

Anxiety
Anxiety disorders impact over 40 million people every year within the U.S. Though everyone may experience anxiety from time to time, anxiety disorders cause persistent stress or unease about even daily situations such as socializing with others, driving, or work. Left untreated, anxiety can significantly impact ones’ quality of life and ability to participate in activities that they used to enjoy.
Anxiety is an emotion characterized by strong feelings of tension, worry, physical changes such as an increase in blood pressure and heart rate. People with anxiety disorders have constant intrusive thoughts or concerns.
Anxiety disorders come in a variety of forms from general anxiety to more specific conditions such as social anxiety or panic disorders. Anxiety develops from several compounding factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events. Many patients who are diagnosed with anxiety may also have co-occurring illnesses such as substance abuse, depression, or other mental health conditions.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of anxiety include:
- Nervousness, restlessness, and feeling like you cannot relax
- Feelings of danger, panic, and dread
- Rapid heart rate and breathing or hyperventilation
- Increased or heavy sweating
- Muscle twitching or trembling
- Weakness or lethargy
- Difficulty focusing
- Insomnia
- Digestive problems
- Avoidant behavior
- Obsessions about certain ideas
Treatment
At Melody Smith Therapy, we tailor each treatment plan to the individual needs of the patient. We will carefully go over your psychosocial history and any other relevant factors such as life events, behaviors, and trauma.
Common treatments for anxiety include individual therapy, meditation, lifestyle changes, and other various therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and deep breathing techniques, all of which Melody Smith, MA, LMFT can help you with.

Depression
Over 300 million people are affected annually by depression, making it one of the most common mental health conditions in the world. At Melody Smith Therapy, we are committed to providing comprehensive mental health services to those who struggle with depression.
What is Depression?
Depression is a mental health condition that can affect the entire body, including the brain. It can negatively alter the way you think, behave, and feel. It may be defined as persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, and unrest that last longer than a few weeks.
Symptoms
Anyone can feel sad or even depressed at times. However, depression is a more intense feeling compared to the normal feelings of sadness. Depression is a mental illness that has a wide range of symptoms which can make it difficult to manage and maintain a good quality of life. They can impact a person’s ability to function, maintain relationships, keep commitments, or complete tasks.
Symptoms vary from person to person and appear during the night and day. Common symptoms or signs of depression include:
- A feeling of ongoing sadness, anxiety, or “emptiness”
- Aches or body pain such as migraines, cramps, or digestive problems
- Changes in appetite
- Decreased energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling inadequate
- Inability to make decisions
- Loss of interest
- Low self-esteem
- Thoughts of suicide or death
- Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Treatment
At Melody Smith Therapy, we offer individual therapy to treat depression and will work with you to customize a treatment plan that best fits your needs and lifestyle.
Treatment can vary from therapy, lifestyle changes, and stress management, to cognitive-behavioral therapy, and mindfulness. We also offer active stimulation of the vagus nerve response. Melody Smith, MA, LMFT will provide you with a psycho education to better understand our neurobiology in relation to symptoms of depression and how to rewire our brains.

Couples Therapy
Many times, a relationship involves a lot of history on both sides that create problems in the long term. At Melody Smith Therapy in Raleigh, North Carolina, Melody Smith MA LMFT offers comprehensive couples therapy to help guide you through the pain of the past and make today’s relationships stronger and healthier. Melody is experienced in a number of therapeutic techniques that challenge you to improve your self-esteem and boost your connection as a couple. Find out more about the benefits of couples therapy by scheduling an appointment online or by calling the Raleigh marriage and family therapy office.

Marriage Counseling
Marriage is a complicated, emotional journey that brings many changes in the lives of both you and your spouse. Melody Smith Therapy in Raleigh, North Carolina is fully equipped to help you and your partner navigate your marriage. Melody Smith MA LMFT is an experienced, compassionate marriage and family therapist who specializes in a range of techniques to improve communication, address conflict, and help you move forward with more peace and less stress. Schedule a marriage counseling appointment using the online booking feature or by calling the office.

Psychotherapy
Life is full of stressful situations. Psychotherapy offers many benefits for helping you navigate these stressors from the past and present to help you live a better, more fulfilling life. At Melody Smith Therapy in Raleigh, North Carolina, Melody Smith MA LMFT offers a variety of holistic psychotherapy treatment options to address chronic issues, like depression, or recent events that are interfering with your life. Find out more about psychotherapy and its benefits by calling the office today or use the online booking feature to schedule a consultation.

Anger Management
Anger management therapy is a highly effective way to help you deal with circumstances calmly and productively. Melody Smith MA LMFT has extensive experience in helping you identify the cause of your anger issues and understand the challenges you face. At her Raleigh, North Carolina practice, Melody can recommend holistic techniques to help you manage your emotions in a healthier fashion. Learn more about the benefits of anger management therapy by calling the Raleigh office or by using the convenient online booking feature.

Self Esteem
When lack of confidence is negatively affecting your life, consider the benefits of therapy to boost your self-esteem. Melody Smith MA LMFT is a caring and compassionate marriage and family therapist specializing in self-esteem boosting techniques with a holistic focus during her customized therapy sessions. At her therapy practice in Raleigh, North Carolina, Melody creates a warm, welcoming place where you are free to work on your esteem and assertiveness for a happier, healthier life. Learn more about self-esteem therapy by calling the office or using the online booking system.

Stress
When stress becomes too much for you to handle, you can protect your health learning stress reduction techniques available at Melody Smith Therapy in Raleigh, North Carolina. Melody Smith MA LMFT is highly skilled in addressing high-stress lifestyles that drain your energy and put your health at risk. Schedule a consultation online or by calling the office directly to learn more about the benefits of therapy for drug-free stress management.