PVD Psychological Associates

  Family & Children’s Counseling Services is the place to turn when solutions to life’s problems seem out of reach. Our professional therapists help individuals and families resolve crises, enrich family functioning, enhance parenting, and help manage difficult life events, challenges and transitions. https://pvdpsych.com/therapy/

Couples therapy  is defined as a  psychotherapy  that includes both members of an established partnership. Much literature refers to marital therapy, but many couples that seek treatment are not married. The term  couples therapy  therefore includes gay partnerships, as well as heterosexual couples who choose not to be married or are not yet married. https://pvdpsych.com/what-we-treat/

  In individual psychotherapy , a person seeking help (called the client or patient) meets with a trained and licensed mental health professional (the therapist) regularly. As they meet and discuss the client’s goals, therapists and clients can develop a rapport with each other, a connection that allows them to feel comfortable around each other so that they can talk honestly and freely. The more open and honest the communication is between a therapist and client, the more likely it is that treatment will be effective. https://pvdpsych.com/about/

  Anxiety — Coping with excessive worry, nervousness, or stress; intense discomfort in social settings (social anxiety); sudden and intense feelings of panic (panic disorder). https://pvdpsych.com/

  Eating disorders  in children and teens cause serious changes in eating habits that can lead to major, even life threatening health problems. The three main types of eating disorders are: Anorexia , a condition in which a child refuses to eat adequate calories out of an intense and irrational fear of becoming fat Bulimia , a condition in which a child grossly overeats (binging) and then purges the food by vomiting or using laxatives to prevent weight gain Binge eating , a condition in which a child may gorge rapidly on food, but without purging In children and teens, eating disorders can overlap. For example, some children alternate between periods of anorexia and bulimia.  Your child will need treatment to help restore normal weight and eating habits. Treatment also addresses underlying psychological issues. Remember that the best results occur when eating disorders are treated at the earliest stages. https://pvdpsych.com/eating...

  Anger is a perfectly normal human emotion and, when dealt with appropriately, healthy. However, you need to be able to manage your anger. It is neither appropriate nor healthy if you cannot control your temper, and often lash out at others. Uncontrolled and frequent outbursts of anger will affect your health and your relationships with others. Anger management is a term used to describe the skills you need to recognise that you, or someone else, is becoming angry, and then take appropriate action to deal with the situation in a positive way. https://pvdpsych.com/

  Meet Dr. Kristina Schrag I am a licensed mental health counselor in Rhode Island and also hold a doctorate in educational psychology. I specialize in several areas related to educational psychology, giftedness, and neurodivergence. Specifically, I have expertise in issues experienced by college students, adolescents, and adults with high IQ, as well as ADHD and autism spectrum disorder. I work with my clients to address issues such as impostor syndrome, perfectionism, and feelings of being overwhelmed caused by overscheduling or demanding work/school/life commitments. I am well-versed in the stressors of the highly competitive college admissions process, studying at elite institutions, and the demands of academia. In addition to these areas of specialization, I also work with adolescents, college students, and adults with anxiety, depression, and relationship problems. My Background I earned my doctorate in educational psychology, as well as a master’s degree in human services/co...

  Trauma  — Coping and healing after threatening or scary events, such as witnessing accidents or experiencing sexual, verbal, emotional, or physical abuse Anxiety. PVD Psych strives to help clients meet their goals for therapy, and help them live their lives in a way that’s aligned with their core values. https://pvdpsych.com/about/

  Meet Dr. Amanda Connerton I provide online therapy to adults located in Rhode Island and in-person,  comprehensive psychological testing  for individuals ages 7 and older. My therapy areas of interest include self-esteem, college student mental health, athletes, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and working with LGBTQIA+ identified individuals. I conceptualize from a psychodynamic-interpersonal framework, but I implement strategies from various other frameworks including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). My testing specialties include ADHD, adults with autism, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and trauma. My Background I earned my PsyD in clinical psychology from William James College (formerly the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology).  My predoctoral internship involved training in both therapy and testing . I provided therapy to college stud...

  Panic disorder with or without agoraphobia occurs commonly in patients in primary care settings. This article assesses multiple evidence-based reviews of effective treatments for panic disorder. Antidepressant medications successfully reduce the severity of panic symptoms and eliminate panic attacks. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants are equally effective in the treatment of panic disorder. The choice of medication is based on side effect profiles and patient preferences. Strong evidence supports the effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy in treating panic disorder. Family physicians who are not trained in cognitive behavior therapy may refer patients with panic disorder to therapists with such training. Cognitive behavior therapy can be used alone or in combination with antidepressants to treat patients with panic disorder. Benzodiazepines are effective in treating panic disorder symptoms, but they are less effective than antidepressant...

