Other Specialties
Areas of Specialization
Nearly any problem that can cause stress or long-term emotional pain can have a major impact on sexual functioning and enjoyment. If you struggle with any of the following issues, we can work together to help you manage your symptoms and feel better. If you are pursuing sex or couples therapy, they can be more successful when these problems are treated too.
OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)
Exposure and response prevention is a type of therapy for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder. In this therapy, you learn how behaviors, thoughts, and emotions work together in stressful situations.
In our sessions, we will strive to break the harmful cycles that keep you stuck. I’ll help you separate your obsessive thoughts from your compulsive behaviors so you can change your patterns. I will guide you with compassion and encouragement through the process.
Exposure: You will be gradually exposed to your fears, images, memories, and objects that lead to your obsessive thoughts.
Response prevention: You’ll learn to choose a different, healthier action instead of the compulsive response that typically follows your obsessive thoughts.
Trauma-focused individual therapy
Exposure to abuse, violence, substance abuse, and traumatic loss can be overwhelming and painful. If you have been through one or more of these situations, trauma-focused therapy can help you overcome the harmful effects of these events.
I’m a trained trauma therapist and can help you heal from deep emotional pain, shame, and guilt. Our therapy space is a safe space. During sessions, I will:
- Help you express your thoughts and emotions.
- Help you understand how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors connect.
- Give you support as you learn to live with your experiences and memories.
Treatments for PTSD
I’m trained in two evidence-based therapies for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Prolonged Exposure and Cognitive Processing Therapy. As we begin, we will decide what approach may work best for you. Here is a summary of what to expect from each type.
Prolonged Exposure
With this therapy, you’ll be gradually exposed to memories and other reminders of the trauma you’ve experienced. You’ll learn how to face your fears in a safe and supportive environment.
Cognitive Processing Therapy
This therapy reduces symptoms of PTSD by challenging unhelpful beliefs about your trauma. Over several sessions, you will learn to cope with your trauma to live a fuller life.
Complicated Grief Treatment
People often process the ups and downs of grief without therapy. However, between 10-20% of people who grieve develop depression-like symptoms and are not able to function well. They can feel stuck in their grief for months.
Complicated Grief Treatment (CGT) can help if you’re struggling after a loss. The goal of therapy is to guide you through the grieving process as you come to terms with your loss. We will do this by covering several essential areas:
- Accepting your new reality
- Learning how to cope with emotions
- Living each day with your grief
- Exploring thoughts and emotions
- Redefining life goals without your loved one
Insomnia
Everyone has struggled with lack of sleep at some point. If insomnia is severely interrupting your life right now, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i) can help. This intervention is quick and can improve your sleep with only 5-6 sessions of targeted work. It includes:
- Creating a restful and calm sleeping environment
- Addressing anything that may interfere with sleep (caffeine, alcohol,
medication, etc.) in a realistic way - Reducing the time you spend in bed to help you feel tired more easily
- Setting a fixed wake-up time
Sound like the help you’re looking for?
Reach out today to schedule your FREE consultation to see if
New Spark Therapy is the right fit for you.
3326 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd Suite A230, Durham, NC 27705
Dr. Maggie Carraway is currently accepting new clients at this time.