INDIVIDUAL, COUPLE, & FAMILY,... OH, MY!

Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT) is a fast and effective solution for many of life’s challenges. It is a pragmatic approach informed by science and philosophy. RRT shifts the way the mind processes information so that improvements in thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are natural and automatic. 

RRT works to address and clear the ongoing effects of anxiety, panic disorder, insomnia, night-terrors, grief, heartbreak, betrayal, childhood abuse, sexual violence, shame, guilt, rage, anger, jealousy, and combat or first responder PTSD.

People report being absorbed in a conversation and astonishment that the way they feel, think and respond to certain things has been transformed. They tell us they feel lighter and that it is impossible to experience the turmoil that had been weighing them down. They report a sense of freedom and clarity. An RRT session can be completed in a single day.

Once a person seeks treatment, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, he has an intake done to assess his clinical needs. An intake is the therapist’s first  meeting with the client. The therapist gathers specific information to  address the client’s immediate needs, such as the presenting problem,  the client’s support system, and insurance status. The therapist informs  the client about confidentiality, fees, and what to expect in  treatment. 

Confidentiality means the  therapist cannot disclose confidential communications to any third party  unless mandated or permitted by law to do so. During the intake, the  therapist and client will work together to discuss treatment goals. Then  a treatment plan will be formulated, usually with specific measurable  objectives. Also, the therapist and client will discuss how treatment  success will be measured and the estimated length of treatment.

EMDR™ therapy methodology, a treatment approach which has been empirically validated in over 30 randomized studies of trauma victims. An additional 25 studies have demonstrated positive effects for the eye movement component used in EMDR therapy.

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (2013) Guidelines for the Management of Conditions Specifically Related to Stress. Geneva, Switzerland: Author. Trauma-focused CBT and EMDR are the only psychotherapies recommended for children, adolescents and adults with PTSD.

AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC ASSOCIATION (2004) Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Patients with Acute Stress Disorder and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Arlington,VA: American Psychiatric Association Practice Guidelines. EMDR therapy was determined to be an effective treatment of trauma.

RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED STUDIES 44 randomized controlled studies have evaluated EMDR therapy in the treatment of trauma.

DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS AND DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE (2017) VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Acute Stress Disorder. Washington, DC: Veterans Health Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs and Health Affairs, Department of Defense. EMDR was given the highest level of recommendation and placed in the category of three “trauma-focused psychotherapies with the strongest evidence from clinical trials . . . These treatments have been tested in numerous clinical trials, in patients with complex presentations and comorbidities, compared to active control conditions, have long-term follow-up, and have been validated by research teams other than the developers.”

Neuro-linguistic programming is a way of changing someone’s thoughts and behaviors to help achieve desired outcomes for them.

NLP uses perceptual, behavioral, and communication techniques to make it easier for people to change their thoughts and actions.

NLP relies on language processing but should not be confused with natural language processing, which shares the same acronym.

NLP was developed by Richard Bandler and John Grinder, who believed it was possible to identify the patterns of thoughts and behaviors of successful individuals and to teach them to others .

NLP tries to detect and modify unconscious biases or limitations of an individual’s map of the world. 

 NLP is not hypnotherapy. Instead, it operates through the conscious use of language to bring about changes in someone’s thoughts and behavior. 

 For example, a central feature of NLP is the idea that a person is biased towards one sensory system, known as the preferred representational system or PRS.  

Therapists can detect this preference through language. Phrases such as “I see your point” may signal a visual PRS. Or “I hear your point” may signal an auditory PRS. 

 An NLP practitioner will identify a person’s PRS and base their therapeutic framework around it. 

The framework could involve rapport-building, information-gathering, and goal-setting with them.

 In individual therapy, also known as  individual psychotherapy or individual counseling, the client and  clinician meet one-on-one (usually from 45 minutes to 1 hour). These  meetings typically occur weekly or every other week, and sessions are  conducted in a confidential and caring environment.  The clinician will work with clients to help them explore their  feelings, work through life challenges, identify aspects of themselves  and their lives that they wish to change, and set goals to help them  work towards these changes. A client might see a clinician for only a  few sessions, or the client may attend individual therapy sessions for a  year or longer. The amount of time spent in therapy depends on the  needs of the client as well as her personal goals.

RRT works to address and clear the ongoing effects of anxiety, panic disorder, insomnia, night-terrors, grief, heartbreak, betrayal, childhood abuse, sexual violence, shame, guilt, rage, anger, jealousy, and combat or first responder PTSD.

People report being absorbed in a conversation and astonishment that the way they feel, think and respond to certain things has been transformed. 

They tell us they feel lighter and that it is impossible to experience the turmoil that had been weighing them down. They report a sense of freedom and clarity. An RRT session can be completed in a single day.

