Frequently Asked Questions

People go to therapy for a variety of reasons: Anger management, PTSD, trauma, anxiety, depression, career counseling, elder care, behavior problems with children, grief, relationship problems, marriage counseling, or just a general sense of dissatisfaction with life.

When I see a patient for psychotherapy I listen to the specific things that they are telling me that they want to change in their life. I try and understand what makes them unique and hear their story as an individual. I make a plan to help each patient accomplish the goals they are asking me for. I think about all the different types of therapy I have been trained in and about which ones will help this patient.

In addition to listening to what a patient is talking about, I also listen for what a patient is not telling me. I try and figure out what is it about this patient that they are avoiding looking at in their own life. I try and help patients see the things that make them uncomfortable about themselves and face these fears. This always results in patients discovering new things that they want out of life that they didn’t ask for when they first came in.

I think that we live our lives in a kind of fog and psychotherapy can help clear that fog. Psychotherapy can help us heal, but it can also put us in touch with who we really are and what we really want.

Taproot Therapy Collective is a group of therapists that specializes in many different things. We have therapists who specialize in anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, addiction, and dissociative disorders. We treat PTSD, panic attacks and We also have therapists who see people for premarital counseling, career counseling and executive coaching. We try and stay trained in the needs of all of our community in Birmingham, Alabama.

Yes. Most premarital counseling focuses on whether or not you share common life goals, plans and strategies with your partner. My premarital counseling helps people see the reasons they are attracted to each other. It helps couples examine the way that they will change over their life journey. It helps couples discover who they will be at many points in their life, not just resolve issues present when they are getting married.

I get more calls about EMDR therapy than any other modality I do. I am happy to refer you to many other EMDR therapists in Birmingham Alabama if you send me and email.

We have therapists who work with kids, families and teenagers.

Most people come into therapy knowing nothing about any of the styles of therapy. That is absolutely fine. Some people come into therapy really interested in one and want to talk about it. We are happy to talk to you about how any of these modalities work or how we apply them.

We value who you are and what you believe and want you to get better. You are the best expert in how to be the best you. We just want you to find that “you”. We want to find your unique strengths and gifts and help you apply them to life. We are “you” friendly therapists. Be honest. Bring yourself. Come as you are.

No. Only a psychiatrist can prescribe medication in Alabama. We are happy to refer you to one. Research shows that therapy combined with medication is the most effective way to treat some mental health disorders.

Psychiatrists and Nurse Practitioners can prescribe medication.

A psychiatrist is a licensed medical doctor. They are licensed by the AMA. They can prescribe medication.

A nurse practitioner is the highest level of licensure for a nurse who works with an MD. They are licensed by the state. They can prescribe medication.

A clinical psychologist is someone licensed with Ph.D. in Psychology. They are licensed by the APA. They cannot prescribe medication.

A MFT or marriage and family therapist typically does therapy with couples and families. They are usually trained in more systemic models of therapy. They have a masters degree and are licensed by the state. They cannot prescribe medication.

An LPC or licensed professional counselor is has a masters degree in counseling and a license from the state board. They have a masters degree in counseling. They are at the highest level of their professional licensure. They cannot prescribe medication.

An LICSW or an LICSW PIP is a licensed clinical social worker with a license to practice independently and supervise other social workers from the state board. They have a masters degree in social work. They are at the highest level of their professional licensure. They cannot prescribe medication.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

• History of publications: EMDR was developed by Francine Shapiro in the early 1980s. She published her first book on EMDR in 1989, titled “Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing: The Breakthrough Therapy for Overcoming Anxiety, Stress, and Trauma.” The book has been translated into over 26 languages and is used by therapists around the world.
• Information on the founder: Francine Shapiro is a clinical psychologist and researcher. She is the founder and president of the EMDR International Association, which offers training and certification programs for therapists.
• Methods and techniques: EMDR is a form of psychotherapy that uses eye movements, tapping, or other forms of bilateral stimulation to help clients process traumatic memories. The therapist guides the client through a series of eye movements or taps while the client focuses on a specific traumatic memory. The bilateral stimulation is thought to help the brain to process the memory and reduce the emotional distress associated with it.

EMDR has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). It is also a promising treatment for other conditions that are thought to be caused by unresolved trauma, such as chronic pain and addiction.

Here are some of the benefits of EMDR:

• It is a rapid-acting therapy, with many clients experiencing relief from their symptoms in a matter of weeks.
• It is a relatively easy therapy to learn, making it a good option for therapists who are not familiar with other forms of trauma treatment.
• It is a non-invasive therapy, with no side effects.

If you are interested in learning more about EMDR, you can visit the EMDR International Association website or speak with a therapist who is trained in this method.

