expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Michelle K. Conover, PH. D.

Neuropsychologist 

<p>Dr. Michelle Conover is a licensed psychologist and Qualified Medical Examiner (Q.M.E.) practicing at her office, Southern California Neuropsychology Group in Woodland Hills, CA. Dr. Conover specializes in Neuropsychology and provides her patients with neuropsychological assessment, cognitive rehabilitation, psychotherapy, and performance enhancement training for athletes. Dr. Conover works with children, adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations as well as specific populations such as professional athletes and criminal offenders. Dr. Conover has treated individuals with PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, ADHD, addiction and other complicating diseases such as Alzheimer's. In addition, as a licensed Q.M.E., Dr. Conover has experience in a variety of med-legal evaluations, including: fit-for-duty evaluations, worker's compensation cases, violence risk assessments, competence to stand trial evaluations, etc.</p>
Dr. Michelle K. Conover, PH. D.
  • Woodland Hills, CA
  • Antioch University
  • Accepting new patients

How long does it take for CBT to work for anxiety?

CBT typically consists of weekly sessions for about 12-20 weeks; however, it is dependent on the specific individual.

How do you deal with short term anxiety?

There are numerous techniques to try when attempting to manage short-term anxiety. One can: take time to practice relaxation exercises (walking, yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, READ MORE
There are numerous techniques to try when attempting to manage short-term anxiety. One can: take time to practice relaxation exercises (walking, yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, listening to calming music, etc.), limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, getting enough sleep and rest, eating well-balanced meals, learning what triggers your anxiety, getting involved in your community or organizations, talking to someone (your support system, a mental health professional, etc.).

What is the main treatment goal of humanistic therapy?

Humanistic therapy works to boost the client's self-fulfillment by helping them grow in self-awareness and self-acceptance.

Can panic disorders be cured?

Seeking treatment for panic disorders can help decrease the intensity and frequency of panic attacks, which can help an individual to live a normal daily life. Treatment for panic READ MORE
Seeking treatment for panic disorders can help decrease the intensity and frequency of panic attacks, which can help an individual to live a normal daily life. Treatment for panic disorders include psychotherapy and may include medication.

What are typical signs of work related stress?

Work-related stress can present itself in a number of ways depending on the individual. Some symptoms can be: Fatigue, muscular tension, headaches, heart palpitations, sleeping READ MORE
Work-related stress can present itself in a number of ways depending on the individual. Some symptoms can be: Fatigue, muscular tension, headaches, heart palpitations, sleeping difficulties, such as insomnia, gastrointestinal problems, depression and anxiety, irritability, pessimism, aggression, and much more. Sometimes work stress may feel like a medical condition versus an emotional one.

How do you treat psychological stress?

Finding a balance in your life, leaning on your support system, being kind to yourself, getting plenty of rest, exercising regularly, eating well-balanced meals, and practicing READ MORE
Finding a balance in your life, leaning on your support system, being kind to yourself, getting plenty of rest, exercising regularly, eating well-balanced meals, and practicing relaxation exercises.

What can be done for anxiety?

Scheduling psychotherapy appointments, seeing a psychiatrist to see if you are a good candidate for medication, and practicing healthy habits and relaxation exercises on your own READ MORE
Scheduling psychotherapy appointments, seeing a psychiatrist to see if you are a good candidate for medication, and practicing healthy habits and relaxation exercises on your own time (meditation, going on walks, resting, etc.).

Is anxiety the same as stress?

No. Stress is usually caused by an external trigger. Stress causes mental and physical symptoms. These include: irritability, fatigue, anger, muscle pain, difficulty sleeping, READ MORE
No. Stress is usually caused by an external trigger. Stress causes mental and physical symptoms. These include: irritability, fatigue, anger, muscle pain, difficulty sleeping, etc. Anxiety is defined by constant and excessive worry that does not go away even when the stressor is not present. Anxiety has very similar symptoms in comparison to stress (insomnia, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, muscle tension, etc.). In addition, anxiety can also be triggered by medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism.

How can I calm anxiety during the coronavirus?

