Welcome to andreatorresmadison.com

Managing Anxiety & Depression
Nurturing Creativity with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder)
Adapting to Life Transitions
Communicating as a Couple
Rebuilding after Loss & Grief
Coping with Physical Disabilities
Connecting with Spirituality

Conditions of anxiety and depression occur for many different reasons and in varied situations. They can be present in any of the focus areas mentioned below. As with any mental or emotional difficulty, learning more about what you are dealing with is the first step to making changes. Anxiety can stem from a situation or be chronic. It can be general or specific, as in a phobia. It can show up as PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Depression also has variations and degrees. It can be a situational depression, a major depression, one which has manic as well as depressive symptoms (Bi-polar).

I use a cognitive approach in dealing with thoughts, beliefs and behaviors which negatively impact your life. Together we can look at these beliefs, and also work to discover and forge new beliefs that are more useful. I also have training in EMDR, a technique used in treating PTSD. Learning to manage symptoms of anxiety and depression can increase your self confidence and help you to live a more fulfilling life.

For many people, dealing with adult Attention Deficit Disorder (with or without hyperactivity) includes a variety of traits which can create roadblocks in life. If you find yourself: easily distracted, frequently forgetful but sometimes able to have excellent recall, impatient or frustrated, spacey or foggy at times, inconsistent or underachieving, disorganized or having time management problems, impulsive or procrastinating; you might look further into the possibility that you are dealing with ADD. Some positives can include originality in thinking, having passionate interests, being generous, helpful to others, humorous and highly creative.

I will work with you to identify your challenges, barriers and positive attributes, especially your creative abilities. We will also focus together on developing strategies that work for you. In the case of adult ADD, the ancient Greek aphorism “know thyself” is perhaps the most important key to living well with the brain you have been given.

Change is found at many different points in the life spectrum; you might be new to parenting, or in giving care to your own elderly parent. You might be a new college student trying to adjust, or a returning veteran trying to readjust. You might have started a new job or be entering retirement. Perhaps you are recently married or maybe you have just moved to a new area. Change can be positive or negative, but in either case, stress can result.

I assist people in developing self care strategies to use during these, and other, life transitions. Reviewing past changes during your life helps to identify your style of adaptation. I have heard “I don’t like change” from many, many people. All of life is full of transitions. We might not like them, but learning how we can best live through these times of change is critical to our mental health.

I also work with couples to improve relationships through examining emotional connections and improving communication skills. Recognition of your childhood emotional legacy and how your emotional brain functions are important antecedents to improving communication. By improving awareness of self, each of you can then begin to sort out your own needs and those of your partner. Looking at your common values and those aspects of each other that you appreciate is an important part of strengthening your relationship.

My training and approach utilize a method developed by John Gottman. Initially I see both people together, then individually, and then together again. This thorough assessment is followed by suggestions for proceeding in counseling. Unless your relationship is extremely damaged from longstanding resentments, I encourage you to explore growth through couples counseling. Having the intention and making the commitment to improve your relationship enables positive change to occur.

My initial focus and expertise was in the area of thanatology and bereavement care. I continue to see adults, children and teenagers who are dealing with loss and grief from death or a divorce. Although grief is a normal human experience, it can be one of enormous pain. Loss impacts our thoughts, how we feel emotionally and physically, our interactions and relationships with others, and the deepest spiritual core of our being. Our society focuses on “getting over it” and “being strong.” The inner struggle that many go through following a loss is compounded by this societal expectation.

Being able to discuss your loss and express your own reality with a neutral person can help you work through your own unique grief process. I provide compassion, encouragement, information and feedback to you. Taking time to grieve and reintegrate following a loss is integral to rebuilding your life. It takes courage to decide to do your grief work.

Part of my practice is with people who are living with chronic and/or disabling physical conditions. Whether you have lived your whole life, a part of your life, or you are newly dealing with a chronic illness or a disabling physical condition, you probably are confronting this on a regular basis. Testing your ability to cope can be demoralizing and challenging. Anxieties and depression can surface, compounding the physical difficulty.

My approach includes emotional support for the daily trials you face. I will also work with you to identify your strengths and your style of coping. Coping well enough is a mental concept that can help you to shift perspective from hopelessness or unrealistic expectations, to a place of acceptance and greater confidence. I provide a safe environment in which you can express your frustrations as well as explore coping strategies.

What does spirituality have to do with counseling or psychotherapy? We are complex beings with delicate intertwining of the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of ourselves. By participating in therapy with me you are giving yourself the opportunity, if you choose, to explore your spirituality as part of your growth and resolution of inner conflicts. I honor your spirituality as your own and recognize that it is deeply personal.

You might ask yourself:
• What is meaningful to me and helps sustain me through difficult times?
• Do I hold anything sacred? How do I define that for myself?
• Do my problems affect me spiritually?
Your answers will reflect your individual beliefs and will vary greatly from person to person and among different cultures. Perhaps your answers will be a positive resource for you during the therapeutic process and will enhance your spiritual growth and development.