Treatment Techniques
What happens during a typical treatment?
At
the first session, you will answer questionnaires that help measure the
progress and ultimate success of your treatment. The treatment procedures
and their rationale will be explained to you.
During
the second session, you will begin to learn techniques to help you manage
your anxieties. These exercises could continue for several sessions.
At
later sessions, you will review the techniques you learned for anxiety
management. You will be introduced to virtual reality technology. It is a
way of creating exposure to your fear and so that you can practice basic
coping strategies.
In
Dr. Johnson's office therapy is conducted using a computer-generated
experience. For example, if you fear flying, you can visit an artificial
airplane and experience all the aspects of flying without ever leaving the
room, much less the ground. A head-mounted display or helmet-like device
with stereo sound and tactile stimulation, are provided. You will hear, see
and feel cues consistent with a real airplane.
In
this non-threatening environment, Dr. Johnson will help you use the
techniques you have learned to manage your fear in simulated conditions.
Finally, he will help you handle exposure to your feared situation,
referred to as hierarchical virtual reality.
Therapy
using Virtual Reality Exposure offers many advantages over standard therapy
that exposes patients to their fear. Often this includes decreased cost,
protection of patient confidentiality, safety for the patient and therapist
during exposure and complete control over the therapy session.
Biofeedback
is another therapy technique that is used at The Anxiety Treatment Center.
With this treatment, the patient has the opportunity to learn to recognize
and control body processes, such as heartbeat or brain waves.
Biofeedback
involves the use of sensitive electronic instruments. These instruments
measure, process, and indicate the ongoing activity of various body
processes or conditions of which the person is usually unaware. Biofeedback
uses visual, auditory or other devices. A patient can use this opportunity
to change by developing control over these body processes.
