PVD Psychological Associates

“10 Tips for Parents with Eating Disorder Histories to Avoid ‘Passing it On’ to Their Children” Eating disorders  and body image concern are unfortunately very frequently intergenerational, or passed from one generation to the other. We can presume that some of this is due to biological factors that predispose someone to having an eating disorder due to certain personality traits like being overly conscientious or perfectionistic or being more impulsive or more anxious. However, an eating disorders is in very large part determined by environment and learning history, and these are also the only aspects a parent can control when it comes to helping their child avoid developing an eating disorder. According to the cognitive behavioral theory of an eating disorder’s development, it is brought about by an internalization of a thin ideal, perfectionistic standards, and the idea of having more control over one’s body size and shape than may actually be the case. Much of this is sh...

Many studies have found that  Talk Therapy, or Psychotherapy , can help treat depression. Talk therapy can help you learn about your depression and help you find ways to manage your symptoms. If you have mild to moderate depression, talk therapy might be all you need to feel better. But if you have more severe depression, you might benefit from medication in addition to talk therapy. Here are some tips for getting started. https://www.pvdpsych.com/

We also offer  T eletherapy  services (online therapy) for clients in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New York. Online therapy is the practice of utilizing secure, two way video conferencing technology to provide therapy. It is quickly becoming more established in the field of psychology and now is reimbursed by most insurance carriers. Online therapy is a helpful option for a variety of reasons such as continuation of therapy in the event of a move, temporarily while traveling (to certain states or internationally), or as a long-term approach for individuals in Rhode Island who have difficulty getting to our office. Online therapy might also be for you if you would like to work with the specialized clinicians at PVD Psychological Associates, but live in Massachusetts or New York. Geographic limitations or time constraints should not be a barrier to quality therapy. See us from the comfort of your own home or office. https://www.pvdpsych.com/therapistinprovidence.htm...

​PVD Psychological Associates offers  individual and family therapy  across the lifespan for a range of issues. We provide a welcoming and calming space in which our clients feel comfortable and can accomplish their goals for therapy. For more information, log on to   www.pvdpsych.com

Jolie Weingeroff Psychologist, PhD I have advanced training in  cognitive-behavioral therapy  (CBT) for adults and adolescents. My areas of specialization and interest include: anxiety disorders, eating disorders, relationship issues, difficulties managing emotions, low self-esteem, and working with LGBTQIA-identified individuals. I am primarily a CBT therapist, though I frequently incorporate techniques from acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and dynamic therapy. I work collaboratively with my clients to develop a shared understanding of what brings them to therapy and determine what treatment approach(es) will be most effective. My style is direct, practical, & relatable. I teach my clients self-care, coping skills, and ways to identify and communicate their needs effectively, so that they are able to live with authenticity and become more confident in their ability to navigate challenging situations. I continually focus on what wor...

Elizabeth Kirkpatrick, LICSW Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker I received my Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from Columbia University. I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with over twenty years of experience with a diverse range of clients: ranging from children through older adults. I specialize in working with survivors of trauma and domestic violence, as well as those coping with loss. Throughout my career, I have obtained advanced training in several evidence-based treatments for trauma, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Sensorimotor Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), and mindfulness based approaches. I also incorporate elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Narrative therapies into my work as indicated. I take a  holistic approach   to working with clients, helping individuals improve their mind-body connection and resolve emotional difficulties that may be manifesting as physi...

If you need support, contact us today for  Panic Attack Therapy  in Providence, Rhode Island. www.pvdpsych.com

Mary Elizabeth Ruggiero, PsyD Licensed Psychologist I earned my Psy.D. from William James College (formerly the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology), and my master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. I completed my pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral fellowship at the Personal Counseling Center at Providence College, where I currently hold a position as staff psychologist. I really enjoy working with young adult/college aged individuals, as this is an opportune time in identify development, and therapy can offer a creative and safe space for insight building, self-awareness, and it can lay a foundation for emotional healing and other changes.   Previously, I held a position for several years as a clinical therapist in a community mental health center, where my primary focus was working with children, adolescents and families. I am a licensed clinical  psychologist  and am a bicultural and bilingual the...

It’s sometimes difficult to diagnose OCD because symptoms can be similar to those of obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, anxiety disorders, depression, schizophrenia or other mental health disorders. And it’s possible to have both OCD and another mental disorder. Work with your doctor so that you can get the appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Psychotherapy Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of psychotherapy, is effective for many people with OCD. Exposure and response prevention (ERP), a type of CBT therapy, involves gradually exposing you to a feared object or obsession, such as dirt, and having you learn healthy ways to cope with your anxiety. ERP takes effort and practice, but you may enjoy a better quality of life once you learn to manage your obsessions and compulsions. Therapy may take place in individual, family or group sessions. www.pvdpsych.com

Generalized anxiety disorder (or GAD) is characterized by excessive, exaggerated anxiety and worry about everyday life events with no obvious reasons for worry. People with symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder tend to always expect disaster and can’t stop worrying about health, money, family, work, or school. In people with GAD, the worry is often unrealistic or out of proportion for the situation. Daily life becomes a constant state of worry, fear, and dread. Eventually, the anxiety so dominates the person’s thinking that it interferes with daily functioning, including work, school, social activities, and relationships. PVD Psychological Associates  is here to support you. www.pvdpsych.com

Nicole Issa Psychologist, Psy.D. My areas of specialization and interest include: women’s health, depression, anxiety, stress management, and working with LGBTQIA-identified individuals and family members. In my work as a  therapist , I focus on understanding early experiences and how psychological well-being can be fostered through relationships. I believe change and healing come through relationships: our relationships with ourselves, as well as our relationships with others. I practice primarily from a relational-dynamic perspective, though I incorporate techniques from cognitive behavioral (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and narrative approaches to tailor treatment to the unique and individual needs of each client. My clients describe me as an empathetic, active listener who approaches their concerns with caring, respect, pragmatism, and sometimes, humor. I’m honored that you’re considering working with me and would be happy to answer any questions you m...

