Divorce can bring upon an unbelievable amount of stress.  When children are involved in the divorce process, co-parenting and custody issues will only add to the stress.  Unfortunately, this stress can affect not only the parents involved but the children in the process.  Many times children involved in the divorce / custody process experience depression, anxiety and adjustment issues.  Sara Czubak, with Harper Psychological has worked with families in crisis for years.  If you believe that you and your family are affected by the process of divorce, custody or co-parenting, give her a call.  She can assist in the development of…

Divorce is one of the most stressful situations a person can find themselves in.  Divorce can bring upon so many emotions and thoughts; from having to deal with a change in income, companionship, co-parenting or single parenting, housing or employment transitions, legal issues...the list could go on and on.  All, one, or a combination of these issues can bring up stress, anxiety, depression or a host of other adjustment type issues.  Sara Czubak, at Harper Psychological can help.  She understands the importance of taking care of oneself so that one can deal with all of the issues just mentioned.  Divorce can be a…

Clients often ask me what is the difference between Postpartum blues often termed "baby blues" and Postpartum Depression?  The answer is: the severity of the symptoms.  It is very common for most new mothers to experience the baby blues following delivery of their newborn, in fact, studies report up to 70% of women do experience the symptoms of baby blues.  It is theorized that this is related to the significant reduction in estrogen following the birth of the baby. 13% of new mothers will experience Postpartum Depression, a condition that can be slightly more serious than baby blues; however, treatable.  Symptoms of…

Risk assessments are a common practice that should, in most circumstances, be administered along with any sexual offender assessment. Risk assessments are tools that can assist a clinician, along with consideration of other factors, in determining the risk of further sexual recidivism. There are several risk assessments that are commonly for assessing risk of sexual offenders. The choice for which one to use typically depends on age and sex of the client as well as the stage of adjudication that the client is at, legally. For adult males the most commonly used risk assessment is the Static-99R and the VASOR-II,…

Anxiety can be a tricky thing.  Essentially it is a innate, genetically built in response to stress.  Back in the days of the cavemen, anxiety was a part of the human experience in order to keep one alive in times of environmental stress.  Anxiety elevates our blood pressure, heart rate, sensory experiences so that when we need to be alert and responsive, our bodies are physically capable of performing.  However, anxiety can sometimes linger long after it should.  If are experiencing constant worry or stress, to the extent that you are experiencing physical side effects (stomach aches, restless sleep, loss…

Depression can be a sneaky thing.  Often times it comes upon us during times of personal struggle, (i.e. divorce, financial struggles, grief) and we may be too distracted with these struggles to notice how the depression has affected us.  Additionally, depression may linger even when the personal struggles have subsided.  At any given moment, approximately 1 in 10 Americans report being depressed!! However, the good news is is that depression can be treated, easily in the majority of those reporting depressive symptoms.  A common treatment approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; where challenges are presented to one's pattern of thinking in…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BL_3a8wrTGI  Harper Psychological, recently opened in September 2014, specializes in the treatment of depression (mood disorders), anxiety as well as other mental health issues.  We also specialize in assessment or treatment of forensic issues, (sexual offender assessments and treatment).  Parenting assessments and education is also a highlight of the practice. 

Psychologists work in various areas of mental health.  They are often confused with social workers; which is likely considering the roles often intersect; however, there are some key differences between the two professions.    Similar to social workers, psychologists offer assessment, diagnoses and treatment of mental health concerns in individuals, couples and families.  Psychologists may differ slightly from social workers in the area of testing and research.  It is very common for psychologists to administer and interpret psychological tests that assist in the assessment of personality, mood and anxiety disorders.  Additionally, psychologists often are highly invested in research, either conducting it…

No doubt parenting is the most difficult job in the world.  Many struggle and for some, those struggles sometimes attract the attention of social service or other agencies designed to intervene and offer support.  Sara Czubak, M.A., L.L.P., owner of Harper Psychological, PLC has spent many working in Child Protective Services and now with a Masters in Psychology, has prepared a parenting assessment and treatment program that is based on her years of experience in the field.  The program begins with a comprehensive parenting assessment and based on the results of that assessment, an individualized parenting education treatment program is…

We often hear the term mood disorder; however, many are unaware of what it actually encompasses.  A mood disorder most commonly includes depression; although can also include other diagnoses such as Bip0lar Disorder.  Depression can range from mild to moderate to severe.  Many cope daily with depression while others may find its effects debilitating and unable to cope with daily life.  Help for depression can be found at Harper Psychological, PLC, where depressive symptoms are evaluated and a treatment approach is determined for each individual.  CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Treatment) is a common treatment option for depression.