Andrew L. Martin, PsyD Chronic pain profoundly affects a basic human task – movement – changing it from something we take for granted into a source of anxiety and frustration. We have to move, but we naturally don’t want to hurt. Here are a few concepts for deciding when and how to move in order… Read more »
Andrew L. Martin, PsyD What is psychodynamic therapy? Psychodynamic therapy is an evidence-based psychotherapy treatment for depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship problems. Psychodynamic therapy focuses on unconscious conflict. Unconscious conflict occurs when the brain tries to think two opposite things at the same time. For instance, trying to see one’s life as safe and controllable,… Read more »
Andrew L. Martin, PsyD I am excited as I think about World Mental Health Day (Oct 11.), because this is a great time for mental healthcare. Attitudes toward mental health and mental healthcare continue changing in a positive direction, people are more savvy about their emotional wellbeing, and more help is available than ever before.1… Read more »
Andrew L. Martin, PsyD We still have a lot to learn about the complex relationship between pain and the brain, but our understanding is improving. My colleagues, Drs. Jenny Andrus and Raj Sureja are addressing the physical aspects of pain in a series of articles they are currently writing. I’d like to provide some insight… Read more »
Andrew L. Martin, PsyD This is the third article in a series (https://www.osc-ortho.com/blog/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd-an-introduction/) on posttraumatic stress, or PTS. In this article, we explore how psychotherapists treat PTS. Providers begin treating PTS with a psychological evaluation or interview. Your provider needs to know you and your goals well in order to help you best. Next, your… Read more »
Andrew L. Martin, PsyD This is the second article in a series on post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. In this article we explore how post-traumatic stress symptoms might develop after a traumatic event. PTSD symptoms develop when there is a mismatch between two things – 1) the way our mind sees the world; and 2)… Read more »
Andrew L. Martin, PsyD After retiring from the military, I thought I would see fewer patients with posttraumatic stress, but I’m actually seeing a lot more. I think there are a few of reasons for this. First, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought with it numerous traumatic experiences, such as loss of loved ones, serious personal… Read more »
Andrew L. Martin, PsyD I vividly remember my first relaxation exercise. I was a psychology intern, co-facilitating a fibromyalgia psychotherapy group at the Navy hospital in San Diego. My supervisor led the group in a breathing exercise, and I got caught up in the exercise with the group members. A few minutes later, I was… Read more »
Andrew L. Martin, PsyD “The mental health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic can persist and be long lasting for several years…” – Karthirvel, N1 If you are emerging from the pandemic with less excitement than you thought you would, that is normal. In fact, about a third of us will experience lingering stress, generally… Read more »
Chronic pain is difficult, exhausting and depressing, not only for the sufferer, but for those who love and live with them. Having to modify your life according to someone’s pain level every day takes a great deal of patience and understanding. Doing so for long periods, without respite or refreshment, can easily result in caregiver and compassion fatigue and eventually, caregiver burnout. Let’s discuss how to recognize the signs and manage the normal frustrations and emotions of caregiving to head off fatigue and burnout before they start.