EXPERT
Hoorie Siddique, PH.D.
Psychologist | Clinical
Embolden Psychology is a new, innovative practice lead by Dr. Ronnie Siddique with offices in the DC metro area, Fairfax, and Montgomery County. Dr. Siddique works eclectically to help clients understand their strengths, have a clearer understanding of obstacles that hold them back, and to help promote a sense of satisfaction, courage, and joy. She deeply respects the individuality of her clients and targets problems using strategies and treatments that speak best to each person.
She values working collaboratively with parents, families, educators, and other treatment providers to make recommendations to enhance every client’s personal strengths and goals. Finally, she believes in the importance of between session support services by text, email, and phone, as needed. Dr. Siddique is trained in psychodynamic, interpersonal, and cognitive-behavioral therapy, as well as mindfulness/meditation. She has advanced training in neuropsychology and administers comprehensive psychological test batteries to help clients understand their patterns of cognitive, academic, social-emotional, behavioral, and executive functioning.
Dr. Siddique has been selected as one of the “Top 100 Doctors in the DMV,” by Northern Virginia Magazine. She is certified in Mindfulness-Based Contemplative Psychotherapy and DBT. Please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Siddique by email or phone to ask questions, describe goals and desires of therapy or assessment, or for a brief consultation.
She values working collaboratively with parents, families, educators, and other treatment providers to make recommendations to enhance every client’s personal strengths and goals. Finally, she believes in the importance of between session support services by text, email, and phone, as needed. Dr. Siddique is trained in psychodynamic, interpersonal, and cognitive-behavioral therapy, as well as mindfulness/meditation. She has advanced training in neuropsychology and administers comprehensive psychological test batteries to help clients understand their patterns of cognitive, academic, social-emotional, behavioral, and executive functioning.
Dr. Siddique has been selected as one of the “Top 100 Doctors in the DMV,” by Northern Virginia Magazine. She is certified in Mindfulness-Based Contemplative Psychotherapy and DBT. Please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Siddique by email or phone to ask questions, describe goals and desires of therapy or assessment, or for a brief consultation.
Hoorie Siddique, PH.D.
- Chantilly, VA
- Catholic University of America
- Accepting new patients
Got Self-Respect?
I frequently write about self-love and self-compassion. The final and perhaps the most important third of the triad is self-respect. Take time for self-care. Society puts busy...
Seven Subtle Signs of an Anxiety Disorder
Seven signs of an anxiety disorder that are hard to recognize include: * You feel mentally exhausted. Even the simplest tasks feel huge. * Everything annoys you. You feel...
What are self efficacy expectations?
The term self-efficacy was first coined in the late seventies by Dr. Albert Bandura, a Canadian psychologist and professor at Stanford University. He wrote: Self-Efficacy is...
On Grief and Grieving
Loss is a universal experience. Grieving takes many forms. Many people truly want to help a friend or family member who is experiencing a severe loss. Words often fail us at...
9 Tips for Dealing Calmly with Criticism
We can have a very hard time being criticized, corrected, or accused – even of the smallest mistakes. One client succinctly said: “it feels like an attack on my character, my...
How to Communicate With Friends and Family About Depression
Many people find it nearly impossible to talk about their depression, especially to their loved ones. I’ve found that for some of my patients, it helps to put it in writing....
Social Anxiety - It's More Than Shyness
I have occasional days where it feels overwhelming just to leave my house. I want to have the quiet solitude of no interactions. This is a microcosm of the life of someone with...
What does mirroring mean in psychology?
Hello, mirroring means that you are fully hearing and reflecting on what the patient is saying to you. All the while, checking for accuracy. It’s a mode of active listening. Many READ MORE
Hello, mirroring means that you are fully hearing and reflecting on what the patient is saying to you. All the while, checking for accuracy. It’s a mode of active listening. Many people don’t feel heard in their lives by friends, employers, family members, partners, etc., so accurately listening in an active fashion and stating back what you have heard WHILE being open to feedback and correction is incredibly important. Research indicates that most people already know what they’re going to say next while they’re seemingly listening to somebody, instead of fully hearing them. Mirroring shows the other person that you really heard them.
