Improve your Relationship with Therapy

Couples counseling or marriage therapy can help couples understand what triggers lead to arguments and barriers to intimacy in the relationship. Dr. Saponaro can also help couples to work through difficult areas of their relationship in order to reconnect and move forward as a couple with a closer relationship. Couples may work through problems related to infertility, infidelity, money, substance abuse, parenting, or other areas of concern with the support and guidance of Dr. Saponaro. She has over ten years of experience as a practicing clinical psychologist. In addition, not all couples seeking therapy wish to remain together. It is sometimes true that one or both partners are no longer willing to invest into the relationship further. Dr. Saponaro helps both partners clarify their commitment to the relationship and may even facilitate more amicable dissolutions when the parties agree their relationship will not work. She has helped couples make the vital decision to part ways and co-parent cooperatively when the relationship could not be mended.  She also was able to help many couples to resolve their differences and enjoy a healthier relationship.

Plantation Psychologist Provides Relationship Therapy

Dr. Lisa Saponaro, PhD provides relationship therapy from her Plantation, Florida practice. She provides pre-marital, marriage, and dissolution counseling, helping couples at any stage of their relationship find solutions for their situation. She is listed as a Plantation psychologist on Psychology Today.com and can be followed on Facebook and other social media sites (Digg, Foursquare, and Twitter at LisaSaponaroPhD). She is a compassionate and caring psychologist that can help couples improve their relationship with therapy. To request an appointment with Dr. Saponaro, visit www.lsaponaro.com or call (954) 560-9567.

Plantation Florida Counselor

As the days grow short, the weather becomes challenging, and stress builds, this time of year can leave many people feeling overwhelmed. Counseling can help clients to improve communication skills, relationships, and self-image. Dr. Lisa Saponaro, PhD. is a Plantation, FL Psychologist who helps people to enjoy more peaceful and balanced lives. She provides guidance, support, and expertise as her clients take this journey of self-discovery and personal goals. She serves clients from Plantation (33326, 33324, 33325) and the surrounding areas of Sunrise and Davie Florida.

Couples and Family Counseling Plantation

Dr. Saponaro is a licensed clinical psychologist that provides psychological testing, individual therapy, couples counseling in Plantation, family counseling, and group therapy. She has had great success in helping clients to overcome substance abuse, family issues, and relationship concerns. Dr. Lisa Saponaro, PhD. Performs counseling services from her private practice located off University Drive in Plantation Florida. Her office provides an understanding and supportive environment, where she is able to help her clients identify their strengths, overcome obstacles, and reach personal growth. To learn more about counseling from Plantation FL psychologist Dr. Lisa Saponaro, PhD. call (954) 560-9567.  

For more information about Plantation FL psycholgist.

Coping with Relationship Conflict

Couples can seek counseling at any level of the relationship. They can seek pre-marital counseling, marital counseling, or counseling for marital dissolution. Counseling is intended to help couples improve and maintain healthy, long-lasting relationships. In the event of separation, the goal is to help the couple part ways in a peaceful and respectful manner. Counseling can help both parties better understand and resolve conflict. Couples counseling Plantation can help improve relationships dealing with chronic arguing, anger, infidelity, divorce, substance abuse, finances, and other common concerns.

Coping with Relationship Changes

A relationship can become stressed due to changes, such as role changes, retirement, unemployment, illness, or other situations. Partners can feel separated, frustrated, or overwhelmed with a variety of emotions from these changes. Couples counseling can help both parties to understand one another and provide tools for improved communication and conflict resolution. Couples can learn how to be supportive to one another. This can help the couple to reconnect and grow in their relationship. Psychologist Plantation Florida, Dr. Saponaro serves couples in Plantation (33322, 33323, 33324, 33325), Sunrise, and Davie. To inquire about an appointment for couples counseling Plantation call (954) 560-9567 or send an email to Drsaponaro@gmail.com.  

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What are the major kinds of anxiety disorders?

There are several major types of anxiety disorders, each with its own characteristics.

People with generalized anxiety disorder have recurring fears or worries, such as about health or finances, and they often have a persistent sense that something bad is just about to happen. The reason for the intense feelings of anxiety may be difficult to identify. But the fears and worries are very real and often keep individuals from concentrating on daily tasks.

Panic disorder involves sudden, intense and unprovoked feelings of terror and dread. People who suffer from this disorder generally develop strong fears about when and where their next panic attack will occur, and they often restrict their activities as a result.
A related disorder involves phobias, or intense fears, about certain objects or situations. Specific phobias may involve things such as encountering certain animals or flying in airplanes, whereas social phobias involve fear of social settings or public places.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by persistent, uncontrollable and unwanted feelings or thoughts (obsessions) and routines or rituals in which individuals engage to try to prevent or rid themselves of these thoughts (compulsions). Examples of common compulsions include washing hands or cleaning house excessively for fear of germs, or checking over something repeatedly for errors.
Someone who suffers severe physical or emotional trauma such as from a natural disaster or serious accident or crime may experience post-traumatic stress disorder. Thoughts, feelings and behavior patterns become seriously affected by reminders of the event, sometimes months or even years after the traumatic experience.

