About Depression
According to research estimates, about one person in five experiences feelings of clinical depression during their life. One in twenty people become depressed every year. Depression is often called the common cold of mental illness. Untreated, depression can cause serious problems for the person experiencing these symptoms, and for those around them at home, work or school. It is important to know that depression, like other types of psychological problems, is not a sign of weakness and can be treated.

People who are depressed often experience feelings of profound sadness, helplessness, hopelessness, trouble sleeping (or sleeping too much), lack of appetite (or eating too much), guilt, trouble concentrating and making decisions, low self-esteem, lack of energy and motivation, lowered sexual desire, anxiety, irritability and a sense of disconnection from significant people and activities they enjoyed before. Some have thoughts of death or suicidal feelings. Some try to handle their depression on their own by using alcohol or drugs.

Although the causes of depression are not fully understood, a combination of genetic/family history and environmental (daily stress, job, health, or relationship problems) conditions are often seen as contributing. Alcohol and drug abuse as well as other types of addictive behavior have also been associated with depression. According to research studies, the best treatment for depression seems to be a combination of psychotherapy and medication.

People with anxiety disorders tend to have a feeling that their problem restricts them from thinking clearly and concentrating on their work, their studies in school, and their relationships with others. Irrational fears can develop, as do physical symptoms including racing heart beat, dizziness, muscle tension, numbness, stomach pain, sweating, shaking, and shortness of breath. Sometimes, painful or traumatic memories are re-experienced. Often, people with anxiety exhibit low self-esteem and cope poorly with stress.

As is the case in treating depression, a combination of therapy and medication is often most effective for treating anxiety disorders. Again, similarly to depression, anxiety is thought to be caused by a combination of life stressors and genetic family history.

About Addiction
The causes of addictive behavior are not fully understood, but as with depression, anxiety, and other psychological disorders, are thought by researchers to be influenced by both environmental and genetic/family history.

Treatment often involves therapy along with participation in twelve step self-help groups like Alcoholics Anonymous. Twelve step groups are offered for all types of addictive behaviors. Since addiction may co-exist with anxiety, depression, or other psychological problems, the addition of medication to address these issues is often part of treatment planning.

Understanding the relationship as a dynamic system made up of individuals needing to accommodate each other while respecting the needs of each person is central to creative, healthy partnering.

Therapy can help address these areas with the assistance of an objective, empathetic professional. Specific behavioral homework assignments can often significantly improve the quality of enjoyment for both partners. Skills in problem solving and clarifying expectations are developed.

About Family Problems
As with relationships between couples, interactions between family members are rich with enjoyment and meaning but can also result in a sense of feeling upset, stuck, and irritated with each other. Also, like romantic relationships, families are best understood as systems made up of individuals who are in relationships with one another.

By addressing the communication patterns, feelings, attitudes, expectations and interactions among different family members, a therapist can help facilitate change within the family system. Sometimes, family therapy will involve looking at parent-child interactions. Other problems may arise between brothers and sisters. There are also opportunities and challenges presented by extended family members, and by multi-generational family groups living as a unit.