KATHRYN PROULX, PH.D., PMHNP-BC
Welcome to My Practice
MY BACKGROUND
I have been a registered nurse for over 40 years, primarily working in behavioral health, both inpatient and outpatient settings. I completed my master's degree in 1992 and became an Advanced Practice Nurse at which point I began to provide outpatient psychotherapy and psychopharmacology services for adult clients with a wide range of behavioral health needs.
In 2004, I completed doctoral studies in nursing with a focus on compassion. I believe all human beings have innate strengths and wisdom and I assist individuals to reach within themselves to achieve a sense of wellbeing, peace, and balance.
I typically see persons experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I believe that medication combined with psychotherapy is often the most effective approach for alleviating these types of behavioral health symptoms.
I also am experienced caring for individuals who have ADHD, sleep disorders, severe health problems or age-related changes as well as persons who are grieving, having difficulties with employment stress, divorce, parenting, or are caring for chronically ill family members. These issues may be best treated with psychotherapy or cognitive-behavioral treatment and medications may not be part of the treatment plan.
INDIVIDUAL PSYCHOTHERAPY AND MEDICATION MANAGEMENT
MEDICATION MANAGEMENT
INITIAL 1 HOUR EVALUATION:
During this initial 60 minute evaluation, we will discuss your current and past psychiatric symptoms. We will discuss diagnoses and medication options and create a treatment plan together that best addresses your current concerns.
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PSYCHIATRIC FOLLOW-UP :
We will discuss your progress and discuss any concerns that you may have. From here, we will modify your treatment plan to your liking and discuss lifestyle modifications and therapeutic interventions that you can start to incorporate into your life.
PSYCHOTHERAPY
Psychotherapy is a joint process between a therapist and a person in therapy. Common goals of therapy can be to inspire change or improve the quality of life.
As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over 25 years of clinical experience, I will help you learn more effective strategies to be successful in your life and in your relationships. The focus of your therapy will be individualized to your specific goals and needs. My approach is holistic and is wellness-focused including, not only behavioral health concerns, but also considering physical health, sleep, nutrition, and exercise.
MINDFULNESS-BASED STRESS REDUCTION
Jon Kabat-Zinn, the founder of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, defines mindfulness as Paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, without judgment.
Mindfulness involves using your own innate knowledge and wisdom to cultivate a practice that is unique and effective for you. It involves awareness of the breath, sitting quietly, walking with intention, and gentle yoga.
There has been much research on the effectiveness of Mindfulness practices. Among other findings, It has been found to reduce chronic pain, lower anxiety and depression, lower emotional distress, and improve insomnia.
I trained at the Center for Mindfulness at UMass Medical School in Worcester. I have facilitated Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction groups and I incorporate mindfulness into my individual work with clients.
TRAUMA
EMDR
Trauma is defined as an event occurring outside normal human experience. These events are emotionally painful and distressing. They overwhelm a person's ability to cope, resulting in feelings of powerlessness.
we typically think of trauma related to war, natural disaster, or extreme physical abuse but researcher's have come to recognize the impact of chronic relational stress on individuals. This type of childhood relational stress can have lingering impacts on many aspects of the person's quality of life.
Eye movement Desensitization and Reprocessing is a form of treatment that can help to resolve the lasting effects of both physical and emotional trauma.
CONTACT ME
413-519-3816
Office Location:
734 Longmeadow Street, Suite #104
Longmeadow, MA. 01106
USA
