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    barbarajborsi@gmail.com | (443) 472-1048

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    Understanding CBT: What It Is & How It Works

    January 22, 2024

    Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that focuses on identifying inaccurate or negative thinking, viewing difficult situations more clearly, and responding to those situations more effectively. CBT can be administered on an individual basis or in a group setting, and in some cases, it may be combined with another form of […]

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    Understanding CBT: What It Is & How It Works

    Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that focuses on identifying inaccurate or negative thinking, viewing difficult situations more clearly, and responding to those situations more effectively. CBT can be administered on an individual basis or in a group setting, and in some cases, it may be combined with another form of treatment (for example, medication). When compared to many other types of therapy, CBT often requires fewer sessions.

    What Can CBT Be Used to Treat?

    CBT has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including:

    • Anxiety
    • Bipolar disorder
    • Depression
    • Eating disorders
    • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
    • Phobias
    • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
    • Schizophrenia
    • Sleep disorders
    • Substance use disorders

    With that said, CBT isn’t just useful for individuals with mental illnesses—it can benefit anyone who’s dealing with a stressful situation. For example, CBT can also be used to help people cope with loss, resolve conflicts, and improve their communication skills.

    Does CBT Sound Like the Right Choice for You?

    If you think you could benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy, contact me today. I can tell you more about my practice and how I can incorporate CBT into our therapy sessions. If I seem like a good fit for your needs, we can schedule a therapy appointment at a date and time that fits into your schedule. I look forward to speaking with you and helping you work toward your treatment goals.

    Filed Under: talk therapy

    Managing Anxiety in the Workplace

    January 22, 2024

    Anxiety can affect every aspect of our lives, including our employment. And if workplace anxiety isn’t properly managed, it has the potential to negatively impact our careers. For example, if a promotion would require you to interact more with clients, give more presentations, or take more business trips—and you feel stressed at the prospect of […]

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    Managing Anxiety in the Workplace

    Anxiety can affect every aspect of our lives, including our employment. And if workplace anxiety isn’t properly managed, it has the potential to negatively impact our careers.

    For example, if a promotion would require you to interact more with clients, give more presentations, or take more business trips—and you feel stressed at the prospect of having to take on those tasks—you may be more likely to turn down the advancement (as well as the salary increase that would accompany it). Likewise, if you have social anxiety, you may be less likely to chat with your coworkers in the break room and attend office parties, which could prevent you from building a valuable network.

    Fortunately, there are steps you can take to manage anxiety in the workplace. If you regularly experience anxiety while you’re at work, you may want to try:

    • Keeping your desk, your computer desktop, and your email inbox organized and free of clutter
    • Making prioritized to-do lists and scheduling enough time to complete each of your tasks
    • Letting your coworkers know if you don’t have the bandwidth to take on additional work
    • Asking for help when you begin feeling overwhelmed
    • Avoiding checking work emails and voicemails after business hours
    • Scheduling vacation time (even if you don’t have travel plans, a staycation can help you relax and clear your mind)
    • Taking quick breaks whenever you start to feel anxious (for example, performing breathing exercises at your desk or taking a walk around the building)
    • Leading a healthy lifestyle (for example, eating nutritious foods, drinking plenty of fluids, exercising, and getting enough sleep each night)

    Learn More About Anxiety Management

    If you’re struggling to manage your anxiety at work, at home, or in other aspects of your life, I can help. I have extensive experience treating anxiety and can provide you with advice that’s tailored to your specific circumstances. Contact me today to learn more about my practice and schedule your first therapy session.

    Filed Under: workplace

    3 Common Eating Disorders

    January 22, 2024

    Do you suspect that you might have an eating disorder? If so, you’re not alone. According to statistics published by the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), approximately 9% of the U.S. population (28.8 million people) will experience an eating disorder at some point during their lives. Below, we discuss three of […]

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    3 Common Eating Disorders

    Do you suspect that you might have an eating disorder? If so, you’re not alone. According to statistics published by the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD), approximately 9% of the U.S. population (28.8 million people) will experience an eating disorder at some point during their lives. Below, we discuss three of the most common eating disorders.

    1. Anorexia Nervosa

    Commonly referred to simply as “anorexia,” anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder that causes someone to have a distorted perception of their own weight. Because they fear gaining weight, people with this condition tend to severely restrict how much food they eat, essentially starving themselves. They may also exercise excessively.

    2. Bulimia Nervosa

    This eating disorder causes someone to eat a large amount of food in a short amount of time, then try to get rid of the excess calories in an unhealthy way (for example, by vomiting, taking laxatives, or using enemas). This cycle is referred to as “binging and purging.”

