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Christina Cruz, MANCCLPC is a counselor in Grand Junction, CO specializing in counseling. Christina Cruz, MANCCLPC is affiliated with BetterHelp.
“I am licensed in Colorado with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with ADHD, executive functioning, stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, anger management, & coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!”
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
Connecting with a therapist can be difficult. BetterHelp can help with that. They have an online network of licensed and accredited psychologists, marriage and family therapists, clinical social workers, and counselors. You can connect with their therapists via online video, phone, real-time chat, or asynchronous messaging. Easily switch therapists until you find one that fits you. Sign up through DocSpot for a discount on your first month's subscription.
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.
Bipolar Disorder
Commonly known as manic-depressive illness, bipolar disorder is a serious mental condition characterized by extreme changes in mood. Individuals with this disorder experience emotional highs, or manic episodes, and lows, or depressive episodes. These episodes are distinct periods that are separate from the moods they may usually feel.
During manic episodes, individuals may:
In contrast, depressive episodes may bring about:
Episodes may be a mixture of both manic and depressive symptoms. In such an episode, individuals with bipolar disorder may feel sad, empty, and hopeless but have a high level of energy at the same time. Sometimes, changes in mood are less dramatic. For example, individuals may feel happy and think everything is fine, but people around them may notice their mood changes. Episodes like this are called hypomania. If an individual is hypomanic and does not receive proper treatment, their condition will likely worsen.
Generally considered a lifetime illness, the disorder begins in the late teen or early adult years. Bipolar disorder has no known cause, but research has shown that it tends to run in families. To diagnose it, a psychiatrist carefully assesses an individual's moods and behavior patterns. They may also be asked to keep a daily record of their moods and other factors that can help with diagnosis and determining the right course of therapy. Counseling is a typical form of treatment, as is a group of medications that can control symptoms, called antipsychotics.
Self-Esteem Issues
Self-esteem is the value one assigns to oneself based on a complex combination of factors such as confidence, identity, sense of belonging, and self-image, among others. Self-esteem plays a critical role in determining one's happiness and overall well-being. Those with a very positive self-perception are considered to have "high" self-esteem, whereas those with negative self-perception have "low" self-esteem. Self-esteem does not dictate one's true intelligence, skills, looks, or accomplishments, although it can undermine one's motivation and opportunities. Successful people can have low self-esteem, and in some cases, that low self-esteem might motivate people to work harder at establishing themselves. Self-esteem is also not a binary scale, but a broad spectrum that people may move up or down throughout the course of their lives.
Humans begin to gain self-esteem in childhood from being cared for by adults and reaching natural milestones such as learning how to tie one's shoes. Self-esteem evolves through adolescence and adulthood, and can change drastically based on one's positive and negative experiences. It's important to develop healthy self-esteem to navigate through challenges, make decisions, and gain motivation to pursue interests.
Self-esteem issues can influence one's emotions, behavior, relationships, and world view. Self-esteem issues frequently arise from low self-esteem. Low self-esteem can be caused by factors such as trauma, caregiver neglect, abuse, bullying, and academic, social, or professional difficulties. Stressful life events such as parental divorce, caregiver conflict, and financial problems may also contribute to low self-esteem. In recent years, researchers have highlighted the influence of social media in negatively impacting adolescents' mental health. Common signs of low self-esteem include:
Excessive self-esteem can also be problematic in that it can hinder one's ability to form relationships with others. People with extremely high self-esteem may appear to be conceited or entitled. Some researchers suggest very high self-esteem can lead people to engage in more risk-taking behaviors. Causes of excessive self-esteem are less well-known, but may include upbringing, personality, and cognitive biases.
Fortunately, self-esteem issues can be readily addressed at any time. Positive self-affirmations recognizing one's own accomplishments can raise low self-esteem. Accepting one's own weaknesses and imperfections can benefit those with both low and high self-esteem. People with self-esteem issues often find therapy is an effective means to improve their self-esteem and mental health. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help people with self-esteem issues identify and change destructive patterns of thought. Support groups, family counseling, and antidepressant medication may also help with self-esteem issues.
Maintaining a positive outlook and belief in oneself can go a long way towards forming healthy self-esteem. Developing a strong sense of self can be important for well-being and contributes to overall happiness and success in life.
She has a state license in Colorado.
Licensed In: Colorado
Christina Cruz, MANCCLPC is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
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Ms. Christina Cruz's area of specialization is counseling. Ms. Cruz's areas of expertise include the following: anger management, coaching, and attention deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD). She is professionally affiliated with BetterHelp. Her practice in is open to new patients as reported by BetterHelp.
