Author Archives: Marcia Katz

Demystifying the Perimenopause Process

Posted on by

What is perimenopause anyway?

I began researching this question about perimenopause last year and found a wealth of information that was never taught to me, or any other woman that I know!  While menopause is generally considered a single moment in time –  the one year mark after your last period ends – peri (the greek word for “around’ or “near”) menopause is the time that leads up to that moment. Women can be affected for years of their life and often don’t realize symptoms are hormone related. The process can begin as early as her mid 30’s and can last well into her 50’s. Excess stress affects the balance of progesterone and estrogen in the body, which can magnify the symptoms. While each woman’s process is her own, common symptoms can include:

  • Insomnia
  • Headaches
  • IrritabilityVF01
  • Sadness
  • Mood swings
  • “Brain fog” and forgetfulness
  • Lower metabolism
  • Irregular periods
  • Changes in libido
  • Feeling like you’re “going crazy”

I am creating an educational support group to help demystify the perimenopause process and to provide a safe environment for women to find support and connection to one another. We will be focusing on health – both physical and emotional. Topics will include natural hormone balancing with herbs, how various treatments such as acupuncture or holistic healing can help, and other topics that impact women at this time. These may include: partnership in mid life, identity issues, grief and loss.

Groups forming this fall.

Please contact Marcia at 707.829.3310 for more details.

 

 

Meditation

Posted on by

meditationEastern traditions refer to the mind as a monkey, always active and moving from idea to idea, similar to a monkey in the trees. Meditation is a tool that helps still the mind.  Research shows that when the mind slows down, the body relaxes as well which decreases stress. Lowering stress helps to decrease blood pressure, heart disease, chronic pain and many other physical symptoms that affect many Americans today.

 

 

 

candle meditationThere are many different approaches to meditation. Some people like to sit in silence while focusing on a candle. Other may prefer to sit with their eyes closed, focusing on the incoming and outgoing breath. Some like to chant a phrase that has special meaning to them, perhaps a positive affirmation or one with spiritual meaning. There is no “right” or “wrong” way to meditate – whatever quiets the mind and helps you tune in with a resting state of consciousness.

 

 

Visualization is another form of meditation which helps decrease stress.  Visualization grew in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s when biofeedback researchers started using visual imagery with biofeedback devices to get measurable results. Today visualization is used in many relaxation therapies. It has been used with patients battling chronic illness, such as cancer patients imagining a stronger more robust immune system to fight cancer cells. Training the mind to relax and remain focused can be challenging at first, and take time to cultivate (which is why is it called a meditation “practice”!). However it is an invaluable tool in today’s hectic world, where we are continually bombarded with stimulation from morning to night. Take a few minutes at the beginning or end of your day to recharge the batteries –  from the inside out.

When is a good time to start therapy?

Posted on by
plant
  • When we are confused or overwhelmed by life’s obstacles,  a therapist offers insights to help navigate through the difficulties.
  • When we feel stuck a therapist reflects back to us, providing an opportunity to hear our own thoughts and feelings in different words that may be easier to understand.
  • When we’ve experienced a debilitating loss a therapist offers an empathic presence that allows true healing to begin.
  • Through the process of psychotherapy, we form new  relationships with ourselves and new coping strategies to better enable us to navigate difficult situations.

What are the benefits of therapy?

Posted on by
spiritmindbody
  • Therapy can help create substantial and lasting change in our lives. When we look inward with guidance, we start to envision options and perspectives that were previously unavailable to us.
  • With the help of a trained, supportive, unbiased and non-judgemental therapist, we gain clarity that is difficult to grasp when emotional turmoil clouds our perspective.

Welcome to Santa Rosa Therapy

Featured

Posted on by

What is Depression?

Have you struggled with symptoms of depression, not feeling as happy or content as you would like? Are you having difficulty concentrating and making decisions, or don’t care about things the way you used to?

What is Anxiety?

Are you nervous about situations, perhaps feeling overwhelmed by everyday things that never used to bother you? Are you tense, worried, or on edge, feeling irrational fear? Or do you have symptoms such a pounding heart, sweaty palms or racing thoughts?

Therapy Can Help

Do you have problems communicating with partner, or your ex about parenting issues? Or troubles with your family you just can’t seem to work out on your own?

If you answered yes to any of these questions and have wondered if therapy can help, contact me  to see how counseling can benefit you and your loved ones. I work with people of all ages who struggled with depression, anxiety, grief, loss, trauma, communication issues, chronic illness and chronic pain. I am particularly interested in working with women who are dealing with hormonal issues related to PMS and perimenopause. I am deeply committed to helping people have a deeper understanding of themselves and feel better. I support all forms of intimate relationships, and believe everyone deserves compassion and respect.

Getting help

I offer daytime and evening appointments to accommodate people’s busy schedules. I have affordable rates and am on some insurance plans. Please call 707.829.3310 or email [email protected].