Amy Beckman lcsw Psychotherapy
Mindfulness to emotions and thoughts enable me to empower you.
Stress Management
for Northern Virginia
Serving Teens & Adults in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Area, including...
Fairfax County, VA - McLean, Arlington, Alexandria, Hemdon, Reston, Fairfax,
Burke, Springfield, Annandale, and Vienna - Potomac & Bethesda, MD
(703) 356-3239
Stress Management Techniques and Therapies
The stress you experience is not necessarily harmful. Mild forms of stress can act as a motivator and energizer. However, if your stress level is too high, medical and social problems can result.
Although we tend to think of stress as caused by external events, these events in themselves are not stressful. Rather, it is the way in which we interpret and react to events that makes them stressful. People differ dramatically in the type of events they interpret as stressful and the way in which they respond to such stress. For example, speaking in public can be stressful for some people while barely raises blood pressure in another.
Stress can be made worse by other’s expectations, and being human we always care what others think of us - even though we tell ourselves that we do not. Negative thoughts about our self-image also add to the stress.
Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are.
~ Chinese Proverb
In my psychotherapy practice I help individuals to better manage and cope with stress and distress. Using an eclectic model of supportive psychotherapy, I integrate methods and techniques primarily from the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and lifestyle coaching. Goals are typically centered on reducing physiological reactivity and eliminating behaviors that overexpose or unsuccessfully avoid debilitating stress. We will explore and correct negative self-talk that can exacerbate and fuel the subjective and physiological experience of stress and anxiety. Uncovering underlying belief systems that are at the source of stress is an important part of the recovery process. I also use a biofeedback tool, emWave 2 technology, in my office. This technology is used to teach my clients how to recognize and reduce physiological symptoms of stress and anxiety. These relaxation and revitalization techniques are practiced in the office and can be easily incorporated into daily stress management activity. Learning new strategies for perceiving and coping with life’s daily stressors helps to lessen negative patterns.
Interested in managing your stress better? Here are some stress reduction tips to consider:
❖Become aware of your own reactions to stress.
❖Reinforce positive self-statements.
❖Focus on your good qualities and accomplishments.
❖Avoid unnecessary competition.
❖Develop assertive behaviors.
❖Recognize and accept your limits. Remember that everyone is unique and different.
❖Get a hobby or two. Relax and have fun.
❖Exercise regularly.
❖Eat a balanced diet daily.
❖Talk with friends or someone you can trust about your worries/problems.
❖Practice relaxation techniques. Whenever you feel tense, slowly breathe in and out for several minutes.
Finding creative and healthful ways to better manage stress is a life-long reward of supportive psychotherapy and lifestyle coaching.
During the course of our life, we encounter stress. Stress is a part of daily life. You may experience stress while meeting demands at the work place, in school, at home or due to other changes and transitions in your life. Major changes that can be stressful include a new job, geographic mobility, marriage, pregnancy, death of a loved one or the loss of a job. Situational stress generally includes such pressures as competition, financial problems, over stimulation such as exposure to noise and screen time, and disappointments.
Amy Beckman LCSW
Psychotherapist
Counseling for individuals, couples and families.
Serving teens and adults.
1499 Chain Bridge Rd., Suite 200
McLean, VA 22101
(703) 356-3239
Amy Beckman, LCSW sees patients for individual (teens and adults) & couples counseling, family therapy, and lifestyle coaching in Northern Virginia. As a therapist and counselor, she treats for depression and anxiety including bi-polar disorder, grief and loss, substance use and abuse, relationship, parenting, stress management, and education, work & career issues. From her McLean, VA practice, she serves the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area including the counties of Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William in Virginia including the neighborhoods of McLean, Great Falls, Countryside, Sterling, Hemdon, Reston, Wolf Trap, Tysons Corner, Pimmit Hills, Idylwood, Falls Church, Arlington, Seven Corners, Bailey’s Crossroads, Chantilly, Centreville, Fair Lakes, Fairfax, Oakton, Mantua, Merrifield, Annandale, Lincolnia, Alexandria, Springfield, Burke, Newington, Woodbridge, and Dale City; and the county of Montgomery in Maryland including the neighborhoods of Potomac, Bethesda and North Bethesda, Silver Spring, and Rockville.
Copyright © 2013 by Amy Beckman. All rights reserved.
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Stress Management
