David A Nover, MD, PC

04/27/2020

For many people of all ages and circumstances, this is a difficult and uncertain time leading to an increase in mental health concerns and relationship struggles. Dr. Dawn Haaz, licensed psychologist, is pleased to be expanding her private practice and taking on more clients via teletherapy during this unprecedented and challenging time. She treats adolescents 14 years and over and adults with depression, anxiety, relationship/marital issues, life transitions, infertility, and self-esteem issues. She sees individuals, couples, and families. Dr. Haaz accepts Medicare, Doylestown Hospital employee insurance, Humana Military, and private pay. Check out her Psychology Today profile for more information.

Dr. Dawn Haaz, PsyD, Psychologist, Warrington, PA, 18976, (215) 608-2597, Do you imagine a life where you can be the best you? Do you want a life where you feel good about yourself, are engaged in work/activities you are passionate about, are empowered to make decisions in your best interest, and ha...

02/05/2019

Do You Have the Relationship You Desire?
by Dawn H. Haaz, Psy.D.
Licensed Psychologist at David A. Nover, M.D., P.C.

When we think of February, one of the things that most often comes to mind is Valentine’s Day. While this day is often commercialized with flowers, candy, jewelry, and other material items, it is also a day to appreciate your significant other. With the craziness of life and our various demands, we sometimes lose sight of the importance of making time for our relationship. Whether you are in a new relationship or have been married for 30 years, it is a day to take a step back and recognize your partner and relationship.

Here are some tips on how to improve your relationship all year long:

-No matter how long you have been together, make time to go out on dates regularly.

-Keep the excitement and spark alive by trying new activities together, including in the bedroom.

-Set aside time regularly to check in and have intimate conversations about your thoughts, feelings, desires, and aspirations.

-Practice open and respectful communication.

-Find hobbies and interests that you can share together, while also making time for each of you to engage in activities and maintain friendships outside of your relationship.

It may also be a time to reflect on your relationship. Here are some questions you may be asking:

-Am I feeling satisfied with my relationship?

-Do we have the emotional and sexual intimacy I
desire?

-Am I receiving the support from my partner that I
desire?

-Do we communicate in a healthy and effective manner
or do I often fight over miscommunications?

-Am I continuing to grow in this relationship?

If you answered with many “no’s” and are not feeling content in your relationship, it may be time to sit down with your significant other and have an open conversation about your concerns. If this doesn’t work and you are continuing to be unsatisfied in your relationship, it may be helpful to engage in therapy together to work through your difficulties. Therapy can help you have the fulfilling relationship you deserve. If you feel you can benefit from speaking to a professional, call us at 215-491-7570 to schedule an appointment with one of our clinicians.

Send a message to learn more

09/27/2018

Start Fresh with SMART Goals
By: Dawn H. Haaz, Psy.D.
Licensed Psychologist at David A. Nover, M.D.

For many of us, September is perceived as a time of transition and the beginning of a new year. It is a start of a new school year and activities for parents and children. Of course, September 22nd is the start of autumn, which is marked by the changing colors of the leaves on the trees and cooler weather for those of us in the Northeast. Lastly, September marks Rosh Hashannah, the Jewish New Year.

As with the secular New Year, it is a natural time for reflection. It is the perfect time for us to reflect on the decisions we made, our accomplishments, successes, challenges, and failures. We can examine our relationships with family, friends, and co-workers. It provides us the opportunity to reflect on what we are proud of and how we still want to grow.
This reflection provides the opportunity for us to acknowledge what we want to change about ourselves, our relationships, and other aspects of our life. It is the perfect time to set new goals. Unfortunately, we often hesitate or even avoid setting goals based on past experience of fear that we may not be successful in fulfilling them. We may feel lost about where to start, how to go about setting a goal, or how to accomplish our goal.

Fortunately, setting SMART goals allows us to set goals that are achievable. You can use the acronym below to help you set goals that are attainable whether you want to improve in work, school, your relationships, or personally.
S: Specific- What do specifically do you want to accomplish?

M: Measurable- How will you know when you have accomplished your goal?

A: Attainable- What specific steps can you take to accomplish your goal?

R: Relevant- How is this goal relevant to your life and why is it important to you (not others)?

T: Time-bound- By when do you want to accomplish this goal?

Hopefully, utilizing this method will help you be successful in setting and achieving meaningful goals and ultimately live the life you want. If you still feel stuck, lost, overwhelmed, or discontent, it may be helpful to speak with a professional. Please call us at 215-491-7570 to schedule an appointment with one of our clinicians.