 In group therapy, a clinician meets together with several clients with similar problems.  When children are placed in group therapy, it is particularly important  to match clients for age and problems. One benefit of group therapy is  that it can help decrease a client’s shame and isolation about a problem  while offering needed support, both from the therapist and other  members of the group (American Psychological Association, 2014). A  nine-year-old sexual abuse victim, for example, may feel very  embarrassed and ashamed. If he is placed in a group with other sexually  abused boys, he will realize that he is not alone. A child struggling  with poor social skills would likely benefit from a group with a  specific curriculum to foster special skills. A woman suffering from  post-partum depression could feel less guilty and more supported by  being in a group with similar women.

Group therapy also has some specific  limitations. Members of the group may be afraid to speak in front of  other people because sharing secrets and problems with complete  strangers can be stressful and overwhelming. There may be personality  clashes and arguments among group members. There could also be concerns  about confidentiality: Someone from the group might share what another  participant said to people outside of the group.

 Couples therapy involves two people in an intimate relationship who are having difficulties and are trying to resolve them.  The couple may be dating, partnered, engaged, or married. The primary  therapeutic orientation used in couples counseling is  cognitive-behavioral therapy (Rathus & Sanderson, 1999). Couples  meet with a therapist to discuss conflicts and/or aspects of their  relationship that they want to change. The therapist helps them see how  their individual backgrounds, beliefs, and actions are affecting their  relationship. Often, a therapist tries to help the couple resolve these  problems, as well as implement strategies that will lead to a healthier  and happier relationship, such as how to listen, how to argue, and how  to express feelings. However, sometimes, after working with a therapist,  a couple will realize that they are too incompatible and will decide to  separate. Some couples seek therapy to work out their problems, while  others attend therapy to determine whether staying together is the best  solution. Counseling couples in a high-conflict and volatile  relationship can be difficult.

 Family therapy is a  special form of group therapy, consisting of one or more families.  Although there are many theoretical orientations in family therapy, one  of the most predominant is the systems approach. The family is viewed as  an organized system, and each individual within the family is a  contributing member who creates and maintains processes within the  system that shape behavior (Minuchin, 1985). Each member of the family  influences and is influenced by the others. The goal of this approach is  to enhance the growth of each family member as well as that of the  family as a whole.

Often, dysfunctional patterns of communication  that develop between family members can lead to conflict. A family with  this dynamic might wish to attend therapy together rather than  individually. In many cases, one member of the family has problems that  detrimentally affect everyone. For example, a mother’s depression, teen  daughter’s eating disorder, or father’s alcohol dependence could affect  all members of the family. The therapist would work with all members of  the family to help them cope with the issue, and to encourage resolution  and growth in the case of the individual family member with the  problem.

With family therapy, the nuclear family (i.e.,  parents and children) or the nuclear family plus whoever lives in the  household (e.g., grandparent) come into treatment. Family therapists  work with the whole family unit to heal the family. There are several  different types of family therapy. In structural family therapy,  the therapist examines and discusses the boundaries and structure of  the family: who makes the rules, who sleeps in the bed with whom, how  decisions are made, and what are the boundaries within the family. In  some families, the parents do not work together to make rules, or one  parent may undermine the other, leading the children to act out. The  therapist helps them resolve these issues and learn to communicate more  effectively.

 A type of psychotherapy in which negative patterns of thought about the self and the world are challenged in order to alter unwanted behavior patterns or treat mood disorders such as depression. 

 CBT can help with depression, anxiety, and a wide range of other problems. CBT is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on how a person's thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes affect their feelings and behaviors. ... Unhelpful ways that people think can lead to psychological problems.

Clinical hypnosis teaches patients to use a deep relaxation state to address issues such as smoking cessation, weight loss, pain relief,  or self-improvement. The decision to use hypnosis in clinical settings  in addition to treatment can only be made in consultation with a  qualified healthcare provider who has been trained in the use and  limitations of clinical hypnosis.

There are multiple definitions of hypnosis from a variety of perspectives ranging from physiological to psychoanalytical. The American Psychological Association  (APA) defines the practice as "a procedure during which a health  professional or researcher suggests that a client, patient, or subject  experience changes in sensations, perceptions, thoughts, or behavior."

The hypnotic context is generally established by an induction procedure.  Although there are many different hypnotic inductions, most include  suggestions for relaxation, calmness, and wellbeing. Instructions to  imagine or think about pleasant experiences are also commonly included  in hypnotic inductions.

BUT, WAIT...HOW CAN I BENEFIT?

Hypnosis has offered adherents relief from pain, depression, anxiety, stress, habit disorders, and many other psychological and medical problems. It has been shown particularly effective during childbirth and in pediatric settings, and even provided anesthesia during surgery and painful medical procedures.

ARE THERE ANY CAUTIONS?

