Olive Branch Therapy Group

  There has been a boom in the last few years in the awareness, offering, and requests for online therapy services. And it makes sense! Think of the world we’ve lived in the last few years: waves of the pandemic necessitating waves of quarantining ourselves in the midst of a high stress situation, and continued political unrest.  Of course there would be a need for mental health services that adapt to the times, and telehealth became a welcome solution for those seeking care at different high points in the pandemic.  And while there are many reasons from the pandemic to scheduling that can make telehealth an appealing solution, we still believe there’s something special in in-person sessions that can’t be replicated digitally.  What’s so great about in-person therapy? Communication logistics:  Telehealth is a great solution for those times when getting in person care isn’t feasible; but that doesn’t mean it’s a flawless platform. Unfortunately, with the nature o...

  Beaches, sandboxes and playgrounds are often associated with feelings of happiness and rejuvenation. What can be found at all of those locations? Sand! While it may seem unusual as a therapy device, sand acts as a unique tool for people of all ages to communicate and express themselves and their experiences. How Does Sand Tray Therapy Work? To put it simply, a sand tray provides an empty canvas that is easily manipulated by all ages, allowing people to depict scenarios or emotions in sand with small toys or other objects. Typically, the sand tray is composed of a large blue tray, filled with small grained sand, with a variety of miniature toys available off to the side, usually comprised of animals, people, small buildings, objects from nature, etc. Here at  Olive Branch Therapy Group ,  we provide a full sand tray room with  certified sand tray therapists .  During a session, a therapist will sit down with you in front of the sand tray and ask you to pick out...

  In families, we each grow in different directions yet it is vital that our roots remain connected in order to build a strong foundation for growth. At  Olive Branch Therapy ,  family therapy involves listening to the voices of the individual but meeting the needs of the group. We are trained to equip you with the tools you need to achieve balance and confidence in your family life. We acknowledge that the concept of going to therapy alone can be difficult and that the idea of involving others in the healing process may seem daunting but we are ready to guide you and your family members through this healing journey. Your therapist will help you develop attainable goals in your family life, and you will use your learned tools to achieve those goals. Our Areas of Specialty in Family Therapy Are: Parenting Blended Families Adoptive Families Adults living with elderly parents Addictions Mood disorders Living with In-laws and relatives Communication Adult children living with...

  We’re often told that our college years are “some of the best years of your life.” That it’s a time of endless opportunities, a time to meet friends that last a lifetime and a time for us to truly grow as an individual. While many of us experience this, we’ve also experienced the “darker” side of college, the side can lead to some of the most stressful and anxiety-ridden periods in our lives. Tests, heavy workloads, financial burdens, relationship issues and much more can plague many of us during our university years, making us all wonder: “Are these really the best years of my life?” In 2017, more than 60% of students reported feeling anxious, depressed or stressed during their time in college., While many students struggle with mental illnesses, many universities have reported an upswing in students taking advantage of mental health resources on campus, seeking help from others and breaking the stigma of mental illness. Today, students recognise the importance of mental health ...

  Millennials, those who were born between 1977 and 2000, have grown up in an age of technology, social media and accessibility. While these advancements have created great opportunity and connections, it has also left many millennials at a loss, often feeling disconnected, overwhelmed and inadequate. The  clinicians at Olive Branch   understand that some of those in Generation Y have their own set of mental health issues and need to be understood with their lifestyle and experiences in mind. That’s why we offer therapy that is specifically tailored to those who have grown along such things as college debt, political and natural instability, and online bullying. Common Concerns We See with Millennials While we recognize that each person has their own set of issues, some of the most common concerns we see when counseling millennials include: Anxiety Depression ADHD Suicidal Ideation Eating disorders Substance Abuse Social Isolation According to the Psychological Bulletin, ...

  Meet Anita Hicks, LCSW (she/her/hers): Hello! I’m a therapist at  Olive Branch Therapy Group   and a licensed Clinical Social Worker. I received my undergraduate and graduate degrees from Stockton University. I’ve been in practice since 2015 and I have worked in a variety of settings within the mental health field. My Therapy Specialties: I specialize in working with children, adolescents,  teens ,  and adults dealing with: anxiety, depression, and  trauma I also have a particular interest in working with individuals with low self esteem, trauma related stress, and mood regulation. What drew me to this work: Through my own personal and professional experiences I was led on a path to pursue a role as a therapist. I have always had a passion for connecting with others on a deeper level and this profession provides me with the opportunity to do so. It is extremely rewarding to be able to be a part of someone’s journey in learning to become comfortable with b...

  Nearly 60% of students report feeling anxious in college, while a significant amount of other students report depression, stress, family issues, academic performance and relationship issues. Whether you’re trying to handle a large course load, balance work, school and a social life or trying to manage test anxiety, university can be one of the most daunting times in your life. Here at  Olive Branch Therapy Group ,   we understand college can be just as stressful as it is exciting. It’s safe to say nearly everyone in college deals with stress and anxiety. So know that you’re not alone. At the same time, know that we understand that what you may be dealing with as a university student, may differ widely from the next.  Our qualified counselors   at Olive Branch would love to meet you and learn how together we can help you succeed during your time at college and beyond. Common Concerns We See with College Students While we recognize that each person has thei...