PVD Psychological Associates

  Parenting  can be satisfying and fulfilling. But it can also be difficult and time-consuming. Parents must tend to an infant or child’s daily needs. They are also responsible for helping each of their children develop life skills. These skills include daily living skills, social skills, and appropriate behaviors. Parents with more than one child must account for the personalities of each, as well. New parents, overwhelmed parents, and parents facing mental health conditions may benefit from the support of a  mental health professional . A therapist or counselor can help parents through  difficult situations or behavioral concerns. https://pvdpsych.com/pregnancy-and-postpartum-issues/

  Relationship Difficulties Related to Substance Use To speak that in the drug addicts’ life, a drug, alcohol, or compulsive behavior problem destroys everything that in their drug addicts’ lives has become a cliché. Still, it merely explains that the reality cannot be overstated: an alcohol, substance, or obsessive behavior problem corrodes everything valued by drug addicts, without excluding – and especially – sexual and romantic relationships. Like other aspects in drug addicts life, relationships have a reason-and-outcome relationship, and recognizing these mechanisms is critical to managing the addiction plus relationship is then preserved with drug addicts. The effects of a drug abuse issue are usually divided into economical and psychological (and subsequent behavior). https://pvdpsych.com/substance-use-problems/

  Psychodynamic therapy, also known as insight-oriented therapy, focuses on unconscious processes as they are manifested in a person’s present behavior. The goals of  psychodynamic therapy  are a client’s self-awareness and understanding of the influence of the past on present behavior. ​Whether it be a long term problem or temporary life circumstance prompting someone to seek therapy, we understand that every individual client, session, and situation is unique. Our therapists have expertise in specific modalities of therapy and utilize cutting edge, evidence-based therapy techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), psychodynamic therapy, motivational interviewing (MI), mindfulness strategies, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). We often integrate a variety or techniques which lend themselves to both time-limited and long-term therapy. We believe it is best to not only address symptoms in the here and now and create ...

  Call or email us to inquire about therapy , or  have us call you ! Office Address 150 Lloyd Ave #1, Providence, RI 02906 Contact Phone: (401) 330 5882 Fax: (401) 226 0137 https://pvdpsych.com/what-we-treat/

  Counseling is often the first and usually one of the best weapons we have against a whole range of  psychological issues  like depression, grief and anxiety. You could be doing everything right, leading a model life, exercising and getting all the nutrients you need in your diet, but nothing can quite replace the benefits you get from real human interaction — it’s a genuinely unique source of support. https://pvdpsych.com/about/

  ​The therapists at  PVD Psychological Associates  have expertise working with LGBTQIA+ identified individuals and their families. We offer  LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapy  and Testing. ​ We may work with these individuals on issues non-specific to their sexual orientation or gender identity, such as an eating disorder or relationship problems, or therapy might focus on very specific issues such as exploring one’s gender identity or coming out. Whether the topic of therapy is specific to an LGBTQIA+ identified individual or not, many of our clients have told us they find it to be important and helpful that their therapist is knowledgeable  about the LGBTQIA+ community and is affirming in their approach. https://pvdpsych.com/lgbtqia-affirming-services/

  Individual DBT-Informed CBT at PVD Psychological Associates 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. https://pvdpsych.com/dialectical-behavior-therapy-pvdpsych/

  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://pvdpsych.com/online-therapy/

Often relationships go sour, communication gets broken or misunderstood, distrust creeps in and relationships that were once a source of happiness, reach a bitter end due to unresolved hurts, unmet needs, disappointments and unrealistic expectations. Love is a necessary factor for a strong and fulfilling relationship but NOT enough. So WHAT is? Relationships require concerted effort from both ends. They require listening, empathy, understanding, healthy boundaries, communication & consistency, to name a few. Therapy creates a safe and conducive space for individuals to communicate without hurting each other, understand without judging each other and create a better understanding of each other's needs. If offers an opportunity to heal, build and thrive . Your counselor will spend the initial part of the therapy in building a rapport with you and giving you a safe, non-judgemental atmosphere to share your challenges. The counselor will understand the current concerns, explore the...

  ​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  https://pvdpsych.com/

  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. https://pvdpsych.com/what-we-treat/

  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 an ...

Sometimes guilt can become so strong it makes it difficult for a person to get through each day. They may struggle to connect with their loved ones, maintain a relationship, or stay focused at work or school. Over time, they may also have feelings of anxiety and depression , or struggle to recognize their own self-worth. People try to cope with guilt by rationalizing their actions or telling themselves the behavior didn’t really matter. Therapy can often help people work through guilt. But the most helpful type of therapy will most likely to depend on the cause of the guilt. In all cases, a therapist is likely to begin by working with the person seeking help to understand what contributes to their guilt.  Therapy can help people learn to accept what happened, forgive themselves for their part in it, and consider how they might make a different choice in the future. https://pvdpsych.com/

  Our Therapist  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://pvdpsych.com/mary-elizabeth-ruggiero-phd/

  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 enclosed...

  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 . At PVD Psychological Associates we are well versed in issues related to women’s reproductive health challenges. Whether individuals may be struggling with infertility concerns, undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), or have experienced pregnancy loss, we provide therapy that is supportive in nature and incorporates strategies from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to modify unhelpful thinking patterns and help individuals learn coping skills to manage these stressors. https://pvdpsych.com/infertility-and-reproductive-health/

  Depression affects people from all walks of life, no matter what their background. It can affect people of all ages as well. Unfortunately, there’s still a stigma that surrounds mental health issues, and some people view disorders such as depression as a weakness. But, similar to the way anyone can develop certain physical health issues, mental health issues aren’t always preventable. PVD Psychological Associates  (PVD Psych) is a private psychology practice on the East Side of Providence, Rhode Island. https://pvdpsych.com/

  “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 shaped b...

  Every year in June the world celebrates Pride month dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community and their right to live a dignified life. Pride is about people coming together, to show and celebrate how far gay rights have come and how much is still left to achieve. Pride month is about equality, teaching acceptance, education in pride history and above all, love. During this month, we educate others and ourselves about how damaging homophobia is and why we need to get rid of it. It's about being proud of who you are no matter who you love. PVD Psychological Associates is a recognized BCBSRI LGBTQ Safe Zone. https://pvdpsych.com/lgbtqia-affirming-services/

  Definition Psychological tests are written, visual, or verbal evaluations administered to assess the cognitive and emotional functioning of children and adults. Purpose Psychological tests are used to assess a variety of mental abilities and attributes, including achievement and ability, personality, and neurological functioning. For children, academic achievement, ability, and intelligence tests may be used as tools in school placement, in determining the presence of a learning disability or a developmental  , in identifying giftedness, or in tracking intellectual development. Intelligence testing may also be used with teens and young adults to determine vocational ability (e.g., in career counseling). Personality tests are administered for a wide variety of reasons, from diagnosing psychopathology (e.g., personality disorder, depressive disorder) to screening job candidates. They may be used in an educational setting to determine personality stre...

  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 we ...

  Mental health problems such as depression or self-harm can affect any of us, but they're more common among people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT). This may be linked to LGBT people's experience of discrimination, homophobia or transphobia, bullying, social isolation, or rejection because of their sexuality. Other things, such as their age, religion, where they live, and their ethnicity can add extra complications to an already difficult situation. Talking with a therapist who's trained to work with LGBT people may help you. https://pvdpsych.com/lgbtqia-affirming-services/