Clinicians at Zen Psychology & Wellness Specialize in the Following Therapeutic Modalities

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

A treatment approach  focused on examining and understanding the role of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in everyday functioning. When using this approach, clinicians at Zen Psychology & Wellness focus on behavioral interventions and targets and then utilize cognitive and emotional regulation strategies to support the reaching of these goals. Clients are provided with weekly goals or challenges to support their treatment. CBT is an evidence-based approach and has been shown to be highly effective in treating individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, insomnia, trauma, and relationship difficulties.

Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP)

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is an evidenced-based that is highly effective for the treatment of anxiety disorders including: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Phobias, Social Anxiety Disorder, and Health Illness Anxiety. ERP is a behavioral approach that is considered a sub specialty of CBT and should only be utilized by clinicians who have had formal training in delivering this approach. Dr. Volk has been professionally trained in delivering ERP and specializes in using this approach to help clients approach and overcome their fears.  

Acceptance and Commitement Therapy (ACT)

A treatment approach geared towards promoting psychological flexibility and a value-centered life. Drawing on mindfulness, ACT helps individuals to change their relationship with their thoughts and feelings and their sense of self in order to promote more mindful and value-guided behavior. ACT has been shown to be an effective treatment for a variety of mental health-related difficulties including anxiety, OCD, depression, stress, and burnout (Hayes & Smith, 2005). 

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

A treatment approach which draws upon Zen Buddhist ideals and behavioral strategies to help individuals foster a life worth living. DBT treatment involves the learning of mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness skills, all taught within a validating, dialectical framework. ​​DBT has been found to be an effective treatment for a variety of populations and, in particular, for individuals struggling with emotion dysregulation difficulties (Linehan, 2015). 

Mindfulness & Meditation

Applied Behavior Analysis & Behavioral Techniques ​

 Derived from eastern philosophy, particularly Buddhism, mindfulness and meditation practices help individuals to re-access the present moment, thus creating a sense of internal stillness. Through practice, this enables individuals to change their relationship with their thoughts and feelings. Mindfulness is a helpful practice for individuals struggling with a variety of mental health difficulties. 

​“The Sky is always the sky. Even though clouds and lightning come, the sky is not disturbed” – S. Suzuki 

A series of treatment techniques and approaches based upon principles of operant conditioning (e.g., positive and negative reinforcement). These approaches are designed to increase adaptive behaviors, decrease maladaptive problem behaviors, and foster more positive relationships. ABA and other behavioral therapy techniques have been found to be effective for treating individuals with developmental disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as those demonstrating other behavioral challenges such as oppositional defiant disorder.