Workplace trauma is a pervasive issue that affects countless professionals in today's fast-paced and demanding environments. The repercussions of such trauma can be profound, impacting not only the individual's mental health but also their overall well-being and productivity. Understanding the prevalence of workplace trauma and gaining the necessary skills to navigate it can make a significant difference in creating a supportive work culture. Understanding Workplace Trauma Statistics indicate that workplace trauma is more prevalent than we might realize. According to recent studies, 45% of professionals experience traumatic events at work at some point in their careers. These incidents can range from workplace accidents and harassment to organizational changes and high-pressure environments. It is crucial to recognize the signs of workplace trauma, which can include anxiety, depression, PTSD, and decreased job satisfaction. Seeking Support: The Role of Therapy In times of distress related to workplace trauma, seeking professional help is key. Therapy can provide a safe space for individuals to process their experiences, emotions, and challenges. One expert in this field is Kara Tolman , a renowned therapist specializing in workplace trauma at Making Waves Counseling and Wellness . Kara has been instrumental in assisting professionals in navigating the complexities of workplace trauma, offering insights and strategies to cope effectively. Skills to Navigate Workplace Trauma Maintaining healthy boundaries between work and personal life is essential. Learning to switch off from work-related stressors can help in preserving mental well-being. Open communication with colleagues and superiors can create a more supportive work environment. Expressing concerns and seeking help when needed can alleviate the impact of workplace trauma. Prioritize self-care routines such as exercise, mindfulness, and adequate rest. Taking care of your physical and mental health is vital in coping with the effects of workplace trauma. Don't hesitate to reach out to mental health professionals like Kara Tolman. Therapy can equip you with coping mechanisms and strategies tailored to your specific needs. Final Thoughts Navigating workplace trauma is a challenging yet essential aspect of maintaining mental health in the professional sphere. By recognizing the prevalence of workplace trauma, seeking support through therapy, and developing essential coping skills, professionals can navigate these challenges more effectively. Remember, prioritizing mental health is not a sign of weakness but a step towards resilience and well-being in the workplace. In conclusion, let's strive to create work environments that prioritize mental health and support individuals in overcoming workplace trauma. Together, we can foster a culture of understanding, resilience, and well-being in the professional world. By adopting a professional tone and providing valuable insights on workplace trauma and mental health support, this blog post aims to empower professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate workplace challenges effectively. With the guidance of experts like Kara Tolman and a commitment to self-care and communication, professionals can work towards creating a healthier, more supportive work environment.

Welcome, casual readers, to a journey through the empowering realm of mental wellness and military mental health advocacy. Today, we delve into the profound story of Kara Tolman – a visionary, a mental health guru, and the driving force behind Making Waves Counseling and Wellness. Join us as we uncover the layers of Kara's impactful journey filled with resilience, expertise, and a relentless commitment to making waves in the world of mental health. The Genesis of a Mental Health Maven At the heart of Making Waves Counseling and Wellness stands Kara Tolman, an embodiment of passion and expertise in mental health. With a profound background in counseling and therapy, Kara's journey began with a simple yet powerful vision – to create ripples of positive change in the lives of individuals struggling with mental health challenges. Her dedication towards destigmatizing mental health concerns and fostering a safe space for healing has been the cornerstone of her success. A Beacon for Veterans and Military Mental Health Kara Tolman's influence extends beyond the ordinary boundaries of mental health advocacy. As a veteran and military mental health expert, she has been a guiding light for those who have served our country. Through Making Waves Counseling and Wellness, Kara has channeled her expertise into creating a private practice that caters to the challenges faced by veterans transitioning and the struggles of being a military spouse. Her profound understanding of the unique challenges veterans encounter has positioned her as a beacon of hope and healing in the military community. Kara Tolman has extensive experience in helping our nation's military. Her journey started as early as childhood due to her father being Active Duty and stationed aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point. Her first handed experience gives her robust knowledge and empathy for military children and their families. Kara felt compelled to help her community through the lens of mental health. During her undergraduate and graduate degrees, Kara spent numerous hours researching military related mental health topics and exploring options on how to make care, not only more accessible but less stigmatized in a community where suicide, divorce, and substance use was/are increasingly high. Kara has had the opportunity to serve her military community as a Financial Caseworker with the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society, volunteer at a Naval Hospital through the American Red Cross, become a Non-Profit Program Coordinator for transitioning Special Operation Marines, brief incoming Marines and Sailors when transitioning to a new duty station, attend and support Gold Star Families, advocate for military needs and so much more. Let's continue to make waves together, one step at a time. In this captivating journey, we discovered the inspiring narrative of Kara Tolman – a mental health guru, business owner, and advocate for veteran and military mental health. Through her unwavering commitment and innovative approach, she continues to create waves of positive change in the world of mental health. To book an appointment with Kara Tolman, please reach out to the following: Making Waves Counseling and Wellness P: 910.541.8928 karatolman@makingwavescounselingwellness.com Making Waves Counseling and Wellness currently accepts VA Community Care and TRICARE (Prime and Select). Kara has experience working with military couples, families, spouses and veterans.

