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Maureen Mounce Bradley, LCSW is a social worker in Cleveland, OH specializing in social work. Maureen Mounce Bradley, LCSW is affiliated with BetterHelp.
“I specialize in trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, severe and persistent mental health problems, just like thousands of other therapists out there. I think my true specialty is providing an unfiltered assessment and validation--often using swear words, sarcasm, and laughter. I allow swear words (not directed toward me and not of female body parts and not sexually inappropriate) and I encourage blatant, brash honesty because I like to keep things genuine. This is not everyone's cup of tea, but I can only be me and I want you to be YOU. I am very direct and not afraid to say that a situation makes me nervous/sad/angry for you. Sometimes a tear will fall from my eye when a client tells a story and I don't feel any shame about that, no matter what they told us in school about having a poker face. All I can really give you is Maureen. One thing you can expect from me in a session is the question "What is that like for you?" This is because, as similar as we may or may not be, and as much experience I may have with similar situations, it is important to talk about YOUR unique experience of life in your own words. Once the feeling has been identified, I like to stay there and be with you as you process it. Sometimes this is a client's first experience of being present in the moment and in their life. Some clients have told me that, in the past with other therapists, they have left the session feeling worse than when they arrived. One way in which I avoid this is by making sure there is ample time to fully process feelings/trauma/experiences and ample time to build you up before the session ends. This may mean that I will look at the time and ask you if it is okay to "bookmark" that for next time. It is very important to end a session on a high note. There may be things you would like to do (or stop doing) and I want you to know that it is not my job to judge or tell you what you "should" do. On this journey, there will be successes and near-misses and sometimes things may seem pointless and hopeless. I want to be the person in your life during those times who points out when you are courageous. Courage is really the greatest tool in our toolbox. I primarily use Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and this means that I zero in on the relationship between an event in your life (large or small) and your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy, which is a combination of Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotional Regulation, and Interpersonal Effectiveness skills being taught with worksheets, diary cards, and something called a Chain Analysis where we look at events leading up to a problematic behavior. No matter what any therapist tells you their specialties and degrees are, the most important thing is your relationship with that therapist. I hope I can help you find your courage and help you create a life that is meaningful to you, possibly laughing (or shedding a tear) along the way.”
Connect with this therapist via:
Online messaging - send messages throughout the day as you have time; relax and give yourself opportunity to fully ponder each step of the conversation
Video Visits - connect over video conferencing software for a virtual session -- almost as if you're there in person
Phone Visits - good old-fashioned technology for those who don't want to worry about appearance or who have might have internet bandwidth limitations; a little bit like connecting with an old friend, but with a counselor instead
Instant Message (IM) Visits - real-time chat -- like a phone call, but over text
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Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is one of the most common disorders diagnosed in children. Nine percent of children in the USA have been diagnosed with ADHD. Symptoms, which include hyperactivity and difficulty maintaining focus or paying attention, can last into adulthood for some patients. Boys are four times as likely to be diagnosed as girls, although experts don't know why this is.
There are three main types of ADHD:
When diagnosing ADHD, it is important to rule out other issues that may be causing the symptoms. Seizure disorders, hearing loss, anxiety, and domestic problems are some examples of problems that can cause behaviors similar to those seen with ADHD.
Treatment can include stimulant medications, behavioral therapy to teach patients ways to navigate their world and control symptoms better, and accommodations at school or work. A structured environment (with lots of organization and well-defined rules) seems to help most kids with ADHD function at their best.
ADHD is mainly thought of as a disorder that affects children, but symptoms can last into adulthood for a third to half of those diagnosed. In adults, ADHD has similar symptoms as when it is seen in children: impulsive behavior, difficulty maintaining focus, being easily distracted, or a tendency to fidget. These symptoms can cause problems in a patient's careers and relationships. Additionally, adults with ADHD are at increased risk for substance abuse. Medications can be an important part of treatment for adults, as well as stress reduction techniques and organization skills training. Specialized ADHD coaches can help adults with ADHD manage their symptoms and succeed in all areas of their life.