05/18/2018

May is Mental Health Month
By: Dawn H. Haaz, Psy.D.
Licensed Psychologist at David A. Nover, M.D.

Do you or someone you care about have a mental health diagnosis? If so, you are not alone. In fact, 1 in 5 American adults experienced a mental health issue in 2014. Unfortunately, it is not only adults who are affected by mental illness. Half of those with mental health disorders show first signs prior to age 14. Three quarters of mental health disorders begin prior to age 24. Sadly, less than 20% of children and adolescents and 44% of adults with a diagnosed mental health disorder receive the treatment they need.

Did you know May is Mental Health Month? The theme for 2018 is Fitness . This theme provides awareness of the interactive relationship between our mind and body.
One way to prevent and treat mental health disorders is through diet. Did you know that young people with the healthiest diets are about half as likely to have depression, whereas those with diets highest in junk and processed foods are 80% more likely to have depression? In fact, in one study, 1/3 of those with depression who improved their diets had full relief of their symptoms. Try eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, fish, olive oil, and other healthy foods while eating sweets and fatty food in moderation.

Did you know that exercise can help prevent and treat mental health disorders? Studies have shown that just one hour of exercise a week is related to lower levels of mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders. You can incorporate small amounts of fun exercise into your daily routine. For example, you can take walks outside, play a sport, take a dance class, or go swimming.
Did you know that poor quality of sleep can increase your risk of developing a mental health disorder? People with mental health disorders are much more likely to suffer from sleep problems than those without mental health issues.

If after making changes to diet, exercise, and sleep, you or someone you care about are still struggling with mental health issues, it may be beneficial to seek professional help. Mental health disorders can usually be treated effectively with psychotherapy and medication. You can call us at 215-491-7570 to schedule an appointment with one of our clinicians.

References:
Mental health month 2018 – toolkit download. (2018). Retrieved
from www.mentalhealthamerica.net/mental-health-month-
2018-toolkit-download

Mental health myths and facts. (2017, August 29). Retrieved
from https://www.mentalhealth.gov/basics/mental-health-
myths-facts

04/13/2018

April is National Stress Awareness Month
by Dawn H. Haaz, Psy.D., Licensed Psychologist

Have you been feeling stressed lately? If you answered, “yes”, you are not alone. Stress is so prevalent in our society that April is recognized as National Stress Awareness Month. Everyone experiences stress at times. In fact, according to the American Psychological Association (2014), 75% of Americans report experiencing at least one symptom of stress in the past month. Some common symptoms include feeling irritable/angry, fatigued, overwhelmed, having a lack of interest/motivation, and being depressed/sad. Fortunately, not all stress is bad as it can motivate us to prepare for situations, such as a job interview or important presentation. Stress can even save your life when in danger. However, chronic stress can result in serious health problems, including high blood pressure and heart disease. It can also negatively affect your relationships both at home and in the workplace. Parents of children 18 and under, women, and younger generations (Millennials and Gen Xers) are especially prone to stress.

The good news is there are healthy ways to prevent stress. Here are 10 ways to prevent stress:

1. Get enough sleep every night
2. Eat well-balanced meals
3. Exercise regularly
4. Avoid recreational drugs and drink alcohol in moderation
5. Create balance in your life between “work” and “play”
6. Engage in hobbies/activities you enjoy regularly
7. Set realistic goals for yourself and create a plan to accomplish
them
8. Build a strong support system
9. Know your limits and don’t be afraid to say “no”
10. Have a positive attitude

Unfortunately, even when we try our best to prevent stress, situations in our life, often beyond our control, may cause us stress. Here are 10 healthy ways you can manage stress:

1. Take deep breathes
2. Meditate or do yoga
3. Engage in physical exercise
4. Utilize your support system
5. Express yourself through writing, music, or art
6. Listen to music
7. Distract yourself by doing something fun
8. Laugh
9. Enjoy nature/outdoors
10. Put your problems in perspective and think positive

If you are experiencing chronic stress that is affecting your physical and mental health, it may be time to seek professional help. You can call us at 215-491-7570 to schedule an appointment with one of our clinicians. Check out our website at www.bucks-psychs.com/.

Reference:
American Psychological Association (2014). Stress in America:
Paying with our health. Retrieved
from https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress
/2014/stress-report.pdf.