  The pregnant trauma patient presents a unique challenge because care must be provided for two patients—the mother and the fetus. Anatomic and physiologic changes in pregnancy can mask or mimic injury, making diagnosis of trauma-related problems difficult. Care of pregnant trauma patients with severe injuries often requires a multidisciplinary approach involving an emergency clinician, trauma surgeon, obstetrician, and neonatologist. https://pvdpsych.com/

  We all experience changes in mood from time-to-time — it’s a normal part of life. But, when mood changes are intense, persistent, or frequent, they can impact our ability to function. Mood disorders  is a clinical term for a category of mental health conditions in the DSM 5, which is the manual therapists use for diagnosis. The mood disorder category includes the two subcategories of depressive and bipolar conditions, where the main area affected is a person’s emotional state. If mood problems are impacting your daily life, it’s important to seek help from a qualified mental health professional . In most cases, mood disorders can be successfully managed with therapy and medication. https://pvdpsych.com/mood-disorders/

  Entering or returning to college is an exciting time for young adults. Students and parents hope for experiences to last a lifetime. For many students, the years at college are a time of discovery and growth. But depression and anxiety may get in the way. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, rates of anxiety and depression among college students have increased substantially. A recent study found that 1 in 3 college students experiences significant depression and anxiety . For parents and students, being aware of the risk factors and symptoms can help with the early identification and treatment of depression. https://pvdpsych.com/student-mental-health/

  Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) — A skill-based treatment that values both self-acceptance and change. Validating the client’s experiences while teaching mindfulness, relationship, communication skills, and techniques to manage overwhelming emotions. https://pvdpsych.com/dialectical-behavior-therapy-pvdpsych/

  What are the symptoms of anxiety? Anxiety feels different depending on the person experiencing it. Feelings can range from butterflies in your stomach to a racing heart. You might feel out of control like there’s a disconnect between your mind and body . You may have a general feeling of fear and worry, or you may fear a specific place or event. In some cases, you may experience a  panic attack . https://pvdpsych.com/therapy/

  Eating disorders — Reducing unhealthy eating patterns, beliefs, and behaviors, such as restricting, purging, and binging; healing the emotional pain surrounding disordered eating. https://pvdpsych.com/eating-disorders-and-body-image-concerns/

  If you have been dealing with ongoing situations where you feel "stuck", "overwhelmed", "hopeless", or "alone", then you have come to the right place. This program was designed for those dealing with life challenges such as distressing emotions, recurring thoughts, and physical sensations which typically are experienced as low energy, anxiety, checking out, frustration and depression. ? Key concepts of this group are building present moment awareness, developing openness to private experiences and engagement with valued life activities. This program uses acceptance and mindfulness strategies , together with commitment and behavior change strategies, to increase psychological flexibility. https://pvdpsych.com/about/

  Therapy to Improve Children’s Mental Health Mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders in childhood can cause long-term problems that may affect the health and well-being of children, families, and communities. Treating a child’s mental health problems as soon as possible can help children reduce problems at home, in school, and in forming friendships. It can also help with healthy development into adulthood.  Psychological therapy is a key component to improving mental health. https://pvdpsych.com/

  A family counselor is a specially trained counseling professional who works with family groups to address issues they are having, to improve communication and develop strategies for overcoming areas of tension. This type of counseling can be useful for any difficulties a family is facing – addiction, recovering from a traumatic event or challenging behaviors. https://pvdpsych.com/nicole-issa-psyd/

  Marriage counseling , also called couples therapy, helps couples — married or not — understand and resolve conflicts and improve their relationship. Marriage counseling gives couples the tools to communicate better, negotiate differences, problem solve and even argue in a healthier way.  Marriage counseling can help you rebuild your relationship. Or decide that you'll both be better off if you split up. Either way, marriage counseling can help you understand your relationship better and make well-thought-out decisions. https://pvdpsych.com/what-we-treat/

  PVD Psychological Associates offers comprehensive psychological and clinical diagnostic testing  and assessment for youth (ages 7-17) and adults (ages 18 & up). Psychological Testing​ Psychological testing refers to the comprehensive evaluation of an individual’s functioning in the areas of cognition, learning, memory, behavior, social skills, mood and anxiety. Results from a psychological evaluation can provide detailed information about an individual’s cognitive functioning and academic skills, including strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, it can help to provide clinical information to assist in making an accurate diagnosis and facilitate treatment planning and recommendations. The following areas may be assessed: Attention & Concentration Emotional, Behavioral, and Personality Functioning Learning & Memory Language & Communication Processing Speed Planning & Organizing Problem-solving Visual Perception Autism Testing Adults and Executive Functioni...

  Individual therapy   is a joint process between a therapist and a person in therapy. Common goals of therapy can be to inspire change or improve quality of life. People may seek therapy for help with issues that are hard to face alone. Individual therapy is also called therapy, psychotherapy, psychosocial therapy, talk therapy, and counseling. https://pvdpsych.com/therapy/

  Working with members of the LGBTQIA+ community  — Exploring topics of sexuality, gender, and identity; coping with discrimination and oppression; navigating relationship, family, and cultural challenges. Your Health and Safety is Our Priority.   Offering Online Therapy Now . https://pvdpsych.com/lgbtqia-affirming-services/