PVD Psychological Associates

A mood disorder is a type of mental health condition where there is a disconnect between actual life circumstances and the person's state of mind or feeling. A mood disorder can negatively affect your ability to function normally. It can have serious consequences in all aspects of life, from personal to professional. Children, teens, and adults can all have mood disorders. But children and teens don’t always have the same symptoms as adults. It’s harder to diagnose mood disorders in children. That's because they can't always express how they feel, and symptoms may look different in children from how they look in adults. Therapy , medicines, and support and self-care can help treat mood disorders. https://pvdpsych.com/mood-disorders/  

  Gratitude is the key to happiness. Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with joy and a heart full of thanks. PVD Psychological Associates https://pvdpsych.com/

  To provide collaborative, empathic, and competent psychotherapy services in a safe, comfortable, and judgment-free environment designed to foster an individual’s desired healing and growth. https://pvdpsych.com/

  Eating disorders are mental health conditions that cause you to have an unhealthy relationship with food. Anyone can develop an eating disorder. Common eating disorders include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder. Treatment is available to help you feel better. https://pvdpsych.com/eating-disorders-and-body-image-concerns/

  Carolyn Stokes Walker, PsyD, LMHC I am a Postdoctoral Fellow at PVD Psychological Associates where I offer online and in person therapy for adolescents, college students, and adults of all ages. My areas of specialization include: anxiety, depression, trauma-informed care, eating disorders and body image concern, adult autism spectrum disorders (ASD), stress management, life transitions, and identity issues. I am also an ally and an affirming provider for members of the LGBTQIA+ community. My Background I earned my doctorate in clinical psychology from William James College (formerly the Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology). I completed my pre-doctoral internship at Roger Williams University’s Center for Counseling and Student Development. I previously received my master’s degree and certificate of advanced graduate study (CAGS) in Clinical Mental Health with a concentration in Holistic Counseling from Salve Regina University. I practiced as a LMHC before deciding to...

  Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan to help individuals who have difficulty managing their emotions, handling “crisis situations” of peak distress without engaging in impulsive and self-destructive behaviors, and navigating relationships effectively. In order to achieve best results, individuals will participate in both individual DBT and group skills training. Radically Open DBT (RO DBT) is a type of DBT that was developed by Dr. Thomas Lynch to treat individuals with disorders of over control. RO DBT is appropriate for some clients with eating disorders, treatment resistant depression, obsessive compulsive personality disorder (OCPD), perfectionism, and difficulty connecting with others. Too much self control can backfire and RO DBT helps clients learn how to be more open to new experiences, less rigid, and better able to connect with others. https://pvdpsych.com/dialectical-behavior-therapy-pvdpsyc...

  Psychotherapy for Panic Disorder The first-line psychotherapy for panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia) is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) People with panic disorder have sudden and repeated attacks of fear that last for several minutes or longer. These are called  panic attacks . Panic attacks are characterized by a fear of disaster or of losing control even when there is no real danger. A person may also have a strong physical reaction during a panic attack. It may feel like having a heart attack. Panic attacks can occur at any time, and many people with panic disorder worry about and dread the possibility of having another attack. https://pvdpsych.com/

  Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you identify and replace negative or damaging behaviors learned in your past. It can be helpful to people with various mental health conditions. https://pvdpsych.com/therapy/

  Trauma Counseling: Understanding its Importance and Benefits Trauma is a painful and deeply distressing experience that can have a profound impact on a person’s life. It can leave individuals feeling overwhelmed, helpless, and alone, leading to long-lasting psychological and emotional effects. The aftermath of a traumatic event can be so devastating that it can alter an individual’s perception of the world, causing them to feel unsafe, powerless, and disconnected from others. Fortunately, there is a form of therapy specifically designed to help individuals who have experienced trauma – trauma counseling . In this article, we will delve deeper into what trauma counseling is, its importance, and the benefits it can provide to individuals who have experienced traumatic events. https://pvdpsych.com/

  Matthew Mooers, PsyD I am a L icensed Psychologist at PVD Psychological Associates and am licensed in the state of Rhode Island. I offer online and in-person individual therapy to older adolescents, college students, and adults of all ages. My areas of specialization include: anxiety disorders, trauma-related concerns, relationship difficulties, work with members of the LGBTQIA+ community, couples therapy, and identity/personal values exploration. My practice heavily incorporates cognitive behavioral therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and the services that I provide are grounded in my strong value of the relationship between therapist and client. I emphasize cultural humility and sensitivity as I get to know my clients, and I am affirming of the multi-layered and uniquely intersecting identities that they hold. I take a holistic approach that integrates mindfulness, relaxation, and acceptance-based strategies. I wor...

