I provide Teletherapy within the State of Texas. I specialize in treating Internet Addiction and High Functioning Autism. Below is a list of the main conditions I treat:
Internet Addiction
The primary specialty I work with is Internet Addiction of all types, focusing on Gaming Addiction. As an Internet Addict, I spent 10-12 hours daily in an online game for six years. Quitting was difficult, and to this day, I have to monitor myself carefully to avoid relapse. In treating Clients with Internet Addiction, I focus on the Needs the Internet supplies, such as connection to others, control, and self-esteem. In addition, I use Cognitive Behavioral techniques to help the Client learn to manage their thoughts and urges and change how they access the Internet. I work with children, adolescents, and adults who suffer from Internet Addiction. Family therapy is recommended for most Clients.
Gaming Addiction
Gaming Addiction is a big problem for many teenagers and young adults. Gaming is a cheap form of entertainment, often in virtual worlds with thousands of real-life players. These games are usually realistic, violent, and difficult to master. Some of these games have millions of players and have tournaments where players can win real-life money. Games can be highly addictive, especially the more realistic they become. Most of my Clients play games at least 10 hours a day, causing damage to school, work, and relationships. I teach my Clients how to manage their time better and learn what they gain from these games. Most have social anxiety or view the game as a career choice. They can move past their anxiety and focus on a future outside of gaming with therapy.
Social Media Addiction
Social Media Addiction is more common than Gaming Addiction, as most people use social media daily to communicate with others. Social Media Addicts view their online presence as extremely important and will often spend upwards of 10+ hours online crafting their online persona. Public opinion is so important that extreme negative attention has led some people to suicide. Identity and approval are often the needs of those addicted to Social Media. Therapy can help find other avenues for these needs and develop coping strategies to manage stress.
Pornography Addiction
Pornography is the silent enemy most people accept. Many in our society consider pornography “normal” and see no problem with it. This holds true for many young adults and youth who view pornography. Unfortunately, pornography is harmful as it damages relationships, is highly addictive, and damages the brain. Therapy can help pornography addicts learn why they are addicted to porn and what they gain from it. Low self-esteem, social anxiety, and Depression are often at the root of Pornography addiction. I help Clients view themselves differently so they no longer need pornography and focus on real-world relationships.
High Functioning Autism
High Functioning Autism is a form of Autism that is becoming more common. Many people with Autism have problems maintaining relationships, understanding social cues, focusing at work or school, and often have high anxiety levels. Autism is a complex condition, as no two people have the same symptoms. Therapy can help teach social skills, manage anger, and work towards independence. Many with the condition can lead productive lives. I help my Autistic Clients learn to use their strengths, such as problem-solving and logical thinking, to understand the world better.
Depression
Depression is one of the most common conditions in the world. Depression has been viewed as a choice in the past, with people being told to “snap out of it.” However, research has shown it is, in fact, a medical condition, with damage to the Limbic System being one of the causes. With high levels of stress, anyone can develop Depression. In working with my Clients, I have found many suffer from Depression. In treating Depression, I help teach coping skills, from deep breathing to meditation. I help them to reduce stress in their lives while at the same time working on realistic, manageable goals.
Anxiety
Anxiety, like Depression, affects millions of people. For some, high levels of anxiety are difficult to understand. Those suffering from an anxiety disorder can experience crippling fear, often limiting their interactions with others. Anxiety comes in many forms, including social anxiety, phobias, panic disorder, PTSD, etc. I treat anxiety by introducing coping skills, determining the root cause of the anxiety, and developing a plan for the future.
Social Anxiety
Imagine going to the grocery store and feeling everyone is judging you. You have had anxiety problems in the past and sometimes find it difficult to talk to people. As you shop, you note when people glance in your direction and assume they are judging you. Anxiety starts to build to the point you need to leave the store. Over time, you get anxious just thinking of being in public. Eventually, you decide not to leave your house as you do not want to feel the anxiety of being in public. Social anxiety is a real condition, often based on extreme negative feelings about oneself. I help combat these negative thoughts in therapy while learning how to reenter society.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar Disorder combines two different Mood Disorders, Depression and Mania. People diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder are often in one of these two states, with some experiencing both states daily. Imagine waking up not knowing if you would be depressed today or manic. Having Bipolar Disorder is like riding an emotional rollercoaster, with ups and downs you cannot control. As a result, the risk of suicide is higher for people with Bipolar than for most other conditions. In therapy, I help the Client come to terms with the diagnosis while focusing on controlling thoughts, teaching coping skills, and devising plans to manage Depressive and Manic states.
General Addictions
In short, anything can be addictive. Addiction is not just drugs and alcohol. I have seen some strange addictions, some chemical and behavioral-based. But, in the end, regardless of chemical or behavioral, all addiction leads to increased neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters, often Dopamine or Serotonin, lead to a “high” and can cause the brain to become dependent on these neurotransmitters. In therapy, I work to determine the cause of the addiction and what the Client gains from it. From drugs to sex, any addiction has needs it supplies. Learning to manage urges, deal with relapse, and work with guilt are required to learn to fight an addiction.
Career Concerns
I have noticed a trend in many of my young adult clients: many do not know what they want to do for a career. Many have no idea what would interest them and have problems seeing a career lasting most of their lives. With so many choices and the fear of choosing the wrong career, many teenagers and young adults refuse to choose. Many go to college, do poorly, and end up dropping out. Often anxiety and low self-esteem are to blame. In therapy, I help my Clients focus on their strengths and interests and help them work past the anxiety so they can begin living their lives and focus on the future.
