WELCOME
I appreciated your taking the time and choosing to visit out site. You are taking the first step to freedom from struggles and suffering that are keeping you from unlocking-awakening-developing your full potential
i would consider it a privilege to have the opportunity to partner with you on you journey to
unlocking-awakening-developing your full potential
About Me..... Dr Tom B Clark PhD Psychologist
It is a great honor to be chosen to work with my clients and assist them in developing their wholeness and ability to achieve their full potential. I have been providing Consulting internationally, Executive Coaching Internationally Counseling /Therapy internationally to individual and couples through BradfordClark.Solutions which I established in 1996 In Melbourne Australia. I relocated back to Lexington KY in 2010 where i provide my services in person and via Zoom locally, nationally, and internationally. I have lived in eight countries and worked in twenty-six My passion for life; my commitment to bring you the best practices; my combined life experiences; academic achievements; mindfulness & vipassana meditation; and professional experience bring you a solid foundation to assist you in achieving your full potential.
My Purpose is to help remove suffering through Mindfulness.....
Unlocking-Awakening-Developing-Achieving Your Full Potential
My Approach
A mindfulness approach to therapy and coaching emphasizes present-moment awareness, acceptance, and non-judgment, fostering emotional regulation, self-awareness, and improved well-being for clients.
Key Principles of a Mindfulness Approach:
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Present Moment Awareness:
Focusing on the current experience, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
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Acceptance:
Acknowledging thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgment or resistance.
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Non-Judgment:
Observing experiences objectively, without labeling them as good or bad.
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Self-Compassion:
Treating oneself with kindness and understanding, especially during difficult times.
Specializing in Anxiety, Depression, Personality Disorders/ Borderline Personality Disorder, Trauma, and Relationships/Couples Therapy
Anxiety
$85 per session
Depression
$85 per session
Relationships
$85-$125 per session
Anxiety therapy, or psychotherapy, can help individuals manage anxiety symptoms by working with a therapist to identify and address unhelpful thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, often through techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Common characteristics of anxiety disorders include persistent and excessive fear or worry, difficulty controlling these feelings, and physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, and trouble sleeping, which can significantly impact daily life.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Core Features:
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Excessive and Persistent Fear or Worry:
Anxiety disorders are characterized by an unrealistic and disproportionate level of fear or worry about everyday situations or events.
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Difficulty Controlling Worry:
Individuals with anxiety disorders struggle to control their anxious thoughts and feelings, even when they recognize that their worries are excessive or unreasonable.
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Interference with Daily Life:
The persistent anxiety and associated symptoms can significantly interfere with daily functioning, including work, school, relationships, and social activities.
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Physical Symptoms:
Anxiety can manifest in various physical symptoms, including:
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Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
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Sweating
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Trembling or shaking
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Shortness of breath
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Muscle tension or aches
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Gastrointestinal problems (e.g., nausea, stomach ache)
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Difficulty sleeping
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Fatigue
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Avoidance Behavior:
Some individuals with anxiety disorders may avoid situations or activities that trigger their anxiety, even if those situations are necessary or enjoyable.
Types of Anxiety Therapy:
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
This is a common and effective approach that helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety.
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Exposure Therapy:
A type of CBT that involves gradually exposing individuals to feared situations or objects in a safe environment to help them build confidence and reduce anxiety.
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Psychodynamic Therapy:
This approach explores unconscious thoughts and feelings that may be contributing to anxiety, aiming to help individuals gain insight into their experiences.
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Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT):
This therapy helps individuals cultivate awareness of their thoughts and feelings without judgment, promoting emotional regulation and resilience.
How Anxiety Therapy Works:
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Identifying Triggers:
Therapists help individuals identify the specific situations, thoughts, or events that trigger their anxiety.
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Challenging Negative Thoughts: CBT helps individuals recognize and challenge negative or unhelpful thoughts and beliefs that contribute to anxiety.
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Developing Coping Skills:
Therapists teach individuals practical skills and strategies to manage anxiety symptoms, such as relaxation techniques, problem-solving, and assertiveness.
