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    • Hello and welcome! I am Rebecca Rowe, licensed clinical social worker with a private practice in La Porte, IN. I was born and raised in Chicago, but have enjoyed living and working in Northwest Indiana for over 4 years now. I don’t know how you found my page today, but I am very glad you did! I have great respect for those who not only recognize they need help working through their obstacles and struggles, but also move forward to seek help through therapy. At R & R Mental Health Counseling, I can help you on that journey through unconditional acceptance, empathy, and honest feedback. “Difficult Roads Often Lead to Beautiful Destinations.” I currently work with teens, adults, couples, and families as well as creating support groups related to the needs of those I am working with. We will work together to process and resolve your current stressors and obstacles and move forward in balance and harmony. I have experience working with many modes of therapy, including giving interactive feedback, practicing grounding techniques, and using mindfulness activities in session. I also utilize aspects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in sessions, as well as coping skills and resources to meet your unique needs. I specialize in the following issues: Stress & Anxiety, Depression, Teen Therapy, Establishing Boundaries, Dealing with Toxic People, Mindfulness, EMDR and Improving Sleep. (Click on any of these options for more information.) I personally enjoy working with people across diverse backgrounds and cultures. I also enjoy working with adolescents as well as women struggling with issues related to: self-esteem, boundaries, empowerment and taking better care of their own needs. I understand your feelings of anxiety and depression. We can work together to practice finding coping skills that work for you specifically, taking what works and leaving the rest. By using these skills daily, you can manage your fears and worries. At R & R Mental Health Counseling, you will always be supported and understood. My therapeutic style is direct, compassionate, strength-based and person-centered. I am also very warm and inviting. I practice using creativity and resourcefulness to help you feel more engaged, while offering a space to feel more open, respected and safe. I also consider myself a Hufflepuff through and through, if that means anything to you. The values of honesty, humor and courage are very important to me and my therapeutic relationship with my clients. I know the courage it takes to face your fears and struggles head on. I’m continually amazed at how well being silly and having fun go hand-in-hand with building a relationship and developing trust. We can work through the tough stuff, together. During sessions, I will listen actively and non-judgmentally to you and reflect back the things I hear. I am open to your experiences and unique perspectives. My goal is to give you a space to feel empowered and safe enough to express yourself as well as helping you identify and utilize coping skills and practical tools that will be lifelong assets for you. We will focus on the details of daily living as well as your big picture and themes or patterns that may connect them. Inquire about our FREE 30 min. phone consultation today. You can also book your session online! Qualifications School: University of Michigan Year Graduated: 2014 License No. and State: 34007714A Indiana
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April 7, 2019 by Rebecca Rowe

5 Exercises & Tips to Lower Your Anxiety Before a Big Exam

For many of us, college was absolutely the best time in our lives. The freedom and friendships made those four years incredibly special. But college isn’t all sparkles and unicorns. For others, college is a completely different and often negative experience.

As fun as it can be, it’s also incredibly stressful, especially when it comes time to take an exam. The bigger and more important the exam is, the more we tend to suffer from anxiety, and the less likely we are to do our best.

If this scenario sounds all too familiar to you, then use the following tips and exercises to help lower your anxiety before the next big exam you take:

1. Breathe Deeply

When we feel fear, our body can go into an adrenaline-fueled panic mode. This chemical and physical reaction is how our ancestors survived numerous threats. But in this state, our minds do not function properly. In fact, they often go completely blank.

When we take slow, deep breaths, we help our bodies go from the survival response to a relaxed response. This helps the blood flow back into our brain and helps us focus on the task at hand.

2. Change Your Perspective

Most of us think of tests as something designed specifically to trick us. The truth is, if you have studied and are totally prepared, then the test is actually an opportunity for you to show off how much you know.

The other truth is your professors WANT you to pass. When you pass, they look good. So stop going into the exam with a negative attitude and go in feeling confident and knowing your teachers want you to do well.

3. Start Strong

To set the right tone for the test, scan it to find those questions you are 100% sure about and answer those first. This will help you feel confident and put your mind into a free-flow thinking state.

4. Be Realistic

What is your history of taking exams? Have you generally done well in the past? Are you a good student that makes an effort? If so, remind yourself of these facts. It’s easy to have dramatic and unrealistic ideas floating around in your head right before an exam. Thoughts like, “I’m gonna fail and then I won’t pass the class and I won’t get my degree and will end up working at Starbucks the rest of my life if I’m lucky.”

This likely won’t happen so don’t make an already stressful situation worse by being unrealistic.

5. Exercise

Exercise the morning before your exam. This will not only release built-up tension in your muscles (make sure to stretch after your workout), but it will also release “feel-good” endorphins that will put you in a better frame of mind.

 

If you would like some extra help handling the stressors of academic life, please reach out to me today to schedule an appointment.

 

Sources:

https://psychcentral.com/lib/9-ways-to-reduce-anxiety-right-here-right-now/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/in-practice/201502/test-anxiety-quick-tips

https://www.onlineschoolscenter.com/20-effective-ways-to-calm-your-nerves-before-an-exam/


If any of this sounds familiar or relevant to you or your teen, reach out for help today. Rebecca Rowe is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in working with teens and families struggling with anxiety, depression & self esteem issues.

Call for your free consultation or to schedule an appointment today at (773) 706-7907. You can also schedule online by clicking here. I am happy to talk to you more about your current struggles and any other questions or concerns you may have. I really look forward to talking to you soon!


 

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Filed Under: Anxiety, School & Academics

Rebecca Rowe



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245 W Johnson Rd #10
La Porte, IN 46350

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La Porte, IN 46350

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