expert type icon EXPERT

Sonjiah V. Davis

Social Worker | Clinical

Sonjiah Davis is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in Washington, DC. Ms. Davis is a psychotherapist specializing in the care of mental health patients. As a psychotherapist Ms. Davis diagnoses and treats mental illnesses. Ms. Davis may treat patients through a variety of methods including medications, psychotherapy or talk therapy, psychosocial interventions and more, depending on each individual case. Ms. Davis treats conditions like depression, anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, bipolar disorders, personality disorders, insomnia, ADD and other mental illnesses.
20 years Experience
Sonjiah V. Davis
  • Washington, DC
  • University of Nevada Las Vegas
  • Accepting new patients

What is the difference between cognitive therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy?

Cognitive therapy is a treatment modality that focuses on one's perceptions and thinking. It challenges the way one thinks to help change problematic thought processes. Cognitive READ MORE
Cognitive therapy is a treatment modality that focuses on one's perceptions and thinking. It challenges the way one thinks to help change problematic thought processes.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy combines Cognitive Therapy with Behavioral Therapy and is used to help individuals address problematic thinking that results in problematic behaviors.

Can anxiety cause physical pain symptoms?

Yes, anxiety can cause psychosomatic symptoms. It is recommended that you schedule a visit with your primary care physician for a checkup to ensure there are no serious health READ MORE
Yes, anxiety can cause psychosomatic symptoms. It is recommended that you schedule a visit with your primary care physician for a checkup to ensure there are no serious health conditions present and then be sure to follow up with your mental health professional.

What is the best therapy for anxiety?

This will depend on the root cause of the anxiety. Cognitive Therapy or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT) are the most common therapy modalities used, however, I recommend you READ MORE
This will depend on the root cause of the anxiety. Cognitive Therapy or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT) are the most common therapy modalities used, however, I recommend you work with your mental health practitioner to decide which modality works best for you.

Is CBT good for anxiety?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is one therapy modality that can help with the treatment of anxiety. I encourage you to work with your mental health provider to assist you in finding READ MORE
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is one therapy modality that can help with the treatment of anxiety. I encourage you to work with your mental health provider to assist you in finding the best treatment for you.

Is anxiety and depression a disability?

In some cases, anxiety and depression can be debilitating but with the right treatment, a combination of taking medication, prescribed by a licensed psychiatrist or nurse practitioner READ MORE
In some cases, anxiety and depression can be debilitating but with the right treatment, a combination of taking medication, prescribed by a licensed psychiatrist or nurse practitioner and regular mental health therapy, with a licensed therapist, it can be managed.

Does bipolar medication change your personality?

Personality is innately yours, so medication does not change one's personality, but it can help stabilize you so that more of your winning personality will shine.

How can I calm my anxiety without medication?

There are many ways that you can manage your anxiety without medication such as through diet, exercise and meditation. I encourage you to seek the advice of your mental health READ MORE
There are many ways that you can manage your anxiety without medication such as through diet, exercise and meditation. I encourage you to seek the advice of your mental health practitioner to help you find the best options for you.

Can ADHD be cured?

ADHD cannot be cured but it can be managed to the point where it is not problematic. I encourage you to work with your mental health professional to find the best coping skills READ MORE
ADHD cannot be cured but it can be managed to the point where it is not problematic. I encourage you to work with your mental health professional to find the best coping skills for you.

Do antidepressants make you worse before better?

There are many factors that impact the effects of psychotropic medications, such as genetics, overall physical health and lifestyle. That is why there are so many different medications READ MORE
There are many factors that impact the effects of psychotropic medications, such as genetics, overall physical health and lifestyle. That is why there are so many different medications to address symptoms. It is recommended that you work with your doctor closely to find the right medication for you.

Can depression be passed down?

Depression is something that everyone experiences at some point in their lives. There is a spectrum on which depression is measured, from mild, situational depression or dysthymia READ MORE
Depression is something that everyone experiences at some point in their lives. There is a spectrum on which depression is measured, from mild, situational depression or dysthymia to clinical depression and manic disorders, that can be genetic. However, it is not guaranteed that you will experience depression at the same level as your father. When you see a medical or mental health professional, make sure your share this information, so that you can be monitored for any unusual changes.

How effective is psychotherapy in treating mental illness?

Psychotherapy is very effective in treating mental illness. With consistent support and active participation, the rate in which one can manage their symptoms is very high.

Do antidepressants make you sleepy?

It is possible. Please be sure to communicate to your doctor and your mental health professional any adverse symptoms so that they can help you find the right medication and dosage READ MORE
It is possible. Please be sure to communicate to your doctor and your mental health professional any adverse symptoms so that they can help you find the right medication and dosage for optimum functionality.

Will my depression go on its own?

It is highly recommended that you see a doctor if your depression persists more than two weeks.

Can social workers suffer from depression?

Definitely, Social Workers experience high levels of depression because of the nature of the work. There is a very high burnout rate. The average life of Social Worker is 5 years. READ MORE
Definitely, Social Workers experience high levels of depression because of the nature of the work. There is a very high burnout rate. The average life of Social Worker is 5 years. It is imperative, to have a long career that you practice self care such finding ways to disengage from the work, giving yourself time to decompress after work, engaging in fun activities whenever possible and by all means, get yourself a therapist. There are therapist that specialize in seeing only therapist.

Can I treat my depression naturally?

There are natural ways to treat depression but I encourage you to discuss all options with your therapist and psychiatrist and find a holistic doctor to help you through the process READ MORE
There are natural ways to treat depression but I encourage you to discuss all options with your therapist and psychiatrist and find a holistic doctor to help you through the process of finding what may be right treatment plan for you.

What is the effect of antidepressants on a baby in the womb?

Many antidepressants can impact a baby during pregnancy. It is highly recommended that she discuss her desire to have a baby with her doctor to determine if she can be safely READ MORE
Many antidepressants can impact a baby during pregnancy. It is highly recommended that she discuss her desire to have a baby with her doctor to determine if she can be safely taken off medication or if the dosage can be reduced.

I have been shouting in my sleep and having vivid dreams. What is it all about?

Dreams can be an indication of many things, such as stress or anxiety. You may want to assess any possible stressors and identify ways to minimize them. I also recommend having READ MORE
Dreams can be an indication of many things, such as stress or anxiety. You may want to assess any possible stressors and identify ways to minimize them. I also recommend having a sleep study to determine if there are any neurological issues that may be impacting your sleep.

I am extremely stressed out because I'm under way too much pressure at work. Please help.

Self care is essential to managing everyday stress. I highly recommend taking an hour a day to unplug. Turn off the phone, tablet, television and any other distractions. If READ MORE
Self care is essential to managing everyday stress. I highly recommend taking an hour a day to unplug. Turn off the phone, tablet, television and any other distractions. If possible take one short extended weekend and getaway. Sometimes just staying a night in a hotel, having a spa day or a quiet dinner alone can do wonders to help you recharge.Just make sure you make time for yourself. Your work will always be there.

What is the best way to handle sibling rivalry?

There are so many variables to this issues. Sibling rivalry is normal, but what you have described, may be the result of a deeper issue. I highly recommend that you seek therapy READ MORE
There are so many variables to this issues. Sibling rivalry is normal, but what you have described, may be the result of a deeper issue. I highly recommend that you seek therapy in your area as soon as possible to hopefully get to the bottom of what is bothering your eldest daughter. She may not have an issue with her sister particularly, but uses her as the target to express her feelings about something else.

When is it advised to see a doctor for depression?

I recommend you definitely seek professional help. See your primary care physician as soon as possible and ask if they can recommend a therapist in your area.