CONDITIONS WE TREAT

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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a trauma-focused psychotherapy that is one of the most studied treatments for PTSD. A large number of studies demonstrate it is effective to treat PTSD when administered over approximately 3 months. 

EMDR is based on the theory of Adaptive Information Processing (AIP). According to AIP, humans process new experiences by connecting and integrating them with related emotions and information in existing memory networks. This helps individuals to make sense of their experience. Useful new information is added to existing memory networks (i.e., learning), and extraneous material is discarded. PTSD can occur when an experience is inadequately processed and is consequently stored dysfunctionally. The original, often fragmented perceptions of the stressors are not integrated with other memories, but rather held separately in a state-specific form with the original distress, making it difficult to resolve the distress.

PTSD symptoms are considered to result from the activation of these inadequately processed memories. Grounded in the AIP model, the goal of EMDR is to first access this inadequately processed information, then use alternating bilateral stimulation to re-stimulate the ability to process distressing events. This allows the memory to become integrated into the patient's larger memory system which enables reduction of PTSD symptoms.

 Play therapy is an effective evidence-based treatment approach for child that honors their unique developmental level and looks for ways of helping in the “language” of the child – play.  

 Initially developed in the turn of the 20th century, play therapy refers to a large number of treatment methods, all applying the therapeutic benefits of play. Play therapy differs from regular play in that the therapist holds space and creates safety so that children our able to address and resolve their presenting difficulties. Play therapy builds on the natural way that children learn about themselves and their relationships in the world around them. 

Through play therapy, children learn to communicate with others, express feelings, modify behavior, develop problem-solving skills, and learn a variety of ways of relating to others. Play provides a safe psychological distance (space) for them to work (play) on their problems and allows expression of thoughts and feelings that are developmentally appropriate to their age. 

Mental health agencies, schools, hospitals, and private practitioners have utilized play therapy as a primary intervention or as supportive therapy for:

• Behavioral problems, such as anger management,grief and loss, divorce and abandonment, and crisis and trauma.
• Behavioral disorders, such as anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), autism or pervasive developmental, academic and social developmental, physical and learning disabilities, and conduct disorders.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychological treatment that has been demonstrated to be effective for a range of problems including depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, marital problems, eating disorders, and severe mental illness. 

Numerous research studies suggest that CBT leads to significant improvement in functioning and quality of life. In many studies, CBT has been demonstrated to be as effective as, or more effective than, other forms of psychological therapy or psychiatric medications.

CBT is based on several core principles, including:

1. Psychological problems are based, in part, on faulty or unhelpful ways of thinking.
2. Psychological problems are based, in part, on learned patterns of unhelpful behavior.
3. People suffering from psychological problems can learn better ways of coping with them, thereby relieving their symptoms and becoming more effective in their lives.

CBT treatment usually involves efforts to change thinking patterns. These strategies might include:

• Learning to recognize one’s distortions in thinking that are creating problems, and then to reevaluate them in light of reality.
• Gaining a better understanding of the behavior and motivation of others.
• Using problem-solving skills to cope with difficult situations.
• Learning to develop a greater sense of confidence in one’s own abilities.

CBT treatment also usually involves efforts to change behavioral patterns. These strategies might include:

• Facing one’s fears instead of avoiding them.
• Using role playing to prepare for potentially problematic interactions with others.
• Learning to calm one’s mind and relax one’s body.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) specially adapted for people who experience emotions very intensely.

DBT helps people understand how their thoughts affect their emotions and behaviors. DBT focuses on helping people accept the reality of their lives and their behaviors, as well as helping them learn to change their lives, including their unhelpful behaviors.

DBT teaches three other main skills:

1. Distress tolerance: the ability to manage emotional distress in the moment, using techniques such as distraction.

2. Emotion regulation involves recognizing, accepting, and managing intense emotions.

3. Interpersonal effectiveness focuses on improving communication with other people to strengthen relationships and improve your self-esteem.