Do I have a sleeping disorder?
Hello, thank you for writing.
It could be a panic attack or anxiety if it just started recently. If it’s disrupting your sleep, it’s definitely worth talking to your pediatrician READ MORE
Hello, thank you for writing.
It could be a panic attack or anxiety if it just started recently. If it’s disrupting your sleep, it’s definitely worth talking to your pediatrician or to a psychologist about. It might be worthwhile to discuss sleep protocols as well.
Dr. Siddique
It could be a panic attack or anxiety if it just started recently. If it’s disrupting your sleep, it’s definitely worth talking to your pediatrician or to a psychologist about. It might be worthwhile to discuss sleep protocols as well.
Dr. Siddique
Does CBT work for low self esteem?
Good morning,
Thank you for your question.
Yes, very much so. CBT includes self statements, challenging previous thoughts and perceptions, and establishing new thoughts and READ MORE
Good morning,
Thank you for your question.
Yes, very much so. CBT includes self statements, challenging previous thoughts and perceptions, and establishing new thoughts and behaviors that are positive. For people who have low self-esteem, they have often experienced past relationships, parenting, and experiences that make them feel not worthy. CBT helps and doing previous cognitive distortions, which I referred to as brain lies.
Hoorie Siddique, PhD
Thank you for your question.
Yes, very much so. CBT includes self statements, challenging previous thoughts and perceptions, and establishing new thoughts and behaviors that are positive. For people who have low self-esteem, they have often experienced past relationships, parenting, and experiences that make them feel not worthy. CBT helps and doing previous cognitive distortions, which I referred to as brain lies.
Hoorie Siddique, PhD
How long does it take to get out of psychosis?
Hello, thank you for your question. Psychosis can be caused by a number of things, from illness such as encephalitis, to major depression and bipolar disorder, to PTSD and schizophrenia. READ MORE
Hello, thank you for your question. Psychosis can be caused by a number of things, from illness such as encephalitis, to major depression and bipolar disorder, to PTSD and schizophrenia. Schizophrenia most often starts in the late teens or early 20s. You would have to go see a psychiatrist to determine the exact cause of the psychosis, and then they can select the appropriate treatment regimen, which may include medication, therapy, or even a short-term hospitalization.
Thanks,
Dr. Siddique
Thanks,
Dr. Siddique
How do you use cognitive behavioral approaches to treat chronic pain?
Cognitive behavioral approaches include mindfulness-based procedures and meditation and relaxation strategies to help manage chronic pain. In fact, for many people who are unable READ MORE
Cognitive behavioral approaches include mindfulness-based procedures and meditation and relaxation strategies to help manage chronic pain. In fact, for many people who are unable to take medication for various reasons, CBT strategies can be helpful.
Is depression a side effect of your period?
Hormonal surges and changes can certainly lead to depression, including birth-control medication. It’s important to be assessed by a professional to make sure that the depression READ MORE
Hormonal surges and changes can certainly lead to depression, including birth-control medication. It’s important to be assessed by a professional to make sure that the depression is not just related to menstrual cycles.
How does anxiety cause shortness of breath?
Anxiety is not just an emotion or feeling, it’s a set of psychological and medical symptoms. These can include shortness of breath, feeling shaky, racing heartbeat, muscle tension READ MORE
Anxiety is not just an emotion or feeling, it’s a set of psychological and medical symptoms. These can include shortness of breath, feeling shaky, racing heartbeat, muscle tension and pain, and even feeling like you’re going to pass out. Shortness of breath can also be related to having panic attacks, which are an acute and severe form of anxiety.
What are general methods used to treat depression?
Treatment of depression can include therapy, self-care, medication, and important daily routines. With regard to therapy, we use mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, and READ MORE
Treatment of depression can include therapy, self-care, medication, and important daily routines. With regard to therapy, we use mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, and interpersonal therapy, which are all shown to be very effective treatment modalities.
What are the causes of psychological stress?
