Dina Karvounides

Unfortunately, pain and suffering are inevitable in life, which can be a very difficult experience to accept, especially when it occurs unexpectedly. I have over 10 years of experience, working with youth and young adults who are coping with various chronic pain conditions. Our experience of pain is an intersection of physical and emotional factors that can lead to a cycle of hopelessness, helplessness and defeat. I am here to help identify those areas and build your resilience to cope.

I have over 15 years of experiencing working with youth. I continue to love this work as this developmental stage in life can feel very difficult, lonely, and can create greater vulnerability to unhealthy ways of coping, including the most extreme action of suicide. Therefore, I like to be the listening ear to every adolescent, taking my time to truly understand one's view of the world, the people within it and the changes they would like to see for themselves, based on their own internal views.

We live in a world where our brain has adapted to and now seeks immediate gratification from all things , including the quick rush we feel when scrolling on social media, to wanting to experience all things around us instantly. These patterns contribute to very quick responses to any trigger we experience in our daily interactions. Mindfulness teaches us the practice of slowing down and choosing our response versus reacting quickly. This can provide calmness and freedom in our interactions.

Culturally sensitive therapy should be an automatic practice in every session with every client. I like to engage in sessions by first being aware of my own race and ethnicity while maintaining competence and sensitivity to any area of difference including but not limited to ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender orientation, disability, medical illness. Lastly, I ensure to maintain an openness to learn from your specific experience of identity within your environment.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that has been shown to be effective in treating a range of mental health symptoms, including but not limited to anxiety and depression. CBT helps us look at the many negative and unhelpful thought patterns we engage in daily, and identify ways to help reframe these patterns to improve mood and overall coping.