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Gradual Exposure: In exposure therapy, individuals are gradually exposed to feared situations or objects in a safe and controlled environment, allowing them to build confidence and reduce avoidance.
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Building Self-Esteem:
Therapy can help individuals develop a stronger sense of self-worth and confidence, which can be beneficial in managing anxiety.
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Group Therapy:
Group therapy can provide a supportive environment for individuals to share their experiences and learn from others who are dealing with similar challenges.
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DBT Therapy:
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DBT focuses on teaching four core skills:
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Mindfulness: Paying attention to the present moment without judgment
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Distress Tolerance: Managing overwhelming emotions and situations
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Emotion Regulation: Understanding and controlling emotions effectively
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Interpersonal Effectiveness: Improving communication and relationship skills
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DBT emphasizes teaching individuals how to manage intense emotions, such as anger, sadness, and anxiety.
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The therapy promotes a balance between acceptance and change. Individuals learn to accept their emotions while also developing strategies to cope with them healthily.
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Trauma Therapy
$95 per session
Trauma therapy, also known as trauma-focused therapy, is a type of psychotherapy designed to help individuals process and heal from the emotional, psychological, and physical effects of traumatic experiences, aiming to restore a sense of safety and control.
Common characteristics of trauma disorders, like PTSD, include reliving the trauma through flashbacks or nightmares, experiencing intense distress at reminders of the event, and changes in mood, thoughts, and behavior, such as feeling numb, detached, or easily startled.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of common characteristics:
1. Re-experiencing the Trauma:
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Flashbacks: Vivid, intrusive memories that feel like the trauma is happening again.
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Nightmares: Disturbing dreams about the traumatic event.
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Intrusive thoughts and memories: Unwanted and distressing thoughts or images related to the trauma.
2. Avoidance:
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Avoiding thoughts, feelings, or situations: Trying to avoid anything that reminds them of the trauma.
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Avoiding people, places, or activities: Staying away from reminders of the trauma.
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Emotional numbing: Feeling detached or unable to experience positive emotions.
3. Negative Changes in Mood and Thinking:
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Negative thoughts about oneself, others, or the world: Feeling worthless, blaming oneself, or believing the world is unsafe.
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Persistent negative emotions: Experiencing ongoing fear, anger, guilt, or shame.
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Difficulty remembering aspects of the trauma: Forgetting important details of the event.
4. Changes in Arousal and Reactivity:
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Hypervigilance: Being constantly on guard and easily startled.
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Irritability and angry outbursts: Experiencing increased irritability and having difficulty controlling anger.
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Difficulty concentrating: Struggling to focus and pay attention.
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Sleep disturbances: Having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
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Exaggerated startle response: Reacting strongly to sudden noises or movements.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
What it is:
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Can involve various techniques:
Trauma therapy can include techniques like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and somatic experiencing, among others.
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Tailored to individual needs:
The type of trauma therapy that is most effective depends on the specific type and severity of the trauma, as well as the individual's unique needs and preferences.
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Trauma-informed care:
This is a broader approach that recognizes the impact of trauma on individuals and strives to create a safe and supportive environment.
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Aims to help individuals process and heal from trauma:
Trauma therapy helps people understand and cope with the impact of traumatic events, such as accidents, abuse, natural disasters, and violence.
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Focuses on the root cause of trauma:
It addresses the underlying issues and helps individuals regain a sense of safety and control over their lives.
How it works:
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Building a safe and trusting relationship:
A strong therapeutic relationship is essential for trauma therapy, as it allows individuals to feel safe and comfortable exploring difficult emotions and memories.
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Processing traumatic memories:
Therapists help individuals gradually and safely process their traumatic memories, often using techniques like talking about the event, visualizing it, or engaging in creative activities.
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Developing coping skills:
Trauma therapy teaches individuals healthy coping mechanisms to manage difficult emotions, thoughts, and behaviors that may arise as a result of trauma.