History of publications: Brainspotting was developed by David Grand in the early 2000s. He published his first book on Brainspotting in 2009, titled “Brainspotting: The Revolutionary New Therapy for Rapid and Effective Change.” The book has been translated into several languages and is used by therapists around the world.
Information on the founder: David Grand is a clinical psychologist and researcher. He is the founder and president of the Brainspotting Institute, which offers training and certification programs for therapists.
Methods and techniques: Brainspotting is a form of psychotherapy that uses eye movements, body scanning, and other forms of bilateral stimulation to help clients access and process traumatic memories. The therapist helps the client to identify a “brainspot,” which is a specific point in the body that is associated with the traumatic memory. The therapist then uses bilateral stimulation to help the client to focus on the brainspot and process the memory.
Brainspotting has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and CPTSD. It is also a promising treatment for other conditions that are thought to be caused by unresolved trauma, such as chronic pain and addiction.

Here are some of the benefits of Brainspotting:

It is a rapid-acting therapy, with many clients experiencing relief from their symptoms in a matter of weeks.
It is a relatively easy therapy to learn, making it a good option for therapists who are not familiar with other forms of trauma treatment.
It is a non-invasive therapy, with no side effects.
If you are interested in learning more about Brainspotting, you can visit the Brainspotting Institute website or speak with a therapist who is trained in this method.

Jungian Therapy

History of publications: Jungian therapy was developed by Carl Jung, a Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst. Jung’s work was first published in the early 1900s, and his theories have had a profound influence on the field of psychology.
Information on the founder: Carl Jung was a complex and fascinating figure. He was a brilliant psychologist, a prolific writer, and a visionary thinker. His work has had a profound influence on the field of psychology, and his theories continue to be studied and debated today.
Methods and techniques: Jungian therapy is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on the individual’s unconscious mind. The therapist helps the client to explore their dreams, fantasies, and other unconscious material in order to gain insights into their personality and their life. Jungian therapy is a long-term process, and it can be challenging and demanding. However, it can also be deeply rewarding, leading to a greater understanding of oneself and one’s place

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

• History of publications: IFS was developed by Richard Schwartz in the early 1990s. He published his first book on IFS in 1995, titled “Internal Family Systems Therapy: A Guide to Treating Trauma and Internal Conflict.” The book has been translated into several languages and is used by therapists around the world.
• Information on the founder: Richard Schwartz is a clinical psychologist and researcher. He is the founder and president of the IFS Institute, which offers training and certification programs for therapists.
• Methods and techniques: IFS is a form of psychotherapy that views the mind as a system of parts, or subpersonalities. Each part has its own unique function and perspective. The goal of IFS is to help clients to become aware of their parts and to learn how to communicate and collaborate with them.

IFS has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and personality disorders. It is also a promising treatment for other conditions that are thought to be caused by unresolved conflict, such as chronic pain and addiction.

Here are some of the benefits of IFS:

• It is a gentle and supportive therapy.
• It is a non-pathologizing therapy, which means that it does not view the client’s problems as a sign of something wrong with them.
• It is a collaborative therapy, which means that the therapist works with the client to create a plan of treatment that is tailored to their individual needs.

If you are interested in learning more about IFS, you can visit the IFS Institute website or speak with a therapist who is trained in this method.

• History of publications: CBT was developed in the 1960s by Aaron Beck and Albert Ellis. Beck’s book, “Cognitive Therapy and the Emotional Disorders,” was published in 1976, and Ellis’s book, “Rational-Emotive Therapy: A Therapist’s Manual,” was published in 1962. Both books have been translated into several languages and are used by therapists around the world.
• Information on the founders: Aaron Beck and Albert Ellis were both psychiatrists and researchers. They are considered to be the pioneers of CBT, and their work has had a profound influence on the field of psychology.
• Methods and techniques: CBT is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on the client’s thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. The therapist helps the client to identify their negative thoughts and beliefs, and to develop more adaptive ways of thinking and behaving. CBT is a short-term therapy, and it can be effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.

Here are some of the benefits of CBT:

• It is a short-term therapy, which means that it can be effective in a relatively short period of time.
• It is a highly structured therapy, which means that the therapist and the client work together to develop a specific plan of treatment.
• It is a practical therapy, which means that the client learns skills that they can use to manage their own thoughts, behaviors, and emotions.

If you are interested in learning more about CBT, you can visit the Beck Institute website or speak with a therapist who is trained in this method.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

• History of publications: DBT was developed by Marsha Linehan in the 1980s. She published her first book on DBT in 1993, titled “Skills Training Manual for Treating Borderline Personality Disorder.” The book has been translated into several languages and is used by therapists around the world.
• Information on the founder: Marsha Linehan is a clinical psychologist and researcher. She is the founder and director of the Behavioral Research and Therapy Clinics at the University of Washington. She is also the author of several books on DBT.
• Methods and techniques: DBT is a form of psychotherapy that combines cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with mindfulness-based techniques. The goal of DBT is to help clients to regulate their emotions, to develop better coping skills, and to improve their relationships. DBT is a long-term therapy, and it can be effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions, including borderline personality disorder, eating disorders, and substance abuse.