Hello, thank you for your question, this is Dr. Ronnie Siddique, https://embolden.world/
Psychological stress can be caused by many different sources, usually more than one READ MORE
Hello, thank you for your question, this is Dr. Ronnie Siddique, https://embolden.world/
Psychological stress can be caused by many different sources, usually more than one at a time. These can include underlying anxiety or depressive disorders, an overload of personal responsibilities, sleep deprivation, lack of mental and physical self-care, environmental factors like racism or emotional abuse, and physical problems.
Best,
Dr. Ronnie Siddique
Psychological stress can be caused by many different sources, usually more than one at a time. These can include underlying anxiety or depressive disorders, an overload of personal responsibilities, sleep deprivation, lack of mental and physical self-care, environmental factors like racism or emotional abuse, and physical problems.
Best,
Dr. Ronnie Siddique
What are the techniques used in behavior therapy?
Hello, thank you for your question,
Behavior therapy involves looking at the antecedents, things that happen before a certain behavior, and the consequences, things that happen READ MORE
Hello, thank you for your question,
Behavior therapy involves looking at the antecedents, things that happen before a certain behavior, and the consequences, things that happen after the behavior. It tries to change this pattern, based on the belief that there is a reinforcement or increase in behavior that happens because of Our responses. For example, if we are over eating, it could be that we had a stressful day at work where we were yelled at and felt minimized, then we go home and eat something not necessarily good for us, and afterwards we feel bad. So, breaking down a pattern of behavior into its parts is the emphasis in behavior therapy. However, there are other types of therapy that integrate behavior, but also look at our thoughts and feelings, including mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy. While looking at the behavior, these therapies state that changing thoughts can also help change behavior.
Dr. Ronnie Siddique
Behavior therapy involves looking at the antecedents, things that happen before a certain behavior, and the consequences, things that happen after the behavior. It tries to change this pattern, based on the belief that there is a reinforcement or increase in behavior that happens because of Our responses. For example, if we are over eating, it could be that we had a stressful day at work where we were yelled at and felt minimized, then we go home and eat something not necessarily good for us, and afterwards we feel bad. So, breaking down a pattern of behavior into its parts is the emphasis in behavior therapy. However, there are other types of therapy that integrate behavior, but also look at our thoughts and feelings, including mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy. While looking at the behavior, these therapies state that changing thoughts can also help change behavior.
Dr. Ronnie Siddique
How do you help someone who has learning disabilities?
Hi,
Thank you so much for your question regarding learning disabilities, which is one of my specialties. There are several kinds of learning disabilities. One of the most common READ MORE
Hi,
Thank you so much for your question regarding learning disabilities, which is one of my specialties. There are several kinds of learning disabilities. One of the most common is a specific learning disability in reading and reading comprehension, known as dyslexia. Another is dysgraphia, which is trouble with writing and written expression. A third common one is dyscalculia, or a math disorder. Sometimes people have several different ones. There are other learning conditions, including ADHD and executive functioning weaknesses (including planning, organizing, self monitoring, and staying on track) that have a significant effect on learning.
The way to treat learning disorders is to have accommodations or support in the workplace, school, and home settings. In college and School, there are learning specialists who can also support the person with their assignments and tasks. For example, every college has a learning disability center. In order to be diagnosed with learning disabilities, the person has to finish psychological or psychoeducational testing, in order to receive specific recommendations for accommodations.
Thank you,
Dr. Siddique
Thank you so much for your question regarding learning disabilities, which is one of my specialties. There are several kinds of learning disabilities. One of the most common is a specific learning disability in reading and reading comprehension, known as dyslexia. Another is dysgraphia, which is trouble with writing and written expression. A third common one is dyscalculia, or a math disorder. Sometimes people have several different ones. There are other learning conditions, including ADHD and executive functioning weaknesses (including planning, organizing, self monitoring, and staying on track) that have a significant effect on learning.
The way to treat learning disorders is to have accommodations or support in the workplace, school, and home settings. In college and School, there are learning specialists who can also support the person with their assignments and tasks. For example, every college has a learning disability center. In order to be diagnosed with learning disabilities, the person has to finish psychological or psychoeducational testing, in order to receive specific recommendations for accommodations.