In a world where our furry friends hold such a significant place in our hearts, the loss of a beloved pet can be an incredibly challenging experience. The emotional journey of coping with pet loss often intertwines with the complexities of grief and mental health. Today, we delve into these intertwined aspects, seeking to understand and navigate the waves of emotions that accompany such a loss. The Emotional Rollercoaster of Pet Loss Losing a pet is not just losing a companion – it's losing a part of your family, a source of unconditional love and joy. The grief that follows can be intense, sometimes catching us off guard with its depth. The profound bond we share with our pets amplifies the impact of their absence, leading to feelings of profound sadness, emptiness, and even guilt. It's essential to recognize that these emotions are valid and part of the healing process. Understanding Grief: A Personal Journey Grief is a unique journey for each individual, influenced by countless factors such as the strength of the bond, circumstances of the loss, and existing support systems. Acknowledging the stages of grief – denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance – can provide a framework for processing emotions. It's crucial to allow yourself the space and time to grieve, seeking solace in cherished memories and the support of understanding friends and family. The Impact on Mental Health The loss of a pet can have a profound impact on mental health, stirring up feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. It's essential to prioritize self-care during this challenging time, engaging in activities that bring comfort and practicing mindfulness to navigate the waves of grief. Seeking professional help is also a valuable resource, providing guidance and support as you work through your emotions. Making Waves of Change: Healing Strategies In the midst of grief, finding healthy coping mechanisms becomes crucial. Engaging in activities that honor your pet's memory, such as creating a photo album or planting a tree in their honor, can provide a sense of closure and healing. Expressing your emotions through writing or seeking support from online pet loss communities can also offer solace in shared experiences. Embracing Hope and Resilience As you navigate the complexities of pet loss, remember that healing is a gradual process. Allow yourself the grace to mourn, reminisce, and ultimately find solace in the memories you shared with your beloved companion. Embracing hope and resilience, you can channel your grief into acts of kindness and compassion, spreading the same love your pet once brought into your life. Finding Support in Shared Stories In times of sorrow, finding solace in shared stories can be a comforting balm for grieving hearts. If you're seeking additional support or simply a space to share your journey, platforms like pet loss support groups offer a community of understanding individuals who have traversed similar paths of pet loss. Together, we can find strength in unity and comfort in shared experiences. Local to Wilmington NC is Eastern Carolina Veterinary Referral Emergency whom employs a LCSWA to host pet loss grief support groups monthly. To learn more about this group, please click the link below. https://www.ecvetreferral.com/services Pet Loss Group Registration Link https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxEPvzoxt93NZnEkW78WSMlhyOxSUGfy1-TxmDXUG-T4T14Q/viewform?pli=1

