Author name: Dr. Jennifer Abbott

Dr. Jennifer Abbott is a licensed psychologist with over 20 years of experience helping people overcome trauma, anxiety, depression, and addiction. As the founder of the Center for Effective Treatment in Boulder, Colorado, she provides evidence-based therapy integrating EMDR, DBT, and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy. Dr. Abbott holds a doctorate in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Neuropsychology and a master's degree in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology. She is a member of the American Psychological Association and a PSYPACT provider, offering telehealth services in most states. Dr. Abbott is dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized care that empowers clients to heal and live fulfilling lives.

apathetic woman staring at her phone, medication is and water are on the table beside her
Constructive Psychotherapy, Medication Management, Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Psychological Evaluations

Zoloft and Emotional Blunting: What’s Happening and What You Can Do

Zoloft is one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants in the United States, and for many people, it offers relief from depression and anxiety. But there’s a side effect that doesn’t always make it into the initial conversation with a prescriber: emotional blunting. If you’ve been taking Zoloft and noticed that something feels off, that life seems duller, flatter, or somehow more distant, you’re not imagining it, and you’re far from alone.

EMDR & Trauma, Harm Reduction & Abstinence Based Psychotherapy, Substance Use Evaluations

Alcohol and Anxiety Attacks: Why Drinking Often Makes Things Worse

If you’ve reached for a drink to calm racing thoughts or quiet the tension in your chest, you’re not alone. A lot of people do this, and at the moment, it works. Alcohol genuinely reduces anxiety in the short term. The trouble is that the relationship between alcohol and anxiety attacks is more complicated than it looks, and for many people, regular drinking subtly works against them over time.

Harm Reduction & Abstinence Based Psychotherapy, Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Substance Use Evaluations

Hangxiety: What It Is, Why It Happens, and How to Feel Better

If you’ve ever woken up after a night of drinking with a racing heart, overwhelming dread, or a crushing sense of embarrassment, you’re not alone. That feeling has a name: hangxiety. A blend of “hangover” and “anxiety,” hangxiety is the wave of anxious, shame-filled, or emotionally raw feelings that can follow alcohol consumption. It’s real, it’s common, and it can feel genuinely distressing. The good news? Understanding what’s happening in your body and mind is the first step toward finding relief.

Diagnostic Clarification, Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Psychological Evaluations

Anxiety and Suicidal Thoughts: You Are Not Alone

If you’re dealing with anxiety and suicidal thoughts at the same time, the weight of that can feel unbearable — like your mind won’t give you a moment’s peace and there’s no way out. First, and most importantly: you are not alone, and what you’re going through is real. These two experiences co-occur more often than most people realize, and with the right support, things can genuinely get better. This article is here to help you understand what’s happening, why it happens, and what effective treatment actually looks like.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Neuropsychological Evaluations

How to Get Evaluated for Autism as an Adult: What to Expect and Where to Start

If you’ve found yourself searching for answers on how to get evaluated for autism as an adult, you’re not alone. Many adults reach this point after years of feeling different, misunderstood, overstimulated, or exhausted by the effort it takes to “keep up.” Some people start exploring autism after a child or family member is diagnosed. Others come to it through therapy, burnout, social struggles, or a growing sense that the explanation they’ve been given for their experiences doesn’t fully fit.

upset child crying, head in her hand
Child Emotional & Academic Support, Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Psychological Evaluations

Why Diagnosing Mood Disorders in Children and Adolescents Early On is So Important

Understanding emotional and behavioral health is the first essential step toward finding balance and making meaningful changes. For parents, watching a child struggle with intense emotions can feel overwhelming, especially when those challenges impact school, friendships, and home life. At the Center for Effective Treatment, we specialize in diagnosing mood disorders in children through a comprehensive psychological evaluation designed to answer the fundamental question: “What is truly going on? “. By moving past surface-level symptoms, we help families gain the clarity needed to move forward with confidence and purpose.

Constructive Psychotherapy, Diagnostic Clarification, Mood and Anxiety Disorders

Borderline Personality Disorder vs Bipolar Disorder: Understanding the Differences

Confusion around borderline personality disorder vs bipolar disorder is extremely common—and completely understandable. Both conditions can involve intense emotions, mood changes, and challenges in relationships, and they are often misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or conflated with one another. For individuals seeking answers for themselves or a loved one, this overlap can feel overwhelming and frustrating.

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