  Treating depression with “ talk therapy ” is often the first step with mild to moderate depression. Many experts will go this route prior to trying medication. If depression is more severe, medication will often be required and a combination of therapy and medication may happen at the same time. Before moving forward, it’s important to understand the differences between counseling and psychotherapy. https://pvdpsych.com/mood-disorders/

  To help diagnose an anxiety disorder, your mental health provider may: Give you a psychological evaluation.  This involves discussing your thoughts, feelings and behavior to help pinpoint a diagnosis and check for related complications. Anxiety disorders often occur along with other mental health problems — such as depression or substance misuse — which can make diagnosis more challenging. Compare your symptoms to the criteria in the DSM-5.  Many doctors use the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published by the American Psychiatric Association, to diagnose an anxiety disorder. https://pvdpsych.com/what-we-treat/

  Mental Health Issues & Coping with Stigma Research suggests that LGBTQIA individuals seek mental health treatment at a higher rate than their non-LGBTQ counterparts. This may be due to the social stress and discrimination LGBTQ individuals often face on a regular basis, from society, family members, peers, co-workers, and even classmates. This dynamic is called the minority stress theory. This discrimination contributes to the higher rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health struggles seen amongst LGBTQ people. Those in the LGBTQ community are also much more likely to have a substance use or abuse problem, engage in self-harm behaviors, and/or experience suicidal thoughts. Thus, it is not surprising this population seeks mental health services at higher rates. https://pvdpsych.com/lgbtqia-affirming-services/

  Rebekah Page, PsyD I am a clinical psychologist licensed in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, and offer online therapy to individuals in those states, as well as offering in-person therapy in Rhode Island. I provide individual therapy to adolescents 16 and older, young adults, and adults of all ages. My areas of specialization and interest include coping with interpersonal relationship issues, life and work stressors, and women’s health struggles. I incorporate evidence-based practices in my sessions, such as mindfulness, psychodynamic, and interpersonal therapy (IPT) and strive to approach each session with warmth, humor, and compassion. https://pvdpsych.com/rebekah-page-psyd/

  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. Some adolescents we see are struggling to manage their symptoms of ADHD and associated frustration while others are navigating a high pressure private preparatory school experience and need help with perfectionism, anxiety, stress management, and being achievement-oriented at the expense of all else. We also work with college students and graduate students, as well as with faculty in academia. https://pvdpsych.com/student-mental-health/

  Many children and teens have problems that affect how they feel, act, or learn. Therapy is a type of treatment for these problems. It is a way to get help for your child. In therapy, kids talk and learn how to work out their problems. Going to therapy helps them cope better, communicate better, and do better. https://pvdpsych.com/about/

  Our approach to individual therapy is grounded in the understanding that each person is unique and, therefore, requires a customized therapeutic experience. We provide a safe and secure environment where you can explore your thoughts and emotions. Our therapist work closely with you to recognize your strengths, and challenges, and develop effective strategies for overcoming them. We are dedicated to offering a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential space where you can openly explore your thoughts and emotions. https://pvdpsych.com/services/

  Unfortunately, grief is an inevitable, inescapable part of life. If we feel really knocked off our feet or are struggling for a prolonged period of time, that may be a sign that we need some professional help to move on. In this piece, we’ll cover the basics of grief counseling/grief therapy and provide suggestions, tips, techniques, and exercises you can implement as a person in grieving, part of the support system for a person who is grieving, or as a mental health professional. https://pvdpsych.com/team/

  Emily Maher, PhD I am a licensed clinical psychologist in Rhode Island and offer online and in-person individual therapy to adults of all ages in the state . I take an integrative approach to therapy, drawing especially on my experience with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I believe that the relationship between therapist and client is of paramount importance, and I prioritize this relationship first and foremost in my work with all my clients. I have a particular interest in working with individuals wishing to process and move forward following trauma, whether recent or in the distant past. I have received specialized training in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE), two evidence-based approaches for treating post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as CBT for Insomnia. I also enjoy working with clients confronting other types of loss or life transition, including the transition to parenthood, transition t...

  Everything we do is designed to give you the best therapy experience. Our mission is to provide exceptional therapy that is personalized and results driven. We offer cutting edge, evidence-based treatment by a team of highly trained therapists to address anxiety, eating disorders, college and graduate student mental health, trauma, relationship difficulties, and many other concerns. PVD Psych is a LGBTQIA Affirming practice, and is one of few Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island LGBTQ Safe Zone certified providers. We offer LGBTQIA Affirming therapy and Gender Affirming Therapy. We strongly believe that everyone has the right to safe, respectful, and affirming, high quality care. At PVD Psych , we see our clients as whole people, recognizing their layers, and never just as diagnoses. We also focus on healing and transformation. These values are reflected in our logo which is a mandala. The mandala is a tool with which, for centuries, many have developed self-awareness and sough...