Did you know addiction is a family disease?  Yes it effects roughly nine people around the one addict. Everyone in the family plays a role in the addiction. The spouse/significant other is often playing the caretaker. What counselors call the codependent. This person often covers up for the addict. They may control all the money, call in sick to the addicts boss, cover with children about the behavior of the addict. They often check up on their every move or phone call. They feel if they control everything then the addict will behave. They become disillusioned that somehow they can control the addict. This is the lie involved with addiction.

The truth is only the addict can make things better. When treatment begins the whole family must be involved to change how they interact with the addict. This helps to make the family healthy. The goal of the treatment is to change the lifestyle and help educate families about the disease of addiction. There is hope. Find a addiction counselor to guide you through the steps of recovery, family member or addict get help today your worth it!

As a licensed counselor in the state of Florida, Deborah Kalinyak specializes in mental health issues in Brevard County. Among the areas of mental health that Deborah provides treatment for are ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) or ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). This is a type of disorder that starts in childhood and in many cases, continues into adulthood, if left untreated.

Recognizing Symptoms

Children in particular can express a variety of different behaviors that indicate they may be struggling with their feelings. Some of the common symptoms associated with ADD ADHD in children include the following:

• · Engaging in disruptive behavior at home and/or in school
• · Impulsive
• · Difficulty in focusing
• · Hyperactive
• · Easily frustrated
• · Difficulty making friends or getting along with fellow classmates
• · Doing poorly in school/refusing to attend
• · Daytime accidents/bedwetting

Adults who suffer from this disorder can also express explicit symptoms. For example, adults with ADHD often find it difficult to concentrate on their work, and lack any type of organizational skills. They may also find it hard to follow instructions or complete projects in a timely manner. Additionally, they may have problematic relationships and a predisposition towards addiction.

Possible Correlations

While specific causes of ADD remain unknown, certain factors do play a major role in affecting a child’s development, as well as a family’s ability to function properly. These include significant transitional changes, such as:

• · Separation/divorce
• · Loss of loved ones
• · New additions to a family
• · Learning disabilities
• · Other types of special needs

Treating ADD ADHD

Conventional forms of treating ADD or ADHD involve the use of prescription medications to improve brain function, as well as different forms of counseling. While some medications can alleviate symptoms, parents are often weary of the side effects. Homeopathic remedies or natural treatment options can prove to be a safe and effective alternative.

Deborah Kalinyak provides different types of mental health counseling, such as child therapy and parent counseling to treat ADD in Brevard County. The purpose of therapy is to enable children to explore complex feelings and relive distress in a unique and safe atmosphere. Children with ADD ADHD are also able to learn new ways of coping through counseling, and it helps to improve their confidence.

Some of the ways parents can get involved and support their children is by reinforcing strategies learned in therapy, such as relaxation, stress reduction and anger management techniques. As a parent, you can also motivate your child to express his/her feelings through writing or art. In addition to ADHD treatment in Brevard County, Deborah Kalinyak also provides other mental health services, including couples therapy, addiction treatment, alcohol rehab and Christian based counseling methods. Call today to speak with a professional.

In today’s society, it seems like everyone is obsessed with outer beauty. We all seem to be concerned about having the perfect hair, make-up, clothes and of course body shape! The truth is it’s quite normal and even natural for women in particular, to worry about how they look, and how much they weigh. However, when these feelings are heightened and excessively obsessed over, they can result in eating disorders. In the United States alone, an estimated 8 million people suffer from eating disorders.

An eating disorder is a psychological condition that causes an individual to become obsessed with food and body image. Although men also suffer from this illness, more women tend to be affected. Eating disorders can lead to premature death, especially if left untreated, which is why professional care is strongly recommended to cure this illness. Fortunately, eating disorder treatment in Brevard County is available.

