Intensive outpatient psychotherapy is well suited for a number of individuals. In my practice this means being seen for two, ninety minute sessions per week as opposed to a more standard single forty five minute session per week.
For individuals diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) one of the treatment approaches I use (EMDR) is designed for extended session use so that the client may process important information and have time to recover and end the session with a sense of calm and /or completion.
For clients recently recovered from serious drug and/ or alcohol addiction, intensive outpatient psychotherapy provides needed structure and skills building to help reduce the risk of relapse, a common problem for individuals in recovery.
For individuals suffering major depression and/ or severe panic disorder, intensive outpatient psychotherapy allows for completing a comprehensive evaluation early on so that appropriate treatment can have an impact on reducing psychological pain and suffering in the shortest amount of time possible.
Intensive outpatient psychotherapy is also sort after by individuals who may only in the area for a short period of time and want to make the most of the limited time available to them.
For couples seeking relationship or marital counseling, intensive psychotherapy is often useful in that both parties often have lots to say and it takes time to teach and practice communication skills, model desired behaviors and convey important ideas in the same session. Emotions are often stirred up and having the time to provide closure on a topic and ending on a positive note is important to maintain progress.
In intensive outpatient psychotherapy, the client is provided with a series of assessment forms and information sheet to help diagnose their problems and concerns, develop short and long term goals and explain various approaches and treatment options available to them.
In the second session the assessments are reviewed with the client, goals are agreed upon and an initial treatment plan is developed. With the client’s permission, past records are reviewed and contact is provided with current relevant health care providers to provided coordinated treatment.
In subsequent sessions, clients are taught a variety of coping skills to help them manage their emotions as they move through the treatment phase.
