Brain scan research in the last 10 years has suggested that the amygdala and hypocampus areas of the brain are  very involved in preventing and later resolving traumatic memory. EMDR therapy is thought to possibly stimulate this mechanism. Whatever the mechanism, there are more controlled effectiveness studies on EMDR than for any other form of treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Many of the Oklahoma bombing survivors were treated using this technique.

   If interested, more background information on EMDR comparison studies can be mailed to you. Call Dr. Kaye at 467-1180 if you want this information. He is the only current staff member using EMDR in therapy.  You may also be interested in his related therapy technique "IDR" which is explained below.

    At Cary Counseling Center, teaching effective communication is only one small piece of a more comprehensive strategy. Even more emphasis is placed upon teaching a couple principles of effective emotional regulation. This may involve learning how to influence one’s own emotional state before projecting rage or behaving in a way that is toxic to the relationship. Old shame issues are clarified so that they do not unconsciously disrupt the relationship. Principles of "tact" are taught so that both partners experience less threat to their psychological boundaries while negotiating their needs. Couples are also taught about how "ego states" are often critical to getting their needs met and how to anticipate and schedule getting together so that both parties are receptive to each other. Sometimes, other forms of therapy will be a necessary first step in couple’s work. For example, sometimes group therapy or individual therapy is necessary to change a person’s internal emotional responses before the couple’s external interactions can constructively become the main focus.

    While teaching is often employed in good couple’s work, an emphasis is also placed on homework between sessions. The therapist often assigns homework in the form of communication or behavioral exercises. For example, a couple may be assigned homework to re-enact a recent argument but to do it in a newly agreed upon way. An individual may also be given homework to practice self-talk or guided imagery to deal with irrational beliefs or old feelings of shame that are intruding into the relationship. There are many other forms of homework that are too numerous to list here. The main point is that Cary Counseling therapists place an emphasis on practice and implementation in addition to insight.

    Currently, Dr. Bryce Kaye, Ms. Barbara Ann Caudill, Ms. Marie Francis and Ms. Maureen White are accepting internet referrals for marriage counseling. You can leave either of them a message at 919 467 1180.

Access our on-line kit for diagnostics and interventions for the most common marriage problems.

   Knowing the right level of treatment for substance abuse is often difficult. You may gain assistance by calling 467-1180 and asking for one of the following professionals who are trained in substance abuse treatment:  Dr. Bryce Kaye, Ms. Marie Francis and  Ms. Mary Bratton.

    The Affective, or feeling-based theories include Person-centered counseling and Gestalt therapy. Through these approaches, the therapist develops a trusting relationship with adolescents, provides empathy and positive regard while helping them develop insights into their problems that may involve past or present relationships or traumatic events.

    Through the Behavioral theories such as Behavioral Counseling and Reality Therapy, the therapist assists adolescents in developing strategies to modify harmful or unsuccessful behaviors and to identify and make positive choices in their lives. Within these strategies, an emphasis is placed on responsibility for choices and the acceptance of consequences for behaviors.

    Cognitive theories involve the thinking process of the client. The theory base most utilized is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy where the therapist and adolescent identify the adolescent’s irrational belief systems that influence negative feelings about him/herself and consequently often provoke negative behavior. The adolescent develops new self-statements and thoughts about him/herself that influence the overall development of self-esteem and positive behavior.