Symptoms such as shortness of breath, racing heartbeat, trembling and dizziness often accompany certain anxiety disorders such as panic and generalized anxiety disorders. Although they may begin at any time, anxiety disorders often surface in adolescence or early adulthood. There is some evidence of a genetic or family predisposition to certain anxiety disorders.

Why is it important to seek treatment for these disorders?

If left untreated, anxiety disorders can have severe consequences. For example, some people who suffer from recurring panic attacks avoid at all costs putting themselves in a situation that they fear may trigger an attack. Such avoidance behavior may create problems by conflicting with job requirements, family obligations or other basic activities of daily living.

Many people who suffer from an untreated anxiety disorder are prone to other psychological disorders, such as depression, and they have a greater tendency to abuse alcohol and other drugs. Their relationships with family members, friends and coworkers may become very strained. And their job performance may falter.

Are there effective treatments available for anxiety disorders?

Absolutely. Most cases of anxiety disorder can be treated successfully by appropriately trained health and mental health care professionals.

There are several approaches to psychotherapy - including cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, psychodynamic and other kinds of 'talk therapy' - that can help individuals address problems with anxiety. Psychotherapy offers people the opportunity to identify and learn to manage the factors that contribute to their anxiety.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, research has demonstrated that both "behavioral therapy" and "cognitive therapy" can be highly effective in treating anxiety disorders. Behavioral therapy involves using techniques to reduce or stop the undesired behavior associated with these disorders. For example, one approach involves training patients in relaxation and deep breathing techniques to counteract the agitation and hyperventilation (rapid, shallow breathing) that accompany certain anxiety disorders.

Through cognitive therapy, patients learn to understand how their thoughts contribute to the symptoms of anxiety disorders, and how to change those thought patterns to reduce the likelihood of occurrence and the intensity of reaction. The patient's increased cognitive awareness is often combined with behavioral techniques to help the individual gradually confront and tolerate fearful situations in a controlled, safe environment.

Proper and effective medications may have a role in treatment along with psychotherapy. In cases where medications are used, the patient's care may be managed collaboratively by a therapist and physician. It is important for patients to realize that there are side effects to any drugs, which must be monitored closely by the prescribing physician.

How can a qualified therapist help someone suffering from an anxiety disorder?

Licensed psychologists are highly qualified to diagnose and treat anxiety disorders. Individuals suffering from these disorders should seek a provider who is competent in cognitive and behavioral therapies. Experienced mental health professionals have the added benefit of having helped other patients recover from anxiety disorders.

Family psychotherapy and group psychotherapy (typically involving individuals who are not related to one another) offer helpful approaches to treatment for some patients with anxiety disorders. In addition, mental health clinics or other specialized treatment programs dealing with specific disorders such as panic or phobias may also be available nearby.

How long does psychological treatment take?

It is very important to understand that treatments for anxiety disorders do not work instantly. The patient should be comfortable from the outset with the general treatment being proposed and with the therapist with whom he or she is working. The patient's cooperation is crucial, and there must be a strong sense that the patient and therapist are collaborating as a team to remedy the anxiety disorder.

No one plan works well for all patients. Treatment needs to be tailored to the needs of the patient and to the type of disorder, or disorders, from which the individual suffers. A therapist and patient should work together to assess whether a treatment plan seems to be on track. Adjustments to the plan sometimes are necessary, since patients respond differently to treatment.

Many patients will begin to improve noticeably within eight to ten sessions, especially those who carefully follow the outlined treatment plan.

There is no question that the various kinds of anxiety disorders can severely impair a person's functioning in work, family and social environments. But the prospects for long-term recovery for most individuals who seek appropriate professional help are very good. Those who suffer from anxiety disorders can work with a qualified and experienced therapist such as a licensed psychologist to help them regain control of their feelings and thoughts -- and their lives.

The American Psychological Association is responsible for the entire content of the article; it can be found on their website at www.apa.org.
 

Adolescent therapy can be offered in-group sessions where the family members or other adolescents meet together face to face with the therapist and discuss the issues and concerns at hand or through individual sessions that are one on one private discussions between a single person and the therapist. Either method of adolescent therapy can be beneficial. Clients are able to freely discuss their thoughts, feelings and concerns in a safe and comfortable atmosphere. Finding the right therapy session is both a matter of personal preference, comfort and support of the therapist that provides counseling theories and techniques that lead to personal growth and wellness. After assessment the therapist may recommend one session technique over another if they see that the benefits of one theory outweigh another.

