We all know the idyllic holiday scene - a happy family gathering by a glowing fireplace as snow softly falls outside the window. However, the holiday season can be a source of increased stress and anxiety. Setting boundaries is a meaningful strategy to manage anxiety...
Ivy S. Patt, PhD
And There She Goes…
My throat tightened and my eyes were teary as I gave her a final hug before we parted. In her brand-new black converse high tops, she ran up the steps of an unfamiliar building to meet with her freshman orientation group for the first time. I watched and waited hoping that she would look back at her parents standing on the sidewalk – she did not. She is focused on this next phase in her journey. We need to drive home.
How CBT Is Used to Treat Different Mental Health Conditions
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that has been consistently found to be very effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions. It focuses on identifying and understanding negative thought patterns, and how those thought patterns...
Recognizing the Signs of Depression: What You Need to Know
Depression is more than just feeling sad or going through a rough patch. It’s a serious mental health condition that requires understanding, treatment, and a good recovery plan. With early detection, diagnosis, and a treatment plan including psychotherapy and...
Understanding the Different Types of Anxiety Disorders
Understanding the Different Types of Anxiety Disorders Learning about mental health can help you gain insight into your own mental health, develop effective coping strategies, and seek appropriate support. At MellaHealth, we believe in the power of knowledge to...
Your Loved One is Struggling with Mental Health … Now What?
Original article by Ivy S. Patt, PhD on we-ha.com “She is always in her room.” “He has been declining to join us on outings.” “They always seem down and have a negative response to everything…..” When you notice behavior and mood changes in loved ones, it can be hard...
Back to School
As the store shelves fill with backpacks and school supplies (a little early in my opinion), we are reminded that for most kiddos, the school year is fast approaching. Children often experience some uncertainty as the school year approaches: who will my teacher(s)...
My Field Trip to High School
Armed with 50 munchkins, I walked into my daughter’s second period high school psychology class. I was there to talk about the career of a psychologist and introduce them to the world of psychotherapy. After a brief description of my career path and discussion of...
It’s That Time of Year
The holidays are now upon us. For some, this is a time of joy and relaxation; for others, it can stir-up strong emotions, some of which are not so pleasant. This season can be overwhelming and anxiety-provoking for those attempting to find the right gift or host...
The Staying Power of Telehealth
Prior to the pandemic, telehealth was a convenient option on snowy Connecticut days where meeting clients through an online platform was the safer choice. It also served as a helpful tool for continuity of treatment as college students and business travelers sought...
What is EMDR and how can it help me?
During my time as the director of a trauma treatment program, I was constantly seeking the most beneficial trauma informed clinical intervention for my team of providers. I quickly stumbled upon EMDR - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy. EMDR was...
Reintegration
The pandemic has caused some unique challenges to our connection to the outside world. Who would have thought that our homes would become not just the place we sleep and have family time but our places of work (via zoom), of socializing with friends (on FaceTime), of...
OCD in the Age of Hand Sanitizer
I work with many individuals over the years who have OCD, obsessive compulsive disorder. Many of them struggle with ‘contamination OCD’, a fear of contracting an illness or spreading germs which leads to compulsive behavior like handwashing and avoiding crowded...
Why did I start MellaHealth?
Welcome to MellaHealth! I had the idea to start MellaHealth in the fall of 2020 when we were in the throes of the pandemic. As a cognitive behavioral psychologist with a local Hartford-based practice, I received numerous calls from people reaching out for mental...