top of page
Visitor to a museum

Frequently Asked Questions

About Us:

 

  • What’s your approach to therapy?​

At The Heart Therapy Center, we provide therapeutic services to children as young as five years old, teenagers, young adults, and seniors. We firmly believe that healing originates from within, and every individual possesses the inherent capacity to heal themselves. Our dedicated team of psychotherapists and associates are extensively trained in a diverse range of therapeutic modalities and specialize in assisting individuals with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and relationship challenges.

  • What kinds of clients do you typically work with?

At The Heart Therapy Center, we firmly believe that healing originates from within, and every individual possesses the inherent capacity to heal themselves. We are committed to helping our clients feel empowered and find the clarity they need to make decisions that will best serve their well-being.

Anxiety Therapy:

  • Can therapy help with physical symptoms of anxiety—like racing thoughts, tight chest, or insomnia?

Indeed, therapy can effectively alleviate physical symptoms of anxiety, such as racing thoughts, tight chests, and insomnia, by calming the nervous system and addressing the underlying causes.​

  • How Therapy Alliviates Physical Symptoms

    • Regulates the Nervous System: It teaches the body to exit the constant “fight-or-flight” mode.

    • Interrupts Thought Loops: It employs approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to interrupt racing thoughts before they trigger physical pain or tightness.

  • Common Techniques Employed

    • Improves Sleep: It establishes better bedtime habits and mental wind-down routines to mitigate insomnia.

    • Keep Breathing & Box Breathing: It slows the heart rate and relaxes chest muscles.

    • Progressive Muscle Relaxation: It releases tight, stressed muscles throughout the body.

    • Somatic awareness enables individuals to promptly identify bodily signals without succumbing to panic.?

  • How do I know if it’s anxiety or just stress?

The distinction between stress and anxiety can be discerned by examining their causes and temporal patterns. Stress is a physiological response to external pressures that dissipate once the underlying issue is resolved. In contrast, anxiety manifests as a persistent state of worry that persists even in the absence of a discernible trigger.

ADHD Therapy:

  • Do I need a formal ADHD diagnosis to work with you?

A formal ADHD diagnosis is not a prerequisite for effective collaboration. Coaching and strategy sessions prioritize addressing your specific daily challenges, personal objectives, and practical tools, rather than relying on medical labels.

  • How do you tailor sessions for ADHD brains?

At The Heart Therapy Center, our sessions for individuals with ADHD involves employing short intervals, active movement, and visual aids. Practitioners maintain attention levels by substituting lengthy discussions with brief tasks and interactive steps. 

  • What are symptoms of ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) manifests in three primary symptom categories: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Individuals may exhibit symptoms from one or both of these categories.

  • Inattention Signs

    • Difficulty concentrating on tasks or details

    • Frequent loss of items such as keys, tools, or school supplies

    • Easily distracted by noise or thoughts

    • Forgetfulness of daily chores, tasks, or appointments

    • Challenges in completing work or school projects

  • Hyperactivity and Impulsivity Signs

    • Fidgeting, hand-tapping, or restlessness
    • Excessive movement or restlessness

    • Excessive talking or inappropriate speaking

    • Interrupting others or blurted-out answers

    • Difficulty waiting for a turn in line or games

  • Is therapy or coaching better for ADHD?​​​​​​​

The efficacy of therapy versus coaching in managing ADHD remains a subject of ongoing debate. While therapy can provide valuable support and guidance, coaching may offer practical strategies and techniques to effectively manage ADHD symptoms. 

Contact

545 Ocean View Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA, USA

831–461-5446

bottom of page