Neurocove Behavioral Health, LLC

 Specialists in psychological assessment, therapy, and counseling for 

anxiety, depression, and trauma throughout Florida. 

2019–20 coronavirus pandemic - Pandemic
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Benson Munyan, Ph.D.

5 Solid Tips for Setting Boundaries for this Pandemic

Setting boundaries can be tough. These tips can make the process smoother!

The global pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus has resulted in unprecedented disruption of daily life. With cases exploding in states like Arizona and Florida, it has become increasingly important to exercise social distancing and other preventative measures to not only protect our friends and family from potential exposure but also our communities at large. This need to protect ourselves and others is also contrasted by our desire and need to balance personal needs. Engaging in activities, whether hobbies, exercise, or social interactions remains important. Interacting with others and establishing boundaries while practicing social distancing can be very difficult.; These tips can help!

1. Identify what you are comfortable with, and what is “no-go” behavior.

It is very difficult to set effective boundaries if you have not decided on what is acceptable and what constitutes problematic behavior. Defining specific conditions or behaviors into a list of things that are “OK” or “Not OK” helps us clearly identify our comfort zones. Understanding our limits is critical when setting boundaries with others and helps us communicate those limits clearly to others.

2. Go with your gut.

If you are trying to decide where you stand you stand on a particular issue and experience difficulty making up your mind, try tuning into your emotions. Emotions are often driven by underlying thoughts, concerns, or fears that may not be easily recognized. Discomfort is a surefire sign that your boundary (or someone else’s) presents a potential problem that needs to be addressed.

3. Express limits in clear, direct language. 

Communicating our boundaries can be difficult, particularly with friends and family. If those closest to us do not sure are concerns about COVID-19 or have similar boundaries, you may find it even harder to assert yourself. When setting boundaries, using clear language (Masks must be worn at all times) helps remove ambiguity that could become problematic (We’d prefer if everyone wears masks, if possible). Stating our boundaries as preferences may inadvertently convey that the boundary is optional.

4. Practice Assertiveness. 

Sometimes, asserting our boundaries can feel like we might be overly demanding, or even aggressive. In fact, even the word “demand” has negative connotations. Give yourself permission to stand up for your right to make decisions for yourself or your family. Assertive communication is defined by mutual respect of both your right to establish boundaries and the rights of others. 
 

5. Differentiate between your boundaries and your sense of self.

Should you find that you cannot agree on boundaries or that others fail to respect the boundaries you have tried to establish, it can sting. Remember that failure to agree on pandemic boundaries is (probably) not a rejection of you as a person. It is OK to disagree. At the end of the day, you have to be able to sleep with the decisions you have made. If considering where to establish a boundary, if I recommend a single litmus test, it is that question: “If this occurs, will I lose sleep?” If the question is yes, that tells you something. If you feel you have a hard time assertively communicating within your relationships, we may be able to help.

About the Author:

Dr. Benson Munyan is a Clinical Psychologist licensed in both Florida and Arizona. He is the Director of Neurocove Behavioral Health and specializes in the assessment and treatment of anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders. Dr. Munyan earned his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Central Florida. He currently holds clinical privileges at both Neurocove Behavioral Health and the Orlando Veteran’s Affairs Healthcare System. He has also previously published clinical research and articles in peer-reviewed journals including PLoS One and Clinical Case Studies.

Benson Munyan, Ph.D.
Benson Munyan, Ph.D.
Dr. Benson Munyan is a Clinical Psychologist licensed in both Florida and Arizona. He is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Central Florida's College of Medicine and the Director of Neurocove Behavioral Health, LLC. He specializes in the assessment and treatment of anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders. Dr. Munyan earned his Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Central Florida. He currently holds clinical privileges at both Neurocove Behavioral Health and the Orlando Veteran’s Affairs Healthcare System. He has also previously published clinical research and articles in peer-reviewed journals including PLoS One and Clinical Case Studies.
Benson Munyan, Ph.D.
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Jessica Candelo LMHC Orlando Therapist

Jessica Candelo, LMHC

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

ABOUT ME

My name is Jessica Candelo, LMHC, but you can call me Jess, if you’d like. I am a Marine Corps veteran and a mom which both play into my experiences and understanding of life. I have experience working with individuals facing anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, insomnia, parenting stress, military related stressors and/or traumas, and addictions. I focus on providing a safe and comfortable environment, paired with evidence-based therapies to suit the needs of my clients and meet their personal goals of recovery and growth. It’s not easy and sometimes we just want to throw in the towel, but that does not have to be the final answer. Together we can work through what you’re experiencing and move toward a place of healing.