    3. Binge-Eating Disorder

    Binge-eating disorder causes someone to regularly consume abnormally large amounts of food. People with this condition often report feeling like they’ve lost control and can’t make themselves stop eating.

    Get the Help You Need

    If you think you might have one of the conditions described above or a different type of eating disorder, we invite you to schedule an appointment with one of the experienced therapists on our team. We understand how having an eating disorder can affect all aspects of your life, and we’ll work with you to overcome your struggles and achieve your treatment goals. Contact us today to get started.

    Filed Under: eating disorder

    The Problem With Perfectionism: How to Embrace Imperfection

    January 22, 2024

    Perfectionism—the tendency to demand flawlessness from yourself or others—can often be a positive quality. Perfectionists tend to be highly motivated and ambitious, and thanks to their close attention to detail and their willingness to work long hours, they often excel at school and in the workplace. However, perfectionism also has a downside. In some cases, […]

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    The Problem With Perfectionism: How to Embrace Imperfection

    Perfectionism—the tendency to demand flawlessness from yourself or others—can often be a positive quality. Perfectionists tend to be highly motivated and ambitious, and thanks to their close attention to detail and their willingness to work long hours, they often excel at school and in the workplace.

    However, perfectionism also has a downside. In some cases, perfectionists can be overly critical, taking an all-or-nothing mindset and failing to accept anything that doesn’t meet their (sometimes unattainable) standards, no matter how much time and effort went into the work. Perfectionists also tend to base their own self-worth on their performance abilities, which can be damaging if they don’t deliver perfect results. In fact, studies have shown that perfectionists often experience higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, and are more likely to become burned out.

    Tips for Embracing Imperfection

    Perfectionism can be difficult to overcome, but it’s possible to do so. Here are some tips for how to manage perfectionist tendencies:

    • Set more realistic goals.
    • Reduce how much effort you’re putting into tasks and pay attention to whether anyone notices any difference in the results.
    • Try to think of mistakes as learning opportunities.
    • Recognize when you begin to think like a perfectionist, and then challenge those thoughts.
    • If seeing pictures and videos of people leading seemingly perfect lives triggers you, remind yourself that their posts are likely curated (and if that still doesn’t work, try taking a break from social media altogether).

    For More Information

    Do you suspect that you might be a perfectionist? If so, I invite you to schedule an appointment with me. If you struggle with perfectionism I can supply you with personalized advice that will help you embrace imperfection and improve your quality of life. Contact me today to get started.

    Filed Under: perfectionism

    Managing Work-Life Balance

    November 1, 2023

    Do you have trouble balancing work and your personal life? If so, you’re not alone. According to Mental Health America (MHA), almost 40% of U.S. adults who are employed full time reported working 50+ hours a week, and 18% work 60+ hours. Despite how common it is for people to work long hours, having a […]

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    Managing Work-Life Balance

    Do you have trouble balancing work and your personal life? If so, you’re not alone. According to Mental Health America (MHA), almost 40% of U.S. adults who are employed full time reported working 50+ hours a week, and 18% work 60+ hours.

    Despite how common it is for people to work long hours, having a healthy work-life balance is critical. Working too many hours—especially if it bleeds into your evenings, weekends, and holidays—can cause you to:

    • Feel stressed and burnt out
    • Strain your relationships with your loved ones
    • Neglect your hobbies and self-care activities

    All of this, in turn, can negatively impact your physical, mental, emotional, and social health.

    How to Achieve a Healthy Work-Life Balance

    Creating a healthy work-life balance can sometimes be difficult, but it’s certainly doable. Here are some steps you can take to balance work and your personal life:

    • Manage your time. There are various time management techniques—such as Pomodoro timers—that can help increase your productivity, meaning that you’ll get more work accomplished in a shorter amount of time.
    • Multitask. If your job allows it, try to get some work done while simultaneously engaging in a self-care activity. For example, you could listen to a seminar while you go on a walk or do some laundry.
    • Set boundaries. Decide what times you’ll be starting and stopping work each day and stick to that schedule as best you can. Also be sure to set aside time for vacation days even if you’re not planning an out-of-town trip.

    Get Help Balancing Your Work & Personal Life

    Work-life balance plays a crucial role in our overall health and happiness, so if you’re struggling in this area, we invite you to contact us and schedule a therapy session. We look forward to helping you take the steps needed to balance work and your personal life.

