People often seek therapy for a combination of symptoms. However, there are a few very common reasons that my clients seek therapy.

• Anxiety is among one of the top reasons for seeking help, affecting over 15 million Americans. Sometimes this shows us when you are alone, sometimes it's a social situation. Other times, there are phobia or external factors that are triggers. It can be as mild as feelings nervousness, worry, and fear. But, it can range to more severe feelings of literally feeling like  you can not breath or leave the home or interact with others.
• Depression is another one of the top reasons for seeking therapy. Sadness, hopelessness, worthless, apathy, irritability, low energy, poor concentration and overall feelings of emptiness are common descriptions when facing depression.
• Adjustment issues trigger stress and often bring people to therapy. This involves many natural transitions or challenges in life- newly married, having children, launching children into adulthood, job dissatisfaction that leads to needed change, career/job frustration and the list can go on! All people cope with these challenges and changes differently and seeking help through therapy is often beneficial.
• Loss and Grief in life is inevitable for all people. Some cope very well and may have the support systems in their life to fill the void of losing a loved one or even the loss of a relationship. However, for some, they may not have this support or may feel the support they do have is just not enough. It is important to process losses and work through grief. These situation are unique and some can be complicated and some can be prolonged.
• Trauma is unfortunately something most people face in life in one form or another and can range from mild to severe. Trauma can come from witnessing hard things, abuse or direct violence. Many times, these feelings are there for a long time and people can feel they should or could be strong enough to "get over it." It is often, not quite that easy to do. Processing through these difficult experiences can help to ease the memories and help individuals to move into an emotionally healthy place.

Additionally, there are many issues that are outside of this list such bipolar, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, substance-related disorders, etc.