SMART Recovery Activation Program © 

 
 

1. Initial Consultation

  • GP referral via Mental Health Care Plan, 20 sessions supported by Medicare (K-10 form)

  • Eating Disorder Diagnosis 40 medicare supported sessions.

  • Personal History (Confidential)

  • Establish SMART goals : Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely goals.

  • Introduction to Psychological Assessment and Therapy: CBT and psychotherapy principles

  • Tailor personalised Treatment Program: CBT (solution focused), psychotherapy (insight and relationship based), Recovery Activation Program (personalised brain modulation steps)

  • Psychological Assessments: IQ, Neuropsychological Assessments: Memory, attention, cognition , Personality Profiles, Depression/Anxiety, screening for psychological dysfunction.

  • Introduction to evidence based neuroplasticity strategies, qEEG, EEG biofeedback neuromodulation.

 

2. Introduction to Mindfulness

Emotional Self -Regulation techniques based on brain based neuroplasticity principles: Reduce stress chemicals (Cortisol, Adrenaline) via a practical exercise involving meditation/breathing/visualisation/, deep progressive muscle relaxation/hypnosis training.

This personalised, 20 minute session is recorded on the patient’s smart phone to promote and facilitate home training and commence brain neuroplasticity.

 

3. Introduction to Heart Rate Variability

Training via the Heartmath biofeedback computer program.

These sessions can be recorded on the patient’s smart phone to facilitate optimum breathing and heart rate training, which tends to further reduce stress symptoms and amplifies the previous deep relaxation session. 

Blend personalised HRV + mindfulness session and provide portable recording to enhance self-regulation training.

 
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4. Introduction to Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing- EMDR

EMDR is a comprehensive therapy designed to address and treat symptoms related to trauma and PTSD. 

Behavioural research and brain imaging results suggest that supportive therapy combined with strategically applied bilateral eye stimulation activates the brain and releases neurotransmitters that promote processing of emotions related to life experiences.  

An easy way to demonstrate how EMDR can reduce stress and trauma symptoms is to start with a demonstration of the The Anxiety Release APP (by Dr Mark Grant), which applies bilateral sounds, causing mild bilateral eye movements resulting in overall mood regulation.

EMDR therapy requires a series of sessions that is based on a standardized treatment process involving 8 phases that facilitate the resolution of distressing experiences.

 

5. Introduction to qEEG , Brain mapping and Neurofeedback

Quantitative EEG is the analysis of digitized EEG, which is converted to coloured brain maps that evaluate overall brain function. Analytic software provides the ability to view dynamic changes taking place during cognitive processes. LORETA, Low Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography, can map the actual sources of cortical rhythms. Observed brain dysregulation can be linked with specific symptoms. Neurofeedback programs can then be applied to reward self-regulation and reduction of dysregulation can be monitored and confirmed via continued mapping. 

Brain map added before and after treatment.

 

6. Introduction to Guided Motor Imagery -GMI

GMI is a rather new approach to address chronic pain symptoms. The research findings concerning phantom limb pain and the effective use of mirror therapy has lead to GMI being considered an evidence based treatment for chronic pain conditions. 

Demonstration of the GMI app via the Neuro Orthopaedic Institute, NOI. The program is accessible via an app that can be downloaded on a smartphone to facilitate self-regulation training.

 

7.  Introduction to the SMART Goals Journal

Keeping a journal of the personalised SMART recovery journey is an important validation of the therapy process. This also allows documentation of sleep, diet, exercise, positive events, success, rewards and achievements to be recorded. This documentation is valuable for medical and allied health professionals, who may be involved in the treatment process.

Personalised SMART goals set a standard to support personal integrity and authenticity necessary for success.