Janelle Tamm

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Wed, 15 Apr 2009 19:23:51 Z

Janelle Stacy Tamm, MFT

My goal as a therapist is to help ease suffering while facilitating growth and change to improve personal functioning and empowerment. To truly “know thyself” can be a difficult task and I am committed to helping others embark on their journey of self exploration.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like to setup an appointment.

Areas of Emphasis

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 04:25:50 Z

Areas of Emphasis

Adult Children of Alcoholics
Anxiety
Assertiveness Training
Communication Skills
Couples
Depression
Divorce
Grief/Loss
Individual
Issues of Abuse
Life Transitions
Personal Growth
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Rape Victims
Relationships
Self Esteem
Sexual Dysfunction
Stress
Trauma

Contact Me

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 04:05:07 Z

Contact Me

Phone: (650) 483-6090
Fax: (510) 477-9662
Email: janelletamm@hotmail.com

Office Location

32145 Alvarado-Niles Road, Suite 208G
Union City, CA 94587

In an Emergency

In some instances, you might need immediate help at a time when I am not available. These emergencies may involve suicidal thoughts, thoughts of wanting to hurt someone else, or thoughts of committing dangerous acts. If you find yourself in any emergency situation please call the crisis intervention hotline open 24 hours a day at 1-800-999-9999, or 911, or visit the nearest Emergency Room and ask for the mental health professional on call.

Appointments and Fees

Appointments: available Monday – Thursday, 11am – 8pm.

Fee: $110 per 50 minute session; however, sliding scale fee available for special circumstance.

I do not take insurance at this time; however, a receipt for services can be provided upon request.

Other

License: MFC45483
Member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT)

Am I Depressed?

Wed, 28 Jan 2009 03:30:38 Z

Am I Depressed?

Depression is a "whole-body" illness, involving your body, mood, and thoughts. It affects the way you eat and sleep, the way you feel about yourself, and the way you think about things. A depressive disorder is not the same as a passing blue mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away. People with a depressive illness cannot merely "pull themselves together" and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people who suffer from depression.

The symptoms of depression may vary from person to person, and also depend on the severity of the depression. Depression causes changes in thinking, feeling, behavior, and physical well-being.

Changes in Thinking - You may experience problems with concentration and decision making. Some people report difficulty with short term memory, forgetting things all the time. Negative thoughts and thinking are characteristic of depression. Pessimism, poor self-esteem, excessive guilt, and self-criticism are all common. Some people have self-destructive thoughts during a more serious depression.
Changes in Feelings - You may feel sad for no reason at all. Some people report that they no longer enjoy activities that they once found pleasurable. You might lack motivation, and become more apathetic. You might feel "slowed down" and tired all the time. Sometimes irritability is a problem, and you may have more difficulty controlling your temper. In the extreme, depression is characterized by feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.
Changes in Behavior - Changes in behavior during depression are reflective of the negative emotions being experienced. You might act more apathetic, because that's how you feel. Some people do not feel comfortable with other people, so social withdrawal is common. You may experience a dramatic change in appetite, either eating more or less. Because of the chronic sadness, excessive crying is common. Some people complain about everything, and act out their anger with temper outbursts. Sexual desire may disappear, resulting in lack of sexual activity. In the extreme, people may neglect their personal appearance, even neglecting basic hygiene. Needless to say, someone who is this depressed does not do very much, so work productivity and household responsibilities suffer. Some people even have trouble getting out of bed.
Changes in Physical Well-being – I’ve already talked about the negative emotional feelings experienced during depression, but these are coupled with negative physical emotions as well. Chronic fatigue, despite spending more time sleeping, is common. Some people can't sleep, or don't sleep soundly. These individuals lay awake for hours, or awaken many times during the night, and stare at the ceiling. Others sleep many hours, even most of the day, although they still feel tired. Many people lose their appetite, feel slowed down by depression, and complain of many aches and pains. Others are restless, and can't sit still.

Now imagine these symptoms lasting for weeks or even months. Imagine feeling this way almost all of the time. Depression is present if you experience many of these symptoms for at least several weeks. Remember, depression is treatable.

What Causes Depression?

