PVD Psychological Associates

  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  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). https://pvdpsych.com/

  The main treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are psychological therapies. Traumatic events can be very difficult to come to terms with, but confronting your feelings and seeking professional help is often the only way of effectively treating PTSD. It's possible for PTSD to be successfully treated many years after the traumatic event or events occurred, which means it's never too late to seek help. https://pvdpsych.com/

  Depression is a common illness worldwide, with more than 264 million people affected. Depression is different from usual mood fluctuations and short-lived emotional responses to challenges in everyday life. Especially when long-lasting and with moderate or severe intensity, depression may become a serious health condition. It can cause the affected person to suffer greatly and function poorly at work, at school and in the family. At its worst, depression can lead to suicide. Close to 800 000 people die due to suicide every year. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in 15-29-year-olds. There are effective psychological treatment for moderate and severe depression. https://pvdpsych.com/

Some pregnant women feel distressed or guilty about feeling anxious or panicky when everyone expects them to be happy. But anxiety is a mental health condition and not a sign of weakness, something that will go away on its own or that you should just ‘snap out of’. If you need more help you may be referred to a specialist mental health team for pregnant women. You may also be offered therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness  and applied relaxation with a professional therapist.  Find out more about treatment and support for mental health. https://pvdpsych.com/surprising-but-effective-ways-to-manage-anxiety/

  Individual Skills Training  — One-on-one skills training sessions are offered only as an adjunct to individual therapy. This service would benefit clients who would like to have specific time dedicated to skills training alone. Please note that Skills Training is a separate service from therapy and is not covered by insurance. https://pvdpsych.com/fees-insurance/

  Our location in College Hill puts us right in the middle of many high schools and universities. All of the therapists at PVD Psychological Associates have expertise and a special interest in working with children, older adolescents, and adults at various stages in their education and/or careers in academia. https://pvdpsych.com/student-mental-health/

  Family counseling , or family therapy, is a method to develop and maintain healthy and functional family relationships. https://pvdpsych.com/

  Marriage counseling is often provided by licensed therapists known as marriage and family therapists . These therapists have graduate or postgraduate degrees — and many choose to become credentialed by the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. https://pvdpsych.com/

  Research has shown that psychotherapy results in fewer relapses of common conditions such as moderate depression and anxiety, and that the positive effects of good therapy extend well beyond treatment. In fact, many clients report improved conditions long after therapy has ended. In general, psychotherapy is often more effective than psychotropic drugs or medical treatments alone, which may cause harmful side effects. In addition, many therapeutic modalities are evidence-based, meaning they have been subject to research studies and clinical observations, and they have been analyzed for effectiveness. https://pvdpsych.com/

  Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a modified form of cognitive therapy that incorporates mindfulness practices such as meditation and breathing exercises. Using these tools, MBCT therapists teach clients how to break away from negative thought patterns that can cause a downward spiral into a depressed state so they will be able to fight off depression before it takes hold. PVD Psychological Associates  (PVD Psych) is conveniently located at   193 Waterman Street on the   East Side of Providence. ​PVD Psych offers ample free parking and is just steps from the Waterman FS Gano bus stop in Providence, RI. https://pvdpsych.com/

  I am a licensed clinical psychologist at PVD Psychological Associates and am a bicultural and bilingual therapist (native fluency in Spanish). I specialize in the areas of complex traumas, identity development, depressive disorders, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, relationship issues, and working with LGBTQIA-identified individuals. I practice within a psychodynamic-interpersonal framework, though I often use strategies from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness, compassion based techniques, and narrative approaches. In my work, I take great care to develop a safe, warm and collaborative relationship with my clients, as I believe this relationship is a key conductor towards healing, hope and change. I typically like to understand all of my clients from a holistic perspective, taking into account early life experiences, their attachments and relationships. It is my belief that we can all find a life that is worth living, where we ...