Career Difficulties
Career difficulties are issues related to one's career and work experience. There is a growing awareness in mental health and wellness communities that work and career issues may impact one's wellbeing. Several studies have found that work challenges and poor working conditions can result in low job satisfaction and a reduced sense of security. Career difficulties can also contribute to day-to-day stress, anxiety, and relationship issues. Career difficulties may include problems such as:
These problems and others can make a job seem unbearable. For example, a demanding or detached supervisor can contribute to poor job satisfaction and work anxiety. Similarly, a lack of control in one's job, such as the inability to work on a project or make day-to-day decisions, can diminish one's workplace morale. Many workers in these situations find themselves dissatisfied and eager to leave their jobs or even to become fired. However, resignations and job losses can pose equally challenging career difficulties. Job loss or unemployment can trigger financial stress as well as feelings of isolation, depression, and diminished self-confidence. People experiencing job loss may feel dissatisfied with other job prospects or fear their career opportunities are limited.
For many, mental health therapy can improve negative emotions and behaviors arising from career difficulties and both those with jobs and those experiencing job loss may benefit from therapy. Therapists may listen to people's career difficulties and provide advice for navigating a number of work-related problems. Online counseling can be particularly helpful for career issues in the modern workplace in that direct access to a therapist throughout the day can help alleviate recurring pressure and anxiety arising from one's job. Many people find that therapy or counseling for career difficulties can improve their overall job performance and disposition. For example, therapists can guide people to develop and hone essential skills, such as building the self-confidence necessary to deliver a presentation or the sustained focus needed to complete a lengthy project. For those experiencing job loss or unemployment, therapy can help with feelings of isolation, depression, and diminished self-confidence. Therapists may encourage some to seek other job prospects and opportunities. Like some problems in other areas of life, difficulties in the workplace can be debilitating for some, and consultations with a therapist can help some overcome initial feelings of being overwhelmed.
Career counseling is another option for those with career challenges. Career counselors help people develop professional skills and gain the tools necessary to further their careers. A career counselor may help with job applications, coach practice job interviews, proofread resumes, and provide networking strategies to move someone towards his or her ideal career. Career counseling can also help people navigate work problems like lack of motivation, indecisiveness, and burnout, so that they might better enjoy their current position.
Some people decide to switch career paths in order to achieve happiness and fulfillment. Through personality and aptitude tests, therapists and career counselors can help people identify occupations or industries that are better suited to them. Therapists and counselors also take into account a person's intellectual and physical strengths, as well as what a person values in work, whether that be job security or opportunity for creativity and challenge. Therapists and career counselors may recommend people complete certification courses or educational degrees to shift towards their ideal careers.
Career difficulties are a widespread issue that nearly everyone who works has or will endure at some point in time. Many people find that mental health therapy or career counseling can greatly improve their career satisfaction and overall happiness.
Depression
Everyone knows what it feels like to get the blues once in a while. But depression is a serious illness that is more severe than a bad day and lasts much longer. Symptoms of depression stop a person from being able to function and enjoy daily activities for weeks or months at a time. It can happen to anyone, and it isn't something that people can control by force of will or "snap out of it."
Some common symptoms of depression include:
We don't yet know what causes depression, but it's thought that it is a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and social influences. Because of this, the most effective treatments for depression combine medication with psychotherapy. Therapy, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy, can be extremely helpful in resolving the negative thoughts and feelings that come with depression. It gives patients new tools that they can use themselves to cope when their depression is making them feel down.
Some of the common medications used to treat depression include antidepressants such as SSRI's (Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft) or atypical antidepressants (Cymbalta, Wellbutrin). It's important to remember that these medications have different effects on everybody, and no one medication works right for everyone. Patients may have to try a couple before finding the one that works just right for them. If the first medication they try doesn't work, they should talk to their doctor about trying something else. In extreme cases where medication is not enough, electro-convulsive therapy and hospitalization may be the answer to keeping a severely depressed person safe.
Depression is a difficult illness to deal with, but it is more common than believed and there are many people who can help. With the right treatment, individuals with depression can get back to fully enjoying life again.
She has a state license in New York.
Licensed In: New York
Maureen Mounce Bradley, LCSW is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
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Ms. Maureen Bradley's specialty is social work. These areas are among Ms. Bradley's clinical interests: career difficulties, anger management, and depression. She is professionally affiliated with BetterHelp. She welcomes new patients at her office in as reported by BetterHelp.