You may have heard people talk about chemical imbalances in the brain that occur in depression, suggesting that depression is a medical illness, without psychological causes. However, all psychological problems have some physical manifestations, and all physical illnesses have psychological components as well. In fact, the chemical imbalances that occur during depression usually disappear when you complete psychotherapy for depression, without taking any medications to correct the imbalance. This suggests that the imbalance is the body's physical response to psychological depression, rather than the other way around.

Some types of depression do seem to run in families, suggesting a biological vulnerability. This seems to be the case with bipolar depression and severe major depression. Major depression seems to occur, generation after generation, in some families, but not with a frequency that suggests clear biological causes. Additionally, it also occurs in people who have no family history of depression. So, while there may be some biological factors that contribute to depression, it is clearly a psychological disorder.

People who have low self-esteem, who consistently view themselves and the world with pessimism, or who are readily overwhelmed by stress are more prone to depression. Psychologists often describe social learning factors as being significant in the development of depression, as well as other psychological problems. People learn both adaptive and maladaptive ways of managing stress and responding to life problems within their family, educational, social and work environments. These environmental factors influence psychological development, and the way people try to resolve problems when they occur. Social learning factors also explain why psychological problems appear to occur more often in family members, from generation to generation. If a child grows up in a pessimistic environment, in which discouragement is common and encouragement is rare, that child will develop a vulnerability to depression as well.

A serious loss, chronic illness, relationship problems, work stress, family crisis, financial setback, or any unwelcome life change can trigger a depressive episode. Very often, a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors are involved in the development of depressive disorders, as well as other psychological problems. When you feel depressed, and don't know where to turn, talk to someone who can help.

How does psychotherapy help decrease depression?

Psychological treatment of depression (psychotherapy) assists the depressed individual in several ways. First, supportive counseling helps ease the pain of depression, and addresses the feelings of hopelessness that accompany depression. Second, cognitive therapy changes the pessimistic ideas, unrealistic expectations, and overly critical self-evaluations that create depression and sustain it. Cognitive therapy helps the depressed person recognize which life problems are critical, and which are minor. It also helps him/her to develop positive life goals, and a more positive self-assessment. Third, problem solving therapy changes the areas of the person's life that are creating significant stress, and contributing to the depression. This may require behavioral therapy to develop better coping skills, or Interpersonal therapy, to assist in solving relationship problems.

How Can I Help

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 23:45:10 Z

How Can I Help?

Millions of Americans have found help changing some aspect of their life through therapy, also known as counseling. Therapy involves talking with a trained mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or psychotherapist, known as a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) such as myself. Therapy can help people having difficulty in life, those who wish to make some kind of change in their personal or professional life, or people suffering from depression, anxiety or other serious mental health problems. The professional helps people gain insight into their feelings, change behaviors, resolve problems or learn how to deal with feelings like stress, grief, loss, fear and sadness. Therapy is sometimes combined with homework assignments between sessions. Therapy can be held in one-on-one sessions, family or couple sessions, in a group led by a trained counselor, on the phone, via e-mail, or online.

How Can Therapy Help You?

From time to time, we all experience situations where we can benefit from a trained professional. Therapy is helpful with significant life changes, decisions that need to be made and difficulties at home or work.

Therapy is also helpful for serious problems that interfere with day-to-day life, such as physical or mental illness. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one-third of adults in the United States have an emotional or substance abuse problem for which they need help. Also, nearly 25 percent of the adult population suffers at some point from depression or anxiety. Therapy can help depression, anxiety disorders and other emotional difficulties, either alone or in combination with medication.

The National Mental Health Association suggests therapy for people when:

They feel an overwhelming and prolonged sense of sadness and helplessness, and they lack hope in their lives.
Their emotional difficulties make it hard for them to function from day to day. For example, they are unable to concentrate on assignments and their job performance suffers as a result.
Their actions are harmful to themselves or to others. For instance, they drink too much alcohol and become overly aggressive.
They are troubled by emotional difficulties facing family members or close friends.
They are having problems with interpersonal relationships. Talk therapy brings concrete results for many people. Research shows emotional and physical health are closely linked and that therapy can improve a person's overall health.

