Treatment Modalities

Dr. Strohmaier predominantly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to address mental health concerns including various anxiety disorders, depression, and PTSD. Both are well researched interventions targeting the relationships among situations, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Dr. Strohmaier was trained in the administration of both CBT and ACT in her role as a therapist in a Randomized Controlled Trial comparing the effectiveness of these interventions in clients with social anxiety disorder (social phobia). She was trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), a variant of CBT developed specifically to treat PTSD, through the James Haley Veterans’ Hospital PTSD Clinic in Tampa, Florida.

CBT is considered the gold standard for treating social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, and a number of other conditions. Through CBT, clients learn to identify, challenge, and ultimately change unhelpful patterns of thinking that lead to negative emotional states like nervousness, anxiety, or sadness. CBT also emphasizes the role of certain behaviors that may contribute to this problematic cycle. For example, a person with social anxiety may decline an invitation to a party or may drink to excess while there due to anxiety about performing poorly or embarrassing themselves. Skipping the party or coping with alcohol might feel relieving or helpful in the moment. However, avoiding the party entirely or relying on alcohol — and perhaps embarrassing oneself while intoxicated — only exacerbates anxiety over time. CBT not only helps clients change anxiety-provoking thoughts, but also practice confronting their fears directly, which ultimately results in significant reductions in anxiety and better quality of life. The American Psychological Association’s Division 12 has some great resources on CBT for social anxiety and other conditions.

ACT is another well-supported treatment for a variety of mental health conditions. Like CBT, ACT involves a strong focus on thoughts and their relation to emotions and behaviors. However, rather than teaching clients to change their thoughts through Socratic questioning, ACT helps clients learn to relate to their own thoughts, feelings, and sensations in a more adaptive way, which can alleviate emotional suffering. In other words, difficult thoughts and experiences no longer have such power over a person. Another important element of ACT involves helping clients clarify their values and set specific goals (“committed action”) based on these values. Mindful awareness of the present moment and psychological flexibility are also key themes that help clients become more aware, accepting, and committed in their daily lives. Additional resources and information about ACT are available through the American Psychological Association’s Division 12.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is closely related to CBT and was developed specifically to treat symptoms of PTSD such as nightmares, preoccupation with safety, depressed mood, avoidance, and insomnia, which may arise in the wake of traumatic events. CPT teaches clients to critically evaluate and change negative thoughts that arise after a traumatic event. Such thoughts and related beliefs are called “stuck points,” because they keep people stuck and unable to effectively move forward after a trauma. By learning to recognize when thoughts are overly negative or irrational, a person can significantly change how they feel. CPT also directly examines important themes that are often disrupted in people with PTSD, such as trust, control, safety, and self-esteem. The National Center for PTSD is an excellent resource for those looking to better understand PTSD and CPT.

Dr. Strohmaier has also been trained in additional evidence-based treatments including Motivational Interviewing (MI), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Problem-Solving Therapy (PST), and Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). She often draws on elements of these interventions when appropriate and desired by the client.

What to Expect?

The first step in pursuing psychotherapy is to schedule an intake. You’ll complete some paperwork and participate in a conversation with Dr. Strohmaier (usually a little over an hour) to determine your greatest challenges, current symptoms, and goals for treatment. Diagnostic impressions and treatment options will be discussed, so you can make an informed choice about what is the best plan for you. In most cases, clients move forward with weekly or biweekly therapy (50 minute sessions) with Dr. Strohmaier to learn important skills and work toward goals that are collaboratively set. If you prefer to seek treatment elsewhere or if Dr. Strohmaier determines a different therapist would be better suited to meet your needs, specific referrals will be made to make sure you get the best treatment possible based on your unique strengths, needs, goals, and preferences.