PTSD, Trauma, Anxiety & Stress

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Dr.  Kenzslowe skillfully employs Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, an evidence based approach specifically effective for treating trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and stress. Developed by psychologist Francine Shapiro, EMDR is renowned for its capacity to facilitate profound healing in individuals who have experienced significant traumatic events. EMDR is an approved and endorsed therapy by the VA and DOD. 

Central to Dr. Kenzslowe's use of EMDR is the understanding that the mind possesses a natural ability to heal from psychological trauma, much like the body recovers from physical injuries. She recognizes that the lingering psychological distress often stems from unprocessed traumatic memories, and through EMDR, aims to activate the brain's inherent processing capabilities.

In her practice, Dr. Kenzslowe meticulously guides clients through the eight phases of EMDR, focusing on the traumatic memories that impact their present and future well-being. A key feature of her EMDR sessions is the use of bilateral stimulation. This technique is crucial in assisting the brain to reprocess and integrate traumatic memories, akin to the state achieved during REM sleep.

Adapting EMDR for her practice, Dr. Kenzslowe ensures that the therapy remains effective and client-centered, even in an online therapy setting. Using HIPAA compliant video conferencing tools, she directs clients in eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation, maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the therapy while providing the convenience and comfort of receiving treatment from home.

During EMDR sessions with Dr. Kenzslowe, clients revisit traumatic events in a controlled and safe manner, with the goal not to relive these experiences but to transform the emotional and psychological impact they have. This process is known for its efficiency, often bringing relief faster than traditional therapeutic approaches.

Dr. Kenzslowe's experience in EMDR, combined with her compassionate approach, makes this therapy a cornerstone of her practice. She ensures a secure and supportive environment allowing clients to navigate their healing journey with confidence and safety. Her application of EMDR is a testament to her commitment to providing the most effective, evidence-based treatments for those struggling with the aftermath of trauma.

Dr.  Kenzslowe recognizes the uniqueness of each client's therapeutic needs, especially in treating PTSD, trauma, anxiety, and stress. Understanding that one approach does not fit all, she includes Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy in her array of treatment methods. PE, a cognitive-behavioral technique, is approved by the Department of Defense and the VA, underscoring its effectiveness and credibility, especially for veterans.

In her practice, Dr. Kenzslowe considers PE therapy as a vital option when it aligns with a client's specific requirements. This method involves gradually and safely exposing clients to trauma-related thoughts, feelings, and situations that they might have been avoiding. By doing so in a controlled therapeutic environment, it helps clients confront and reprocess their traumatic experiences.

Dr. Kenzslowe's application of PE is both structured and personalized. She engages with each client to identify the particular memories and triggers of their trauma. The therapy may involve discussing the traumatic event in detail (imaginal exposure) and systematically approaching trauma-related scenarios in real life (in vivo exposure). This process is instrumental in helping clients overcome fear and avoidance behaviors associated with their trauma.

By keeping PE therapy in her arsenal, Dr. Kenzslowe ensures that her treatment approach is versatile and adaptable to the varying needs of her clients. She recognizes that some individuals may respond more positively to this method, particularly those who need to actively confront and process their traumatic experiences.

The use of PE therapy in her practice, alongside other approved methodologies like EMDR, demonstrates Dr. Kenzslowe's commitment to providing comprehensive, evidence-based, and client-centered care. Her ability to tailor treatments to each individual’s unique situation makes her approach effective and highly responsive to the complex needs of those dealing with the aftermath of trauma.

Dr.  Kenzslowe understands the diverse therapeutic needs of her clients, especially those dealing with PTSD, trauma, anxiety, and stress. In her commitment to offering a range of effective treatments, she includes Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) as a key approach in her therapeutic arsenal. CPT is a cognitive-behavioral therapy also used by the Department of Defense and the VA, making it a trusted method for addressing the complexities of trauma, especially among veterans.

CPT stands out in Dr. Kenzslowe's practice for its structured approach to helping clients understand and change the distressing thoughts that linger after traumatic events. This therapy focuses on the way individuals view themselves, others, and the world after experiencing trauma. By identifying and challenging these negative thoughts, CPT aids clients in developing a more balanced and realistic perspective, reducing the ongoing impact of traumatic events.

In her application of CPT, Dr. Kenzslowe tailors the therapy to the individual needs of each client. The process involves identifying 'stuck points' – rigid thoughts about the trauma that are preventing recovery – and using specific strategies to challenge and modify these thoughts. The goal is to help clients gain a deeper understanding of their trauma and its effects, empowering them to move forward with a healthier mindset.

Dr. Kenzslowe's inclusion of CPT in her treatment options reflects her dedication to providing comprehensive, evidence-based, and personalized care. She recognizes that for some individuals, the cognitive focus of CPT can be particularly effective in addressing the thought patterns and beliefs that are often entwined with traumatic experiences.

The utilization of CPT, alongside other modalities like EMDR and PE, demonstrates Dr. Kenzslowe's commitment to a versatile and client-centered approach. Her adept use of CPT as part of her treatment repertoire ensures that her practice is equipped to meet the varied and specific needs of those seeking help in overcoming the challenges of trauma.

We incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) as a key component of our therapeutic approach, especially in treating PTSD, anxiety, trauma, and stress. DBT is a cognitive-behavioral treatment that emphasizes the psychosocial aspects of therapy. Originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder, it has been found to be effective for a range of other conditions, particularly those involving significant emotional dysregulation.

In our practice, while we work together in our therapy sessions, we supplement the process with pre-recorded DBT trainings. These trainings are an integral part of our treatment strategy, designed to reinforce the skills learned in therapy and provide additional support. The DBT trainings cover various essential skills divided into four key modules: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Mindfulness skills focus on improving your ability to accept and be present in the current moment. Distress tolerance is geared towards increasing your tolerance of negative emotion, rather than trying to escape from it. Emotion regulation covers strategies to manage and change intense emotions that are causing problems in a person’s life. Interpersonal effectiveness consists of techniques that allow you to communicate with others in a way that is assertive, maintains self-respect, and strengthens relationships.

The inclusion of these DBT training modules in our therapy process at Purple Heart Behavioral Health allows for a more comprehensive treatment experience. By engaging with the pre-recorded lessons, you can deepen your understanding and practice of DBT skills at your own pace, complementing the work done in our sessions. We then review the skills during our time together. This approach not only enhances the effectiveness of the therapy but also empowers you to apply these skills in daily life, leading to quicker and more sustainable progress in managing the symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, trauma, and stress.

Our aim is to provide you with a robust set of tools and strategies through our therapy sessions and supplemental DBT trainings, ensuring that you receive the full benefit of our multifaceted therapeutic approach.