RAY OF LIGHT WELLNESS LLC
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a treatment approach to therapy that combines psychotherapy
and behavioral therapy. CBT has been found to be effective in the treatment of anxiety disorders,
depression, substance abuse disorders, eating disorders, and other mental health conditions and
situations. CBT emphasizes the importance and the link between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
When we treat clients with CBT we help clients identify underlying core beliefs they have developed about themselves and their world which clients may or may not be aware of. We also work with clients to identify when and how these core beliefs became automatic coping thoughts. Our core beliefs affect
how we feel about ourselves and others. If the core beliefs we have developed are negative and
irrational then we are not going to feel like our best selves. When our thoughts and feelings are
negative or irrational, we tend to want to avoid them instead of dealing with them and this is when people can develop addictive behaviors and other behaviors that come with consequences. We help and teach clients how to challenge and replace these core beliefs with positive, realistic and empowering core beliefs.
Sometimes when people are going through dark times it is difficult for them to see the facts and the
full picture realistically and clearly. CBT helps calm down irrational and negative thoughts and in turn
helps people feel better. Part of our work together when using CBT is also working on becoming more
comfortable with identifying, labeling, and communicating feelings. As we work on thoughts and
feelings that have been negatively impacting behavior, we also begin to identify and use healthier
coping strategies to produce better outcomes.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a treatment strategy that has been used for many years starting with Buddhist meditation
practices. This practice is intended to bring increasing awareness to the present moment. Mindfulness is
a state of non-judgmental awareness that brings attention to thoughts, emotions, and sensations
experienced within our bodies as well as brings awareness to our surrounding environments.
Mindfulness helps take away the focus from the past which can create sadness and the future which can
create anxiety and focuses on the present moment in order to break from unhelpful thinking.
Mindfulness helps clients recognize thoughts and emotions for what they are. When we use mindfulness
techniques with clients we are teaching clients how to be present in the moment and pausing before
turning to reactivity and impulsivity. Mindfulness has been found effective for the treatment of anxiety
disorders, depression, anger, chronic pain, grief and loss, ADD/ADHD, substance abuse disorder,
bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions.
The Benefits of Mindfulness Include:
· Better ability to regulate emotions
· Improvement of concentration and memory
· Increased ability to handle stressful situations
· Increased satisfaction and motivation\A decrease of ruminating thoughts
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that is an effective
treatment to help people manage overwhelming emotions. DBT is used to strengthen a person's ability
to overcome distressful situations without reacting in destructive and impulsive ways. It has been
useful for the treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression,
eating disorders, and substance abuse disorders. Mindfulness practices are incorporated into DBT
techniques in order to help clients increase awareness of and acceptance of the present moment. DBT
also focuses on distress tolerance strategies which teaches clients how to stop avoidance patterns and
increase their ability to tolerant negative feelings. DBT covers strategies to help clients learn how to manage intense emotions. Another focus of DBT is interpersonal effectiveness meaning there is a focus on teaching interpersonal skills that encourages the development of healthy communication skills, assertiveness skills, and the ability to set healthy personal boundaries. The goal of DBT is to achieve acceptance and change. DBT can be practiced through the use of one on one counseling sessions and can be paired with referrals to DBT group therapy.
Trauma Informed Therapy
Trauma informed therapy is a treatment approach in which treatment planning is based on personal histories and triggers disclosed. The trauma informed clinician is nonjudgmental and provides a confidential and safe space for the client. Psychoeducation is provided on the signs and symptoms of trauma as well as acknowledges the impact trauma has had on the individual in order to provide effective mental health care. Clients also learn about the connection between brain health and trauma in order to learn who to rewire their train of thought and better calm fight or flight responses.
Strength Based Approach
Positive psychology states that people who are aware of their strengths and good qualities have greater
ability to maintain healthy self-esteem levels and are more likely to practice self-care strategies. We
use a strength-based approach for clients who have issues with poor self-esteem and body image. This
is done through a variety of worksheets and activities to help identify strengths and teach clients how to
practice positive self-talk. We also use identified strengths and qualities to challenge negative core beliefs that are at the root of poor self-esteem and self-confidence issues. We may also identify and implement the use of positive affirmations and mantras to help improve a positive sense of self.
