Experiential Transformation Therapy (ETT).

A rapid, evidence-based, trauma-informed therapy modality developed to treat adults and children created by Dr. Nicholas Hatcher.

ETT is a form of psychotherapy with roots in existing evidence-based therapies but shown to achieve benefits much more rapidly (generally within 1-2 sessions). Individuals suffering from trauma, depression, anxiety, addiction, and many other psychological conditions experience benefits starting in the first session.

More About Experiential Transformation Therapy.

 

Comparison to Other Modalities.

The three most common modalities for treating trauma are Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Prolonged Exposure (PE). EMDR involves a 6-12 session protocol, CPT involves a 12-session protocol, and PE involves a 10-session protocol. Unfortunately, approximately 30-60% of individuals drop out of these therapies before completion due to poor tolerability. This may be related to the duration of therapy, the requirement to talk about traumatic experiences, and/or the process of resourcing (building skills before doing any direct trauma work).

Experiential Transformation Therapy (ETT) is much more rapid and efficient, with targeted treatment in the first session. Unlike CPT and PE, ETT does not require you to write out or verbally process the details of the trauma. In ETT, building skills before doing the work is not required.

What’s more, ETT can take any situation you are struggling with or experience you are burdened by (traumatic or not) and helps to create some space between you and the experience. In that space, individuals find the means to use coping strategies, lifestyle modifications, and effective actions to grow, develop, and achieve their goals.

“Between stimulus (trigger) and response (reaction), there is a space. In this space, you’ll find growth and freedom.” - Viktor Frankl

How Does it Work?

In a session of ETT, you choose what experience you want to work on. This may be a past (e.g., traumatic), present, or future situation that contributes to distress and gets in the way of who and what’s important to you.

The ET therapist will guide you through the therapeutic procedure supported by bilateral stimulation (e.g., eye movements, tappers, tapping, tones, etc.). You will find that the procedure helps to lessen the struggle and burden associated with the experience, and you will be able to tap into your own internal resources to find a helpful way forward.

At follow-up, you may choose again to work on any experience you’ve had OR your ETT therapist may guide you through further integration of your experiences and help you determine the most helpful path forward.

ETT incorporates the most effective techniques from other well-established therapy modalities (e.g., EMDR, psychoanalysis, gestalt, acceptance and commitment therapy, internal family systems, etc.) to augment treatment effectiveness.

What can ETT be Used for?

ETT has been demonstrated to benefit the following conditions:

  • (Complex) post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD and cPTSD)

  • Transgenerational trauma

  • Dissociative disorders

  • Personality disorders

  • Anxiety and stress

  • Panic attacks

  • Phobias

  • Obsessive-compulsive disorders

  • Depression

  • Addiction

  • Grieving

  • Impaired focus

  • Relationship and interpersonal problems

  • Poor self-esteem or self-image

  • Self disconnection

  • Attachment disorders

  • Spiritual distress

ETT has been used in several other areas and can be adapted to your unique situation. Be sure to discuss your specific issues and goals with your ETT therapist.

Pre-Requisites for ETT.

The following are strongly recommended for a successful ETT session:

  1. Desktop monitor or Laptop (telehealth): A phone or tablet is too small for telehealth sessions to facilitate bilateral stimulation (e.g., eye movements).

  2. No prazosin the night before ETT: Interferes with the ability to process material. The most rapid change with ETT is reduced hyperarousal (e.g., startle, anxiety, restlessness) and re-experiencing (e.g., flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts), so this may no longer be needed.

  3. No benzodiazepines 4-12 hours before ETT: Benzodiazepines such as Ativan, Xanax, Klonopin, and Valium interfere with the ability to work through emotional connections. This may dampen the effectiveness of ETT.

Apart from these basic prerequisites, there are no additional requirements for an ETT session.

What ETT Does Not Require.

ETT Does not require that you leave your currently established therapist. You could theoretically undergo a few ETT sessions to gain some space between you and the struggle you’re working on and return to your established therapist to continue integrating experiences or working on coping skills.

Just like there’s not a lot of preparation involved in undergoing ETT, there’s also not a firm reliance on homework. Typically, brief journaling is recommended following an ETT session to help integrate and solidify the changes that occurred for you during the procedure. This is based on individual discretion. Your ET therapist will discuss this with you in more detail after the therapeutic procedure.

Next Steps.

Dr. Hatcher is the developer of Experiential Transformation Therapy (ETT) and a traumatologist with experience using ETT for various conditions. To schedule an appointment, follow the link here and mention your interest in ETT sessions. Sessions are typically one hour.