Psychotherapy is most often the first form of treatment recommended for mental health disorders. It is hard for the average person to separate psychosocial or environmental factors that lead to depression, anxiety or panic attacks from a neurochemical imbalance. Often these conditions can improve with counseling alone. After the initial call, an in-depth psychosocial assessment is done. Together, we can than determine what treatment best suits your needs. If necessary, a psychiatric referral can be made once it is determined if the cause may include a neurochemical imbalance. We discuss together the benefits and risks of treating with medication. Afterwards, medication side effects can be monitored.

Psychosocial factors may include, but are not limited to:

• Grief from the loss of a loved one or grief from having a chronic illness
• Disputes with family, friends, or co-workers
• Role transitions, such as moving to a new city, graduating from high school
      or college, changing jobs, or retiring
• Social isolation
• Substance abuse

Grief Recovery Counseling

Suffering from the loss of a loved one can be excruciating. Whether through death or divorce, people struggle when a significant relationship is ended. Grieving can extend over a period of time, even becoming complicated with symptoms of depression.

The process of grief is very personal, following no specific time table. Feelings of guilt and regret may seem overwhelming. Sometimes, individuals just do not know how to go on with their lives. Doing so can even seem like a betrayal of the loved ones, as if they didn't matter.

But prolonged, disruptive grief is harmful, not only to the grieving individual but to those who love and depend on him or her. Grief Recovery Counseling can help people work through the natural stages of loss - the anger, denial, and despair. Working through this painful transition allows individuals to become happier, healthier people without trying to deny or bury past loves.

Integrating lost loved ones into a new life can be achieved through the process of addressing people's feelings and making new choices to move forward.

Therapy is offered in a variety of formats, including:

• Individual -- This therapy involves only the patient and the therapist.
• Group -- Two or more patients may participate in therapy at the same time. Patients are able to share experiences and learn that others feel the same way and have had the same experiences.
• Marital/couples -- This type of therapy helps spouses and partners understand why their loved one has depression, what changes in communication and behaviors can help, but also what they can do to cope.
• Family -- Because family is a key part of the team that helps people with depression get better, it is sometimes helpful for family members to understand what their loved one is going through, how they themselves can cope, and what they can do to help.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Broader Horizons Counseling has found that Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy often offers the quickest relief and most positive results. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy helps people with depression to identify and change inaccurate perceptions that they may have of themselves and the world around them. The therapist helps the patient establish new patterns of thinking by directing attention to the assumptions they make about themselves and others. Cognitive restructuring helps achieve optimal success in therapy.

Animal-Assisted Therapies

Working with an animal (or animals) under the guidance of a health care professional may benefit some people with mental illness by facilitating positive changes, such as increased empathy and enhanced socialization skills. Animals can be used as part of group therapy programs to encourage communication and increase the ability to focus. Developing self-esteem and reducing loneliness and anxiety are just some of the potential benefits of individual-animal therapy. Broader Horizons Counseling is certified and utilizes horses in treating any of the above mental health issues or with families, couples or children. (See Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy.)