While aspects of the pandemic are out of our control, here are a few ways one can cope in a healthy way during these difficult times: Take care of your body (exercise regularly, READ MORE
While aspects of the pandemic are out of our control, here are a few ways one can cope in a healthy way during these difficult times: Take care of your body (exercise regularly, meditate/relax, eat well-balanced meals, get plenty of rest); Connect with others in your support system; Take breaks from watching, reading, and listening to the news; Research where and how to get treatment if you do become ill; Connect with community or faith-based groups and organizations for extra support.

What is the success rate of cognitive behavioral therapy?

Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is used as a treatment method for many mental health disorders. The success rate differs depending on the disorder it is being used for. For READ MORE
Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is used as a treatment method for many mental health disorders. The success rate differs depending on the disorder it is being used for. For example, CBT has a success rate of 82% when treating patients with body dysmorphic disorder, while having a success rate of between 51-87% for depression.

What types of disorders are best treated by CBT?

Some mental health disorders that may improve with cognitive-behavioral therapy include: depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, phobias, eating disorders, sleep disorders, OCD, substance READ MORE
Some mental health disorders that may improve with cognitive-behavioral therapy include: depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, phobias, eating disorders, sleep disorders, OCD, substance use disorders, bipolar disorders, sexual disorders, and schizophrenia.

How do you tell your partner is a narcissist?

There are numerous signs that may help you find out if your partner is a narcissist. According the DSM-5, there are nine characteristics listed for narcissistic personality disorder, READ MORE
There are numerous signs that may help you find out if your partner is a narcissist. According the DSM-5, there are nine characteristics listed for narcissistic personality disorder, and an individual only needs to meet five of these characteristics to be diagnosed as a narcissist. These nine criteria include: grandiose sense of self-importance; preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success, power, beauty, or ideal love; belief they’re special and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people or institutions; need for excessive admiration; sense of entitlement; interpersonally exploitative behavior; lack of empathy; envy of others or a belief that others are envious of them; demonstration of arrogant behaviors or attitudes.

What does a forensic psychologist do?

Forensic psychologists apply their knowledge of the psychology field to the legal and criminal justice systems. Some responsibilities of a forensic psychologist include: investigations, READ MORE
Forensic psychologists apply their knowledge of the psychology field to the legal and criminal justice systems. Some responsibilities of a forensic psychologist include: investigations, research, consultations, designing and implementing treatment programs, and acting as an expert witness in the courtroom.

What are general methods used to treat depression?

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is most often used in situations of depression. However, different therapy types may be used. In addition, antidepressant medication is often prescribed. READ MORE
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is most often used in situations of depression. However, different therapy types may be used. In addition, antidepressant medication is often prescribed.

How often should you see a therapist for depression?

Typically patients see their therapists once a week; however, this can be altered depending on the severity of one's depression and the availability of the therapist.

Can alcohol change your personality?

Yes, behavioral and emotional changes (personality changes) may occur as a result from overuse of alcohol. These personality changes are often first detected by family and close READ MORE
Yes, behavioral and emotional changes (personality changes) may occur as a result from overuse of alcohol. These personality changes are often first detected by family and close friends.

Can alcohol affect your emotions?

Yes, alcohol is a depressant and has the ability to affect your emotions negatively regardless of the mood you are in.

How does anxiety cause shortness of breath?

Shortness of breath is a symptom of anxiety. When one experiences anxiety, their body goes through the fight-or-flight response. Shortness of breath is your body's way of bringing READ MORE
Shortness of breath is a symptom of anxiety. When one experiences anxiety, their body goes through the fight-or-flight response. Shortness of breath is your body's way of bringing in more oxygen, preparing your body for "flight" as a result of fear.

What is the best therapy for anxiety and panic attacks?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is most commonly used for anxiety disorders and panic attacks. This type of therapy allows one to focus on their perception of events, rather READ MORE
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is most commonly used for anxiety disorders and panic attacks. This type of therapy allows one to focus on their perception of events, rather than the events themselves.

Can antidepressants help with an eating disorder?

Antidepressants have been used in treatment plans for those with eating disorders, specifically binge eating due to their ability to increase certain neurotransmitters in the brain. READ MORE
Antidepressants have been used in treatment plans for those with eating disorders, specifically binge eating due to their ability to increase certain neurotransmitters in the brain.