Certified Integrative Mental Health Provider (CIMHP)
Kerry Duarte, LICSW became a Certified Integrative Mental Health Provider (CIMHP) in 2019. Anna Zweede, LICSW also became a Certified Integrative Mental Health Provider (CIMHP) in 2024. This means that these therapists are certified to provide education and recommendations for clients interested in natural approaches to emotional healing or would like to combine holistic approaches with conventional treatment and medication. These therapists are open to using this approach when there is collaboration with other providers. These therapists do not prescribe prescription medications. When working with these therapists, they can provide education on natural lifestyle approaches to healing such as working on client's relationship with nutrition, meditation, healing the vagus nerve, and increasing physical movement. These therapists can provide referrals as needed. Kerry Duarte, LICSW and Anna Zweede, LICSW may want to collaborate with primary care physicians as well as integrative medicine physicians to advocate for clients who may need to rule out medical conditions such as issues with thyroid, anemia, nutrient deficiencies, infections, and autoimmune conditions that can impact mental health and wellness. Unfortunately, integrative and holistic health interventions are often not covered by insurance. Since this practice is driven by an affordable model that takes insurance other referrals that can provide additional alternative methods can be suggested. As Certified Integrative Mental Health Providers, Kerry Duarte, LICSW and Anna Zweede, LICSW intend on providing more education on a number of factors that contribute to overall mental health and optimal physical well-being. A way to get the message out there is for interested readers is to look at the practice's blog, Radiate, for more free information on integrative approaches to mental health and wellness.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a type of cognitive therapy that is widely used for the treatment of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). CPT is based on the understanding that the way we think about and interpret our experiences can have a significant impact on our emotions and behaviors. It aims to help individuals identify and challenge negative and distorted thoughts and beliefs that may contribute to symptoms of PTSD. This treatment modality incorporates techniques from both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Exposure Therapy to help clients confront and process traumatic memories. Research has shown that CPT has been an effective treatment for PTSD in various populations, including military veterans, survivors of sexual assault, and individuals who have experienced childhood abuse.
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative and person-centered therapy approach used to strengthen a client's motivation to change. MI techniques often involve open-ended questions, reflective listening, affirmations, and summarizing. The therapist actively listens to the client's responses, reflects back their thoughts and feelings, helps them clarify their own goals and values. The focus is on guiding the person toward self-discovery, rather than providing direct advice or solutions. MI has been found to be effective to help clients experiencing substance abuse disorders and/or difficulties with healthier patterns of behavior/lifestyles.
Solution Focused Therapy (SFT)
Solution Focused Therapy (SFT) is a goal oriented therapeutic approach that focuses on helping clients find solutions to their problems rather than dwell on the problem. The concept of SFT is that clients already possess the strengths, resources, and abilities necessary to create positive change in their lives. The therapist's role is to help them identify and amplify these strengths and resources and to guide them toward finding practical solutions to difficulties they are facing. SFT is effective in addressing issues with substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and conflicts in relationships.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and has been effective in addressing other mental health conditions and emotional difficulties. The therapy involves a structured eight phase process that integrates elements from different therapeutic approaches, including bilateral stimulation techniques. The bilateral stimulation techniques can be achieved through eye movements, taps, or sounds, which are used to facilitate the processing of traumatic memories. The goal of EMDR is to help clients reprocess the traumatic memories in a way that reduces their emotional distress and changes negative beliefs about themselves. This reprocessing allows for the integration of the traumatic experience into the person's overall life narrative, leading to a reduction in symptoms and an improved send of well being.
Morgan Lafrance, LICSW is certified in EMDR treatment with a wealth of training and expertise. She currently provides EMDR therapy for clients in the state of Rhode Island.
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Bilingual Services
At Ray of Light Wellness LLC we want to extend services for clients who speak languages other than English. Kerry Duarte, LICSW, CIMHP speaks fluent Portuguese and can offer bilingual sessions. We are actively searching for more bilingual therapists so that we can provide services to a wider range of individuals in need of our help. The demand for therapists who are bilingual is high. Please reach out to us and ask about availability.
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Group Therapy Options
Radiate Self Love facilitated by Anna Zweede, LICSW, CIMHP
This group will meet virtually every other Tuesday from 5:30pm to 7pm for a total of 8 group sessions. This group is a closed group. It will be offered at various times of the year when individuals can request to join for the next 8 group sessions. The group is called “Radiate Self Love” and is a women’s empowerment group. Groups can be powerful and meaningful, as we often feel alone in life.The beauty of a support group is learning we are not alone and feeling the support of others. Have you ever found it is sometimes easier to show love to others than showing love to yourself? If so, virtually join us for “Radiate Self Love" where women can meet with other women and build each other up while also learning to show themselves the same love and compassion they so freely give others. Anna Zweede, LICSW, CIMHP offers psychoeducation, peer support, cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness techniques to assist members of the group in releasing self doubt while learning to practice self compassion and ultimately grow and nurture self love.