Do you ever find yourself dreading the end of the weekend, feeling anxious about the week ahead, and experiencing what is commonly known as the "Sunday Scaries"? You're not alone. Many people struggle with feelings of anxiety and apprehension as the weekend comes to a close, but fear not – there are ways to conquer those Sunday blues and set yourself up for a positive and productive week ahead. Understanding the Sunday Scaries The Sunday Scaries, also known as the Sunday blues, are feelings of stress and anxiety that creep in as the weekend winds down and the looming responsibilities of the upcoming week start to weigh on your mind. It's normal to feel a bit apprehensive about the week ahead, but when these feelings become overwhelming and affect your ability to relax and recharge, it's essential to address them. Combatting Anxiety with Therapy One effective way to cope with the Sunday Scaries and manage anxiety is through therapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been proven to be an effective treatment for anxiety and stress-related issues. Working with a CBT therapist can help you identify negative thought patterns, develop coping strategies, and build resilience to better manage the feelings of dread and anxiety that often accompany the end of the weekend. Meet Kara Tolman, MSW, LCSW: Your Anxiety and Trauma Therapist Meet Kara Tolman, a licensed therapist specializing in anxiety, trauma and helping client's live their most authentic lives. With years of experience helping clients overcome their fears and anxieties, Kara provides a safe and supportive therapeutic space for individuals to explore their emotions, learn coping mechanisms, and develop a positive mindset that will last them years to come. Through personalized therapy sessions, Kara empowers her clients to conquer their Sunday Scaries and embrace a more mindful and fulfilling life. Do you often find yourself laying horizontal on the couch with impending doom before Monday hits? You, my friend, are experiencing the Sunday Scaries. Strategies for Overcoming the Sunday Scaries Engage in mindfulness activities such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga to center yourself and alleviate stress and anxiety. Write down your tasks and goals for the week ahead to feel more organized and prepared for what's to come, easing your mind about the upcoming challenges. Take time for yourself on Sundays to engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether it's reading a book, taking a bath, or going for a walk in nature. Reach out to friends or family members for support and connection, sharing your feelings and seeking reassurance that you're not alone in your struggles. By implementing these strategies and seeking support from a therapist like Kara Tolman, you can start to overcome the Sunday Scaries and transform your weekends into a time of rest, rejuvenation, and positive anticipation for the week ahead.

Learn some tips and tricks on gardening plus how it can improve your mental health with Making Waves owner, Kara Tolman! My name is Kara and yup, that is me! It is officially summer time and you may be feeling the urge to walk around your local nursery or spend time tending to plants. I, for one, am all about this! Being in nature can be grounding and so serene, so why not garden so you can connect with nature better. Gardening does not have to be daunting or scary but super easy. Grab a raised garden bed, some soil and lets plant! Tip #1 - Native Plants Learning what to plant is usually the hardest task and I always have been told to look around your town to what is growing natively. This will give you the best idea on what plants can handle the type of soil where you live. I always recommend a local nursery who knows what is native to your area or your local arboretum for questions. While walking your local nurseries or local trails looking for plants to possibly use in your own yard, you can take this time to connect with nature through mindfulness. Take a few minutes or moments to slow down and ask yourself the following questions: What am I smelling? What am I seeing? Do I feel any sensations in my body? Any thoughts coming to mind? Recommendation: Stop and smell the roses Tip #2 - Intentional Gardening Increases Happiness When establishing a beautiful serene garden, take your time in deciding what fills your soul. Recently, I was planting in my yard and someone asked me, "What plant did you go with and how will it give back to you?". My answer was simple, "The plant I chose will naturally attract pollinators and it makes me happy." When establishing your garden, it should increase your overall happiness. We know through research that we are in control of 40% of our happiness just through intentional activities alone. That really is a lot! Intentional gardening such as: Spending time researching plants, flowers, or vegetables Spending time in your yard or in nature daily Disconnecting from your phone to tend to your garden (Pulling weeds, fertilizing, watering, etc.) Diagnosing disease and trouble shooting issues Going to your favorite nursery or farm to buy Propagating your own plants Increased vitamin D levels that you naturally receive from the sun Improved sleeping patterns since the sun helps with regulating our circadian rhythm "I like gardening – it's a place where I find myself when I need to lose myself"– Alice Sebold Tip #3 - Plants attract wildlife to your yard Plants are a great way to attract wildlife to your yard which also adds to some mindfulness activities. Imagine, you are sitting on your porch, surrounded by plants and you hear a cardinal in the distance eating dinner while perched on your bird feeder. What sort of sounds do you notice? Add an inexpensive water feature to allow fresh flowing water and help attract nature as well! Making Waves Counseling and Wellness also attracts it's own wildlife to our balcony! By adding some spring flowers and a dish of water with low sides, we have attracted Squirrels as well as Cardinals. We are very grateful for the sights and sounds they provide us during client sessions or during breaks. Being intentional while gardening is what can make it so peaceful for our souls, minds and bodies. With every tree or flower we plant, we give back to the earth. "In his garden, every man may be his own artist without apology or explanation"- Louise Beebe Wilder

There are many things I have learned on this journey of becoming a therapist and a small business owner. Acceptance Celebrate the small wins Embrace my humanness Mistakes will happen It is impossible to know everything Throughout my time as a therapist, I have had the privilege of being surrounded by some really awesome individuals within our community. It is really neat to see how many people around you want to see you succeed, if you surround yourself with the right people. I contemplated opening a small business for 2 years before actually doing it. I wanted to ensure I was ready for the leap, but let's be real, is anyone ever really ready? Everyday I learn something new about running a small business, being a female entrepreneur and a licensed therapist. On a daily basis, I choose to stare fear directly in it's face. I have learned that fear often discourages individuals from pursuing the things they feel they may enjoy or want to do. I choose to live every day intentionally even when fear creeps in. I have learned to accept the things I cannot change and learn to roll with the waves of life. "I will not be labeled as average"- Kara Tolman Listen to my podcast here!

