Experiential Transformation (ET) Therapy.
“Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”
Works to restructure distressing experiences so they no longer trigger intense physical and psychological reactions, opening up access to one’s potential.
Rapid · Well-Tolerated · Transdiagnostic · Non-Pathologizing · Trauma-Informed
How it Works.
Experiential Transformation Therapy restructures how an individual relates, integrates, and translates an experience through guided invitations supported by bilateral stimulation technology (such as eye movements). The procedure combines well-validated techniques used in other traditional therapy modalities guided by a unifying model.
Use of strategies to nurture containment, holding, metabolizing, and acceptance of sensations and emotions rather than distraction and avoidance.
Fosters present-moment engagement and mindful awareness of triggers and parts of experiences, reducing their grip on you.
Builds insight and perspective on experiences, restructuring the meaning of experiences for a lasting effect.
Targets the root cause of symptoms rather than relying on prescriptive coping strategies.
Engages internal resources to promote empowerment, self-healing, growth, and development.
After you choose what you’d like to work on, your therapist will guide you through the therapeutic procedure. At follow-up, you may choose again to work on any experience you’ve had OR your therapist may guide you through further integration of your experiences and help you determine the most helpful path forward.
Who it Works For.
✓ Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
✓ Distressing Experiences
✓ Adjustment Disorder
✓ Grief and Loss
✓ Anxiety and Phobias
✓ Depression
✓ Addiction
✓ Spiritual & Existential Distress
See the Research.
After ONE session, research shows an immediate 74% reduction in subjective units of distress (SUDs, p<0.001, d=5.19) and an 85% reduction in emotional burden (p<0.001, d=2.28). This was amplified at follow-up with a total 94% reduction in SUDs (p<0.001, d=6.60) and a 97.7% reduction in emotional burden (p<0.001, d=2.76). This is accomplished over an average session duration of just over 30 minutes (mean 34 minutes, SD 7.75 minutes).
Pre-Requisites for Therapy.
The following are strongly recommended for a successful ETT session:
Desktop monitor or Laptop (telehealth): A phone or tablet is too small for telehealth sessions to facilitate bilateral stimulation (e.g., eye movements).
No prazosin the night before ETT: Interferes with the ability to process material. The most rapid change with ETT is reduced hyperarousal (e.g., startle, anxiety, restlessness) and re-experiencing (e.g., flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts), so this may no longer be needed.
No benzodiazepines 4-12 hours before ETT: Benzodiazepines such as Ativan, Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium interfere with the ability to work through emotional connections. This may dampen the effectiveness of ETT.
Apart from these basic prerequisites, there are no additional requirements for an ETT session.
What is NOT Required.
ETT Does not require that you leave your currently established therapist. You could theoretically undergo a few ETT sessions to gain some space between you and the struggle you’re working on and return to your established therapist to continue integrating experiences or working on coping skills.
Just like there’s not a lot of preparation involved in undergoing ETT, there’s also not a firm reliance on homework. Typically, brief journaling is recommended following an ETT session to help integrate and solidify the changes that occurred for you during the procedure. This is based on individual discretion. Your ET therapist will discuss this with you in more detail after the therapeutic procedure.
Next Steps.
Dr. Hatcher is the developer of Experiential Transformation Therapy (ETT) and a traumatologist with experience using ETT for various conditions. To schedule an appointment, follow the link below and mention your interest in ETT sessions. Sessions are typically one hour.
Experience Rapid Improvement in Symptoms
Interested in learning more about the psychotherapy that Catharsis Health offers? Check out this blog post.