Types of Eating Disorders

As a licensed counselor, Deborah Kalinyak specializes in providing individuals with mental health services in Brevard County. With over 15 years of experience in the mental health field, Deborah works with patients who suffer from the two most common types of eating disorders, anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Both of these eating disorders cause sufferers to have a distorted body image. They basically see themselves as being fat, no matter how emaciated they are in reality.

Anorexia is an eating disorder that can affect anyone, but is thought to be more common in young women. It usually starts off as a normal weight concern, but can quickly spiral out of control and lead to a vicious ongoing cycle of not eating enough and over exercising. On the opposite end, those who suffer from bulimia engage themselves in eating binges, followed by the immediate need to throw up. Some bulimics can even eat up to 20,000 calories during a single meal.

Causes & Symptoms

Specific causes related to eating disorders vary among each individual. However for some, it can stem from not having enough control in their life, which leaves their weight as the one thing they do have power over. Other causes that can lead to eating disorders include environmental factors, such as the media, and peer pressure. Biological causes, such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and depression can also be related to the development of eating disorders.

Common symptoms associated with eating disorders include the following:

• · Constant dieting (eating as little as possible)
• · Excessive weight loss
• · Compulsive exercise regiment
• · Constant feeling of being fat
• · Pale, yellow or dry skin
• · Showing signs of depression
• · Expressing disinterest in social interaction
• · Binge eating
• · Secret vomiting

Treatment Options

The good news about eating disorders is that help can often be sought through mental health counseling. Many cases of eating disorders also require treatment for other problem areas which tend to accompany the illness, such as depression, anxiety or substance abuse. The goal of Brevard County eating disorder treatment programs is to target the symptoms as well as emotional and interpersonal issues.

Treatment for eating disorders can involve a combination of nutritional counseling, psychotherapy, residential treatment and support groups. In addition to eating disorders, mental health clinics in Brevard County also cater to individuals who suffer from related problems, such as addiction, alcoholism and marital issues. Remember, you don’t have to suffer in silence because help is only a phone call away.

As a licensed mental health counselor, Deborah Kalinyak has been in private practice for 16 years. Serving the areas of Melbourne, Palm Bay, Rockledge, Cocoa and Merritt Island, Christian based counseling is among the mental health services in Brevard County that Deborah offers patients.

Christian counseling is a faith based practice, characterized by the heavy usage of Holy Scriptures and teachings of Jesus Christ to promote health and healing. Whether you’re a deeply religious or strongly spiritual person, this type of counseling can be of great help.

Mental Health Issues

Perhaps you’re someone who strongly believes in dealing with life’s problems through manners that are both taught and approved in the Bible. In order to do this successfully, you have to connect with Christian counseling centers that understand your need to overcome adversity through faith and prayer. Christian counseling in Brevard County can help you deal with the following types of mental health issues:

• · Depression
• · Addiction treatment in Brevard County
• · Anxiety/stress
• · Self-esteem issues
• · Eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia)
• · Marital problems
• · Grief

Professional Help

When seeking the assistance of a Christian counselor, it’s important to ensure that he/she has been properly trained and is licensed or certified by a church or organization. An example of a reputable organization that ordains or certifies counselors is The National Christian Counselors Association (AACC).

While secular counseling refers to professionals who become licensed by their state, Christian counseling presents several designations as well. These include Certified Christian Counselors (CCC), Licensed Pastoral Counselors (LPC), or Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselors (LCPC). They provide services such as psychotherapy, training, seminars and assessments.

Benefits of Christian Counseling

Christian counseling can offer many spiritually rewarding benefits when utilized appropriately by professionals that are both experienced and compassionate. First of all, it enables you to deal with the hardships in your life in a manner that does not conflict with the instruction found in Holy Scriptures. Additionally, Brevard County Christian counseling centers and clinics help to strengthen your conviction through prayer, and increase your scriptural understanding.

It’s important to understand that being religious and grounded does not necessarily eliminate the stress, problems, failures or conflicts from life. However, Christian counseling enables individuals to strengthen their resolve, especially in times when their faith is tested. The goal of this type of counseling is not just to overcome pain; rather it’s a process that combines the tools used by mental health professionals, the truths of the Bible and wisdom of life experience to help those in need.

