Tracy Pankey

Existential

During my experience with incorporating Existential as a method of treatment it allows the individual client to gain a better understanding of his/herpurpose and values, to accept that there will often be uncertainty's in life, but to be able to recognize it and accept certain things as they are. Due to mental illnesses that are highly common such as anxiety, depression, life situational changes, traumas- both experienced or witnessed, losses, and addictions to substances/alcohol this form of treatment instills a collaborative approach in which both the client and I are able to dig deeper into gaining insight into specific areas that cause an impact on the clients beliefs and values, choices that the client may or not make, and empowing the client to take responsibility for their decisions, to further identify their own self-worth based upon self-reflection. Perception is everything and as a client may see things one way, it's a commonly used technique or method of treatment that offers a different view in terms of how a client may explore one's purpose in life.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

CBT is a great method of treatment that teaches the client to rid the brain of negative thoughts. i often use the analogy, our brain is like a light switch, we can turn the light switch on and off, we can do the same with our brain, so when negative thoughts enter the brain, say "Nope not today, and turn those thoughts off." I often encourage clients to turn on calming music when feeling anxious, turn on uplifting music when feeling low, down, and depressed, to work crossword or jigsaw puzzles , daily exercise- walking 30 minutes a day helps clear negative thoughts, reading, and journaling. I often utilize CBT and encourage clients to write the negative thoughts they may be having down on a notebook paper, get it all written out on paper, then tear the page out of the notebook, ball it up, and throw it in the trash- an no more negative thoughts about what was written down, it's in the trash. These techniques have been extremely useful in my practice in terms helping clients to develop the skills or tools necessary to face and overcome life's situational events or personal experiences.

Biofeedback

In my practice I use a form of biofeedback techniques without the actual equipment of finger and chest sensors for clients with ADHD and Anxiety by encouraging the client to focus mentally on a calm, relaxing place while utilizing slow, rhythmic breathing techniques- inhaling and slowly exhaling to calm anxoiety and to focus their attention on the task at hand. Clients have found this very useful and soon become aware of their body's physiological responses.

Motivational Interviewing

Motivational Interviewing is one of the most influential treatment modalities that I use in practice especially among clients that smoke cigarettes. It allows the client to explore at a deeper level the health risks and benefits of continuing to smoke cigarettes or smoking cessation. A rapport between the client and myself, as the provider strengthens without judgment. Motivational Interviewing is used in my practice to increase clients readiness for change, promote self-responsibility, and autonomy without feelings of being pressured into changing daily habits as it relates to overall health and well-being.