Prolonged Exposure Therapy- (PTSD, Trauma, Phobias) . . .

This PTSD protocol developed by Edna Foa, Ph.D., has clients recount their trauma stories in as much detail as possible and repeat it out loud in session until it loses its power. The client’s distress is carefully monitored in session so that they are not re-traumatized, and anxiety management skills are taught before beginning the process. Feelings that come up during the therapy are encouraged and processed. This treatment is not simply an intellectual exercise as it facilitates emotional engagement; if a client remains detached during the treatment, they don’t tend to get better. Once the trauma loses its activating power via exposure, it allows for more in-depth processing of related thoughts and feelings, such as shattered assumptions of safety and shame. Also, the client’s memory of the trauma tends to move from fragmented to a more unified story that can be processed in full. It also helps the client’s mind and neurobiology learn that the trauma is Over so they can stop re-experiencing the intrusive thoughts. For Phobias- There is much less processing, and the focus is simply on deactivating the phobia through exposure.

EMDR- Eye Movement Desensitizing and Reprocessing Therapy (PTSD, Trauma, Phobias) . . .

This protocol, developed by Francine Shapiro, Ph.D., is similar to the Prolonged Exposure Therapy protocol. However, it is more gentle while remaining very effective. Differences include: not having to share your trauma out loud; Exploring your trauma as a fly on the wall, receiving bilateral stimulation with the “TheraTapper.” You hold the TheraTapper while vibrations alternate at different frequencies between your left and right hand. This stimulation is believed to help your brain reprocess and clear the trauma. It also helps to keep you grounded and present.

DBT-Dialectical Behavioral Therapy- (Emotional Regulation). . .

This protocol developed by Marsha Linehan, Ph.D., utilizes focused CBT techniques to increase a client’s mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, emotional regulation, and distress tolerance.

Exposure Response Prevention- ERP- (OCD) . . .

This protocol, originally developed by Stanley Rachman, Ph.D., involves exposure to the feared stimuli and simultaneous prevention of the desired compulsion.

Internal Family Systems ( Well-Being, Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, Addiction, and Eating Disorders). . .

This protocol, developed by Richard Schwartz, Ph.D., helps clients get in touch with their inner wisdom and true self as a source of healing. We all have parts of ourselves that work to protect us from underlying pain or unwanted feelings. These parts are both proactive "Managers" and reactive "Firefighters." When parts are proactive and managing, they work to keep us feeling in control and defend against underlying pain. Proactive parts drive perfectionism, image management, obsessing, seeking approval, etc. If the unwanted pain breaks through, we have reactive parts that try to protect us by extinguishing the pain in any way possible. Attempts to put out the pain may include binge eating, drugs, and alcohol, starvation, dissociating, oversleeping, procrastinating, gambling, violence, overspending, sex binges, videogames,/TV binges, etc. The ultimate goal is to unblend the protectors and bring the client back to their true self which is the healing entity at our core. This core self is undamaged and whole, despite any amount of trauma.

Mastery of your Anxiety and Panic Workbook by David Barlow, Ph.D.,- (Panic Disorder). . .

This protocol involves psychoeducation, mood and panic attack charting, breathing and thinking skills.