As a licensed mental health counselor in Brevard County, one of the areas of addiction that Deborah Kalinyak specializes in is alcoholism. It can be defined as a chronic disease characterized by the compulsive need to use alcohol. According to some statistics, 50% of individuals between the ages of 21 and 24 that die in traffic accidents have alcohol in their system.

Furthermore, alcohol leads to severe health issues, including harmful effects on the brain which causes the inability to judge, perform work or make any type of rational decision. This is why it becomes necessary for addicts to seek help. Mental health centers in Brevard County provide different types of alcoholic rehabilitation programs to help patients overcome addiction.

Causes of Alcoholism

Research indicates that alcoholism can in fact be genetic; however the relation is linked to more of a lifestyle dynamic. Other factors thought to increase your risk for developing alcoholism include your surroundings, social circle, the amount and/or level of stress in your life, as well as how readily available alcohol may be.

It’s also important to keep in mind that while this disease can run in families, it doesn’t automatically mean that a child of an alcoholic parent will become one too. There are many cases where individuals develop an addiction to alcohol even though no one in their family suffers from the same problem.

Symptoms & Treatment

Some of the major symptoms associated with alcoholism include the following:

• · Strong craving – the need or urge to drink
• · Physical dependence – characterized by nausea, excessive sweating, instability and anxiety (after attempting to stop alcohol consumption)
• · Loss of control – the inability to stop drinking
• · Tolerance – the need to consume greater amounts of alcohol in order to achieve the same sensation or high

When it comes to alcohol treatment in Brevard County, intervention is a great first step. The purpose of alcohol intervention is to create awareness in the addict, so that he/she is able to recognize the problem. Other forms of treatment include counseling, therapy and the use of medication to battle withdrawal symptoms as necessary. Effective alcohol treatment typically targets the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual areas of the addict. Many types of non-profit organizations, including alcoholic anonymous in Brevard County provide assistance in the treatment and prevention of addiction.

In addition to alcohol rehab, Deborah Kalinyak also helps patients who suffer from other types of mental health issues, including anxiety, PTSD, grief, marriage/divorce, parenting and depression in Brevard County. To learn more about alcohol treatment in Brevard County, as well other mental health issues, call our center today and speak with a professional concerning your problems.

Sadly, statistics for divorce rates in the United States are continuing to rise. Although divorce can be caused by numerous reasons, many people split up due to irreconcilable differences. This is because they tend to get married without taking the time to really know and understand one another. We’ve all heard of the age old adage about marriage and compromise, they go hand-in-hand right? Unfortunately, it’s not always black and white. Marriage is a huge step and one that should be taken after careful thought and consideration. Today, more and more people are basing their decision to enter the institution of marriage after going through couples counseling or couples therapy. Mental health centers in Brevard County provide relationship counseling as part of their services.

What is Couples Counseling?

Couples counseling in Brevard County basically provides an open platform for both you and your partner to discuss specific issues that may be causing a strain on your relationship. This can include problems such as the following:

• Ongoing arguments centering around the same issue
• Feelings of distance, emptiness or loneliness
• Uncertainly about the future of the relationship
• Anger or trust issues
• Feelings of resentment
• Dissatisfaction or lack of interest in the relationship

Benefits of Counseling

The overall purpose of couples counseling is to help the couple deal with their immediate problems effectively, and to teach them better ways to relate to each other. Relationship counseling in Brevard County also extends to married couples. There are several benefits for both couples and marriage counseling in Brevard County. First of all, counseling helps couples to rediscover their love for each other and enables them to appreciate one another again.

Research conducted on couples counseling suggests that a greater percentage of couples receiving therapy are doing better in their relationships in comparison to similar couples who did not receive therapy. Statistics also show a significant percentage of couples that have reported considerable improvement based on average scores regarding marital satisfaction.

