PVD Psychological Associates

  Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for substance use disorders has demonstrated efficacy as both a monotherapy and as part of combination treatment strategies. This article provides a review of the evidence supporting the use of CBT, clinical elements of its application, novel treatment strategies for improving treatment response, and dissemination efforts. Although CBT for substance abuse is characterized by heterogeneous treatment elements—such as operant learning strategies, cognitive and motivational elements, and skills building interventions—across protocols several core elements emerge that focus on overcoming the powerfully reinforcing effects of psychoactive substances. These elements, and support for their efficacy, are discussed. https://pvdpsych.com/substance-use-problems/

  Treatment can help reduce the intensity and frequency of your panic attacks and improve your function in daily life. The main treatment options are psychotherapy and medications. One or both types of treatment may be recommended, depending on your preference, your history, the severity of your panic disorder and whether you have access to therapists who have special training in treating panic disorders. https://pvdpsych.com/anxiety-disorders/

  Mindfulness , from a therapeutic, secular perspective is a conscious awareness of our present moment. This includes openness and non-judgment about the experience. It is often coupled with other types of therapy, such as Cognitive-based Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). https://pvdpsych.com/

  Everyone will experience the loss of a friend or loved one at some point in his or her life. You will grieve the death of someone you care about, the end of a relationship, a move to a new area, the loss of a pet, or a serious illness. Individual reactions to profound loss differ from person to person. The grieving process often occurs in stages, each of which brings with it different emotions. The stages of grief differ for everyone. Counseling and therapy use discussion between the client and the  mental health professional  to help the client address emotional, mental, or behavioral issues and solve problems. https://pvdpsych.com/

  Meet Dr. David Zelaya I take an evidence-based and multicultural approach to my clinical practice. I draw from psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapy approaches to provide individual therapy to young adults and adults with anxiety, depression, trauma, identity related concerns, acculturative stress, minority stress, and other mental health concerns. I have a particular interest in working with individuals who identify as members of the LGBTQIA+ community, racial/ethnic minorities, individuals with other marginalized identities, and those living at the intersection of possessing multiple socially stigmatized identities. Furthermore, I am a bilingual (fluent in Spanish) and bicultural therapist. I grew up in Nicaragua and Guatemala and am therefore familiar with the process of immigration, acculturation, and assimilation. My Background I received my Ph.D. from Georgia State University in Counseling Psychology and completed my pre-doctoral APA accredited internship at Harvar...

  Meet Dr. Sarah Johnson I am a licensed psychologist in Rhode Island. My areas of interest and specialization include evidence-based treatments for anxiety, depression, and behavioral difficulties. I also have experience working with children, adolescents, and families dealing with trauma, relationship issues, and school challenges. https://pvdpsych.com/sarah-johnson-phd/

  Meet Dr. Alyssa Freedman I am a licensed clinical psychologist in Rhode Island providing individual therapy to college students, and adults. My areas of interest and specialization include depression, anxiety, stress management, self-esteem, college and graduate student mental health, and values identification/clarification. I have specialized training in a variety of evidence-based treatments such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). My work is also greatly influenced by the strengths-based focus of positive psychology. https://pvdpsych.com/dr-alyssa-freedman-psyd/

  Meet Dr. Jonathan Dator I am a licensed clinical psychologist in Rhode Island and am a bilingual (English and Spanish) and bicultural therapist. I provide individual therapy to older adolescents and adults. I have focused my clinical work on providing care to disenfranchised, marginalized, and underserved groups. https://pvdpsych.com/dr-jonathan-dator/

Meet Elizabeth Kirkpatrick, LICSW I am licensed in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, and offer online therapy to individuals residing in both of those states, in addition to my in-person practice in Rhode Island. https://pvdpsych.com/elizabeth-kirkpatrick-licsw/  

  Meet Dr. Sandy Muraoka I am a licensed clinical psychologist in Rhode Island providing individual therapy for college students and adults of all ages. My areas of interest and specialization include women’s issues, life transitions, multicultural issues, depression, anxiety, and aging. https://pvdpsych.com/sandy-muraoka-phd/

  Meet Dr. Mary Elizabeth Ruggiero I am a licensed clinical psychologist and am a bicultural and bilingual therapist (native fluency in Spanish). I provide individual therapy to college students, adolescents, and adults. https://pvdpsych.com/mary-elizabeth-ruggiero-psyd/

  Meet Julie Herzlinger, LICSW I provide individual therapy to college students, adults, aging adults, and individuals of any life stage experiencing caregiver stress. My areas of specialization and focus include working with those struggling to navigate life transitions, feeling “stuck,” experiencing relationship and intimacy problems, self-esteem issues, adjustment to illness/caregiver stress, as well as grief and loss. https://pvdpsych.com/julie-herzlinger-licsw/

  Meet Dr. Jolie Weingeroff I am a licensed clinical psychologist in Rhode Island and New York and offer online therapy to individuals in both of those states, in addition to my in-person practice in Rhode Island. https://pvdpsych.com/jolie-weingeroff-phd/

  Meet Dr. Nicole Issa I am a licensed clinical psychologist in Rhode Island, New York and Massachusetts and offer online therapy to individuals residing in all three of these states, in addition to my in-person practice in Rhode Island. I have advanced training in psychodynamic therapy and I provide individual, couples, and family therapy to college students, adolescents and adults. https://pvdpsych.com/nicole-issa-psyd/

  When you factor in busy schedules, difficulty finding childcare, and potential transportation challenges, getting to therapy can be difficult, if not impossible. Online therapy  makes therapy portable; this is particularly useful for clients who relocate or who are looking for a specialist and cannot find one in their area. https://pvdpsych.com/online-therapy/

  Stress   is often defined as a bodily response to the demands of life. But there are also emotional and mental aspects of stress.  Mental health professionals often help people reduce and manage their stress. https://pvdpsych.com/blog/

  Therapy   provides a safe and confidential place for a person to talk to a professional about personal experiences, thoughts, feelings, or problems. People who go to  therapy may have experienced a situation that that disrupts and/or impacts his or her thinking, mood, feelings, or ability to relate to others. A person may also seek out therapy because they want a neutral and safe place to talk about general life experiences. Many people seek out therapy: adults, youth, teens, even therapists themselves. Everyone needs somewhere they feel safe and supported. https://pvdpsych.com/

  With all of the unknowns and changes happening right now due to COVID-19, PVD Psychological Associates will continue to work with clients, including seeing new clients in this time of need. All psychotherapy sessions will be held through a secure online portal. We are maximizing social distancing while providing counseling and psychotherapy using telehealth technology. https://pvdpsych.com/

  Psychological treatments for anxiety Psychological treatments (also known as talking therapies) can help you change your thinking patterns so you're able to keep your anxiety under control and reduce irrational worries.  From the first point of contact, we will focus on providing you with the best therapy experience. https://pvdpsych.com/

  Children and adolescents, or teens, build social skills and emotional intelligence as they grow. These things often lead to healthy, happy lives. But some kids have emotions or behave in ways that disrupt their well-being. Learning about children's mental health issues can increase your knowledge of how to help. https://pvdpsych.com/student-mental-health/