Adolescent therapy is simply a tool that enables adolescents to nurture their relationships with friends and family, change negative behaviors and work towards the development of self-understanding and personal growth. Family conflict can be resolved through adolescent therapy as well as family counseling. This can be in the form of an intervention for a teen who has a substance abuse problem, support for a loved one who has experienced trauma (Rape, Divorce, Death, etc.). Each client brings his or her own interpersonal conflict, values, ethics and opinions to adolescent therapy. It is the support that is shared through the therapist that can rebuild relationships and reach set goals for health and happiness. Dr. Lisa Saponaro of Plantation Florida offers group therapy and specializes in individual, couples and family therapy. She offers a variety of tools to help clients reach balanced living and experience personal growth.

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Prestigious Counseling Expertise

Dr. Saponaro has over 12 years of experience as a mental health practitioner, holding a doctorate degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Memphis and a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. She is a practical, interactive, evidence-based therapist using a treatment approach that provides support and constructive feedback that helps each client resolve current problems and long-standing patterns. She uses a wide variety of counseling theories and techniques to help find the best methods to overcome the concern at hand. Dr. Lisa Saponaro helps apply the cognitive behavioral principles of change to their lives.

Counseling Can Change Lives

Dr. Saponaro works with each client to help them build on their strengths and to     identify and achieve life goals. She believes in Social learning theory or SLT which is the theory that people learn new behavior through reinforcement. If people observe positive, desired outcomes in the observed behavior, then they are more likely to model, imitate, and adopt the behavior themselves.

Counseling Can Be Beneficial

There are a variety of Benefits that clients can receive from counseling. The Marymount College of Manhattan reports that counseling can help people to achieve more satisfaction in life, increase your self-esteem, improve relationships with others, gain greater personal control over your emotions, understand how unhelpful patterns and cycles are negatively affecting your life and  learn new ways to deal with your concerns. Lisa Saponaro, PhD is here for her clients to listen to their concerns with care, confidentiality, and respect in order to work through and achieve a healthier, happier and more balanced life.
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There are multiple areas of psychological testing services that can be beneficial in a mental health diagnostics testing for cognitive ability and IQ, psychoeducational testing, ADHD diagnosis, Autism diagnosis, Asperger’s and other pervasive developmental disorders, social and emotional well being, personality testing, parenting ability  and career readiness.  These tests can assist in a proper diagnosis and suitable treatment method prescription that can improve a person’s mental health and well-being allowing them the opportunity to make personal alterations to improve their lives in areas of education, work, social and self.

Many people look to psychological testing when something negative occurs. Children who are highly intellectual may begin to find themselves in a class that is not challenging enough creating boredom and misbehavior. This is similar to children who have learning disabilities such as a child that is dyslexic who may choose not to do homework because of the frustration. ADHD  can be found in both children and adults causing thought disruptions and lack of focus. Through psychological testing these areas can be diagnosed and guided help can be recommended in order to better address the concern that is creating disatisfaction in one’s life.

Psychological testing allows a person to recognize what the key problem is for their troubles and how to correct behavior or repetitive patterns removing the distress and creating mental health improvement and self healing. For psychological testing in Broward County, Plantation and South Florida visit http://lsaponaro.com.

Dr. Lisa Saponaro specializes in individual, couples and family psychotherapy as well as psychological testing offering these services from her private practice in Plantation Florida.

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This same study showed that patients who actively participate in a positive psychotherapy program may enjoy higher self esteem, better control of stress, an increase in positive self image and better understanding of how to cope when stressful situations occur. There are numerous cases where patients make progress towards accomplishing their goals and by conquering the  initial problems that led them to therapy, find the process of therapy rewarding and choose to continue on a path of personal growth.  Dr. Lisa Saponaro offers such therapy through support, encouragement, and increased awareness on this journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

By resolving personal conflicts and increasing one’s personal well being patients are better able to enjoy their place in society and enjoy healthier, happier relationships  with spouses, family members and  coworkers for a more balanced life. Dr. Lisa Saponaro specializes in individual therapy in South Florida, couples therapy in Broward county and family therapy in Plantation utilizing techniques that have been proven to be effective with specific issues. She incorporates a blend of  conventional and alternative approaches, drawing upon a variety of styles and techniques to  deliver a service that will be most helpful for each client.

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Some specific anxiety disorders include:

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
  
• Panic Disorder
• Social Phobia
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  
• Separation Anxiety
• Specific Phobias
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  

The Causes of Anxiety Disorder

Scientists believe that there are four main factors that lead to the development of anxiety disorders. These include heredity (genetic factor), personality (low self-esteem and poor coping skills), brain chemistry (medications show relief by altering chemicals in the brain) and life experiences (a long-term exposure to abuse, violence and poverty lead to susceptibility). Anxiety disorders are a group of mental illnesses that cause people to suffer from excessive worry and abnormal feelings of nervousness without particular causes.

