In psychotherapy or counseling, you will develop a unique and highly individual partnership with your therapist. This partnership provides an environment where you can safely explore your attitudes and beliefs and then experiment with new approaches without influence from others.

I can help you explore how the ways you think and feel lead to behaviors that affect your life and your relationships, both in negative and positive ways. You might discover how various patterns and events in your life are related in ways you hadn’t previously considered.

In general, the more aware you are of your thoughts, feelings, perceptions and behavior, the more easily you can make good decisions for yourself, avoid old patterns that interfere with your life and your relationships, and engage in behaviors that lead you to greater happiness.

What's The Next Step?

GETTING STARTED

The first step, calling to set up a consultation with me, may be the most difficult one you take! You may feel like it’s a sign of weakness to ask for help. That’s completely normal in our culture but the reverse is actually true. It’s a sign that you have enough strength and courage to be willing to make a change for the better. And that’s not an easy thing to do!

Call Dr. Stuart at 310-371-3543

If you’re ready to make some positive changes you’ve been wanting in your life, then call now to set up an appointment for a consultation. The first session will be our chance to get acquainted and for you to share with me the things that have been of concern to you. During our first session, we might set some goals about how best to proceed, once we’ve had the chance to get to know each other.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Sessions with me typically last 50 minutes; longer ones are available if you would like. I typically see people at least once per week, more often when needed. We can customize the schedule to meet your personal needs. We can discuss fees during the first session, or over the phone ahead of time.