Telehealth by Grace Ott, MSW, LCSW
Teletherapy for Personal Growth
Drawing from a classical clinical social work perspective that takes into account a full biopsychosocial/spiritual assessment, Grace works with you to determine your chief concerns and treatment goals. Grace offers an integrative approach to several therapies and psychodynamic theories. Some of the evidence-based interventions she is offering include:
EMDR or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
Developed by Francine Shapiro in 1987. “EMDR is an eight-phased, scientifically validated, and integrative psychotherapy approach based on the theory that much of psychopathology is due to traumatic experiences or disturbing life events. These result in an impairment of the client’s innate ability to process and integrate the experience within the central nervous system. The core of EMDR treatment involves activating components of the traumatic memory or disturbing life event and pairing those components with alternating bilateral or dual attention stimulation. This process appears to facilitate the resumption of normal information processing and integration. This treatment approach can result in the alleviation of presenting symptoms, diminution of distress from memory, improved view of the self, relief from bodily disturbance, and resolution of present and future anticipated triggers.” (Fact Sheet: 25 EMDR training) To view a public service announcement showing the impact of EMDR therapy on people’s lives, CLICK HERE.
Psychodynamic/Psychotherapy
Grace’s style as a therapist is collaborative with the client as well as directive. She draws from Eric Berne’s Transactional Analysis with the goal of client autonomy and greater self-awareness. Grace has a unique ability to recognize the positive strengths in each of her clients. She helps clients use their own strengths to develop personal coping strategies and successful lifestyle skills.
Services for Groups
- Caregiving Education and Support: Depending on the needs and purpose of the group, Grace has tailored the sessions. Some typical topics are: Understanding Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias, Coping with Challenging Behaviors, Communication Skills for Family Members and Caregivers, Caregiver Burnout and Compassion Fatigue.
- Grief and Bereavement: Utilizing a variety of curriculum-based activities and books, group members help each other in a mutual-aid environment. Groups are usually 6–10 members, meeting for eight sessions. Concepts from Elizabeth Kubler-Ross are also introduced.
- End-of-Life Discussion Group: Some sessions focus on Advance Care Planning, Advance Directives, Palliative Care, Hospice Care, Curative Care vs. Comfort Care, the “Five Wishes” document, Plan of Care/Goals of Treatment, as well as tips on how to approach EOL Family Conversations.
- Healthy Aging: Topics include diet, exercise, cognitive and creative stimulation, sleep, emotional health, stress reduction, and other lifestyle choices for successful aging.
- Cancer-Related Support Group: Under the supervision of the American Cancer Society in Queens, NY, Grace has facilitated breast cancer support groups, “Man-to-Man”/prostate cancer support groups, and “Look Good/Feel Better” support groups.
