break free from anxiety, depression, dysphoria, and trauma/stressors.

AnxietyDepressionDysphoriaTrauma/Stressors
Written By Xiomara A. Sosa

We help women and woman/feminine identified people who want to break free from their anxiety, depression, dysphoria, and trauma/stressors.

We’re continuously expanding services to improve your mental health care. 

Why does women’s mental health care matter?

Mental health conditions can affect men and women differently. Some mental health conditions seem to be more common in women. These include anxiety, depression, dysphoria, and trauma/stressors. 

Some mental health disorders are unique to women. One example is when some women experience symptoms of mood disorders such as depression as a result of hormonal changes in their bodies. This can occur during and after pregnancy which is called perinatal depression.

Another example is when they feel depression around the time of their monthly cycle, which is called premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Another type of depression can occur during menopause, which is called perimenopause-related depression.

There are specific mental health disorders that research has found to not have differences based on the individual sex of the person. These include schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. However, certain symptoms likely are more prevalent in women than in men. The course of the illness can be affected by the sex of the person. Currently, research is starting to work through the different psychological and biological factors that might impact mental health in women and men.

From the National Institute of Mental Health:

What are the symptoms of mental disorders in women?

Women and men can develop most of the same mental disorders and conditions, but they may experience different symptoms. Some common symptoms include:

  • Persistent sadness or feelings of hopelessness

  • Noticeable changes in mood, energy level, or appetite

  • Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much

  • Appetite or weight changes

  • Misuse of alcohol, drugs, or both

  • Decreased energy or fatigue

  • Excessive fear or worry

  • Seeing or hearing things that are not there

  • Extremely high and low moods

  • Aches, headaches, or digestive problems without a clear cause

  • Anger or irritability

  • Social withdrawal

  • Thoughts or behaviors that interfere with work, family, or social life

  • Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/women-and-mental-health

Learn more: https://www.swmhs.net/services-

Reference: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/women-and-mental-health

Xiomara A. Sosa

Hi, my name is Xiomara A. Sosa. I am the owner and Clinical Director of Summerville Women’s Mental Health Services.

I am a bilingual Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor-Candidate. I am supervised by Dr. Latrice Love, a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor.

I am Latina, born and raised in the Bronx, New York City, NY.

I am a first-generation college graduate and a very proud daughter of immigrants from Puerto Rico (a territory of the US) and the Dominican Republic.

When I am not working with the people I serve inside and outside of my communities, you can find me working on my nonprofit organization, The X-Studio: A Mental Health Cooperative, or on my podcast, The X-Podcast: Real Conversations About Mental Health.

Education

I earned my Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from Phoenix University and my Master of Science Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a specialization in Forensic Counseling from Walden University, both CACREP-accredited universities.

I have been serving clients since 2012, working in case management and other capacities, including counseling/therapy. My work has been consistently serving women and all other underrepresented communities, including communities of color, the LGBTQIA2S+ community, and the veteran community. The bulk of my work has been in anxiety, depression, dysphoria, and trauma/stressor-related disorders, and other specialty areas and issues.

My specialization is women’s mental health, integrative mental health (IMH), and multicultural counseling/therapy. My foundation is in cultural competency and social change advocacy. I focus on combining evidence-based treatment with alternative therapies. My focal point is on treating the whole person, not just the symptoms of a particular illness or concern. That includes mental health, physical health, emotional well-being, interpersonal relationships, and spiritual needs. I help clients identify patterns in their lives that may contribute to their struggles and work on developing strategies for making healthier choices. I am also a 9/11 survivor and a proud United States Air Force and Army veteran. You can read my full bio on my website at www.swmhs.net

https://www.CounselorXiomaraASosa.com
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