General Emotional and Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety disorders can create a wide variety of feelings and emotions that can effect daily activities, social connections and decrease one’s quality of life. These feelings may be both mental and physical and can vary distinctly from person to person. The anxiety, worry, or physical symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

Anxiety Disorder Emotional And Physical Symptoms May Include:

• Restlessness or feeling keyed up or on edge
• Being easily fatigued
• Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
• Irritability
• Muscle tension
• Sleep disturbance (difficulty falling or staying asleep, or restless unsatisfying sleep)
• Paralyzing Fear
• Nervousness
• Panic, fear, apprehension
• Uncontrollable obsessive thoughts
• Repeated flashbacks (intrusive memories) of traumatic experiences

Anxiety Disorder Diagnosis and Treatment

By seeking diagnosis from a professional anxiety disorder therapist a client can begin to understand and treat their disorder. Evidence-based techniques are utilized to teach relaxation and decrease the anxious symptoms. Psychological Testing is an evaluation that may be useful to clarify or provide additional information related to diagnoses. Symptoms of anxiety disorders often occur for no apparent reason and are persistent. The continuing anxiety or panic is often unrelated to any actual substantial cause. An anxiety disorder may coexist with other anxiety disorders, depression, other medical illnesses, or other conditions such as alcoholism or drug abuse. Anxiety Therapy may be highly effective for several anxiety disorders, particularly panic disorder, PTSD and social phobia. Anxiety therapy can include anxiety management training, which may include techniques such as deep breathing and muscle relaxation exercises. Therapy can help clients to achieve a higher self-esteem, learn to manage stress more effectively, eliminate problem behaviors and learn more about their triggers in order to gain insight into root causes, leading to improved personal mental health and well being.

For more information about anxiety therapy

Substance abuse often starts out as experimentation. Friends may suggest it be tried or they state that the substance has relieved their own discomfort and may help. Drugs are most often used to escape from mental or physical discomforts providing a short-term fix with long-term consequences. Take the drug away and the problem is still there, whether it be low self-esteem, anxiety, loneliness, or an unhappy family life. Prolonged exposure to drugs alters the brain in ways that result in powerful cravings and a compulsion to use. These brain changes make it extremely difficult to quit by sheer force of will. The longer drug abuse continues, the stronger the addiction becomes and the harder it is to treat.

The Warning Signs Of Substance Addiction

Physical warning signs of drug abuse

• Bloodshot eyes or pupils that are larger or smaller than usual.
• Changes in appetite or sleep patterns. Sudden weight loss or weight gain.
• Deterioration of physical appearance and personal grooming habits.
• Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing.
• Tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination.

Behavioral signs of drug abuse

• Drop in attendance and performance at work or school.
• Unexplained need for money or financial problems. May borrow or steal to get it.
• Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors.
• Sudden change in friends, favorite hangouts, and hobbies.
• Frequently getting into trouble (fights, accidents, illegal activities).

Psychological warning signs of drug abuse

• Unexplained change in personality or attitude.
• Sudden mood swings, irritability, or angry outbursts.
• Periods of unusual hyperactivity, agitation, or giddiness.
• Lack of motivation; appears lethargic or “spaced out.”
• Appears fearful, anxious, or paranoid, with no reason.

Substance Abuse Effects

No matter the type of drug or alcohol that is taken, substance abuse is the dysfunctional way in which the drug takes over the user’s life, disrupting his or her relationships and daily functioning at school, home, or work, leading to repeated drug-related legal difficulties, and negatively affecting his or her peace of mind.

Each substance abused causes a specific reaction physically and mentally. Drugs can speed up the heart causing a feeling of high energy such as cocaine or create a calming effect such as Marijuana. Any drug when abused can damage the tissues, organs and systems of the body causing long-term damage even death. It is through substance abuse treatment that an abuser can begin to break free from their addiction for improved physical and mental health.

Substance Abuse Treatment

The brain changes associated with addiction can be treated and reversed through therapy, medication, exercise, and other treatments. Substance abuse and substance dependence can both be treated effectively. Substance abusers may not yet feel the compelling need to use the drug but with prolonged use may find that the drug is required to prevent withdraw symptoms such as shaking and nausea.

Dr. Lisa Saponaro is a licensed clinical psychologist who has developed and implemented programs. These experiences have allowed Dr. Saponaro to develop programs that help substance abusers through individual therapy. When drug abuse treatment is necessary Dr. Lisa Saponaro can provide useful information on in hospital treatment programs, community mental health centers and in office therapy sessions. Through a combination of treatment substance abusers can begin to detox the drugs from their systems in a safe environment and continue through a treatment process in order to live life drug free.

For more information about substance abuse