Article archive / November 1, 2010
Originally published: . Volume 2, No. 3. Source pages: 8.
Dr. Sherry Desselle, licensed counseling psychologist and owner of Baton Rouge Center for Anxiety Treatment, presented a workshop on “Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD,” sponsored by Capital Area Human Services District. The workshop took place on October 13th at the Baton Rouge Police Academy.
Dr. Desselle is a specialist in the treatment of anxiety said to the Times, “Trauma treatment was a highly requested topic to the professional development committee, so they sought me out for this workshop.” The audience consisted of approximately 140 psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers from local communities. She noted that participants’ feedback was very positive, “They enjoyed the training for its practicality and for my enthusiasm for the subject,” she said.
The three-hour workshop covered major concepts and practical applications regarding a type of therapy called “Prolonged Exposure Therapy” or PE. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, PE is one of the therapies that work effectively with many individuals who experience trauma-related thoughts, feelings, and situations that they avoid. Components of the therapy include education, breathing retraining, in vivo exposure, and talking over traumatic memories or “imaginal exposure.” According to the Department, PE has been demonstrated to be one of the most effective treatments for PTSD, and requires only eight to 15 sessions for many clients.
Dr. Sherry Desselle speaks to a group of 140 psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers on “Prolonged Exposure Therapy” for PTSD, in Baton Rouge, October 13th. Dr. Desselle is a licensed psychologist, assisting those with anxiety.
“To me,” Sherry explained, “providing treatment to folks living with PTSD is a privilege. Their symptoms can disrupt their lives so dramatically. Treatment can make a remarkable difference in a surprisingly short period of time. It is an amazing process to witness. It’s really a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.”
Before opening her practice and the center, Sherry had worked as the Trauma Treatment Specialist for Capital Area Human Services District for almost five years. Currently, at Baton Rouge Center for Anxiety Treatment, she helps those with anxiety disorders and also mood disorders, which she noted, “are highly comorbid with anxiety problems.” And she said, “I focus on providing evidence-based practice, which for anxiety and depression can mean specific cognitive behavioral treatments for specific problems, sometimes combined with medication.” She added that, “These are very active treatments. My patients usually have homework assignments to complete between sessions.”
Sherry has a history of rock- climbing adventures. These days she enjoys throwing dinner parties for her friends, traveling with her partner, studying new applications in her field, and dog training, which she applies to her “adorable 65 pound rescue dog named Jackie,” Sherry said. “She’s the best dog in the world, by the way.”
Dr. Sherry Desselle graduated from Texas Tech University with an internship at the University of Texas at Austin. (She noted, “Part of my heart is still in Texas.”)
Her office is located at 7424 Picardy Ave., Baton Rouge, and phone is (225) 588-6348.
For more information about her services visit her website at http://batonrougeanxiety.com
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