Therapy Services

EMDR

EMDR therapy uses bilateral stimulation, which repeatedly activates the opposite sides of the brain, releasing emotional experiences that contribute to maladaptive symptoms of anxiety and depression. Research has shown that EMDR is the most effective treatment intervention for treating PTSD.

Divorce Mediation

Divorce mediation is a process in which two individuals meet with a mediator to address 20+ issues that need to be agreed upon in a fair and equitable manner. These issues have been determined by family court as a requirement to obtaining a divorce. Issues that must be addressed are comprehensive and include everything from child custody, visitation, child support, the marital home, automobiles, insurances, retirement assets, alimony and more. Divorcing individuals can include additional factors in their agreement that may not be required by family court.

Frequently asked questions:

Is divorce mediation legally binding?

No, divorce mediation is a non-binding agreement between two divorcing parties. Each individual      will receive an original copy of a Memorandum of Understanding which is a detailed written agreement that clearly states the decisions made during mediation sessions. This agreement addresses the distribution of the marital assets and clearly defines the needs of their children (if they have children).  

Mediation allows individuals to develop a divorce agreement with dignity while eliminating hostility and minimizing conflict. Mediation is also much less costly and eliminates drawn out court battles. After a memorandum of understanding is agreed upon, the divorcing individuals will bring their agreement to their attorney(s) for processing within the family court. The attorney(s) will file a motion for a nominal divorce and a court date will be scheduled. Once the two individuals appear in family court, the memorandum of understanding will be written into a court order. The divorce becomes final 90 days after the court date.

If people have to hire an attorney and a mediator, will they be paying more money for a divorce through mediation than a traditional divorce?

No, the cost of mediation and attorney fees for processing usually are a fraction of the cost of a traditional divorce either nominal or contested.

Can the agreement be changed if either party feels that something has been overlooked or something changes?

Absolutely, divorcing or divorced individuals can always return to mediation at any time to make changes to their agreement.

What is the difference between a mediator that is an attorney and a mediator that is a psychotherapist?

Both professionals should have completed a comprehensive divorce mediation certification program thus are equally trained and qualified to provide mediation services. Psychotherapists are extremely skilled in compromising and conflict resolution. These skills are complimentary to the solid knowledge base that has been obtained in the certification process. It is absolutely unnecessary for a divorce mediator to be an attorney.

If the mediator is an attorney, can he or she represent either party in processing the divorce?

No, even if the mediator is an attorney, it would be a conflict of interest for he or she to represent either or both parties.

Family Systems

Family systems therapy utilizes a comprehensive assessment of not only the identified patient system, but of all family members, significant others and community organizations involved in the identified patient's life.  This approach provides valuable insight into the health of  the interactions and relationships within the family system as a whole.  Interventions focus on a common goal and identify necessary changes for both individuals within the family and the family as a unit. Family Systems Therapy can be effective in situations in which other approaches may  have failed due to unidentified barriers within the family unit.

Group Therapy

Group therapy is a powerful approach that provides participants an opportunity to learn new life skills and develop positive coping techniques in a safe and nurturing environment. Group therapy utilizes a unique approach in that it encourages  peer interaction through sharing of life experiences, successes, and constructive suggestions. 

Ocean State Psychotherapy.  Offers group therapy based on patient interest and identified need. Please call our office for more information.

Non-Traditional

We believe that many therapeutic approaches should be offered to increase patient wellness.  Ocean State Psychotherapy offers: 

• play therapy
• guided imagery
• progressive muscle relaxation
• experiential based therapy

These approaches are quite effective for those who find it difficult to verbalize their feelings or those who find talk therapy challenging.  Non-traditional therapies are effective in both assessing and treating individuals, couples , families, and groups of all ages.  Often times these approaches eliminate barriers that would otherwise prevent full recovery or complete attainment of goals.

Cognitive Behavioral

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy are two of the most effective approaches utilized at Ocean State Psychotherapy, Inc. to help patients achieve and maintain their goals.  Cognitive Behavioral Therapy teaches life skills, symptom management and challenges negative, unhealthy life beliefs and choices.  The combination of developing positive life skills and decreasing negative self talk maximizes the patient's success during therapy and in future life challenges.   Solution Focused Therapy focuses on solutions to challenges rather than the challenges themselves. This allows one to place more emphasis and energy on reducing symptoms and achieving goals rather than on the obstacles before them.