  I have advanced training in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for adults and adolescents. My areas of specialization and interest include: college and graduate student mental health, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and working with LGBTQIA-identified individuals. I am a CBT therapist, and 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 works & keeping therapy moving in the right direction. I believe the therapeutic relati...

  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 may have. Call or   Email   Nicole Is...

  Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) teaches mindfulness skills to help individuals live and behave in ways consistent with personal values while developing psychological flexibility. Contact us for help. https://pvdpsych.com/

C hildren and teens may adopt harmful eating habits . In fact, eating disorders often go hand-in-hand with other psychiatric problems such as the following: anxiety disorders depression substance abuse Treatments include the following: behavioral therapy medications, including antidepressants psychotherapy https://pvdpsych.com/eating-disorders-and-body-image-concerns/

  ​ Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is marked by intrusive, obsessive thoughts accompanied by compulsions, or behaviors people engage in the lessen these thoughts or neutralize them. In many cases, these thoughts can be disturbing to people and seem foreign to them. Therapy is cognitive behavioral in nature and will focus on identifying the obsessions and compulsions someone may be struggling with and then using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a research supported therapy for OCD. https://pvdpsych.com/anxiety-disorders/

  Many students struggle with managing their time well and avoiding procrastination, but the rewards of even small changes in these areas can be worth it! There are a number of strategies that can help that are described in the following sections. However, before examining some of these more specific techniques, it can be helpful to start with some basic self-care. Are you getting at least 7 or 8 hours of sleep? If not, it will be much harder to stay organized and focused. Are you eating regularly and (mostly) healthy things? Do you have adequate nutrition, including protein, in your diet? Are you avoiding overuse of caffeine? Are you avoiding use or abuse of alcohol or other drugs? If your diet isn't healthy, this will have an impact on how well you can manage your time and attention. Take some small (or big!) steps to get better sleep, eat well, and increase your level of exercise as one way to pave the way for better time management and focus. https://pvdpsy...

  Excessive concern with body image and often accompanying low self-esteem are also successfully addressed by cognitive behavioral therapy. Therapy will help individuals understand thoughts and behaviors that perpetuate a preoccupation with weight and body image concerns. https://pvdpsych.com/eating-disorders-and-body-image-concerns/

  Your partner may share many of your emotions, or none of them. We’ve spoken to thousands of women about how they felt after a miscarriage. Some of the women who have shared their stories with us have talked about emotions such as grief, guilt, emptiness, fear and loneliness. You may find it reassuring to read about other women’s experiences.  Some women and couples don’t feel comfortable with this grief. They may feel it’s unjustified because they never met their baby. 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-r...

  Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Coming Out, Etc. We frequently work with college students, adolescents, and adults on exploring their sexual orientation, exploring their gender identity, coming out, and transitioning. Depending on where individuals are in these processes and their needs and wants for therapy, we may do this in a more structured way, offering specific behavioral recommendations, or in a more supportive and exploratory manner. The therapists at PVD Psychological Associates have expertise working with LGBTQIA+ identified individuals and their families. https://pvdpsych.com/lgbtqia/

  We provide a welcoming and calming space in which our clients feel comfortable and can accomplish their goals for therapy. Call us  or fill out the form for more information or to make an appointment! https://pvdpsych.com/contact/

  Bipolar Disorder is characterized by having episodes of depression or low mood as well as manic episodes that involve an improvement in mood and/or irritability. Manic episodes are also characterized by an increase in energy, self-esteem, racing thoughts, a decrease in sleep, and impulsive behaviors. In addition, during mania, individuals may experience dramatically improved mood or elation which can be pleasant and contribute to productivity. The short-term positive outcomes (i.e. being more productive, feeling more creative, being more social, etc.) of a manic episode as well as frequent lack of insight into what is happening contribute to problems with medication compliance. In therapy, individuals with bipolar disorder will focus on increasing motivation to achieve mood stability, understanding and managing behavioral triggers to changes in mood, and improving medication compliance. The therapists at PVD Psychological Associates specialize in working with individuals with d...