Leila McKay, MA, LPC.
--MA, Contemplative Psychology; EMDR Level ll
Free
Applying Mindfulness to PTSD, Stress, Social Anxiety, ADD, Agoraphobia Expert
Leila McKay, MA, LPC. Quick Facts
- Main Areas
- EMDR, PTSD, Grief, Abuse Recovery, ADD, Anxiety, Agoraphobia, Relationships, Stress
- Career Focus
- Mindfulness psychotherapy, EMDR, Telephone Psychotherapy, Body-Centered Psychotherapy, and Solution Based Therapy
I view mindfulness psychotherapy as an alte ative to Western models of psychology which often focus on finding out what's wrong with the person who is seeking help. Contemplative, mindfulness psychotherapy focuses on the "brilliant sanity" inherent within each of us in spite of what may appear to be dysfunctional in our lives. I believe everything can be turned around and each of us has the key to create the life we want to live. Often we have been wounded by life circumstances and bear the pain of habitual patterns. We make decisions based on the stories we create about our painful moments and create more pain for ourselves. Mindfulness is a wonderful tool to help us look at ourselves with acceptance and friendliness. Then we can live our lives authentically and create happiness for ourselves and others.
I have a private practice in Austin, Texas in addition to a world-wide telephone/skype practice. My graduate degree in Contemplative Psychotherapy is from Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado. I have a background in public education, holistic health, and business. Pease visit my website to learn more: www.heartquestcounseling.com.
Articles by this expert
SelfGrowth articles and saved writing connected to this expert.
Article
Signs Of Traumatic Stress in Adults and Adolescents
All of us have had painful life experiences in the past. If we are lucky, we can just shake them off and get on with our lives. But sometimes experiences of trauma and loss can affect us so deeply that months and even years later; we still feel the impact in our daily lives. The aftermath of trauma can disrupt our lives and cause continuing stress that is harmful to our health and wellbeing. The signs of PTSD are often misdiagnosed. Here are some common signs of post-traumatic stress in adults and children: - Depression - Feeling "stuck"rn- Feelings of panic/anxiety - Nightmaresr
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What Holds Us Back In Therapy and Personal Growth
Is your conditioning holding you back from making the changes you want? Contemplative psychotherapists state that within each of us there is a brilliant sanity that exists unconditionally. Not one of us is beyond hope. Yet most of us have been conditioned by society and our culture in such a way that we develop some pretty thick armor that can make us resistant to change.
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Cognitive Therapy: What's in a Thought?
Have you ever noticed that a single thought can change your mood--can alter the course of your day, maybe even your life? You get up in the morning and look in the mirror and have a negative thought about your appearance. That thought can then become the wallpaper for your whole day!
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Some Signs of Traumatic Stress in Children
In children it is particularly important to watch for physical as well as emotional/psychological symptoms. These symptoms are frequently misdiagnosed or overlooked. This does not mean that the presence of one or two symptoms means your child has been traumatized as the same symptoms can also indicate other physical or psychological problems. Some common signals of traumatic stress in children following a traumatic event are: -Changes in sleep/eating patternsrn-Startle response -Frequent constipation or diarrhea -Bed wetting or soiling -Wetting or soiling of clothes -Changes in speechr
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Depression: Not a Chemical Imbalance of the Brain?
According to the documentary film, "The Marketing of Madness," http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1nbZCNDgbY&feature=related, there is absolutely no evidence to support the theory we have all come to believe--that depression is caused by a chemical imbalance of the brain. The film also questions the medical model of other so-called 'mental illnesses.' Yet depression can be a devastating experience. What does one do with a depressed state of mind? If it is not a chemical imbalance, what is it? How can it be treated?
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Is Solution-Focused Brief Therapy for You?
You have probably heard the expressio "What we focus on becomes stronger." The theory behind Solution Based Therapy (SBT) is that focusing on what we want, rather than what we don't want, can help change old patterns of behavior and free-up energy for our full participation in life. When working with SBT, psychotherapy clients focus on strengths rather than on weaknesses; the present rather than the past.
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Telephone Therapy for Stress, Agoraphobia, and Hoarding
Working with a therapist by telephone allows clients to do therapy in the environment where they feel the most comfortable: their homes, backyards, or offices. Clients usually find working on the phone gives them a deeper freedom of expressing themselves. Initially, some clients are conce ed that they won’t feel as connected to the therapist as they would in face-to-face therapy--but by the end of the first session, are surprised to find this is not true.
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SelfGrowth-published websites, downloads, and contributor profile websites connected to this expert.
Favorite Quotes & Thoughts from Leila McKay, MA, LPC.
Everything can be turned around...
[Buddha] taught that there is a kind of innocent misunderstanding that we all share, something that can be turned around, corrected, and seen through, as if we were in a dark room and someone showed us where the light switch was.
Pema Chödrön
Contacting Leila McKay, MA, LPC.
How to get started
Please call for an appointment for telephone of in-person psychotherapy. I will work with your schedule and finances when possible. Telephone therapy can be half or full hour 9am-9pm CST, M-Sun. In office appointments can be scheduled for Tuesdays-Thursdays.
Other highlights
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