Cognitive Reframing and Guided Discovery Techniques in CBT

Elaine Rosa is a Southern California Psychologist who has an extensive U.S. Military background and attained the rank of Captain. As a psychologist, Elaine Rosa is experienced working with people who are incarcerated. In her work, she draws on fellowship training that has cognitive behavioral therapy techniques (CBT) as a foundation.

A broad category of evidence-based methods, CBT seeks to improve mood and behavior, and includes techniques such as cognitive reframing or restructuring. This involves taking a close look at how one’s thought processes operate in specific situations and identifying how negative thoughts can amplify poor results. In a simple situation, getting around these negative thoughts can be as simple as reframing a setback as a positive learning experience, rather than as a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Another core CBT process is guided discovery, which involves the therapist learning the client’s viewpoint and attitudes on specific issues. From this point, questions are asked that prod the person into supporting or challenging his or her assumptions. Through this process, an ability is gained on how to view actions from viewpoints that have not been previously considered or given credence. Through a broadening of perspective and the challenging of beliefs, a more constructive course forward can often be defined.

Wounded Warrior’s Mental Wellness Program

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Trained as a clinical psychologist, Dr. Elaine Rosa has worked at various institutions, treating patients with psychiatric challenges. In her latest position, she served as a licensed psychologist at the Kern Valley State Prison. Dr. Elaine Rosa is also a Captain of the Army National Guard, an Afghanistan war veteran, and a member/alumni of the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP).

The WWP assists service members and veterans who have sustained mental or physical injures, wounds, or illnesses while serving the US on or after September 11, 2001. The organization assists family members and caregivers, as well. One of the organization’s programs is Mental Wellness, which takes into consideration the fact that one in three service members experience post-traumatic stress disorder. The WWP has set in place professional services, interactive programs, and rehabilitative retreats that help alumni overcome mental health issues.

Thus far it has provided more than 42,000 hours of therapy sessions and outpatient care that have assisted warriors in achieving their goals. Programs and services include the Warrior Care Network, which has four world-class medical partners providing mental health treatment.

What Is Conduct Disorder?

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Psychologist Elaine Rosa has provided outpatient treatment for more than 6 years. As a contract psychologist for the Kern Valley State Prison, Elena Rosa worked with a population where rates of conduct disorder are high.

Children or adolescents who display habitually aggressive, deceitful, and defiant behavior may be diagnosed with conduct disorder. While less than 10 percent of all children are ever diagnosed with conduct disorder, between 23 and 87 percent of court-involved and incarcerated youth have the diagnosis.

Conduct disorder is linked to adverse childhood experiences, such as family violence, poverty, and parental drug use. In addition to engaging in violent and destructive behaviors, youth with conduct disorders are unlikely to show remorse or empathy for actions. Many young people with this disorder drop out of school, develop substance abuse issues, or end up in detention facilities. Without treatment, conduct disorder can lead to antisocial personality disorder, a diagnosis reserved for people over 18.

How Group Therapy Benefits Prisoners

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California-based psychologist Dr. Elaine Rosa achieved the rank of Captain/03 in her military career. Dr. Elaine Rosa also previously worked as a contract psychologist at Kern Valley State Prison, where she counseled inmates.

To improve mental health outcomes for prisoners, especially the nearly 40 percent who have a diagnosed mental illness, many prison systems offer group therapy sessions led by qualified psychologists. In these sessions, therapists work with the prisoners to develop self-awareness and coping skills for handling conflicts in prison and in their outside relationships.

Other therapy formats focus on specific issues, such as anger management. Inmates with children may also attend sessions that cover parenting skills. 

Group therapy has been shown to increase treatment adherence in mentally ill patients and reduce self-harming behaviors such as suicide ideation. The group setting also allows prisoners to practice and develop their social and communication skills and build confidence.

How Cannabis Use Affects the Developing Brain

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Psychologist Elaine Rosa obtained two master’s degrees and a doctorate in clinical psychology from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Elaine Rosa has worked as a psychologist in multiple healthcare settings and has extensive experience with adolescent clients managing mental illness and substance use dependency, including those abusing marijuana.

To gain a better understanding of how marijuana use impacts early brain development, researchers have studied how drug use affects teenagers. Many aspects of the brain’s executive function capacities, including problem-solving, emotional regulation, and impulse control develop during adolescence. Studies have indicated that heavy cannabis use may hinder this growth and result in a smaller limbic system and poorer impulse control. 

A study conducted by Canadian researchers also found that the negative cognitive effects of increased marijuana use can linger for up to a year. Due to the destruction of the neuroreceptors that process feelings of pleasure, chronic marijuana use is also correlated with amotivational syndrome, a condition that is symptomatically similar to depression.