Patricia Kelleher
Experienced, compassionate, and caring Mental Health provider of 29 years in Maine.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
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. It is important to emphasize that advances in CBT have been made on the basis of both research and clinical practice. Indeed, CBT is an approach for which there is ample scientific evidence that the methods that have been developed actually produce change. In this manner, CBT differs from many other forms of psychological treatment. CBT is based on several core principles, including: Psychological problems are based, in part, on faulty or unhelpful ways of thinking. Psychological problems are based, in part, on learned patterns of unhelpful behavior. People suffering from psychological problems can learn better ways of coping with them, thereby relieving their symptoms and becoming more effective in their lives.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational interviewing (MI) is a client-centered counseling approach designed to facilitate behavior change by helping individuals explore and resolve their ambivalence about change. Developed by psychologists William R. Miller and Stephen Rollnick, MI emphasizes collaboration between the counselor and the client, focusing on the client's own motivations and reasons for change rather than imposing external goals. Key Features of Motivational Interviewing: Client-Centered: MI prioritizes the client's perspective and autonomy, allowing them to lead the conversation about their motivations and challenges. Exploration of Ambivalence: It helps clients articulate their mixed feelings about change, which is crucial for fostering motivation. Directive Yet Flexible: While MI provides guidance, it remains adaptable to the client's needs and responses, ensuring a supportive environment. Core Skills: MI employs techniques such as open-ended questions, reflective listening, and affirmations to enhance engagement and understanding.
Trauma-Focused CBT
Early trauma can lead to guilt, anger, feelings of powerlessness, self-harm, acting out, depression, and anxiety. Post-traumatic stress disorder, which affects children and adults, can manifest in a number of ways, such as negative recurring thoughts about the traumatic experience, emotional numbness, sleep problems, difficulty concentrating, and extreme physical and emotional responses to anything that triggers a memory of the trauma. By integrating the theories and techniques of several therapeutic interventions, TF-CBT can address and improve the symptoms of post-traumatic stress in youth., and adults. Core features of TF-CBT treatment include: Psychoeducation, which teaches the victim about the normal reactions to traumatic experiences. This can help them reduce feelings of guilt or culpability for what happened. Coping skills, including relaxation exercises like deep breathing, mindfulness, acceptance, identifying and redirecting thoughts, and other methods. Gradual exposure, which involves gradually introducing the patient to memories of their traumatic experience, with the goal of reconditioning their response to triggers and easing emotional distress. Cognitive processing, which can include developing skills to recontextualize unhelpful feelings and thoughts, and regulate emotions. Caregiver involvement, which may include rebuilding trusting adult relationships for the child and training the caregiver in how to best be a resource for the child. The goal of the treatment is to help the patient develop a sense of safety and security, to repair or develop healthy social skills, and for the caregiver to feel more confident in their ability to help the child in a productive manner.
Location
Virtual sessions