Past estimates indicated over 80% of the population had experienced at least one traumatic event. Trauma of any kind can negatively impact physical, mental, emotional, behavioral, spiritual, and relational health. Working with a provider who understands this is essential. Penney understands and will help you hold onto hope when hope seems far away, and will encourage you as you navigate the obstacles between you and the life you want to live. She will give you space to share experiences, thoughts, and feelings without judgment and will help you hold onto hope for the future until you can hold the hope for yourself.
In studying trauma, experts have learned trauma can change the neuropathways in and the structure of the brain. The brain, however, is remarkably neuroplastic and can adapt to overcome these challenges. Two treatment techniques that have been shown to be effective include EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). Penney maintains national certifications in both of these treatment modalities.
TF-CBT
TF-CBT is a brief (12-20 session) evidence based treatment for children ages 3 to 18. TF-CBT combines trauma-sensitive strategies with a cognitive behavioral approach and has been shown to be effective with children’s PTSD, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and other emotional and behavioral problems. This is a structured approach and each session builds on previously learned skills. Children talk about and sometimes write about their experiences using gradual exposure. This process is intended to help the child face and process the traumatic event so they can experience less distress and develop more adaptive views of self, others, and the world. TF-CBT also focuses on meaning making. Before completing treatment, the child’s story is often, although not always, shared with a supportive caregiver.
EMDR & EMDR Intensives
EMDR helps to unlock the body’s nervous system and allows the brain make sense out of disturbing memories and store those memories in such a way that the memory of the event remains intact while the painful emotions and sensations connected to the event are removed. EMDR has been shown to be effective for treatment of post-traumatic stress, phobias, panic attacks, anxiety disorders, stress, sexual and physical abuse, disturbing memories, complicated grief, and addictions.
EMDR Intensives may be scheduled when the typical therapy “hour” is not sufficient for EMDR processing sessions. When clinically appropriate, EMDR intensive sessions are scheduled in longer blocks of time so that processing can occur over a shorter period, for example in a few hours on the same day rather than over a series of weekly sessions.
Triple P Parenting Solutions
Triple P Positive Parenting Program is one of the world’s most effective parenting programs. Supported by four decades of ongoing research, Triple P is a systemic approach to parenting designed to meet parent’s individual needs. Triple P is designed to provide parent skills so the parents can raise confident, healthy children and teenagers while building stronger family relationships. Triple P does not tell parents how to parent but gives parents strategies they can adapt to suit their own values, beliefs and needs. Standard and Standard Teen Triple P programs are 8 to 10 sessions. Triple P Pathways is a 4 session add-on intervention available if needed.