    Filed Under: work-life balance

    Nurturing Positive Relationships With Friends

    November 1, 2023

    The importance of having positive friendships in your life cannot be overstated. Healthy friendships can help you feel happier and more self-confident, reduce your stress levels, and prevent you from feeling lonely or isolated. When times are good, friends can help you celebrate. And when times are bad, they can help pick you up and […]

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    Nurturing Positive Relationships With Friends

    The importance of having positive friendships in your life cannot be overstated. Healthy friendships can help you feel happier and more self-confident, reduce your stress levels, and prevent you from feeling lonely or isolated. When times are good, friends can help you celebrate. And when times are bad, they can help pick you up and provide a kind shoulder to lean on.

    Unfortunately, for many adults, it can be tough to make new friends and even more difficult to ensure that those friendships enhance their lives. With that in mind, here are some tips for how to build healthy relationships with friends:

    • Be an active listener. Communication is key to a positive friendship, but many of us aren’t great at listening, which can leave our friends feeling ignored and unvalued. When talking with friends, make an effort to face them, focus on what they’re saying, and ask follow-up questions. You should also avoid interrupting them and zoning out as you plan what to say next.
    • Offer advice without judgment. At some point throughout the course of your relationship, your friend will likely come to you for help with a problem. While you should be honest about how you feel, you should also try to empathize with them and respect that that might have a different opinion.
    • Make time for each other. In today’s busy world, it can often be difficult to schedule time with friends, but getting together is crucial. If you live near each other, pencil in a weekly dinner or even a monthly coffee date. Or, if you live far apart, plan a time to talk on the phone or, better yet, videochat.

    Start Building Healthy Relationships With Friends

    If you struggle to maintain positive friendships, you’ve come to the right place. We have extensive experience helping patients nurture healthy relationships with friends, and we’d love to do the same for you. Contact us today to schedule a therapy session.

    Filed Under: relationships

    Coping With Grief After Losing a Marriage, Engagement, or Dating Relationship

    November 1, 2023

    Have you recently gone through a divorce, a broken engagement, or a breakup? The loss of a romantic relationship can be especially difficult because we spend so much time with our significant others, so a separation can impact many aspects of our lives and leave us feeling like our world has been turned upside down. […]

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    Coping With Grief After Losing a Marriage, Engagement, or Dating Relationship

    Have you recently gone through a divorce, a broken engagement, or a breakup? The loss of a romantic relationship can be especially difficult because we spend so much time with our significant others, so a separation can impact many aspects of our lives and leave us feeling like our world has been turned upside down. Not only do we have to cope with missing them, but we also have to deal with the hassles of splitting up any shared property and possibly finding a new home. Plus, we must accept that the dreams we had of a future with that person are no longer a possibility.

    Fortunately, there are steps you can take to process your grief and move on from your relationship. For instance, you may want to try:

    • Spending time with family and friends
    • Talking to a therapist
    • Making time for self-care each day
    • Incorporating exercise into your daily routine
    • Starting a new hobby

    As difficult as it may seem, try to look at your breakup as an opportunity to rediscover yourself and the things that make you who you are. For example, if you’ve always loved baking but you didn’t get to bake as often as you wanted during your relationship, try purchasing a new cookbook or signing up for a local cake decorating class.

    Do You Need Help Healing From Loss?

    If you’re having a hard time coping with the loss of a marriage, engagement, or dating relationship, one of the best ways to process your grief is to speak to a therapist. Contact me today and I can tell you more about my practice, answer any questions you might have, and schedule a therapy session.

    Filed Under: relationships

    Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder

    October 8, 2023

    Everyone worries from time to time. But if you find yourself worrying on most days for at least six months, you may have a condition known as generalized anxiety disorder. People with this disorder often worry excessively about everyday issues, such as their: Health Family Work Money What Are the Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder? […]

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    Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder

    Everyone worries from time to time. But if you find yourself worrying on most days for at least six months, you may have a condition known as generalized anxiety disorder. People with this disorder often worry excessively about everyday issues, such as their:

    • Health
    • Family
    • Work
    • Money

    What Are the Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

    The hallmark symptom of generalized anxiety disorder is constant, uncontrollable worrying. Many people with this condition know that their concerns are unfounded but can’t stop worrying about them regardless, often to the point where the worries begin interfering with their relationships and daily routine. Some individuals report feeling anxious for no apparent reason, as if they sense that something bad is about to happen, but they can’t put their finger on what it is.

    If you have generalized anxiety disorder, you may also experience:

    • Difficulty breathing
    • Lightheadedness
    • Hot flashes and sweating
    • Headaches
    • Muscle tension and aches
    • Trembling and twitching
    • Nausea and diarrhea
    • Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep
    • Fatigue
    • Irritability
    • Restlessness 
    • Difficulty relaxing
    • Difficulty concentrating
    • Being easily startled

    How Is Generalized Anxiety Disorder Treated?