Thank you,
Dr. Siddique
How do you tell your partner is a narcissist?
Most people with narcissistic personality disorder have trouble handling anything they perceive as criticism, and they can:
-Become impatient or angry when they don't receive READ MORE
Most people with narcissistic personality disorder have trouble handling anything they perceive as criticism, and they can:
-Become impatient or angry when they don't receive special treatment
-Have significant interpersonal problems and easily feel slighted
-React with rage or contempt and try to belittle the other person to make themselves appear superior
-Have difficulty regulating emotions and behavior
-Experience major problems dealing with stress and adapting to change
-Feel depressed and moody because they fall short of perfection
-Have secret feelings of insecurity, shame, vulnerability, and humiliation
-Easily perceive fault in others, but not in themselves
In these cases, you have to find mental health support in order to negotiate the relationship, or to make decisions about the future. Interpersonal relationships and dealing with personality disorders such as narcissism definitely requires professional support.
Dr. Siddique
-Become impatient or angry when they don't receive special treatment
-Have significant interpersonal problems and easily feel slighted
-React with rage or contempt and try to belittle the other person to make themselves appear superior
-Have difficulty regulating emotions and behavior
-Experience major problems dealing with stress and adapting to change
-Feel depressed and moody because they fall short of perfection
-Have secret feelings of insecurity, shame, vulnerability, and humiliation
-Easily perceive fault in others, but not in themselves
In these cases, you have to find mental health support in order to negotiate the relationship, or to make decisions about the future. Interpersonal relationships and dealing with personality disorders such as narcissism definitely requires professional support.
Dr. Siddique
Where can you get help for stress?
Good morning, this is Dr. Ronnie Siddique.
For overwhelming stress, I use a three-pronged approach for treatment. This includes therapy, self-care regimens, and possibly, medication READ MORE
Good morning, this is Dr. Ronnie Siddique.
For overwhelming stress, I use a three-pronged approach for treatment. This includes therapy, self-care regimens, and possibly, medication if the stress is overwhelming. Overwhelming chronic stress can lead to an anxiety disorder.
Hoorie Siddique, PhD
For overwhelming stress, I use a three-pronged approach for treatment. This includes therapy, self-care regimens, and possibly, medication if the stress is overwhelming. Overwhelming chronic stress can lead to an anxiety disorder.
Hoorie Siddique, PhD
How do you treat psychological stress?
It’s a combination of things. First of all, thank you so much for being vulnerable enough to ask the question. It requires a combination: therapy, including mindfulness-based therapy, READ MORE
It’s a combination of things. First of all, thank you so much for being vulnerable enough to ask the question. It requires a combination: therapy, including mindfulness-based therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and interpersonal therapy. In addition, relaxation in South Carroll strategies are imperative. Lastly, If there are panic attacks or severe anxiety involved, medication can help, but it’s not the only solution.
Is anxiety the same as stress?
Anxiety is an ancient response to a sense of danger or threat. It is not the same as stress, but can be caused by stress. While very adaptive at times of threat, it can also become READ MORE
Anxiety is an ancient response to a sense of danger or threat. It is not the same as stress, but can be caused by stress. While very adaptive at times of threat, it can also become a disorder. Experiencing occasional anxiety at times of stress is a normal part of life. However, people with anxiety disorders frequently have intense, excessive and persistent worry and fear about everyday situations. Often, anxiety disorders involve repeated episodes of sudden feelings of intense anxiety and fear or terror that reach a peak within minutes (panic attacks).
These feelings of anxiety and panic interfere with daily activities, are difficult to control, are out of proportion to the actual danger and can last a long time.
Experiencing anxiety during and about the coronavirus Is common. If it is interfering with your ability to function on a daily basis, teletherapy is very useful. Treatment of anxiety and anxiety disorders involves cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and relaxation strategies. Finding a therapist to feel comfortable with is very important, as well as practicing strategies between therapy sessions. Lastly, my practice emphasizes individualizing treatment for each person. https://embolden.world/
Hoorie Siddique, PhD
These feelings of anxiety and panic interfere with daily activities, are difficult to control, are out of proportion to the actual danger and can last a long time.
