About
Ariela Alpert is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and she provides psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and adults. She graduated with a Masters of Science in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin in 1998. She completed a fellowship in psychodynamic psychotherapy at the Houston-Galveston Psychoanalytic Institute in 2008. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Ariela has experience counseling patients and their families in such areas as family and marital conflict, anxiety, PTSD, sexual abuse and mood disorders. She also specializes in working with families dealing with a neurological diagnosis and other chronic illnesses.
Set in a beautiful residential district, her office is located near the intersection of Montrose and Richmond. When patients are physically unable to come to the office, home visits are available.
Ariela participates with CIGNA, Medicare Part B and she will work, if necessary, on a sliding scale. All inquiries are confidential.
To make an appointment, call 832-878-6826.
En Español
Ariela Alpert es asistente social clínica matriculada (LCSW, licensed clinical social worker). Desde 1998 se ha desempeñado CÓMO psicoterapeuta, trabajando con niños, adolescentes y adultos. Se graduó con una Maestría en Ciencias de la Asistencia Social (Masters of Science in Social Work) en la Universidad de Texas, Austin. Estudio la terapia psicodinamica en la Houston Galveston Psychoanalytic Institute y se graduo en 2008. Ariela, que domina perfectamente el inglés y el español, cuenta con una sólida experiencia en el asesoramiento de pacientes y sus familiares, en áreas tales CÓMO conflictos familiares y conyugales, ansiedad y trastornos del estado de ánimo.
Su consultorio, ubicado en un elegante distrito residencial, se encuentra cerca de Montrose y Richmond. Ofrece visitas a domicilio para aquellos pacientes que se vean físicamente imposibilitados de concurrir personalmente a su consultorio.
Ariela participa en planes de seguros: CIGNA y Medicare Part B; En el caso de que la necesidad así lo amerite, trabaja con escalas móviles. Toda consulta planteada se trata en el marco de la más estricta confidencialidad.
Para concertar una cita, sírvase llamar al 832-878-6826.
Neurological Disorders
Coping with the Recent Diagnosis of a Neurological Disorder
How can a family therapist help?
Well versed in the nature and effects of neurological disorders, the family therapist can provide crisis intervention and guide both patients and their families through the life-altering process of adapting to neurological diseases.
When a diagnosis of neurological disease is first made, patients and their families may experience feelings such as shock, confusion, anxiety, and anger. The family therapist can help patients and their families discuss and process issues such as:
• life changes in job, marriage, family, and social relationships
• patient’s loss of functions affecting his/her life and the family
• identification of emotions associated with loss and grief
• avoiding dysfunctional decline of neurological and emotional status
The family therapist works with patients and their families to find ways to adapt to and cope with a chronic illness. Working individually with the patient, the therapist focuses on helping the patient develop:
• adaptation skills
• a strong support system
• better communication with caregivers
The therapist also facilitates the family’s development of skills to:
• effectively communicate family concerns
• avoid overprotective or patronizing behavior
• cope with the patient’s and their own feelings of loss
Family Issues
Psychological and Family Issues
Associated with Neurological Diseases
The unpredictable nature of neurological symptoms and the uncertainty of future implications of neurological illnesses often lead to psychological distress. In addition to experiencing feelings of anxiety and depression, patients and their families may also face additional challenges specific to certain diseases, such as those listed below:
Alzheimer’s Disease
• loss of independent functioning
• adjustments in daily activities
• adapting to different stages of disease
• coping with a terminal diagnosis
• arranging a durable power of attorney, living will
• losing a relative or loved one while the body is still alive
• toll on family caregiver(s)
• possibility of emotional and physical abuse of patient
Multiple Sclerosis
• uncertainty of long-term prognosis
• unpredictability of relapses
• physical disabilities
• loss of independent functioning
• lack of or ineffective familial support
Parkinson’s Disease
• impact on work and ability to perform specific tasks
• side effects of medication and length of treatment
• effects of memory loss on patient and family caregiver(s)
• loss of independent functioning and fine motor control
Stroke
• unpredictability and fear of future strokes
• adaptation to post-stroke deficits
• uncertainty of improvements even with physical and occupational therapy
