FAQ

Why do I feel so badly for no apparent reason?
The root cause of emotional response is often negative emotional memories. There are two separate minds that exist within our brains. These two minds reside in the right and left cortical hemispheres, or sides. Each side of the brain receives the same information from the senses, but processes this information differently. Thats why it is possible to think one way and feel another way about the same situation.

Can I ever get over these constant emotional eruptions?
Although irrational thinking may influence reactions, most people with psychological problems (such as depression and anxiety) actually have the ability to think rationally. The major problem is often being unable to control emotional reactions that happen automatically. As a result, the verbal aspect of thinking is not the only component needing to be changed; it is also the emotional aspect that needs to be changed. This is what Emotional Restructuring addresses.

Can Emotional Restructuring help heal broken relationships?
Often, the patient can arrive at an emotional forgiveness for the problematic person. With that forgiveness, the patient can feel quite differently about the past situations. This restructured feeling can have a direct impact on present day emotions and reactions, since the past memories no longer create distress when reactivated by current situations.

Is Emotional Restructuring for everyone with emotional or relationship difficulties?
Not everyone participating in this form of treatment experiences the dramatic results observed in many patients. However, no one has ever shown a worsening of problems as a result, and this form of treatment offers hope for many people.

Is there any age limit for patients?
Dr. Moss does not see anyone under the age of 18.

Im on neurochemical imbalance medication. How will ER affect this?
Emotional Restructuring is medication-neutral. We recommend you continue your present program under the care and evaluation of your doctor.

How do the brain sides operate so differently?
The left side processes information analytically. Therefore, it controls such things as our ability to speak, read, write, and do careful planning. In contrast, the right side processes and responds faster, but with less detail. It controls such abilities as music appreciation, mechanical abilities, and emotional reactions and expressions.
Not only does each side of the brain process information differently, but each side also stores its own memories. For this reason, when encountering a situation, it is possible to think one way and feel another way about the same situation.

What is the Emotional Restructuring process?
In each Emotional Restructuring session, only one past or present problematic relationship or individual is addressed. Each talk/therapy session involves seven distinct steps that produce predictable shifts in emotions.

How is couples counseling organized?
The first meeting is with the couple together and individually to complete an assessment. Dr. Moss then presents to each individual pertinent issues influencing current difficulties in the relationship with recommendations on addressing the problems. Information discussed individually is confidential and will not be divulged in couple's meetings, though that partner can bring up any issues if he or she wishes. The approach used in couple's sessions involves problem solving and marital interaction skills training. This allows couples to learn ways to deal with the more minor day to day problems that arise. Any major problems that a couple is unable to resolve itself will be addressed in session with Dr. Moss.

What happens at the first session?
During the first session, a comprehensive interview will be conducted. In the second session you will be given an explanation as to how each identified area is contributing to your current situation. At that time an approximate number of sessions required to deal with past issues can be given. You will know within the first or second treatment session whether there is any improvement tied to the area addressed since there will be a noticeable change in your feelings and views tied to what has been addressed. If you find there is no change, you may decide that our treatment is not appropriate in your case. If there is change, you will likely wish to continue.

Is the Emotional Restructuring process stressful?
The patient typically experiences high levels of anxiety at the beginning of the session, with anxiety giving way to anger as the session progresses. Once the anger has been released, the patient is usually better able to self-nurture, feeling a sense of relief and calm.

How long does the Emotional Restructuring process take?
The effects of Emotional Restructuring occur quickly, in contrast to many other psychotherapy approaches. In most cases, we will be involved in treating you for a limited number of sessions, somewhere between 6 and 10, depending on the number of areas identified as being influential in creating your specific psychological problem. Once all past issues have been addressed, there are usually a few more sessions tied to incorporating new approaches to deal with current situations.

When will I know that Emotional Restructuring is really working for me?
Patients experiencing successful restructuring will, after one or two sessions, sense a clear change in feelings tied to the past area, with impact on current situations and relationships as well. Once past negative emotional memories have been resolved, it is possible for many patients to learn more adaptive ways to deal with relationships and situations, since the emotional roadblocks are no longer present.

How long will the effects last?
Experience demonstrates that Emotional Restructuring can produce permanent changes, allowing many individuals with depression and anxiety to function better than ever before.

If I don't think ER is working, will I be under any pressure to continue?
You will be the one who decides whether treatment is being effective, based on your own perceived changes in feelings and views. Thus, you will decide after each session whether you wish to continue. We will not at any time try to convince you that you need to continue with our program.

Can I find out more about Emotional Restructuring?
If you do not have our brochure describing the basis for Emotional Restructuring, please let us know and we will forward a copy to you. Dr. Moss has written books on Emotional Restructuring for both professionals and the lay public that are available at some local bookstores and at Amazon.com. You can read these prior to determining whether you wish to pursue treatment.