Struggling with self worth and self love is something I often see in session with women. What would it be like to let go of fear and self doubt to live a life that feels 100% authentic to you? What is self love and why it is important? Self love is the appreciation of one's own worth and granting kindness towards ourselves. Self love is often fueled by grace and self compassion, which I find most people struggle with, including men. Self love means knowing our limits, values, boundaries and being intentional with ourselves. Giving our selves permission to explore these things helps us cultivate self love in a way that feels genuine and authentic to us. Self love is important because we live in a world where we often feel shame around our belief systems and the boxes society tries to fit us in. Increased self love can lead to better boundaries, a kinder internal monologue and healthier relationships. What is self worth? Most women I speak to wrap their self worth into being a mother, partner, career or even the successes she has in life. When they feel they are not doing their "best" in those areas, they often criticize themselves or doubt their own abilities. This can lead to more anxiety and depressive symptoms including a very negative internal monologue. If you recently have been online, you may have seen the graduation speech presented by Kansas City Chief's Kicker, Harrison Butker at a local college. He states in the speech that women's lives begin when they get married or have children, which may be true for some but not all. We as a society have created boxes for women to have their self worth determined by what they are able to do instead of how they actually feel about themselves. Per Google, Self Worth is knowing that we are valuable human and we are worthy of belonging. Self worth is not indicated by what we can do for others or our careers. Self love and self worth does not need to be dependent on how we externally measure success (i.e.: career goals, low body weights, etc). How do I build my self love and worth? Let's start by being more connected to ourselves and be intentional. Values. Those who stand for nothing fall for anything. Starting with your values are helpful in understanding yourself on a much deeper level. Sit down with a piece of paper and ask yourself a few questions. What does society value? What do my parents value? What values were I taught as a kid? What does my partner or closest friend value? What do I value? Be intentional with your self and make time for your own self care. Meditation. Practice self compassion and grace. Write a love letter to yourself. Journal. Practice gratitude. List your strengths. Sticky note affirmations on your bathroom mirror. Talk positively to your younger self. Work towards healing your inner child. Name and quiet your inner critic voice. Step outside of your comfort zone. Practice self validation and positive self talk. These are all great steps to practicing great self love and worth towards yourself. Self love and worth is a journey, not a destination. Be gracious on yourself and your body when moving forward.

Therapy Book Recommendations from your therapist, Kara Tolman! Adult Children Of Emotionally Immature Parents: How to Heal From Distant, Rejecting, or Self-Involved Parents By Lindsay C. Gibson This is a great read if you feel that you grew up with a parent who was emotionally immature or unavailable. Living or growing up with a parent who display these behaviors can leave you feeling abandoned, alone, angry and feeling betrayed. As a therapist, I love this book because of how the author decided to write it. The book does not shame your parents for how they treated you but more so sheds light on the behaviors and what may have happened to them in their childhoods for them to be so emotionally unavailable. 10/10, highly recommend this book! Networking is a Contact Sport: How Staying Connected and Serving Others Will Help You Grow Your Business, Expand Your Influence, or Even Land Your Next Job By Joe Sweeney This book I read back in 2019 and boy, was it helpful! It teaches you all about the power of networking and the power of putting yourself out there. In the book, the author describes an effective networking plan that will give you a leg up in your current market, find a job, or retain the job you have. The How of Happiness: A New Approach To Getting The Life You Want By Sonja Lyubomirsky As an individual, I love this book! I had the privilege of taking a class at UNCW where I learned to slow down, be intentional, live by my values and be happier. Sounds silly but truly, it was amazing. This book is a great read by the pool or at night when you are relaxing in bed. I recommend it to most of my clients as I do a lot of intention based skills and values work in sessions. This book has a good mixture of assessments, information and statistics to help with creating a more purposeful and fulfilling life. 10/10, highly recommend! And for the ladies..... Why Men Love Bitches: From Doormat to Dream Girl -- A Woman's Guide To Holding Her Own In A Relationship By Sherry Argov Do not let this title scare you... Are you a chronic people pleaser? Do you often put your man's needs before yours? Do you find yourself lowering your standards and feel like a doormat? This is the book for you! I often recommend this book to client's I see who may be going through a break up or divorce. It is incredibly empowering and written so well. This is a great book to read at night before bed and to pull out when you need a good pep talk.