• loss of independent functioning
• lifestyle changes to reduce risks
• toll on family caregiver(s)
Traumatic Brain Injury (Frontal Lobe)
• uncertainty of symptom improvement
• personality changes, executive function deficits
• ability to learn new tasks
• loss of independent functioning
• toll on family caregiver(s)
Epilepsy
• unpredictability of future attacks
• depression, mood changes, stress
• loss of privileges such as driving
• lifestyle adjustments: e.g., young mothers with babies need assistance
• social stigma
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• lack of outward signs of disease that can lead family, friends, and employers to questioni or doubt patient’s symptoms
• impact on work capability and family relationships
• lack of or ineffective familial support
Migraine Headaches
• impact on work capability and family relationships
• unpredictability of future attacks
• depression, mood changes, stress
Peripheral Neuropathies
• living with chronic pain
• prognosis of the primary illness, such as diabetes or alcoholism
• risk of addiction to pain medications or alcohol
• impact on work capability and family relationships
Myasthenia Gravis
• fear of worsening symptoms
• coping with cyclic nature of symptoms
• muscular weakness and fatigue
• vision impairment due to eye muscle weakness
ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
• coping with a terminal diagnosis
• arranging a durable power of attorney and a living will
• uncertainty of when symptoms become disabling
• fear of increasing incapacitation and suffering
• loss of independent functioning
• toll on family caregiver(s)
Cerebral tumors
• personality changes
• deformity
• uncertainty of prognosis
• loss of independence
• toll on family caregiver(s)
Relationship Success
Important findings about love relationships are illustrated in an article published by Scientific American Mind (January 2010).
1) In the U.S., half of first marriages fail, two thirds of second marriages fail and three quarters of third marriages fail. The obvious conclusion: we have not developed the skills required to maintain relationships and our expectations are highly unrealistic.
You will notice that the probability of marital failure increases with each new marriage. You may ask why? My answer: Wherever you go, there you are! When you are unhappy in a relationship, it is important to find out more about your attachment history. Look no further than mom and dad or anyone else you were intimately connected to during your formative years (ages 0-10). I recommend that you work with a psychotherapist who comes strongly recommended by former patients or other professionals.
2) A study of arranged marriages was conducted and the key elements found within a successful relationship are commitment, communication, accommodation and vulnerability. Other research indicates that sharing adventures, secrets, personal space and jokes will enhance intimacy and love with your partner. Thriving couples accentuate the positive in life, cope well during hard times, and celebrate the happy moments.
3) How couples handle good news may matter even more to their relationship than their ability to support each other under difficult circumstances. Ultimately, there is power in positive emotions.
Please refer to the article to read more about love-building exercises and the impact of positive thinking and emotions.
Office Location
Ariela Alpert, LCSW
4314 Yoakum Blvd., Suite 5
Houston, TX 77006
(832) 878-6826
Contact Ariela
The Cherry Blossom
The Cherry Blossom is a symbol of good fortune, love and affection. The transient nature of the blossoms, the extreme beauty and quick demise, has often been associated with mortality. For this reason, cherry blossoms are richly symbolic, a metaphor for the fleeting nature of life. During our short presence on this earth, we strive to achieve meaningful connections in all relationships. Psychotherapy helps people overcome obstacles that impair their ability to create a more fulfilling life. I view the cherry blossom as a symbol of the therapeutic process in which love, tolerance, patience and perseverance are the seeds required to help you define yourself and your relationship with the world around you.
Mental Health Resources
Alzheimer's Association
http://www.alz.org/texas/
Crisis Intervention of Houston
http://www.crisishotline.org/
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance Houston (DBSA)
http://www.dbsahouston.org/
Gay and Lesbian Switchboard Houston
http://www.gayswitchboardhouston.org/
Harris County Hospital District (HCHD)
http://www.hchdonline.com/
Harris County Psychiatric Center (HCPC)
http://hcpc.uth.tmc.edu/
Mental Health Mental Retardation Authority of Harris County (MHMRA)
http://www.mhmraharris.org
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill-Metropolitan Houston (NAMI)
http://www.namimetrohouston.org/
Recovery, Inc.
http://www.recovery-inc.org
The Council on Alcohol and Drugs Houston
http://www.council-houston.org