OUR FIRST SESSION

I believe that cultivating a healthy and strong therapeutic relationship is very important in the overall process of change. Our first session is geared towards getting to know each other as well as identifying and establishing the needs and focus of the treatment plan moving forward. It is my goal to ensure you feel safe, heard, and understood throughout each session so that a collaborative and well-established treatment plan is enacted.

MY APPROACH

I try to provide a genuine, light-hearted, and humanistic environment to every session. To be honest, I try to make sure every session feels like a normal conversation by utilizing everyday language and rhetoric; I might even through in some humor where appropriate because laughter can often feel like a breath of fresh air. Overall, I want you to feel like you can voice your needs and concerns without fear of judgement all while finding suitable, potential solutions. Life is hard to navigate at times but I’m here to help.

INTERVENTIONS

  • Trauma-Focused
  • Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Behavior Modification 
  • Humanistic Therapy
  • Person-Centered Therapy
  • Motivational Interviewing Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
  • Cognitive Processing (CPT)
  • Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Rachel Creamer, Ph.D.

POSTDOCTORAL FELLOW

ABOUT ME

My name is Dr. Rachel Creamer. I specialize in providing evidenced-based care to those struggling with anxiety, depression, substance use, and trauma. Seeking therapy takes tremendous courage. You are taking the first step toward positive change. We will work together to help you reach a fulfilling and values-driven life. 

OUR FIRST SESSION

The goal of our first session is to better understand what brings you to therapy and to get to know you better. In the first session we will also talk about your goals for treatment and ways to accomplish these goals. We will also focus on learning skills to help you start making positive changes today. 

MY APPROACH

Therapy can bring about great positive change. Fostering a safe and compassionate space for clients is the foundation for allowing growth in therapy. Therapy is collaborative. While I am the expert on evidence-based treatment, you are the expert on you. We will work together on reaching your treatment goals and creating a more gratifying life. 

INTERVENTIONS

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Exposure Therapy
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Couples Therapy (Gottman method)
  • Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Nicholas James Psychologist Orlando Florida

Nicholas James, Ph.D.

LICENSED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

ABOUT ME

My name is Nicholas James, Ph.D. I have experience working with individuals facing anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, insomnia, and caregiver strain. I focus on matching evidence-based therapies to the needs of my clients to meet their personal goals of recovery and growth.

OUR FIRST SESSION

I believe that change occurs through personal reflection, cultivating strengths and resources, and incorporating growth into everyday life. It is my goal that each session is collaborative and integrates needs, beliefs, and your background into a person-centered treatment plan.

MY APPROACH

I try to bring a genuine, humanistic atmosphere to every session. My therapeutic approach is centered in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and incorporates additional evidence-based practices to address unique needs that arise during therapy.

INTERVENTIONS

  • Trauma Focused
  • Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
  • Acceptance & Commitment (ACT)
  • Behavior Modification
  • Humanistic
  • Motivational Interviewing (MI) 
  • Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Benson Munyan Psychologist Orlando Florida

Benson Munyan, PhD, ABPP

LICENSED CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

ABOUT ME

My name is Dr. Benson Munyan. I am a board-certified clinical psychologist. I specialize in working with those experiencing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma. If you are reading this, there’s a good chance you’re looking for something. Whatever the origin of your story, you are here. There is no time like the present to change our tomorrow.

OUR FIRST SESSION

From our very first session, skills are introduced, demonstrated, and assigned as practice assignments between meetings. I collaboratively set each session agenda with my clients, ensuring we have time for following up since the last session, troubleshooting any problems with skills or homework, and working on new problems or material.

MY APPROACH

Let’s be honest. Sometimes, life is hard. And sometimes, it downright sucks. There, I said it. I believe we should be able to use everyday language in therapy, and that participating in therapy as our most genuine selves empowers us to better understand the challenges we’re facing as well as potential solutions.

INTERVENTIONS

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
  • Trauma-Focused Therapy
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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