PVD Psychological Associates

  Belonging to an LGBTQ+ community can be challenging; it is difficult from the start of their lives when they realize they have a different type of sexual orientation that is not socially acceptable and can be embarrassing. These people experience psychological pain, anxiety, depression, loneliness, and a sense of inferiority toward themselves and the world around them, necessitating frequent visits to counselors or therapists . https://pvdpsych.com/lgbtqia-affirming-services/

  Shauna Finley, PhD I am a clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience treating anxiety and trauma-related disorders in academic medical centers and outpatient psychotherapy clinics. I offer therapy via telehealth to adults in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. I specialize in the treatment of postpartum anxiety and depression, mental health difficulties during pregnancy, traumatic birth experiences, pregnancy losses, and stress related to fertility struggles. I have extensive training in evidence-based psychotherapies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). I provide compassionate, patient-centered care that is based in clinical science and neuroscience. Whether you are experiencing anxious mood, excessive worry, panic attacks, difficulty relaxing, fatigue, irritability, low motivation, poor sleep, or just feeling stuck in a rut, I am here to...

  Social Anxiety Disorder  can be debilitating and isolating because individuals struggling with it experience intense fear that others are observing and judging them and consequently, end up avoiding social interactions. The nature of the anxiety may involve fears of public speaking, dating, or attending class or work and lead to individuals completely avoiding the situation(s) because they worry that others will notice their anxiety, negatively perceive them, and/or reject them. CBT for Social Anxiety focuses on helping individuals understand the interaction between their fears and behaviors that perpetuate the anxiety and then working together to establish new ways of interacting with others to challenge their beliefs. https://pvdpsych.com/anxiety-disorders/

  While college is often viewed as an enjoyable and liberating phase in life, it doesn’t always turn out that way. Recent research indicates that 47% of college students experience depression or anxiety. This could be attributed to various factors such as adjusting to new social dynamics, coping with a heavy workload, and adapting to unfamiliar surroundings. These new challenges can be overwhelming and lead to mental health issues like depression. Depression is a medical condition that impacts a person’s mood and functioning. College students are particularly susceptible due to factors like lifestyle changes, chronic stress, genetic predisposition, and others. Treatment for depression typically involves a combination of medications and psychotherapy , tailored to the individual’s needs. https://pvdpsych.com/student-mental-health/

  Talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy, is what mental health professionals use to communicate with their patients. The purpose of talk therapy is to help identify issues causing emotional distress. https://pvdpsych.com/team/

  ​ PVD Psychological Associates offers therapy across the lifespan for a range of issues. We have specific specializations in college mental health, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, trauma, LGBTQIA+ issues, and relationship difficulties and we also see clients for a range of other issues. https://pvdpsych.com/contact/

  Why We Should Stop Procrastinating and How to Combat It Imagine you have a task to complete—a report due next week, a project you’ve been meaning to start, or simply an email you need to respond to. You know it’s there, lingering on your to-do list, but you find yourself pushing it to the back of your mind…again. Somehow, cleaning the kitchen, checking social media, or binge-watching that series you’ve already seen looks far more appealing. Sound familiar?  This common habit of putting off tasks is known as procrastination, and while it might offer some sort of relief, it can lead to long-term stress, missed opportunities, and a cycle of avoidance that can be difficult to break. What is Procrastination? Procrastination is delaying or putting off tasks, often in favor of activities that feel much easier or more enjoyable. At its core, procrastination isn’t simply laziness; it’s typically driven by our emotional state, often stemming from fear, anxiety, or self-doubt. When we ...