Evidence-Based Treatments (EBT)
EBTs for Anxiety, Depression, and Behavior/Conduct Problems
Exposure Therapy with Response Prevention (ERP)
When a person's anxiety is triggered, the natural response is to take action. The question is whether or not the actions being taken are healthy coping responses or problematic responses. For example, if a person notices a mole and worries that it might be cancerous, then they make an appointment to see a dermatologist to get it checked out. The dermatologist examines it, runs tests, and concludes it is not cancerous. If the thought about the mole pops into the person's head again, they might remind themselves that the doctor already checked it out, and they are fine, and it becomes a fleeting thought that the person is able to let go of. That's a healthy coping response. If, however, the thought about the mole pops into their head again, and they seek out a 2nd opinion, and are told again that it is not cancerous, but then seek a 3rd opinion, 4th opinion, search the internet for literature on moles, and they become so consumed with seeking information about moles that it starts to interfere with their sleep, relationships, and daily functioning, then that's a problematic response to anxiety. Anxiety itself is not the problem, it's the response that feeds the anxiety loop that becomes problematic. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) aims to expose the person to what is triggering the anxiety, and then prevent the problematic responses from occurring. First, the problematic responses are identified, then the individual and clinician make specific response prevention plans to move from problematic responses to healthier responses. Helping an individual respond in a new way helps to extinguish the fear or anxiety of the activity or stimulus.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the evidence-based treatment used to address OCD. A fear hierarchy is developed where obsession triggers are listed from easiest to hardest to tolerate. A plan to reduce engaging in compulsions is also developed. Through developing these plans in treatment, the individual gains a better understanding of the relationship between the obsession and compulsion, and the core fear that the individual is experiencing. Exposure (E) is applied to the obsession triggers, and a Response Prevention (RP) plan is used to address the compulsive behaviors. Other areas addressed in treatment include motivation level, core beliefs that may need to be addressed before applying ERP, and family/school or other environmental factors that need to be addressed.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Info coming soon
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT involves the process of becoming aware of one's thoughts and emotions, and mindful of what one does with those thoughts and emotions. When one is aware of what one is thinking as the thoughts occur, and aware of one's emotions as they start to bubble, then one has more control of their actions. ACT aims to help an individual commit to their values and the type of person they want to be while tolerating uncomfortable emotions. In terms of anxiety, ACT aims to help an individual learn to follow their goals and dreams in the presence of anxiety. In so doing, the individual becomes more effective in tolerating anxiety while pursuing their goals in life.
Acceptance Based Behavioral Therapy (ABBT)
Info coming soon
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Info coming soon
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
PCIT is an evidence-based intervention for children who have difficult behavioral problems such as not listening to parents' directives, impulse control issues, difficulty with regulating their emotions, and parents are having a hard time parenting their child. PCIT works on fostering the parent-child relationship first (Child-Directed Interaction), and then on fostering child's compliance to parent directives (Parent-Directed Interaction). This approach is solution-focused and typically runs 16-20 sessions. Visit www.PCIT.org to read more about the support for this effective method to treat behavioral issues in children.
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy adapted for Selective Mutism (PCIT-SM)
All ATSA clinicians are Certified Trainers and Therapists in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy Adapted for Selective Mutism (PCIT-SM)
PCIT-SM is a specialized approach that combines parent-child interactions to build rapport and self-confidence in both parent and child (Child-Directed Interaction) and provide an ideal foundation from which to step out of one's comfort zone and approach the fear of speaking (Verbal-Directed Interaction). By working with both parent and child, this method treats the child's ecosystem so that they can generalize their talking across people, places, and activities. This method can also be adapted to older ages.
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