Anxiety & Stress
Anxiety is a mental health condition marked by excessive worry, nervousness, or fear that can interfere with daily life. It often involves physical symptoms such as restlessness, rapid heartbeat, muscle tension, or difficulty concentrating. Stress is the body’s natural response to challenging or demanding situations. While short-term stress can motivate and help with performance, chronic stress can negatively impact mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Both anxiety and stress are common but manageable with healthy coping strategies, therapy, or other forms of support.
Dr. Turbes utilizes evidence-based psychotherapy approaches for anxiety that have been scientifically proven to reduce symptoms and improve functioning. She works to help clients identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that fuel anxiety, engage in exposure therapy to gradually reduce fear responses, and build awareness and flexibility in facing anxious thoughts. Dr. Turbes aims to provide practical tools that empower clients to manage anxiety and regain control in daily life.
Functional Neurologic Disorder (FND)
Functional Neurologic Disorder (FND) is a condition where individuals experience neurological symptoms — such as weakness, movement difficulties, tremors, seizures (often called non epileptic events/episodes (NEEs) or psychogenic seizures), or sensory changes — that are not explained by structural damage or disease of the nervous system. Instead, the symptoms arise from a problem with how the brain and body send and receive signals. FND is genuine and often distressing, but with proper treatment — including education and psychotherapy — many people can see significant improvement in symptoms and daily functioning.
Dr. Turbes works with clients to help them feel heard and understood. This aspect of FND intervention is often so important, as clients may have experienced challenges related to their diagnosis, including delayed diagnosis, misunderstanding of the diagnosis, and judgment of the diagnosis. Dr. Turbes aims to help clients better understand their symptoms/diagnosis and develop strategies to improve functioning. Sessions include addressing unhelpful thought patterns, stress, and avoidance behaviors that may worsen symptoms. Additionally, Dr. Turbes provides psychoeducation, builds awareness of how the brain and body interact, and teaches coping skills for managing physical and emotional challenges. Treatment is collaborative, supportive, and aimed at reducing distress, increasing confidence, and improving daily quality of life.
Depression
Depression is a common mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. It can affect thoughts, emotions, physical health, and daily functioning. Symptoms may include changes in sleep, appetite, energy, concentration, and self-worth. Depression ranges in severity and duration, and while it can feel overwhelming, it is treatable through therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, or a combination of approaches.
Dr. Turbes approaches psychotherapy for depression utilizing evidence-based interventions that research has shown to be effective in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life. Dr. Turbes supports clients in identifying negative thought patterns, challenging those negative thought patterns, and building healthier behaviors. She also focuses on improving relationships and coping with life changes that contribute to depression. These therapies provide practical skills and support to foster recovery and resilience.
Coping with Chronic Medical Disorders
The psychological impact of chronic medical conditions can be significant, as living with ongoing illness often brings emotional, cognitive, and social challenges. Individuals may experience stress, anxiety, depression, or feelings of loss related to changes in health, independence, or lifestyle. Coping with ongoing treatments, uncertainty, or physical limitations can also affect self-esteem and relationships.
Dr. Turbes approaches psychotherapy for coping with chronic medical disorders by providing emotional support and practical strategies to manage the stress, uncertainty, and lifestyle changes that come with long-term health conditions. She aims to help clients process feelings such as anxiety, sadness, or frustration, while also building coping skills, problem-solving abilities, and resilience. Therapy may include approaches like cognitive-behavioral techniques, stress management, and mindfulness, all aimed at improving emotional well-being, enhancing quality of life, and supporting adjustment to ongoing medical challenges.
Life Transitions
Life transition issues refer to the emotional and psychological challenges that arise during significant changes or adjustments in life. These may include events such as starting college, career changes, parenthood, and relocation. While transitions are a normal part of life, they can sometimes bring stress, uncertainty, or feelings of loss.
Dr. Turbes aims to provide support and guidance during periods of significant change, such as starting college, career shifts, relationship changes, etc. She works with clients to process the emotions that come with adjustment, manage stress or uncertainty, and build coping strategies. Dr. Turbes also structures sessions to encourage self-reflection, resilience, and personal growth, allowing individuals to adapt more confidently and find meaning during times of transition.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is persistent pain that lasts for weeks, months, or even years, often continuing beyond the usual recovery time from an illness or injury. It can range from mild to severe and may interfere with daily activities, sleep, mood, and overall quality of life. Unlike acute pain, which signals immediate injury, chronic pain often involves complex interactions between the body and nervous system. Effective management may include medical treatment, physical therapy, and psychological approaches to improve functioning and well-being.
Dr. Turbes’ psychotherapy approach for coping with chronic pain helps clients manage the emotional and psychological effects of living with persistent discomfort. She focuses on reducing distress, improving daily functioning, and strengthening coping strategies. Therapy techniques may include cognitive-behavioral therapy to address unhelpful thought patterns, mindfulness to increase pain tolerance, and acceptance-based approaches to support living well despite pain. The goal of therapy is not to eliminate pain but rather to enhance quality of life, resilience, and a sense of control.
Somatic Disorders
Somatic disorders are conditions in which a person experiences physical symptoms—such as pain, fatigue, or other bodily complaints—that are distressing and significantly impact daily life but cannot be fully explained by a medical condition. These symptoms are real and not intentionally produced, often linked to how the brain processes bodily sensations. Somatic disorders may be influenced by stress, emotions, or psychological factors, and treatment often involves a combination of medical care, stress management, and therapy to improve functioning and well-being.
Dr. Turbes approaches psychotherapy for somatic disorders by helping clients understand and manage physical symptoms that are distressing but not fully explained by medical conditions. Sessions often includes psychoeducation, stress reduction, and cognitive-behavioral strategies to address unhelpful thought patterns and improve coping. Dr. Turbes also works with clients to build awareness of the mind-body connection, improve emotional regulation, and enhance daily functioning. The goal is to reduce distress, increase a sense of control, and improve overall quality of life.