Trauma Therapy
We recognize the deep connection between trauma and OCD, with studies showing that individuals with OCD are significantly more likely to have experienced traumatic events. Whether trauma has contributed to the development of OCD symptoms or OCD has been exacerbated by past experiences, our trauma-informed approach ensures that you receive care tailored to your unique needs. Whether trauma has contributed to the development of OCD symptoms or OCD has been exacerbated by past experiences, our trauma-informed approach ensures that you receive care tailored to your unique needs.
Prolonged Exposure for Trauma
Prolonged exposure teaches individuals to approach their trauma-related memories, feelings and situations gradually. By facing what has been avoided, a person can decrease symptoms of PTSD by actively learning that the trauma-related memories and cues are not dangerous and do not need to be avoided.
Prolonged exposure is typically provided over three months with weekly individual sessions, resulting in 8 to 15 sessions overall. The original intervention protocol was described as 9 to 12 sessions, each 90 minutes in length (Foa & Rothbaum, 1998). This means that 60 to 120-minute sessions are usually needed for you to engage in exposure and sufficiently process the experience. We work with you to help you figure out what will work best for you, your treatment and your desired outcomes.
Trauma Modality
EMDR is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences. In successful EMDR therapy, the meaning of painful events is transformed on an emotional level. For instance, a rape victim shifts from feeling horror and self-disgust to holding the firm belief that “I survived it and I am strong.”
Processing of a specific memory is generally completed within one to three sessions. EMDR therapy differs from other trauma-focused treatments in that it does not include extended exposure to the distressing memory, detailed descriptions of the trauma, challenging of dysfunctional beliefs or homework assignments.
