Simone Ravicz, Ph.D.

Your desire to make changes in yourself and your life is highly admirable. As a practiced Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years in the mental health field, including having had two successful private practices (Pacific Palisades and Palm Springs, CA) and working in hospitals, medical clinics and treatment and recovery programs, I feel fortunate to be able to help people move away from their struggles to transform themselves and optimize their lives.

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Twenty-eight years ago, I was given several diagnoses to explain my overwhelming pain, brain fog, extreme fatigue and other symptoms. The shock, the denial, the anger, the loss, the sadness, and, of course, the pain...I knew them all too well. My response was to start researching everything, interviewing Western and alternative doctors, speaking to cutting-edge researchers and conversing with philosophers of Buddhism which lead to my writing my books. I incorporated what I had learned into my life practices to sustain a positive, healthy life with far less physical pain and distress. I share this so you may not feel so alone. My experiences mirror my great optimism about individuals on a path to healing. 

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I have been fascinated by the brain for years and am thrilled with all of the information being gained through neuroscience research. One of my books is an international bestseller entitled, "Brain Boosters: Seven Ways to Help Your Brain Help Itself". It describes methods and the notion of neuroplasticity to literally change the function and structure of our brains which can lead to major improvements in our thoughts, feelings and behaviors. 

 

Because of the success I've had using neuroscience-based tools with clients and because there is supportive relevant research, I often use a neuroscientific perspective in my work. My clients learn about the brain and are pleased with how they can better understand and make effective changes in themselves and in their lives. 

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People dealing with emotional pain and distress share some similar experiences in their suffering. However, each person and his or her experiences are unique. This means I tailor psychotherapy for each person I see. Having good, strong knowledge of and experience working with a range of approaches and tools helps me accomplish this goal. Here are some brief descriptions of some of the techniques I use:

 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):  Based on the notion that one's thoughts determine one's emotions and behavior. Teaching a client to monitor and eliminate their "stinking thinking" (irrational, exaggerated) and to replace it with more rational thinking can lead to improved mood, decreased anxiety, less stress, better decision-making and healthier behaviors.

 

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR):  a powerful, evidence-based approach to therapy that has been proven effective for relieving symptoms of trauma as well as other mental health issues. Through bilateral stimulation (visual, tactile or auditory stimuli), EMDR rapidly integrates and reprocesses information through activating neural networks in both the left and right hemispheres of the brain. Painful stuck memories are unlocked allowing the brain's information processing system to naturally heal emotional wounds and return to equilibrium. Previously painful memories will no longer be charged and disruptive.

 

Brainspotting: A powerful, brain-based offshoot of EMDR which also proves highly effective for processing trauma. Because unprocessed trauma and body memories are stored subcortically, talk therapy cannot access these regions of the brain. Brainspotting processes and releases the core neurophysiological sources of trauma allowing a reset alleviating painful symptoms and reactivity and leading to deep, lasting positive change.

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Mindfulness:  Jon Kabat-Zinn, one of the leaders in the world of mindfulness, defines it this way: "Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally." (From Wherever You Go, There You Are –Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life, page 4, Hyperion, 2005). Being aware and accepting, in the here and now, of what is going on with you in terms of thoughts, images or pictures, emotions and physical sensations is incredibly liberating and empowering. Mindfulness practice increases brain gray matter, improves focus and calm, boosts mood, eases access to unconscious memories and beliefs, leads to better emotion regulation and distress tolerance, assists with cravings for drugs and alcohol and yields many other positive results.

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Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy: Click To Learn More

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I also use techniques and methods from psychodynamic psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems, Emotional Freedom Technique (Tapping), Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Somatic Awareness.   

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Based on the mounting knowledge about the interactions among brain, mind, body and spirit, I use an integrative approach. This means that each dimension is involved in making deep, lasting changes in beliefs, emotions, perceptions and behaviors.

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