Counseling & Therapy Methods

In some cases, couples counseling and marriage therapy may begin with both partners making a commitment to repair their relationship. Brevard County mental health centers use counseling techniques such as psychotherapy and group sessions with other couples facing similar problems. This helps couples to better communicate with each other, develop feelings, and understand that they are not alone.

Depending on your relationship problems, the therapist may want either you or your partner to seek additional assistance. This is because of underlying issues that mental health counselors are specifically trained to spot. Fortunately, therapists also offer depression and anxiety treatment in Brevard County to help couples that are facing more than just marital problems. In the event that therapy does not help you salvage your relationship or marriage, counselors can still help to facilitate an agreeable and civil separation.

It’s completely normal for people to feel anxious or nervous at different times during their lives. For instance, it’s common for individuals to experience feelings of anxiety before doing certain things like taking a test or exam, making public appearances, speaking to a large audience or making an important decision. However, there is a big difference between getting the “nerves” every now and then, and suffering from anxiety disorders.

This is because anxiety disorders cause such a great deal of distress and turmoil, that it becomes nearly impossible for you to function and lead a normal life. The good news is that there is treatment for anxiety disorders. Mental health services in Brevard County cater to individuals suffering from different types of mental disorders, including anxiety. The first step to overcoming the problem is to be aware of the different types of anxiety disorders that exist as well some of the causes, symptoms and treatment options available.

Types of Anxiety Disorders

The continuous worry and fear caused by anxiety disorders are so overwhelming, that it can often be crippling for sufferers. They come in many forms, including the following:

1. Generalized anxiety disorder

This disorder is characterized by excessive and unrealistic worry or tension, even though there is little or nothing to cause the anxiety.

2. Panic disorder

Have you ever heard of people having a “panic attack?” These attacks are associated with panic disorder, a condition that causes people to have sudden feelings of intense terror that occur repeatedly without warning.

3. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Individuals that suffer from OCD are plagued by constant thoughts or fears that drive them to perform certain rituals or routines over and over again, such as washing their hands, combing their hair, being untruthful etc.

4. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

PTSD sufferers develop this condition as a result of traumatic or terrifying events that may have taken place in their life, such as sexual abuse, unexpected death of loved ones, or natural disasters. Ongoing thoughts and memories of such events cause them to be in a constant state of emotional numbness.

5. Social anxiety disorder

This type of anxiety disorder involves overwhelming feelings of worry and self-consciousness about everyday social situations.

6. Specific Phobias

Having a specific phobia or fear of something can include specific objects or situations such as heights, closed spaces, flying, snakes, spiders etc.

Causes & Symptoms

Anxiety disorders are thought to be caused by many factors including chronic stress, certain mental conditions, and external factors, such as financial problems or marital distresses. Symptoms may vary depending on the type of anxiety disorder, however general signs include:

• Obsessive thoughts
• Feelings of panic and fear
• Bad dreams/nightmares
• Difficulty with sleeping
• Shortness of breath
• Cold or sweaty hands
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Muscle tension
• Nausea

Treatment for Anxiety

Different types of relaxation techniques can often help to alleviate anxiety, but they’re not always enough. Depending on the severity of your anxiety disorder, getting help from a professional may be the best way to overcome the problem. Mental health counseling services in Brevard County are available for people with anxiety disorders. This can include therapy or counseling sessions, as well as hypnosis or the use of medications.

Additionally, counselors also provide treatment for depression in Brevard County, which is another type of common mental disorder that can manifest from anxiety. Remember that recognizing you have a problem and getting help are key in successfully dealing with anxiety.

We all know that life isn’t perfect; there are moments when we feel happy and content and there are periods when we feel overwhelmed and frustrated. Therefore, it’s quite normal for people to feel down or sad from time to time. However, when the sadness takes hold and begins to consume your entire life, it may be depression. Unlike the temporary pangs of unhappiness, depression makes it difficult for you to function and enjoy life. Fortunately, with depression treatment in Brevard County, you can begin to feel better. The first step to overcoming the problem is having a better understanding of depression, including its causes, signs and symptoms.