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Restoring a sense of safety and control:
By processing trauma and developing coping skills, individuals can regain a sense of safety and control over their lives.
Types of Trauma Therapy:
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Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT):
A structured approach that helps individuals identify and challenge negative thoughts and behaviors related to trauma.
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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR):
A therapy that uses guided eye movements to help individuals process traumatic memories.
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Somatic Experiencing:
A body-oriented approach that helps individuals release physical tension and emotional regulation that can be associated with trauma.
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Trauma-Informed Therapy:
A broader approach that acknowledges the impact of trauma on individuals and strives to create a safe and supportive environment.
Depression is a common mental health condition that can significantly impact a person's life. Therapy plays a crucial role in treating depression and improving well-being.
Common characteristics of depression include persistent sadness or emptiness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite or sleep, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt, potentially leading to thoughts of death or suicide.
Key Emotional and Behavioral Symptoms:
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Persistent Sadness or Emptiness:
A prolonged feeling of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness is a hallmark of depression.
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Loss of Interest or Pleasure:
A significant decrease in enjoyment or interest in activities that were once pleasurable is a common symptom.
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Irritability or Anger:
Depression can manifest as irritability, frustration, or anger, even over minor issues.
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Anxiety or Worry:
Some individuals with depression experience increased anxiety or worry alongside their sadness.
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Low Self-Esteem:
Feelings of worthlessness, self-blame, or excessive guilt are also common.
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Withdrawal from Social Activities:
People with depression may withdraw from social interactions, family, and friends.
Cognitive and Physical Symptoms:
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Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things are common cognitive symptoms.
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Fatigue and Lack of Energy: Persistent tiredness, even after adequate rest, is a frequent symptom.
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Changes in Sleep: Disrupted sleep patterns, including insomnia or oversleeping, can occur.
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Changes in Appetite and Weight: Significant changes in appetite (either eating much less or more) and/or weight (notable loss or gain unrelated to dieting) can occur.
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Physical Aches and Pains: Unexplained physical problems like headaches, stomachaches, or back pain may occur.
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Thoughts of Death or Suicide: In some cases, individuals with depression may experience thoughts of death, suicidal ideation, or even suicide attempts.
Types of Depression Therapy:
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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT):
Teaches skills for managing emotions, improving interpersonal relationships, and reducing self-harm.
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Psychodynamic Therapy:
Explores unconscious conflicts and early childhood experiences that may be influencing depression.
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Behavioral Activation Therapy:
Encourages individuals to engage in pleasurable activities and increase their overall activity levels.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
Focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to depression.
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Interpersonal Therapy (IPT):
Examines relationships and interpersonal issues that may be triggering or exacerbating depression.
Benefits of Depression Therapy:
Reduces depression symptoms and improves mood, Develops coping mechanisms and problem-solving skills, Improves self-esteem and confidence, Enhances interpersonal relationships, and Promotes overall well-being and quality of life.
Additional Considerations:
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Therapy is typically conducted in a one-on-one setting with a licensed mental health professional.
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The frequency and duration of therapy sessions may vary depending on the individual's needs.
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Medication may be prescribed in conjunction with therapy for some individuals.
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It's important to find a therapist who is experienced and a good fit for the individual.
Conclusion:
Depression therapy can be an effective treatment for individuals struggling with depression. By addressing underlying thoughts, behaviors, and relationships, therapy can help individuals improve their mood, cope with challenges, and live fulfilling lives. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of depression, it's essential to seek professional help.
Mindfulness
$50-$150 per session
Mindfulness is a psychological practice that involves paying attention to the present moment with acceptance and without judgment. It encompasses:
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Intention: Purposely directing attention to the current experience.
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Attention: Focusing on sensations, thoughts, and emotions in the present moment.
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Attitude: Approaching experiences with curiosity, compassion, and non-judgment.
Mindfulness practices aim to cultivate a state of being fully aware and engaged in the present, without getting caught up in past or future thoughts or emotions.
