Areas of Specialization
I specialize in implementing exposure-based therapy for trauma, OCD, and other anxiety-related disorders (e.g. phobias, social anxiety, panic.)
This is a specific form of treatment under the umbrella of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy that is well supported by years of research and is widely considered the gold standard of treatment for these disorders. It requires specialized education, training, and experience to use effectively. There are different variations of exposure therapy, together we'll identify a strategy that best fits your symptoms and goals.
OCD
Do unwanted repetitive thoughts convince you that something terrible will happen if you make a mistake, or don't do something in an exact manner?
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is well supported by research as a highly effective strategy for reducing OC symptoms. My belief is that your understanding of OCD and ERP is crucial to successful outcomes. We'll spend a lot of time in the beginning making sure you understand the how, when, and why of the process. This process is very collaborative. My goal is to guide and coach you into gaining more control over OC symptoms and your life.
Panic Attacks
Has a wave of sudden, intense fear ever hit you out of nowhere — racing heart, trouble breathing, a sense that something is terribly wrong — even when there was no real danger?
Unfortunately, trauma and anxiety can sometimes affect the nervous system so intensely that a person may experience panic attacks. While panic and acute anxiety can feel similar, a panic attack can be an especially intense and frightening experience. If you've experienced one, you are not likely to forget it. Panic attacks can occur in the context of other disorders, including OCD and PTSD, or they can become a problem in their own right when someone develops an intense fear of having another panic attack. This fear can lead to significant avoidance of places, situations, or sensations associated with panic.
I use a specific type of exposure called interoceptive exposure to help people gradually experience and tolerate the physical sensations associated with panic. Over time, this helps the brain learn that these sensations, while uncomfortable, are not dangerous and do not need to be feared or avoided.
PTSD
Do you feel like a past experience still has a grip on you — showing up in flashbacks, nightmares, or a sense of danger that won't turn off, even when you're safe?
My interest in doing trauma work goes back to my earliest years of education. Throughout my training, I've had the privilege of working with Service members, Veterans, and first responders, which has only reinforced my passion for this work. Most of us will experience some form of trauma during our lifetime; it can be confusing, overwhelming, frightening, and completely upend our worldview. The good news is that although pain is inevitable, suffering is not. We'll work together to better understand your post-traumatic symptoms and explore which strategies and tools fit your needs best.
Generalized Anxiety
Does your mind stay stuck on 'what if,' running through worst-case scenarios even when things are objectively okay?
Not all anxiety is created equal. In working with generalized anxiety, the first priority is to accurately identify what exactly makes you anxious. How do you know you're anxious? How does it affect your thoughts, body, and behaviors? Are your coping skills actually reducing your overall anxiety, or just providing temporary relief? I rely on a combination of CBT, mindfulness, and behavior modification strategies to help improve self-awareness and implement coping mechanisms that not only reduce overall anxiety levels but also provide a new framework for how you understand and relate to anxiety."
Other Areas of Focus
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This is a very common area of focus that accompanies trauma and anxiety work. Depending on your needs, we may focus on exploring early relationships and attachment style and/or improving communication, social, assertiveness, and boundary implementation skills.
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People often see Depression as distinct from other conditions. However, things like OCD and trauma can be so encompassing and limiting to one's life that depressive symptoms are an understandable side-effect. By tackling these head-on we often see a reduction in depressive symptoms along the way.
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Together we'll explore barriers to good sleep hygiene, adequate physical activity, & self-care. (Please note I am not a treating provider of eating disorders or addictions.)
“I had my first appointment with Dr. Biondoletti on 04/19/2021; following a four-month struggle with panic attacks for the first time in my life. It was terrifying period in my life. Since my first appointment, Dr. Biondoletti has taught me what anxiety, panic attacks and trauma are, and how they affect my body and mind.”
–– Mirela