Here are some of the benefits of DBT:

• It is a comprehensive therapy, which means that it addresses both the cognitive and emotional aspects of the client’s problems.

Shamanism

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Shamanism therapy

• History of publications: Shamanism has been practiced for thousands of years by cultures all over the world. There is no single definition of shamanism, but it is generally understood to be a spiritual practice that involves journeying to the spirit world in order to heal oneself or others.
• Information on the founder: Shamanism is not a single practice, but rather a collection of practices that have been developed over time by different cultures. There is no single founder of shamanism, but many different shamans have contributed to the development of the practice.
• Methods and techniques: Shamanistic shadow work is a form of therapy that uses shamanic techniques to help clients to heal from their shadow selves. The shadow self is the part of the personality that is unconscious and often rejected. By working with the shadow self, clients can learn to accept and integrate this part of themselves, which can lead to greater healing and wholeness.

Here are some of the benefits of shamanistic shadow work:

• It can help clients to heal from trauma and other psychological issues.
• It can help clients to connect with their intuition and spiritual guidance.
• It can help clients to find their purpose in life.

If you are interested in learning more about shamanistic shadow work, you can speak with a shaman or a therapist who is trained in this method.

Psilocybin Therapy

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Psilocybin therapy

• History of publications: Psilocybin therapy has been studied for its potential therapeutic benefits since the 1950s. However, research on psilocybin therapy was largely halted in the 1970s due to the war on drugs. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in psilocybin therapy, and there are now several clinical trials underway to investigate its potential benefits for a variety of mental health conditions.
• Information on the founder: There is no single founder of psilocybin therapy. However, some of the leading researchers in the field include Roland Griffiths, Charles Grob, and Michael Pollan.
• Methods and techniques: Psilocybin therapy typically involves a single or a series of psilocybin sessions, which are guided by a therapist. The therapist helps the client to set an intention for the session and to integrate their experiences after the session. Psilocybin therapy is still in its early stages of research, but it has shown promise for the treatment of a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and addiction.

Here are some of the benefits of psilocybin therapy:

• It can help clients to experience a profound sense of well-being and interconnectedness.
• It can help clients to gain insights into their problems and to develop new ways of coping.
• It can help clients to reduce their symptoms of depression, anxiety, and addiction.

If you are interested in learning more about psilocybin therapy, you can visit the MAPS website or speak with a therapist who is trained in this method.

History of publications: Sand tray therapy was developed in the early 1900s by Margaret Lowenfeld. She published her first book on sand tray therapy in 1939, titled “The World Technique.” The book has been translated into several languages and is used by therapists around the world.
Information on the founder: Margaret Lowenfeld was a British psychologist and educator. She is considered to be the founder of sand tray therapy, and her work has had a profound influence on the field of psychology.
Methods and techniques: Sand tray therapy is a form of therapy that uses miniature figures and objects to help clients to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. The client is free to create whatever they want in the sand tray, and the therapist helps them to interpret their creations. Sand tray therapy is a non-verbal therapy, which means that it can be used with clients who are unable to express themselves verbally.
Here are some of the benefits of sand tray therapy:

It can help clients to access their unconscious thoughts and feelings.
It can help clients to develop insight into their problems.
It can help clients to find new ways to cope with their problems.
If you are interested in learning more about sand tray therapy, you can visit the American Sand Tray Association website or speak with a therapist who is trained in this method.

Ketamine is a medication that has been used for decades as an anesthetic and pain reliever. In recent years, it has also been investigated as a treatment for depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Ketamine works by blocking the NMDA receptor, a type of receptor that plays a role in learning, memory, and mood. When the NMDA receptor is blocked, it leads to a number of changes in the brain, including increased levels of the neurotransmitter glutamate. Glutamate is thought to play a role in depression and PTSD, so increasing its levels may help to improve symptoms.

IV ketamine therapy is a relatively new treatment for depression and PTSD. It involves receiving a series of ketamine infusions over a short period of time. The infusions are typically given in a doctor’s office or clinic.

Ketamine therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of depression and PTSD in a number of studies. In one study, people with treatment-resistant depression who received ketamine infusions showed significant improvement in their symptoms within hours of the first infusion. The improvement was sustained for several weeks after the infusions ended.

Ketamine therapy is also generally well-tolerated. The most common side effects are dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. These side effects usually go away on their own within a few hours.