    There are many options for managing anxiety, and a trained provider can recommend the approach that’s best suited to your specific needs. For example, treatment for generalized anxiety disorder may involve:

    • Taking medication
    • Attending counseling sessions
    • Learning coping skills
    • Using relaxation techniques
    • Making certain lifestyle changes (e.g., quitting smoking)

    Your Top Choice for Anxiety Disorder Treatment

    If you think you might have generalized anxiety disorder or another type of anxiety, I can help. Contact me today to schedule an appointment at a date and time that’s convenient for you.

    Filed Under: Anxiety

    Understanding Panic Disorder

    October 8, 2023

    If you’ve had at least four panic attacks and you regularly worry that you’ll experience another one, you may have panic disorder. In some cases, this type of anxiety can make it difficult for people to leave their home, since they may worry about when and where their next panic attack will occur. What Does […]

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    Understanding Panic Disorder

    If you’ve had at least four panic attacks and you regularly worry that you’ll experience another one, you may have panic disorder. In some cases, this type of anxiety can make it difficult for people to leave their home, since they may worry about when and where their next panic attack will occur.

    What Does a Panic Attack Feel Like?

    Panic attacks cause someone to feel an overwhelming sense of fear. During one of these attacks, you may experience:

    • Trembling and shaking
    • Numbness
    • Hot flashes or chills
    • Sweating
    • Lightheadedness and dizziness
    • A pounding heartbeat
    • Chest pain
    • Shortness of breath
    • A choking sensation
    • Nausea and stomach pain
    • Fear of losing control, going crazy, or dying
    • A sensation of being disconnected or unreal

    While some panic attacks subside within just a few minutes, others last for more than an hour. Depending on the frequency, duration, and severity of panic attacks, panic disorder can sometimes become disabling, preventing someone from holding a job and engaging in other regular activities.

    How Is Panic Disorder Treated?

    Treatment for panic disorder varies from one person to another, and a trained provider can recommend the approach that’s most appropriate for your specific needs. With that said, panic disorder treatment often involves:

    • Taking medication (e.g., anti-anxiety medication or antidepressant medication)
    • Attending counseling
    • Learning coping skills and relaxation techniques

    Offering Help With Anxiety Disorders

    I have experience treating various types of anxiety, including panic disorder, so if you need assistance, contact me today. I will be glad to schedule a therapy session at a date and time of your choosing. I look forward to helping you take the first step toward managing your anxiety.

    Filed Under: panic disorder

    Understanding Social Anxiety Disorder

    October 8, 2023

    Also known as “social phobia,” social anxiety disorder causes someone to intensely fear normal social interactions. This is more than shyness or a fear of public speaking—someone with social anxiety disorder excessively worries about being judged during everyday situations such as making eye contact with someone or talking to a stranger. They may be reluctant […]

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    Understanding Social Anxiety Disorder

    Also known as “social phobia,” social anxiety disorder causes someone to intensely fear normal social interactions. This is more than shyness or a fear of public speaking—someone with social anxiety disorder excessively worries about being judged during everyday situations such as making eye contact with someone or talking to a stranger. They may be reluctant to attend school, work, a date, or a party, and they also may feel anxious about eating in front of others, using public restrooms, or returning items to stores.

    Physical Signs of Social Anxiety Disorder

    In addition to feeling anxiety, embarrassment, fear, humiliation, or self-consciousness, someone with social anxiety disorder may experience:

    • Blushing
    • Difficulty catching their breath
    • Dizziness
    • Increased heart rate
    • Lightheadedness
    • Muscle tension
    • Nausea
    • Sweating
    • Trembling
    • Voice shakiness

    If someone with social anxiety disorder experiences physical signs like the ones listed above, they may also worry that others will notice that they appear anxious.

    How Is Social Anxiety Disorder Treated?

    Treatment for social anxiety disorder varies depending on factors such as symptom severity. With that said, many people with this type of anxiety benefit from attending counseling and taking medication such as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), an anti-anxiety medication, or a beta blocker.

    The Provider to Choose for Anxiety Disorder Treatment

    If you’re worried that you have social anxiety disorder or another type of anxiety, you can contact me for treatment. I regularly assist patients with managing anxiety, and I can do the same for you. Contact me today to request an appointment.

    Filed Under: social anxiety

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    815 Ritchie Highway Suite 210 Severna Park, MD 21146

    (443) 472-1048 barbarajborsi@gmail.com

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