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About Jennifer Tzoumas

I hold active licenses for independent practice in Texas and Pennsylvania, and an Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) granted from the PSYPACT Commission, that allows for independent practice in approximately 30 of the 50 United States (check https://www.verifypsypact.org/ to see if your state participates). I have been married for 25 years, and have two teenage daughters. Although I enjoy social gatherings in small doses, I am more of an introvert (I prefer working one-on-one, or in small groups). Outside the office, I consider myself an avid reader, recreational runner/weight lifter, and part-time gardener. I am active in my church and enjoy watching my daughters in their activities (dance, TaeKwonDo, and marching band).

Are You Prone to These Common Thinking Errors?

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Everyone has areas of struggle when it comes to balanced thinking.  It is so common that you may not even recognize it as a thinking error at all! Consider whether any of the following common thinking errors sound familiar, so that you can lessen the impact they have on your mental and emotional state.

...continue reading "What to Do if You’re Prone to These Common Thinking Errors"

Stumbling blocks or stepping stones?  How to Grow From Your Difficulties

Stumbling blocks are a natural part of life. Some people struggle with mental health conditions like depression or anxiety that feel crippling at times. Others have to deal with the pain of a chronic condition or illness. Even sudden or unexpected life changes can cause you to stumble. Whether it’s a divorce, job loss, or the death of someone you love, there are likely going to be things that make you feel stunted or blocked from your original path.  

Unfortunately, it’s far too easy to get lost in those difficulties. In an effort to understand how and why it has happened, it is easy to start viewing them as failures. When you look at those difficult things that way, those stumbling blocks can feel like boulders. 

So, why not view them as stepping stones, instead? 

...continue reading "Stumbling Blocks or Stepping Stones? How to Grow From Your Difficulties"

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Break Free from Analysis Paralysis!

It’s not uncommon to have a hard time making certain decisions. Some people struggle with it more than others. But, "analysis paralysis" takes that to extremes. Analysis paralysis occurs when your underlying anxiety makes it impossible to make a decision. You’ll question things and second-guess yourself endlessly as you try to come up with the “perfect” conclusion. It truly is a debilitating problem that can end up making you even more anxious. 

...continue reading "Breaking Free from Anxiety and Analysis Paralysis"

Questions to Ask When Considering Medication for Anxiety or Depression

Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health conditions across the globe. Many people who deal with a mental health condition benefit from therapy or support groups. Some also choose to take medication in order to manage their symptoms.  But, is that the right choice for you? It’s normal to be hesitant about taking a prescription of any kind. So, it’s important to know what you should expect from anti-anxiety or anti-depressant medication if you think you need it.

With that in mind, let’s cover a few questions you should ask if you believe you need medication for anxiety or depression. 

...continue reading "Questions to Ask if you are Considering Medication for Anxiety or Depression"

PTSD Awareness Day June 27

No one gets through life without some heartache and struggle. While we may not consider them "traumatic", anything that includes intense loss, helplessness, fright, or abuse can be traumatic. These might happen one time or over an extended period of time. Even witnessing a terrible event as a bystander or in the media can be traumatic. We may bounce back to normal pretty quickly, but sometimes, for some people, trauma doesn’t fade into memory or lose its visceral impact. Sometimes, trauma gets stuck in the mind and body, triggering reactions and upset that we’ve come to know as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

...continue reading "Is PTSD Affecting You? 7 Key Signs"

Authentic Self title image.

It is easy to lose touch with our authentic self. Far too often, people think they can’t be who they truly are. Maybe it’s fear holding you back. Or, you might be uncertain whether people will like and accept you.  Expectations tend to dictate how we act, especially around others. Unfortunately, that makes it easy for our authentic selves to sink into the background. In some cases, you might completely lose sight of who you really are. 

...continue reading "Finding & Embracing Your Authentic Self"

Burnout

Today, it seems like burnout is disturbingly common. Pushing yourself too hard at work, taking on too many social obligations, or signing up for a heavy course load at school can all lead to burnout. But the warning signs of burnout have become normalized in our fast-paced society. Feeling exhausted or chronically stressed can seem like badges of honor in an intense profession. And sometimes, we even feel guilty if we aren’t “busy” or productive all of the time.

How can you recognize the signs of burnout early on? What can you do if you realize that you’re at risk for burnout? Let’s explore some of the telltale symptoms of burnout and discuss some prevention tips.

...continue reading "How to Identify and Prevent Burnout"

5 Everyday Ways to Support Your Mental Health

If you’re juggling lots of responsibilities, you might feel you have little to no time to focus on your mental health. But it’s important to prioritize your mental health in everyday life. In the long run, neglecting your mental health can lead to depression, anxiety, and burnout. Taking steps to care for your mental health daily can boost your mood, increase your energy, and improve your overall outlook on life.

Thankfully, practicing strategies to maintain your mental wellbeing does not have to be time-consuming. Here are a few simple yet powerful lifestyle changes you can easily incorporate into your schedule. Don't underestimate how powerful a few small changes can make.

...continue reading "5 Everyday Ways to Support Your Mental Health"