Therapy can effectively decrease depression and anxiety, and related symptoms such as pain, fatigue and nausea. More than 80 percent of people with depressive disorders improve when they receive appropriate treatment, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Therapy has also been found to increase survival time for heart surgery and cancer patients, and it can have a positive effect on the body's immune system.

About Me

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 23:29:13 Z

About Me

I come from a multidisciplinary background and utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities to assist clients. My style tends to be empathic, insight oriented, interactive, and empowering. Typically I tend to use Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Solution Focused Therapy; however, therapy is not limited to a particular type or technique. I am trained in several different approaches. I tend to combine techniques from these various approaches that fit my own style and personality and meet the needs of my clients.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a relatively short-term, focused therapy for a wide range of psychological issues including depression, anxiety, anger, marital conflict, loneliness, panic, fear, dependence, and personality issues. The focus of therapy is on how you are thinking, behaving, and communicating today rather than on your early childhood experiences. The therapist assists the patient in identifying specific distortions and biases in thinking and provides guidance on how to change this thinking.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps the patient learn effective self-help skills that are used in homework assignments that help you change the way you think, feel and behave now. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is action-oriented, practical, rational, and helps the patient gain independence and effectiveness in dealing with real-life issues.

Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic therapy, also known as insight-oriented therapy, focuses on unconscious processes as they are manifested in a person’s present behavior. The goals of psychodynamic therapy are a client’s self-awareness and understanding of the influence of the past on present behavior. In its brief form, a psychodynamic approach enables the client to examine unresolved conflicts and symptoms that arise from past dysfunctional relationships and manifest themselves in current patterns of thinking and behavior.

Solution Focused Therapy

Solution focused therapy is a type of talking therapy that is based upon social construction philosophy. It focuses on what clients want to achieve through therapy rather than on the problem(s) that made them seek help. The approach does not focus on the past, but instead, focuses on the present and future. The therapist uses respectful curiosity to invite the client to envision their preferred future and then therapist and client start attending to any moves towards it whether these are small increments or large changes. To support this, questions are asked about the client’s story, strengths and resources, and about exceptions to the problem.

Education

University of California, Los Angeles
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology

California State University, Hayward
Master’s of Science Degree in Counseling Psychology

What To Expect

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 23:22:04 Z

What To Expect

On your first visit with me, I will typically want to get to know you and find out why you are interested in counseling. I may ask about your life, what you do, where you live, with whom you live and what you think the problem is. I may ask about your family and friends because this information helps to assess your situation and develop a plan for treatment. Psychotherapy is an active collaboration between therapist and client. It isn't always easy. But people willing to work in close partnership with their therapist often find relief from their emotional distress and begin to lead more productive and fulfilling lives.

If you don't feel comfortable with me as your therapist, share that information during our session. Often times those feelings can be very therapeutic to work through; however, don't be afraid to change to another therapist. Feeling comfortable with the therapist you choose and the style of therapy is important to the success of your treatment.

Limits of Confidentiality

The law protects the privacy of all communication between a client and a therapist. In most situations, I can only release information about your treatment to others if you sign a written authorization form; however, there are some situations where I am permitted or required to disclose information either with or without your consent or authorization:

If I have reason to believe that a child or vulnerable adult is being neglected or abused, the law requires that the situation be reported to the appropriate state agency.
If I believe you present a clear and substantial danger of harm to yourself or another/others, I will take protective actions. These may include contacting family members, seeking hospitalization for you, notifying any potential victim(s), and notifying the police.

Background

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 21:35:08 Z

Background

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Welcome

Wed, 07 Jan 2009 20:59:21 Z

Welcome

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Janelle Tamm

test

Test Page

HomePage

Janelle Stacy Tamm, MFT

Areas of Emphasis

Areas of Emphasis

Contact Me

Contact Me

Office Location

In an Emergency

Appointments and Fees

Other

Am I Depressed?

Am I Depressed?

What Causes Depression?

How does psychotherapy help decrease depression?

How Can I Help

How Can I Help?

How Can Therapy Help You?

About Me

About Me

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Psychodynamic Therapy

Solution Focused Therapy

Education

What To Expect

What To Expect

Limits of Confidentiality

Background

Background

Welcome

Welcome

Updating Your Information

Editing a Page