See Dr. Pete Marcelo's profile on psychology today.

 Comprehensive Psychological Services and Evaluations for:
ADHD
ANGER MANAGEMENT
ANXIETY
AUTISM SPECTURUM DISORDERS
BIPOLAR DISORDER
CAREER CHALLENGES
DEPRESSION
DISABILITIES
                                    DIVORCE                                 
EATING DISORDERS
FEARS/PHOBIAS
GRIEF AND LOSS
                                                            LEARNING DIFFICULTIES                                                           
                                                                   MARITAL DIFFICULTIES                                                                  
OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER
PARENTING SKILLS
POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER
RELATIONSHIP ISSUES
SELF-ESTEEM ENHANCEMENT
STRESS MANAGEMENT
SUBSTANCE ABUSE





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Addictions
Often people become addicted to drugs, alcohol, gambling, the internet, spending and/or sex to help them feel better or cope with life.  These people sometimes do not recognize that they are trying to escape or "self-medicate" from their difficulties or their addiction is a symptom of depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, or ADHD for example.  The first steps to successful treatment is admitting that you have an addiction problem and that you need help.   It is not uncommon for me to see people who enter into therapy at the request of a loved one.  Family or couples therapy may also be necessary to break the cycle of co-dependency.



Anger Management
If after getting a flat tire, you think and continue to say to yourself: "This sucks"…This is terrible"…"Why does this always happen to me?"…"I can’t stand it"… anger will be the likely emotional response. And if you typically think in a negative way, then you will likely be more prone to psychological and physical difficulties like anger, poor relationships, stroke and heart disease.On the other hand, someone who thinks to himself "I’m glad that I have a spare tire"…"I can handle this"…"This is a hassle, not a horror", will react in a more realistic manner.  Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you learn how to cope more effectively with life's challenges and lead a happier life.


Anxiety and Stress
At times, we all think negatively; however, we are empowered because we can change the way we think in order to feel less anxiety and stress.  In order to pursue optimal psychological health, one way to start is to begin to monitor our thinking regularly. The next step is to examine or question our thoughts and ask ourselves things like:   Are our thoughts in proportion to what has happened? Is there any evidence that our beliefs are true?  Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective treatment approach for anxiety and stress especially if part of a comprehensive treatment plan.


Career Counseling
Dr. Marcelo provides career counseling to: those who have been laid off and  are looking for a second career as a result of the current economy; those who have a disability and need career counseling as part of their "transition plan"; and/or those who are uncertain about choosing a career, as opposed to just seeking employment or a job.    In addition, Dr. Marcelo provides career counseling to those who are unhappy with their current job/career and are looking for a change, perhaps something more fulfilling and rewarding.

Couples Counseling
Dr. Marcelo uses a solution focused, systems approach to couples and  family therapy and often explores the communication patterns, roles, and rules of the couple or family.  Dr. Marcelo helps couples examine the interactions and/or dynamics of the relationship that are working and the patterns and/or interactions that are not.  As opposed to continuing the "blame game",  Dr. Marcelo asks individuals to assess his/her part of the difficulties in the relationship and helps them identify areas that he/she can work on to improve their relationship. Ultimately, the only thing one has control over is his/her own behavior or his/her part of the problem in the relationship.

Depression
People suffering from depression have more negative thoughts about themselves, the world, and the future. Those who are depressed also tend to feel more helpless, hopeless and worthless. Research with depressed individuals suggests that treatment focusing on changing peoples’ thoughts and thinking style (cogntive behavioral therapy) is a particularly effective treatment for depression.  CBT as part of a comprehensive treatment plan is a very effective approach to treating depression.

Eating Disorders
Dr. Marcelo uses a bio-psycho-social approach when working with an individual with an eating disorder including anorexia, bulimia, or body dysmorphic disorder.  Do you know the cues or triggers of your eating difficulties?  The thoughts related to and feelings behind your eating or non-eating patterns?  What is the function of your eating disorder?  Do you have a realistic body and self image?  Do you have a history of depression or other mood related difficulties?  These are some of the questions, we will examine and have you answer in therapy.  Eating disorders may require the involvement of other professionals like a nutritionist for example.

Family Therapy
When working with children and adolescents, family therapy is often a part of the treatment plan since a child's or adolescent's behavior impacts a family and vice versa.  Dr. Marcelo uses a systems approach to family therapy and often explores the communication patterns, roles, and rules of the family.  Dr. Marcelo helps families examine the interactions and/or dynamics of the family that are working and the patterns and/or interactions that are not.

Grief and Loss
The death or  loss of a loved one can be one of the most difficult events that  you ever have to  face.  Sometimes therapy is needed to help you learn to  cope with the thoughts and feelings that you are dealing with.   If after a period of time, you have difficulty completing your every day activities and coping with life, it may be beneficial to meet with a professional.  You may be "stuck" in one of the stages of the normal grieving process.


Psychotherapy
We all think negatively at times; however, we are empowered because we can change the way we think in order to feel better and cope in the best way possible.  In order to pursue optimal psychological health, one way to start is to begin to monitor our thinking regularly. The next step is to examine or question our thoughts and ask ourselves things like: Are our thoughts rational or reasonable? Are they helpful in changing the situation or making us feel better? Are they in proportion to what has happened?   Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a particularly effective form of psychotherapy that can help you learn how to feel better especially if CBT is part of a comprehensive treatment plan

Play Therapy
Play therapy or using play as part of the modality of communication in therapy is particularly useful when providing treatment to young children.  Play is important to young children in that it is a vehicle to help them understand and process the world and others. When seeing young children in therapy, Dr. Marcelo also works with the child's parents/care givers; provides psycho-education on various topics including parenting and normal childhood development; and discusses each child's strengths and needs.

See Dr. Pete Marcelo's tweets on mental health and educational topics