Patty Montagnino, MSW, LCSW

Maybe the mountains you carry were meant to be climbed

Meet Patty

Patty enjoys the freedoms of private practice as she continues to incorporate revolutionary tools and techniques into her work. She received her Master's Degree in Social Work from Fordham University in NYC and was an early adopter of Accelerated Resolution Therapy and trained under the protocol's creator in 2014. She is a Master Level ART practitioner and SAF-T (Sensation Awareness Focus Technique) Trainer. Patty is also part of the first wave practitioners trained and certified in the RTM Protocol (Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories).

Patty has a special interest in the gut brain connection, as well as yoga and meditation and works closely with a naturopathic doctor and therapeutic yoga instructor to support client's physical and emotional health.

Why Try Therapy

People seek counseling for a multitude of reasons. Some come to address personal tragedies and traumas. Some seek unbiased guidance and support when facing life transitions and decisions.

Our previous experiences impact our present beliefs, relationships, performance, and achievement. The short-term protocols of ART and RTM resolve distressing memories and feelings so that individuals no longer experience the lingering negative emotional and physical burdens of the past.

The mission is simple: To help people overcome pain and suffering in order to create a life of meaning and purpose where personal goals of health and well-being are achieved.

Specialty Areas

Trauma & PTSD
Depression
Anxiety, Fears & Phobias
Grief & Loss
Relationship Issues
Divorce Reaction
Career Challenges
Academic & Sports Performance

THE PROTOCOLS

ACCELERATED RESOLUTION THERAPY

Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) utilizes rapid eye movements - similar to those that occur during a dream state - and a technique known as Voluntary Memory/Image Replacement to change the way images are stored in the brain.

The therapist leads the client through the process of exploring feelings and bodily sensations, as well as creating positive outcomes in distressing situations. As a result, negative experiences no longer trigger undesirable emotional and physical responses. Clients are not only desensitized to their experiences - negatives are transformed into positives. Clients often note that old images are "somewhere in the distance".

ART is not hypnosis as clients remain in control during the entire session. A client can choose whether or not to discuss their troublesome memories and experiences. What the client is willing and able to verbalize has no bearing on the benefits they receive.

RECONSOLIDATION OF TRAUMATIC MEMORIES

Reconsolidation of Traumatic Memories (RTM) is a neurological intervention that utilizes visualizations to alter memories associated with nightmares, flashbacks, and other symptoms of post traumatic stress. Unlike other therapies, RTM does not require a client to have full recall of the event in order to be successful.

Clients are asked to imagine a safe place - such as a theater - to play a "movie" of their traumatic event. Instead of watching the event as a viewer, they are cast in the role of projectionist and given control over how to run the movie . These visualizations create levels of dissociation that allow the client to process the event in a non-traumatizing way.

RTM is a 3 session protocol with a success rate of over 90%. The protocol can be completed in as little as 3 consecutive days, as only a night of sleep is required between sessions.

Trauma Not Transformed Becomes Trauma Transferred

Trauma & PTSD

Many individuals continue to experience fear, terror, and helplessness in the form of nightmares and flashbacks long after a traumatic event. Using RTM and ART, you can overcome negative feelings, neutralize and replace upsetting images, and heal from the pain of the past.

Depression & Anxiety

Depression, anxiety, shame, and guilt are some of the most common and uncomfortable emotions that we all experience at various points in our lives. RTM and ART help you change your perspective of past events and present triggers, enabling you to visualize a future full of joy, motivation, and confidence.

More information

Office Hours & Location

We offer appointments at various times of the day in an effort to accommodate every busy schedule. Appointments are available as early as 8am and evening sessions can be scheduled on Wednesdays until 8pm.

Our office is located in the same building as Easterling Family Law. Make yourself comfortable and your therapist will meet you in the waiting area.

Insurance

We have carefully considered the pros and cons of accepting insurance and have decided to participate in a limited number of insurance plans. We presently accept most Blue Cross Blue Shield and TriCare plans. We offer a sliding scale for a limited number of clients demonstrating financial need.

Fees

The out of pocket rate is $150 per hour. ART and RTM sessions typically run for 90 minutes.

If you are a Self Pay client we can provide you with a receipt that can be submitted to your insurance company for possible reimbursement

Insurance companies allow for 60 minute sessions, therefore if you are using insurance, only the first hour can be billed and you will be financially responsible for any additional costs. We are able to accept HSA and FSA debit cards for mental health services.