Josephine Vuchansu
Welcome to my platform! I am Dr. Josephine Vuchansu, board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC, DNP). I earned my Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree from the University of Massachusetts Global, in Irvine, California.
I have a little over two years of experience as a behavioral health provider; however, I have over seven years of experience as psychiatric/ mental health registered nurse.
I have a little over two years of experience as a behavioral health provider; however, I have over seven years of experience as psychiatric/ mental health registered nurse. I focus on helping young adults deal with depression and anxiety to help them live optimal lives.
First session
In our first session, we will briefly introduce ourselves, and then dive into the the specific challenges you are facing, this will help me develop a care plan that is tailored to fit your specific needs. After which together, you and I will set goals and expectations before we begin with an in-depth assessment.
Strengths
With my extensive background of dealing-with, and treating young adults with depression and anxiety for over seven years, I have developed personalized strategic treatments for this population especially using cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy. I have had resounding success stories over the years. I am excited to help who my next client will be.
Ideal clients
I have a strong drive towards helping young adults, especially the millennial and Gen Zs, in my experience I find that this population of youths are the most vulnerable to anxiety and depression, of no fault of theirs, but by the mere fact that they are born in an era of fast evolving technological advancement, where human being in general are making major shifts from the traditional ways of life. My adolescents, and young adults between the ages of 12 to 39 years are caught in the midst of it all; where they have to figure out this new ways of life, dealing with all the social pressures all on their own, thus the high prevalence of anxiety and depression in these age groups. As your provider who is vested in your plight, I see your struggles and I am here to work together with you to find lasting solutions.
Treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as defined by Zhang et al, 2018 is an evidence-based psychotherapeutic approach that focuses on increasing psychological flexibility and living a meaningful life. I have effectively used ACT in my practice to help patients with depression, Anxiety, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and Substance use disorder. I use variety of mindfulness exercises like guided-imagery, breathing exercises, cognitive defusion strategies, Acceptance exercises, values clarification activities and behavioral experiments. My clients are encouraged to take action towards their values, even when it is difficult.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a talking therapy that helps people change their thought patterns and behaviors. I have mostly applied this therapy to help people with depression and anxiety, it especially works well for post partum depression and in young adults with depression and anxiety. This therapy focusses making the client aware of the connection between your thoughts, feelings and actions; how these three operate like a vicious cycle. I work with the client to identify negative thought patterns and behaviors, then work with them to learn ways to challenge those thoughts patterns and how to respond differently to challenging situations, I also introduce activities to help my clients cope like journaling, how to isolate troubling thoughts, and other relaxation exercises and problem-solving strategies. I have had great success stories using CBT to improve on mood and general quality of life, I have helped people with difficult life experiences such as divorce or relationship problems, I have even helped people with insomnia and chronic pain applying CBT.
Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation is an evidence-based therapeutic intervention that aims to provide individuals and their families with information and support related to mental health conditions. I came to the realization that there is a lot of misinformation and mis-representation of mental health conditions, the society is quick to judge you based on your mental health diagnosis and hence the stigma. Therefore, enhancing understanding, and decipher the guilt that accompanies any mental health diagnosis is the first step in enhancing acceptance and helping the individuals to work towards building coping mechanisms, and adherence to treatment. The key components of psychoeducation are usually education; providing the patient with up-to-date information about their mental health condition, including possible symptoms, possible causes, treatment options, and prognosis; will empower them to take action because they feel in control. Also I help my patients develop individual tools and strategies to manage their symptoms, cope with challenges and improve their overall well-being. This empowers them to make informed decisions about their treatment, advocate for themselves, and take an active role in their recovery.
Location
Virtual sessions