Possible Causes of Depression

There is a major difference between feeling “blue” or “depressed” and suffering from depression. Clinical depression is described as unrelenting and overpowering with inescapable feelings of sorrow and despair.  It is a mental illness that is thought to be caused by a combination of biological, psychological and social factors. However, there are certain risk factors that make you even more vulnerable to developing clinical depression. They include the following:

• Genetics
• Stressful or traumatic life experiences
• Drug & alcohol abuse
• Financial distresses
• Health problems/chronic pain

Signs & Symptoms of Depression

Mental health services in Brevard County provide information to help you recognize some of the signs and symptoms associated with depression. Although they vary from person to person, the following indications are linked to depression problems:

• Loss of interest in daily or routine activities
• Changes in appetite (weight gain/loss)
• Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Loss of energy/fatigue
• Difficulty with concentration and keeping focus

Treating Depression

In addition to clinical depression, there are also other types and levels, including mild, seasonal affective disorder and postpartum depression. Sadly, thoughts of death and suicide are a symptom of severe depression, which is why treatment is so important. Although making positive lifestyle changes such as eating healthy, exercising and cultivating supportive relationships can be of great help, they’re not always enough. Depending on the severity of your depression problem, it may be necessary to seek help from a professional. Mental health clinics in Brevard County employ licensed counselors to help individuals who are suffering from depression.

A mental health counselor can create a customized treatment plan just for you. Treatment for depression in Brevard County usually incorporates the use of medication, when necessary and therapy sessions, which give you the skills and insight to help prevent depression from coming back and consuming your life. Additionally, therapy helps you get to the root of your depression problem. This enables you to understand why you feel a certain way, what exactly triggers your depression, and what you can do or change in order to stay healthy, happy and motivated.

The term “addiction” is linked to both psychological and physical problems with dependence. It can also be described as an obsession or compulsion; the constant need to indulge our bodies in something good or bad. Individuals can become addicted to a number of different substances, activities or behaviors. The following are just a few examples of some common addictions that many people battle on a daily basis:

• Drug & alcohol addiction
• Nicotine (smoking)
• Gambling addiction
• Compulsive overeating
• Work addiction (“workaholic”)

Causes of Addiction

Have you ever wondered what causes people to become addicted to different types of substances or activities? Many explanations have been linked to chemical changes in the brain, which triggers a craving. Addicts basically engage in their habit to achieve a sense of euphoria. Unfortunately, the problem develops as they continue to crave this feeling on an ongoing basis and require higher doses or increased activity to reach that same euphoric feeling. In the addict’s mind, this sensation helps to deal with other problems, such as depression, anxiety or loneliness. Mental health centers in Brevard County help many patients that are trying to beat addiction.

Signs & Symptoms

Addictions can come in several different forms. This is why it’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of addiction before the problem escalates beyond your control. Although the specific indications of an addiction may vary with different types that people develop, there are some basic symptoms that all addicts tend to carry. These include obsessive thoughts, loss of control, compulsion and the habitual use or participation regardless of adverse affects. Other types of common symptoms associated with addiction include:

• Uncontrolled cravings/desires
• Physical & mental fatigue
• Change in behavior (moody, irritated etc.)
• Hyperactivity

Addiction Treatment

The issue of addiction in Brevard County is a common problem that seems to plague many individuals. Fortunately, counseling and other forms of treatment are offered in Brevard County addiction treatment centers. Depending on the severity of the addiction, some patients may need to undergo detoxification before they can begin the process of healing through therapy. Depending on your individual situation, the Brevard County mental health counselor may also incorporate group and family therapy sessions to help you on the road to recovery. So if you’re tired of battling addiction on your own, consider reaching out to a professional for help. Brevard County mental health programs can help you overcome your addiction and get back to living a healthy lifestyle.