Introduction for Pat McGuinness
Hi, welcome to Utah Valley Psychology. My name is Pat McGuinness and I joined the practice in August of 2020. I’ve been practicing psychotherapy for over 25 years. I work with individuals, couples and families, helping people recover from symptoms of anxiety and depression. I also help people deal with relationship issues, post-traumatic stress and dissociation.
What makes my work somewhat unique is that I have a very interactive style. While I spend a significant amount of time listening and reflecting. I can also be directive during the session and there are two reasons for that. First, is my energetic personality and direct style of communication, the second reason is due to the fact that I frequently use a procedure known as EMDR or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. The process requires the therapist to be somewhat directive by working with you to identify targets and processing those targets with bilateral stimulation. Eye movements are a form of bilateral stimulation.
Another area of professional interest is psychedelic integration. There are several Ketamine Clinics here in Utah. Ketamine has been found to be very helpful for those with treatment resistant depression and other conditions. The treatment uses a series of psychedelic experiences to help you escape your ego momentarily and find answers to your problems. This approach is greatly enhanced when used in conjunction with psychotherapy. Especially when the therapist has a background in psychedelic assisted psychotherapy. Another common application is for individuals who have experimented with illicit psychedelics and had a bad experience. Integration therapy helps individuals achieve transformation rather than suffer from the experience as if it were a trauma.
If you want to explore these treatments further, I will be making more videos that go into depth on these topics. Are you ready to do some work on yourself? Call the front desk here at Utah Valley Psychology right now to find a time that works for you and set up an appointment with me!
– Pat McGuinness, MA CMHC