Specific Offerings:
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Introduction to Mindfulness 8-weekcourse
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Vipassana Meditation 8-week course
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Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction 10-week course
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The Mindful Leader 8 week course
Relationship therapy, also known as couples therapy or marriage counseling, is a type of psychotherapy designed to help individuals and couples address and resolve conflicts and improve communication in their relationships.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
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Goal:
The goal is to strengthen the relationship, improve communication, and help couples navigate challenges and build a more fulfilling partnership.
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Process:
Couples therapy typically involves regular sessions with a licensed therapist or counselor where the couple explores their issues, identifies patterns of interaction, and learns new skills to improve their relationship.
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Benefits:
Couples therapy can lead to improved communication, increased intimacy, better conflict resolution skills, and a stronger, more satisfying relationship.
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Types of Therapy:
There are various types of relationship therapy, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Gottman Method, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). IMAGO Couples Therapy which is my preferred method.
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When to seek help:
Couples may consider seeking relationship therapy when they are experiencing communication problems, conflict, lack of intimacy, or other relationship issues.
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Focus:
Relationship therapy focuses on improving communication, understanding each partner's needs and perspectives, and resolving conflicts constructively.
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Who attends:
It involves both partners in a relationship, whether it's a romantic relationship, a marriage, or a family relationship.
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How Does Couples Therapy Work? | Psychology Today
Jun 13, 2023 — Couples therapy involves a deeper process that explores the roots of partners' current problems with the intent of res...
Psychology Today
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Borderline Personality Therapy
$95 per session
Borderline personality therapy, or psychotherapy, aims to help individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD) gain a better understanding and control over their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, often using techniques like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Common Characteristics:
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Fear of abandonment:
An intense fear of being rejected or abandoned, leading to frantic efforts to avoid it.
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Chronic feelings of emptiness:
A persistent sense of emptiness or boredom, despite having fulfilling relationships.
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Distorted self-image:
An unstable sense of identity and self-worth, leading to feelings of inadequacy and self-loathing.
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Paranoia and suspicion:
Irrational fears that others are plotting against them or will abandon them.
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Suicidal ideation and behavior:
Frequent thoughts of suicide or self-harm as a way to cope with intense emotions.
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Emotional instability:
Rapid and extreme shifts in mood, from intense happiness to deep depression or anger.
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Impulsivity:
Reckless or dangerous behaviors, such as substance abuse, self-harm, or unsafe sex.
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Interpersonal difficulties:
Intense, but unstable relationships, often characterized by idealization and devaluation.
Other Possible Symptoms:
Anger outbursts, Difficulty regulating emotions, Substance use problems, Eating disorders, and Dissociation.
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What is Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)?
BPD is a mental health condition characterized by significant difficulties in regulating emotions, maintaining stable relationships, and having a strong sense of self.
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The Role of Psychotherapy:
Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, is the primary treatment for BPD. It helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors, improve emotional regulation, and build healthier relationships.
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Types of Psychotherapy for BPD:
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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): This therapy, specifically designed for BPD, focuses on mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals identify and change negative or unhelpful thoughts and behaviors that contribute to their problems.
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Mentalization-Based Therapy (MBT): MBT aims to improve a person's ability to understand their own and others' emotions and thoughts, which can help with relationship difficulties.
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Schema Therapy: This therapy focuses on identifying and changing deeply ingrained, unhealthy patterns of thinking and behaving that may have developed in childhood.
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Goals of Therapy:
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Emotional Regulation: Learning to manage intense emotions and reduce emotional swings.
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Improved Relationships: Developing healthier communication skills and relationship patterns.
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Reduced Self-Destructive Behaviors: Decreasing impulsive behaviors, self-harm, and suicidal ideation.
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Increased Self-Awareness: Understanding one's own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
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Treatment Approach:
Therapy often involves individual sessions with a therapist, as well as group therapy or skills training to learn specific techniques for managing emotions and behaviors.
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Medication:
While psychotherapy is the primary treatment for BPD, medication may be used to address specific symptoms like depression, anxiety, or impulsivity that often accompany BPD.