Hypnosis generally poses few risks for mentally healthy people. Just  be careful not to stand up too quickly after your session or you might  get dizzy. Also if you are taking medications, such as insulin,  sedatives, or cardiovascular medicine, you may need to adjust your  dosages.

Hypnosis may not be recommended for persons with depression or personality disorders, such as schizophrenic, borderline, or  narcissistic disorders.

 It is essential for anyone interested in  hypnosis to carefully choose a provider. 

This provider should be a CERTIFIED CLINICAL hypnotherapist with training, certification and experience.

 Multicultural therapy addresses the concerns of those whose race, ethnicity, religion, gender identification, income, disability, or other social factor falls outside of the majority. Issues that arise for minority groups, such as oppression, racism, and marginalization, are relevant and recognized. The therapist is more culturally aware, and there is more emphasis on individualism than in some traditional therapy settings that take a more universal approach. 

Multicultural therapy is a form of talk therapy, but it may be combined with therapies that involve other activities, such as art or music, if these interventions can help clients communicate better. 

 Members of minority groups, including immigrants and refugees, and others who feel marginalized by majority members of society can benefit from multicultural therapy. 

Multicultural therapy can be applied to cognitive behavior therapy, couples counseling, family therapy, and other types of therapy appropriate for children, adults, individuals, or families, as long the therapist understands the psychosocial issues that affect the development of marginalized clients and the unique problems they face. 

When therapy is eclectic, the influence of the client’s culture must be weighed throughout every aspect of the therapeutic process 

Eclectic therapy is an open, integrative form of psychotherapy that adapts to the unique needs of each specific client, depending on the problem, the treatment goals, and the person’s expectations and motivation. An eclectic therapist draws from a variety of disciplines and may use a range of proven methods to determine the best combination of therapeutic tools to help the client. In effect, an eclectic therapist customizes the therapeutic process for each individual by using whatever form of treatment, or combination of treatments, has been shown to be most effective for treating the particular problem.

Any type of psychotherapist can successfully practice eclectic therapy. The therapist should be familiar with the evidence-based techniques used in different types of therapy that have been proven to help with specific problems. 

Scientific evidence, as well as knowledge and training on the part of the therapist, should always be the basis behind the decision to use any type of therapeutic technique. An eclectic approach can be used in both individual and group therapy settings.

 Couples therapy attempts to improve romantic relationships and resolve interpersonal conflicts.

Therapy need not be delayed until an issue becomes a crisis. In many relationships, couples therapy is not considered until issues persist for an average of six years. This delay can make it more difficult to repair or resolve concerns. 

Couples therapy is also beneficial for partners who have made firm resolutions about the future of their relationship. A couple in a healthy relationship may seek counseling to increase intimacy or find new ways to connect with each other emotionally. Couples who have already decided to separate may pursue couples counseling in order to end their relationship on respectful terms.

People who are engaged to be married might also choose to seek premarital counseling. This can help couples explore areas of conflict or concern that may cause difficulty or dissatisfaction in their marriage. Therapy allows couples to discuss differences of opinion, personal values, and their expectations. Premarital counseling can uncover more issues than a couple originally meant to discuss. This may be beneficial, as it allows couples to evaluate whether they are truly compatible before marrying.

There are many advantages to engaging in couples therapy, but some situations are not improved by this approach. For example, in domestic abuse cases where violence is causing one partner to fear the other, couples therapy may not be enough. In some cases, a person’s safety or life may be jeopardized if they remain in a relationship with an abusive partner. Victims of intimate partner abuse are encouraged to call the police or find a local crisis center in the event of an emergency.

Existential psychotherapy is a form of psychotherapy based on the model of human nature and experience developed by the existential tradition of European philosophy. It focuses on concepts that are universally applicable to human existence including death, freedom, responsibility, and the meaning of life.  

 existential therapy recommended for? Psychological problems—like substance abuse—result from an inhibited ability to make authentic, meaningful, and self-directed choices about how to live, according to the existential approach. Interventions often aim to increase self-awareness and self-understanding. Existential psychotherapists try to comprehend and alleviate a variety of symptoms, including excessive anxiety, apathy, alienation, nihilism, avoidance, shame, addiction, despair, depression, guilt, anger, rage, resentment, embitterment, purposelessness, psychosis, and violence. They also focus on life-enhancing experiences like relationships, love, caring, commitment, courage, creativity, power, will, presence, spirituality, individuation, self-actualization, authenticity, acceptance, transcendence, and awe. 

Relational therapy with Melanie Cassoulo, LMHC, offers brain-based coaching and consulting to clear heartbreak.

