ACRS Anxiety, PTSD, and Trauma Therapy Modalities

Treatment modalities are often linked to specific mental health conditions. However, it's important to recognize that your therapist may employ different approaches or a combination of modalities, including those not typically associated with your condition. This is because everyone is unique.

A therapist's knowledge of various treatment mechanisms, gained through training and years of experience, ensures that you receive the best possible care to facilitate your recovery. Our expert therapists possess a broad range of knowledge to support your healing process.

Mental Conditions Treated at ACRS

• Anxiety Disorders
• Depression
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Phobias
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Trauma

Brainspotting Therapy

Brainspotting Therapy is a powerful, innovative approach to Trauma treatment that focuses on your brain's natural ability to heal itself. Brainspotting identifies specific eye positions that correspond to emotional and psychological distress. By guiding you to these "brainspots," therapists help you access and process traumatic memories and feelings more effectively.

Brainspotting Therapy combines elements of Talk Therapy and Somatic Experiencing, enabling you to release stored trauma and achieve emotional regulation.

Brainspotting is used to treat:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Trauma
• Anxiety Disorders
• Depression
• Addiction and Substance Use
• Chronic Pain and Somatic Conditions
• Performance Anxiety and Enhancements
• Grief and Loss
• Attachment and Relationship Issues
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Phobias
• Bipolar Disorder
• Anger Management and Emotional Dysregulation
• Developmental or Complex Trauma (C-PTSD)
• Birth-Related Trauma
• Creative or Professional Blocks
• Self-Esteem and Identity Issues

This gentle yet profound method fosters deep healing by leveraging the brain's natural processing and self-regulation capabilities.

Clients often report significant relief and insight after sessions, making it a valuable tool in the therapeutic landscape. Overall, Brainspotting offers a unique pathway to recovery, promoting resilience and well-being.

Find out more about Brainspotting Therapy.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely used, evidence-based therapeutic approach that focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

CBT is Used to Treat:

• Anxiety including:
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD),
  • Panic Disorder, and
  • Social Anxiety.
• Depression

CBT is based on the premise that negative thought patterns can lead to emotional distress and maladaptive behaviors. The therapy aims to help you identify and challenge these distorted thoughts, replacing them with more realistic and positive ones.

CBT is structured, goal-oriented, and typically involves short-term treatment, making it effective for various mental health issues, including Anxiety, Depression, and stress.

The process includes techniques such as

• Cognitive Restructuring,
• Exposure Therapy, and
• Behavioral Activation.

CBT is a collaborative approach where you work with your ACRS CBT Therapist to develop coping strategies and problem-solving skills.

By fostering self-awareness and promoting healthier thinking patterns, CBT empowers you to manage your symptoms and improve your overall quality of life.

Find out more about Cognitive Behaviorial Therapy (CBT).

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a comprehensive, evidence-based treatment approach designed to help you with

• Emotional Regulation,
• Interpersonal Effectiveness,
• Distress Tolerance, and
• Mindfulness.

DBT is Used to Treat:

• Borderline Personality Disorder;
• Depression;
• Anxiety;
• Trauma;
• PTSD;
• Substance Abuse; and
• Self-Harm Behaviors

The therapy combines Cognitive-Behavioral Techniques with Mindfulness Practices, emphasizing the balance between acceptance and change.

DBT consists of Individual Therapy sessions and skills training Groups, where you learn practical skills to manage your emotions and improve relationships.

It is important to have a supportive therapeutic relationship and experienced ACRS DBT Therapist to guide you through the process.

By fostering self-awareness and resilience, DBT aims to empower you to lead a more fulfilling life and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

Find out more about Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy

ERP is a highly effective, evidence-based treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and related Anxiety Disorders. ERP empowers you to tolerate uncertainty, manage intrusive thoughts, and develop healthier coping mechanisms, leading to long-lasting relief and emotional well-being.

ERP is used to treat:

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Generalized Axiety Disorder (GAD)
• Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
• Panic Disorders
• Phobias
• Body Dismorphic Disorder (BDD)
• Hoarding Disorder
• Health Anxiety
• PTSD
• Eating Disorders
• Tic Disorders

ERP involves gradually exposing you to feared thoughts, situations, or sensations (exposures) while helping you resist the urge to engage in compulsive behaviors (response prevention). Over time, this process reduces the fear and distress related to triggers, enabling individuals to build resilience and regain control over their lives.

Unlike avoidance, which reinforces anxiety, ERP encourages you to confront your fears in a safe and controlled environment, thereby breaking the obsessive-compulsive cycle.

ERP Therapy is typically conducted with the guidance of a trained therapist and is tailored to each person’s unique needs and goals.

EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy)

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an innovative treatment designed to help you process traumatic memories and reduce the distress associated with them.

Click the following links to discover how EMDR is used to treat:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Anxiety Disorders
• Depression
• Phobias and Specific Fears
• Attachment Issues and Complex Trauma (C-PTSD)
• Grief and Loss
• Addictions and Substance Use Disorders
• Chronic Pain and Somatic Symptoms
• Eating Disorders
• Stress and Adjustment Disorders
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Low Self-Esteem and Negative Core Beliefs

EMDR therapy involves eight phases, including:

During the Desensitization phase, clients recall distressing memories while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, typically through guided eye movements. Bilateral stimulation helps reprocess traumatic memories, reducing their emotional charge and allowing you to integrate these experiences more adaptively.

When you receive EMDR Therapy, it's important to be in a safe therapeutic environment and to be guided by a trained ACRS EMDR Therapist.

EMDR is a powerful tool for Trauma recovery, promoting emotional healing and improved mental well-being.

Find out more about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)

PE is Used to Treat:

• PTSD,
• Anxiety Disorders, and
• Phobias and Fear Responses linked to Trauma.

Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy is an evidence-based Cognitive-Behavioral approach that helps clients confront and process traumatic memories, reducing their distress over time.

PE Therapy involves two main components:

• Imaginal Exposure, where clients recount their traumatic experiences in detail, and
• In Vivo Exposure, which encourages them to face real-life situations they have been avoiding due to trauma-related anxiety.

The goal of PE Therapy is to help you gradually confront your fears, leading to decreased avoidance behaviors and improved emotional regulation. It's important to work with a trained ACRS PE Therapist to ensure a safe and supportive environment throughout the process.

Research proves that PE Therapy:

• Is effective in reducing PTSD symptoms.
• Ultimately helps you regain control over your life.
• And, improves your overall well-being.

Discover the transformative potential of Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)—find out more today!

• Narrative Therapy: Encourages you to tell your stories, helping you understand your experiences.
• Somatic Experiencing: Focuses on your body’s physical response to Trauma and aims to release stored tension and trauma

• Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Includes meditation and deep breathing to help you manage trauma-related stress and Anxiety.
• Psychoeducation: Educating you about Trauma and its effects can help you understand your experiences and develop coping strategies.