Positive Mind Counseling & Therapeutic Services
Chelsea Totaro, LCSW, MSW, CSSW
Princeton Forrestal Village
116 Village Blvd, Suite 200
Princeton, New Jersey, 08540
It's important to note that the choice of treatment may vary depending on an individual's specific needs and preferences. Everyone's journey is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. My role is to carefully assess your circumstances and guide you towards a personalized treatment plan that can help alleviate your symptoms.
Anxiety
Anxiety can manifest in a variety of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms, such as muscle tension, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and avoidance of certain situations or activities. If left untreated, anxiety can negatively impact mental health and well-being, affecting personal relationships, academic or work performance, and overall quality of life. Fortunately, with the help of therapy and other resources, anxiety can be managed and even overcome, allowing individuals to live a more fulfilling and rewarding life.
Evidence based treatment methods I utilize effective for anxiety include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT - TFCBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Exposure Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). These approaches focus on changing negative thought patterns, developing coping strategies, promoting acceptance, addressing underlying conflicts, gradual exposure to fears, cultivating mindfulness, and processing traumatic experiences.​
Depression
While everyone experiences occasional feelings of sadness, depression is more than just a passing mood. It's a complex condition that can have a significant impact on a person's thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, often making it difficult to carry out daily activities and maintain healthy relationships. Fortunately, depression is treatable. With the help of a therapist, medication, or other treatments, people with depression can learn effective coping strategies and regain their sense of well-being. Early recognition and intervention are key to managing depression, and seeking help from a mental health professional is an important first step towards recovery.
Effective psychotherapy treatments I utilize for depression include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Behavioral Activation (BA), Psychodynamic Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and Supportive Therapy. These approaches address negative thoughts, interpersonal difficulties, behavior activation, underlying factors, mindfulness, and emotional support.
Relationships
Through therapy, individuals can learn effective communication skills, develop greater empathy and understanding, and explore ways to resolve conflicts and deepen their connection. Therapy can also help individuals identify and change unhelpful patterns of behavior or thinking that may be contributing to relationship problems.By working with a therapist, individuals can gain insight into their own needs and motivations, as well as those of their partner or loved one. With this deeper understanding and greater self-awareness, individuals can develop stronger, healthier relationships, based on mutual trust, respect, and compassion.
Often in my practice, I utilize Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). SFBT focuses on identifying and building on the strengths and resources within the relationship. It helps partners set specific goals, find practical solutions, and create positive changes in their dynamics. Additionally, I often apply DBT informed coping skills. DBT focuses on enhancing emotional regulation, improving communication, and resolving conflicts. DBT skills, such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness, can be incorporated to help individuals navigate relationship challenges, manage intense emotions, and build healthier interactions. By learning and practicing these skills together, individuals can work towards creating more balanced and satisfying relationships.
College Life
One of the main benefits of therapy for life transitions is that it provides a safe and supportive space for individuals to explore their thoughts and feelings, and to receive guidance and support from a trained professional. Therapy can help college students develop coping skills to manage the stress and anxiety that often accompany life transitions, as well as help students navigate important decisions, such as choosing a major or career path, and provide strategies for managing academic and social pressures. Psychotherapy can help college students develop a greater sense of self-awareness, which can be especially valuable during a time of significant personal growth and development. By exploring their values, goals, and priorities, students can gain clarity and direction for their future. Ultimately, therapy can help college students successfully navigate the challenges of life transitions, build resilience, and set the foundation for a fulfilling and meaningful life.
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Psychotherapy for college students encompasses a range of effective approaches tailored to their unique needs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) assists students in developing healthier coping strategies and managing issues such as anxiety, depression, and academic stress. Psychodynamic therapy explores deeper emotional processes and unresolved conflicts to promote self-understanding and personal growth. Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) helps students set goals and develop problem-solving skills. Mindfulness-based approaches cultivate self-awareness and stress reduction. Additionally, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) equips students with skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, assisting them in managing intense emotions and building healthier relationships. Supportive counseling provides a safe space for students to express concerns and navigate the complexities of college life. These modalities offer college students valuable support to enhance their academic and emotional well-being.
Periods of Transition
Therapy can also help individuals develop a greater sense of self-awareness and understanding of their own needs and goals. By exploring their values, priorities, and desires, individuals can gain clarity and direction for their future, and make meaningful changes that align with their goals and aspirations. Overall, therapy can be a powerful tool for navigating life transitions, providing support, guidance, and a sense of empowerment during times of change and uncertainty.
Adolescence
Therapy can also help adolescents develop coping skills to manage their emotions and build resilience in the face of adversity. It can provide a space for them to work through difficult experiences and develop strategies for managing stress and anxiety. Additionally, therapy can help adolescents develop a greater sense of self-awareness and understanding of their own values and goals, which can help them make more informed decisions and set the foundation for a fulfilling and meaningful life. In summary, therapy offers support for adolescents during a time of significant change and development, helping them build resilience and develop the skills they need to thrive in the future.