Making Waves Counseling and Wellness, PLLC, opened it's doors exactly a year ago today. We cant believe it either. Our owner started Making Waves Counseling and Wellness in just 30 short days all on her own. The name of Making Waves was carefully curated by the owner and her sister. They landed on Making Waves due to the owners love for the beach and her ties to the Coastal area. The term 'Making Waves' is an old sailor saying for "creating a significant impression' or 'rocking the boat'. The owner wanted something that resonated with her deeply and gave her a connection to her brand/business. Thus, Making Waves Counseling and Wellness was born. This website originally started out years ago as a blog when the owner worked for other private practices. It served as a place for her to put her thoughts without fear of judgement or fear of trying to be changed. The original name was Waypoint. A waypoint is a point on a map and often gives us a sense of direction. Waypoints are often used as nautical points on a map to help with sailing so you have an idea of where you are going. The owner meshed the two together and you can read more here about our name origin story. Making Waves started out in a small room with not 1 window but our owner was not picky, she was just happy to have a space to call her own. Eventually, she moved into a bigger space with a private balcony and was able to provide a quality experience for her clients. Our owner also started a podcast on Spotify called 'Thoughts from your Therapist'. This podcast was also another place for her to put her thoughts about life, work, being a therapist and also just being a human. Life can be hard and we should not have to navigate it alone. Our owner can also be seen on TIK TOK as a content creator.

A therapy book recommendation series by your therapist, Kara Tolman! As a therapist, I am often finding new books or workbooks that can help my clients. I tend to keep a stack underneath a table that my clients can see while sitting on the couch. I read or find these books with my clients in mind or was tasked with reading them as a student. Here are 5 books/workbooks that I recommend! The Attachment Theory Workbook: Powerful Tools to Promote Understanding, Increase Stability & Build Lasting Relationships Annie Chen, LMFT When working with clients, I am always digging deep into attachment styles. Attachment styles are created in childhood with our main caregivers but deeply affects our ability to maintain healthy relationships. This topic often comes up with couples, new moms, and those who find they want to beef up their toolbox around their romantic partners. I like this book because it has six unique chapters that goes into each attachment style as well as some resources, blank worksheets, and some assessments. If you want to learn more about this book or attachment styles, you can read my other blog post about attachment styles 101 or click on the amazon link. I'm Glad My Mom Died Jennette McCurdy The first time I read this book, someone said, "Wow, that's an interesting title". This book was very hyped last year (2023) due to Jennette McCurdy's story around her eating disorder, struggles with addiction, growing up in Hollywood, and abuse she experienced while being a child star. She talks about her experiences of life as a child actor and how toxic it can be for individuals, not only children. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a pool or beach read. 8 Keys to Recovery From an Eating Disorder Workbook Carolyn Costin & Gwen Schubert Grabb This workbook has strategies written by a therapist and a former client. In this workbook, you will find food journals, exercises, personal experiences, and goal sheets around recovery for an eating disorder. I am a nerd for a good workbook and this is one I often refer too but if you are looking for more of a true book, I would also recommend the book: Life Without Ed: How one woman declared her independence from her eating disorder and how you can too Start With Why Simon Sinek Before I was a licensed therapist, I worked a lot with the Special Operations community and this was one of the books we often provided our clients with. As a Master's Level Social Worker, I spent a lot of time side by side with service members as they identified what their life may look like outside of the military. During active service, their 'why' was already provided for them and they often defended their 'why' while actively doing their jobs. The hardest question for them to answer was, what is your why in life outside of active service? This book is great not only for individuals going through major life transitions but for individuals who own their small business. Last but not least.... (drum roll, please). The Girls Come Marching Home: Stories of Women Warriors Returning From the War in Iraq Kirsten Holmstedt During my undergraduate experience, I had the ability to take a military social work class. This class was actually taught by a professor who was currently stationed over seas with her significant other at the time. In this class, we were tasked with reading exerts out of his book and it was life changing. In this book, the author describes how female Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Soldiers are affected by their fight on the front lines. This book even has pictures included and talks about the emotional and psychological effects war has on these individuals. Trigger Warning: MST