 Utilizing Emotional Pain Intervention (EPI)® to erase painful emotions of love gone wrong. Relationship and Date Coaching services are also available to assist you in removing any emotional blocks to finding healthy, satisfying relationships. The coaching process is to clarify the specific qualities of your special someone, gain skills and an action plan to find them. Heartbreak proof your journey to love! 

 Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) is a new and increasingly used therapeutic approach that focuses on helping clients construct solutions rather than solve problems. 

 Solution-focused brief therapy is used to treat a variety of mental health disorders. People with eating disorders, relationship problems, anxiety and depression, substance abuse and behavioral problems may respond well to solution-focused therapy. 

 Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) is an evidence-based treatment model designed to assist children, adolescents, and their families in overcoming the negative effects of a traumatic experience. 

 Trauma Focused-CBT is a therapy that approaches the impact of traumatic events. ... The tow therapies take different approaches to reducing PTSD, but both work equally well. Prolonged Exposure (PE). PE focuses on reducing the intense negative emotions that are caused by memories or being reminded of the trauma. 

 Bereavement is the state of loss when someone close to an individual has died. The death of a loved one is one of the greatest sorrows that can occur in one's life. People's responses to grief will vary depending upon the circumstances of the death, but grief is a normal, healthy response to loss. Feelings of bereavement can also accompany other losses, such as the decline of one's health or the health of a close other, or the end of an important relationship. 

A wide and confusing range of emotions may be experienced after a loss.

The bereaved may experience crying spells, trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, or lack of productivity at work. At first, one may find it hard to accept that the loss has actually occurred. Feelings of anger may also arise. The anger may be directed toward doctors and nurses, God, other loved ones, oneself, or even the person who has died. The grieving person may experience feelings of guilt, with sentiments such as "I should have…", "I could have…", or "I wish I had…" Emotions may be very intense, and the bereaved person may have mood swings. These are all normal reactions to loss.

According to the National Cancer Institute, recovery does not happen in a set period of time. In normal grief, symptoms will occur less often and will feel less severe as time passes. For most bereaved people having normal grief, symptoms lessen between six months and two years after the loss.

The reaction to loss will, in part, be influenced by the circumstances surrounding it and one's relationship to the deceased. 

Losing a Family Member

The loss of a long-term romantic partner or spouse can be especially challenging. The surviving partner may have to deal with a multitude of decisions regarding funeral arrangements, finances, and more, at what feels like the worst possible time to have to deal with such matters. The bereaved partner may also have to explain the death to children and help them through their grief. 

The death of one's child, regardless of the cause of death or the age of the child, is an emotionally devastating event that can overwhelm a parent. As Mental Health America explains, "A child's death arouses an overwhelming sense of injustice—for lost potential, unfulfilled dreams, and senseless suffering. Parentsmay even feel responsible for the child's death. They may also feel that they have lost a vital part of their own identity."

The death of a mother or father can have a deep impact no matter what age a person is when it occurs. It is only natural to feel consumed by a combination of pain, fear, and deep sadness at such a significant loss. The specifics of how one grieves will depend on a number of personal factors, including one's relationship with the parent, religious beliefs, previous experience with death, and whether or not one believes it was "time" for the parent to die. The loss of a parent may also mean the loss of a lifelong friend, counselor, and adviser. Therefore, the bereaved person may suddenly feel very much alone, even with the support of other family and friends.

A Loss Due to Suicide

A suicide can produce intense grief in parents, partners, children, siblings, relatives, friends, and others. Coping with bereavement after a suicide can be more difficult than dealing with other losses because of the feelings of shame, guilt, and rejection that are often experienced. The stigma that still attaches to deaths by suicide in many cultures can increase the bereaved person's sense of isolation and vulnerability.

There are several modalities of treatment: individual therapy, group  therapy, couples therapy, and family therapy are the most common. In an  individual therapy session, a client works one-on-one with a trained  therapist. In group therapy, usually 5–10 people meet with a trained  group therapist to discuss a common issue (e.g., divorce, grief, eating  disorders, substance abuse, or anger management). Couples therapy  involves two people in an intimate relationship who are having  difficulties and are trying to resolve them. The couple may be dating,  partnered, engaged, or married. The therapist helps them resolve their  problems as well as implement strategies that will lead to a healthier  and happier relationship. Family therapy is a special form of group  therapy. The therapy group is made up of one or more families. The goal  of this approach is to enhance the growth of each individual family  member and the family as a whole.

1. Compare and contrast individual and group therapies.

2. Your best friend tells you that she is  concerned about her cousin. The cousin—a teenage girl—is constantly  coming home after her curfew, and your friend suspects that she has been  drinking. What treatment modality would you recommend to your friend  and why?

1. In an individual therapy session, a client works one-on-one with a  trained therapist. In group therapy, usually 5–10 people meet with a  trained group therapist to discuss a common issue, such as divorce,  grief, eating disorder, substance abuse, or anger management.