Ricky Greenwald, PsyD - About Dr. Greenwald
About
Ricky Greenwald, PsyD
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Background
Ricky Greenwald, PsyD, has been working with adults, children, and teens since 1985. He is the founder and executive director of the Trauma Institute & Child Trauma Institute, and was previously on the faculty at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in NYC. He is licensed as a psychologist in NY and MA.
Dr. Greenwald is internationally recognized as a leading expert on the treatment of trauma, loss, and behaviors. He has published over 30 peer-reviewed articles as well as several books for mental health professionals, including Child Trauma Handbook (2005), EMDR Within a Phase Model of Trauma-Informed Treatment (2007), and Treating Problem Behaviors (2009). He has trained therapists in Canada, England, Germany, Greece, Israel, Mexico, Netherlands, N. Ireland, Singapore, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, and throughout the USA. He is the developer of several instruments for assessing trauma/loss symptoms, which have been translated into over a dozen languages. He has received awards for his research and professional service, and is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association.
Treatment Approach
Dr. Greenwald's treatment approach is focused on helping clients to realize their potential and achieve their goals. This treatment approach includes the typical "peak performance" interventions plus others to overcome obstacles and enhance outcome. It is based on his Fairy Tale phase model, so named because it is introduced with the telling of a fairy tale, in which each element of the story corresponds to one of the phases in treatment. For example, the hero's love for the princess (which moves him to try to slay the dragon) represents the treatment phase in which the client's motivation is identified and developed. The Fairy Tale model's phases of treatment are as follows:
- evaluation including learning about the client's strengths, resources, trauma/loss history, life situation, and presenting problems
- identification and enhancement of the client's goals and motivation
- trauma-informed case formulation and treatment contracting
- stabilization, potentially including case management, parent training, problem-solving, and strategic avoidance of high risk situations
- identification and enhancement of coping and affect tolerance skills
- resolution of trauma and loss memories
- consolidation of gains
- anticipation of future challenges
Despite the fact that this model includes numerous phases of treatment, it's an extremely efficient treatment approach, because:
- Not every phase requires a lengthy intervention; it depends on what is needed to ensure that the relevant outcome has been achieved.
- When the outcomes are achieved in order, this makes subsequent interventions more efficient and effective. For example, a client who is already highly motivated will work harder at self-management skills training, and thus be more successful.
- The interventions used are effective and efficient.
The phase model is considered the standard of care within trauma-informed treatment. However, this treatment approach is not limited to a trauma focus. Within this approach, Dr. Greenwald uses a number of research-supported and proven-effective interventions (as called for) to get the job done effectively and efficiently for the client and situation. Dr. Greenwald has helped to develop some of these interventions, which include:
- Motivational Interviewing to help clients to identify and enhance investment/commitment in their goals.
- Cognitive-Behavioral Training for self-management skills (including anger management, self-discipline, etc.).
- Imaginal Rehearsal to practice (visualizing) effective behaviors
- EMDR or PC for resolution of trauma or loss memories.
- Relapse Prevention and Harm Reduction to help clients to anticipate future challenges and stay on track towards their goals.
CONTACT:
E-Mail Dr. Greenwald
Phone: (413) 772-2340
S-Mail:
Ricky Greenwald, PsyD
PO Box 544, Greenfield, MA 01302
USA
Copyright(c) Ricky Greenwald, Psy.D. Created: 8/15/09 Updated: 8/15/09