Stress Management

Feel like you’re at the end of your rope?  Facing job related stress?  Feeling stressed about finances?   Struggling with interpersonal relationships?  Are you exhausted by the end of the day?  Do you find yourself yelling or crying all the time?  Does life seem to be out of control?  Wonder where the joy in living went?  Feel like you are on the treadmill of life and can’t get off?  Do you need a break?  Are you spending more time trying to get to sleep than actually sleeping?  Are you fearful about the future?

If you answered ‘Yes’ to any of these questions, read on to discover how you can start feeling better.  There are many things that create stress in our lives but the body interprets stress from two basic sources: Internal and External stressors.   Internal stressors are physical conditions within the body such as acute or chronic illness and disease, injury, pain, substance abuse, deficits in nutrition and sleep, and extremes in temperature, diet, and exercise.  External stressors refer to situations and events that happen in our environment such as job loss, financial strains, relationship difficulties, divorce, death of a loved one, job demands, school issues, caring for small children and elders, and natural disasters.  It is important to note that external stressors on their own do not cause stress problems - it is how stressors are perceived that can trigger fight-or-flight responses.

Everyone experiences stress at some point in their life.  In fact, a little stress can actually be helpful.  For example, activation of the fight-or-flight response is beneficial in response to a true emergency like jumping out of the way of a speeding car.   It can also be beneficial for athletes when they are striving to achieve their best possible performance.  But stress left unchecked can take an incredible physical and emotional toll.

The good news is that there are several evidence-based therapies which can help you reduce the negative effects of stress in your life!   Research indicates that Hypnosis, Guided Imagery, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Biofeedback, and Emotional Freedom Technique (energy tapping), are all effective therapies for targeting both internal and external sources of stress.

As a state licensed Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and certified Holistic Stress Management Instructor, Debbie is highly qualified to offer many holisitc strategies and treatments to help you restore the balance and joy in your life.

In addition to personalized one-on-one sessions, Debbie offers an 8 week “Healthy Living Stress Management” class.  The class is usually offered once or twice a year.  Most topics in the class can also be included in personalized one-on-one sessions.

Personalized Stress Management Services

First Session - What to Expect

The first appointment includes an intake process with health history, full review of health status, medications, lifestyle habits, and assessment of stressors and stress levels.  Debbie will gather information about stress coping style along with what has worked and what is not currently working.  Once the assessment is complete, Debbie will discuss individualized treatment options with the client.  Together they will formulate a treatment plan based on evidence-based therapies.

The first appointment is 2 - 2½ hours in length.  In addition to the initial intake and assessment, there is usually time for the first therapy session (i.e. hypnosis, biofeedback, etc.).  Occasionally, complicated cases need the first session just for intake and assessment with the actual treatment plan starting in the second session.

All stress management clients receive a FREE guided imagery CD entitled “Time to Relax”.

The total number of sessions depends on each client’s needs.

Stress Management Class

Class title:  Healthy Living: Stress Management

Payment Options

Accepted methods of payment are Cash, Check, Visa, and Mastercard.  Debbie does not accept insurance.  However, as a Washington State licensed Nurse Practitioner she can provide clients with receipts that they can turn into their insurance company for possible reimbursement. In appreciation for all that they do, US active and retired military personnel receive a $25 discount off their first session with Debbie.  Thanks to those who serve!

"For fast-acting relief, try slowing down." Lily Tomlin