Experiencing anxiety during and about the coronavirus Is common. If it is interfering with your ability to function on a daily basis, teletherapy is very useful. Treatment of anxiety and anxiety disorders involves cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and relaxation strategies. Finding a therapist to feel comfortable with is very important, as well as practicing strategies between therapy sessions. Lastly, my practice emphasizes individualizing treatment for each person. https://embolden.world/
Hoorie Siddique, PhD
How can I calm anxiety during the coronavirus?
Hi, thank you for your question, and it’s certainly an important one. The coronavirus has created an uptick of anxiety for many people. The approach to addressing that is similar READ MORE
Hi, thank you for your question, and it’s certainly an important one. The coronavirus has created an uptick of anxiety for many people. The approach to addressing that is similar to other types of anxieties, including self statements, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness and relaxation techniques, and self-care. Many of my patients have said it’s hard to control the actions of other people, but there are things we can do to protect ourselves, and still have quality of life. Fear of the coronavirus can also be linked to anxieties about other areas of life that are affected. While addressing the specific anxiety or fear, individualizing treatment for each person is also important.
Hoorie Siddique, PhD
Hoorie Siddique, PhD
What are the advantages of a humanistic approach?
The advantages of a humanistic approach are looking at the person that you are working with or have an interpersonal relationship with in a holistic fashion. This includes honoring READ MORE
The advantages of a humanistic approach are looking at the person that you are working with or have an interpersonal relationship with in a holistic fashion. This includes honoring their ability to search for their personal meaning and purpose. Humanistic work includes looking for strengths and goals, not focusing on pathology.
Hoorie Siddique, PhD
Hoorie Siddique, PhD
Can social workers suffer from depression?
Yes absolutely. Mental health workers have some of the highest burn out and that includes rates of depression, substance abuse, and anxiety. Self-care is crucial. It used to be READ MORE
Yes absolutely. Mental health workers have some of the highest burn out and that includes rates of depression, substance abuse, and anxiety. Self-care is crucial. It used to be done that social workers and psychologists were required to be in therapy as part of their training, and although that cannot be mandated by programs, I believe it’s a good thing to be in treatment at various stages of our own professional and personal lives.
Will my depression go on its own?
Hello, it really depends on how long you’ve been depressed, and what the other circumstances are that may be occurring. If you’ve had recurrent episodes- Therapy, possible medication READ MORE
Hello, it really depends on how long you’ve been depressed, and what the other circumstances are that may be occurring. If you’ve had recurrent episodes- Therapy, possible medication consultation, and a self care regimen are absolutely essential to address it. The good news is that there are proven strategies that do work to help with distress and symptoms.
Why do children chew on their fingers and hands?
The most common explanation for why some children chew is because of stress and/or anxiety. Chewing provides proprioceptive input to the jaw that is very calming and organizing. READ MORE
The most common explanation for why some children chew is because of stress and/or anxiety. Chewing provides proprioceptive input to the jaw that is very calming and organizing. It’s similar to how some people might bite their fingernails when they’re nervous, or pace back and forth, do deep breathing, rock back and forth, tap their foot, etc. These are all mechanisms for how we cope with stress.
The stress we’re talking about could be everyday stress - when kids are frustrated, mad, or tired. Chewing will typically increase relative to the amount of stress, AND relative to how well children deal with stress. Chewing is inherently calming for kids.
It’s a known motor plan.
There is always something nearby that they can chew on (whether or not it’s safe/appropriate) - a shirt, pencil, toy, something picked up off the floor, etc.
They can also control what goes in their mouth, which is something that many kids don't get to do very often.
The stress we’re talking about could be everyday stress - when kids are frustrated, mad, or tired. Chewing will typically increase relative to the amount of stress, AND relative to how well children deal with stress. Chewing is inherently calming for kids.
It’s a known motor plan.
There is always something nearby that they can chew on (whether or not it’s safe/appropriate) - a shirt, pencil, toy, something picked up off the floor, etc.
They can also control what goes in their mouth, which is something that many kids don't get to do very often.