How attached are you and where do you land on the spectrum of attachment styles? As a therapist, I spend a lot of time with people who are usually navigating some sort of interpersonal problem. What do I mean when I say interpersonal? Interpersonal is just a fancy therapeutic word for "relationships or communication between 2 people". Interpersonal issues revolves around creating and maintaining health relationships. One of my favorite things to talk about in session are my client's specific attachment style's and how it affects their ability to connect with others in a meaningful and healthy way. Attachment theory states that children need at least 1 primary caregiver to form "normal" social and emotional development. I put normal in quotes because normal is truly defined by you as an individual and not what google says. What we know is that attachment styles greatly affect our romantic relationships throughout our lives and do not be fooled, we all have one, even me! Attachment styles are broken into 2 categories; Secure and Insecure. Below you can see a chart indicating the different characteristics of each style. If you are interested in learning more about your attachment style, I highly recommend the book: The Attachment Theory Workbook by Annie Chen, LMFT.

Great job! We are so proud that you took that next step to book an intake. If you are a first timer with therapy, you may be asking yourself what this even looks like. At Making Waves, we try to make the intake process as seamless and easy for our new clients as possible. You may notice some anxious feelings or sensations going into your first visit. We will give you an inside look on what you may be doing during your initial intake visit as well as your consultation. Free 15 Minute Consultation We love offering free 15 minute consultations with prospective clients. We believe it allows the client and therapist to interact with no strings attached. Often times, new clients feel pressured to do intakes immediately, which can lead to feelings of anxiousness that can sometimes deter them from getting the services they need. In order to bridge this gap, we believe free 15 minute consultations can be incredibly helpful. During this time, you are able to ask your potential therapist questions, provide them an overview of symptomology and what sort of goals you want to work on. This will ensure the therapist is practicing within her scope and empowers the client to have collaboration in his/her care. Here are some things you may see during your consultation visit with Making Waves Counseling and Wellness. Introductions Inquiring about where the client is located and if they are interested in telehealth/in person Inquiring on insurance or preferred payment method Inquiring on preferred dates/times for potential future sessions (This ensures we are able to provide you with what you need before diving into the deep stuff!) Learning about clients needs, symptoms and potential goals for therapy Answering any questions the client may have about therapist and practice. These questions could look like: - What type of modalities do you use? - Do you have experience working with individuals who have my symptoms? - Where is your practice located? - What is your no show/late cancellation policy? - Do you take my type of insurance or accept sliding scale? Once the clinician has answered any questions you may have, she may suggest booking an intake. Once the intake is booked, she would then send you important paperwork via email such as procedures/policies, insurance forms, demographics forms, etc. I booked an intake.. Now what? Great question! Intakes are really tailored to each clinician for each individual practice. We take pride in being thorough in our practice and do our best to gain as much information as the client is comfortable in providing. Intakes at Making Waves usually ranges from presenting problem all the way to goal building. We mark 53-60 minute sessions for intakes to ensure we get all of the information we need. Assessments Prior to intake, your clinician will send you the following questionnaires to help assess for different diagnoses. These assessments include: ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences)- The ACE is a 10 question assessment that looks at abuse, neglect and family dysfunction. PCL-5- The PCL-5 is a 20 item questionnaire, corresponding to the DSM-5 criteria for PTSD. GAD7 (Generalized Anxiety Disorder)- A self reported questionnaire for screening and severity measuring of Generalized Anxiety Disorder. PHQ9 (Patient Depression Questionnaire)- This assessment objectifies and assesses degree of depression severity. Standard Intake- This is a standard intake that allows the client to input their presenting problem, previous medical/mental health provider information, etc. During the intake.. During the intake, the clinician will review the assessments with you and ask any additional questions she may have. At Making Waves, safety is our number 1 priority. We will always educate our clients on passive and active suicidal ideations as well as creating an effective safety plan, if needed. We will assess for mental wellness by asking you to remember a few things and asking you to orient yourself in front of us. This may look like stating your name, stating your location and why you are there. Intake questions you may be asked include: Presenting problem Triggers Family function Client identification Goals Current coping skills Prior mental health hospitalizations/providers Legal questions Trauma history Social History And so much more... We always try to end our sessions on a positive note which includes asking the client about their strengths! We love to hear about all the good things our clients are currently doing in their lives. If you are interested in booking an intake or 15 minute consultation today, please reach out at 910.541.8928.