PVD Psychological Associates  does not currently offer Comprehensive DBT. Comprehensive DBT includes individual therapy with 24/7 outside-of-therapy skills coaching availability, DBT group, and a consultation team for DBT therapists. If someone is seeking this type of therapy or requires it, we will refer them to a DBT provider or program that can offer these services. We offer the following DBT services: Individual, DBT-Informed  Cognitive Behavioral Therapy  (CBT) — This therapy follows a traditional CBT framework with a focus on identifying the interaction between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and also integrates specific skills and strategies from DBT for clients who would benefit from this. Individual, DBT-Informed Therapy is ideally attended twice weekly. In many instances, the DBT skills are taught in session, but in some cases, clients will also attend a DBT group. Individual Skills Training — One-on-one skills training sessions are offered only as...

Our  counselors  provide a caring, supportive and non-judgmental environment to help you find a way through any difficulties you may be facing in your relationship. Together we will first help you to identify the issues or problems you are facing in your relationship. https://www.pvdpsych.com/dr-nicole-issa.html

Let’s say you are not currently in therapy and you are trying to manage your anxiety based on what you have read about treatment for  anxiety disorders . Research and self-help can be great, but sometimes the application is not as simple as it seems. ​1. It is human nature to avoid what we fear and so often the very things that help us feel better in the moment end up perpetuating and exacerbating your anxiety. If you either do not know how to manage your anxiety or if you think you are doing the right things but your anxiety is negatively impacting you and not decreasing, it may be time to seek therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can be especially helpful for the treatment of anxiety. 2. Engaging in what cognitive behavioral therapists call “safety behaviors” will perpetuate the problem. Let’s say you learn through trial and error or through some research or advice that if you do deep breathing, your anxiety will decrease. Another safety behavior would be fearing enclos...

Everything we do is designed to give you the best possible  therapy experience . Our team is comprised of highly trained, experienced therapists. For more information login to:  www.pvdpsych.com

​PVD Psychological Associates offers online therapy/teletherapy to clients in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New York. Through a secure, online platform, we offer confidential video therapy to you in the privacy of your own home, dorm room, or office. We strongly believe that difficulty or an inability to get to our therapy office should not be a barrier to quality care. When you factor in busy schedules, difficulty finding childcare, and potential transportation challenges, getting to therapy can be difficult if not impossible. Geographic limitations also should not be a barrier to therapy. Online therapy makes therapy portable; this is particularly useful for clients who relocate or who are looking for a specialist and cannot find one in their area. We also find that occasional online therapy or our   concierge time   management services  to supplement ongoing, in person sessions can help greatly with the application of strategies discussed in therapy because...

Infertility, or the inability to conceive a child, is often emotionally painful. In some cases, infertility may lead to grief that can be as intense as the grief of losing a living child. Those experiencing fertility issues may find it helpful to  speak to a therapist . UNDERSTANDING FERTILITY ISSUES Difficulties becoming pregnant may occur as a result of issues with any of the steps in the process of becoming pregnant: the release of the egg, the joining of egg and sperm, the egg’s passage through the fallopian tube, or implantation. Fertility issues affect both men and women. A woman who is diagnosed with infertility is generally between the ages of 15 and 44 and unable to become pregnant after one year of attempting to conceive. Twelve percent of women in the United States experience difficulty becoming pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to term, and 6% of married women are reported to be infertile. A study from the Center for Disease control found that 7.5% of all sexu...

​ PVD Psychological Associates  (PVD Psych) is a private psychology practice on the East Side of Providence, Rhode Island. Our mission is to provide the greater Rhode Island area with exceptional therapy, offering cutting edge and research-supported treatment by a team of highly trained therapists. We offer  therapy  for adults, college students, and adolescents struggling with anxiety, school/career concerns, eating disorders, infertility and women’s health issues, and relationship difficulties. PVD Psych is a LGBTQIA-affirmative practice, and is one of few Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island LGBTQ Safe Zone certified providers. We strongly believe that everyone has the right to respectful and affirming, high quality care. https://www.pvdpsych.com/

The relationship seems to be developing at warp speed and while the intensity may seem exciting, if you really step back to think about it, it does not quite make sense. Often times, unhealthy relationships start out too quickly and this should give you pause to consider how whether you are setting the foundation for a healthy relationship dynamic. They want to spend all their time with you and ignore boundaries you try to set. At the other extreme, they may always put their friends and interests ahead of you. The bottom line is that time spent in a relationship should be mutually negotiated and it can be very unhealthy if you find your partner wanting to call all the shots. It is great if your partner can encourage you to grow and evolve as an individual but if you notice them consistently pointing out areas for you to improve, this may be crossing a line into an unhealthy dynamic. You and your partner ideally will respect and treat each other as equals. They say that they lov...