If you need additional help,
please feel free to email me at this address.
To make an appointment for your online individual consultation,
please use the form on my website.
Dr. Mark R. Zuccolo, PhD, LMFT
For individuals diagnosed with essential or idiopathic dystonia.
Psychotherapy:
This treatment consists of (1) psychoeducation on dystonia, (2) an assessment of the severity of the symptoms, (3) a personal history interview, and (4) an orientation to the details of the program. This treatment is available only in person (at my office in Alpharetta, GA).
Number of Sessions:
Minimum recommended is 6 individual one-hour sessions, once per week. If symptoms persist, additional sessions may be necessary.
Deliverables:
A successful training may require LESS time than indicated here, but may also require MORE time. This will be decided together as you are guided through the process. Successful training delivers gradual and continual improvement while still experiencing ups and downs. Many clients report a backward-and-forward experience, especially in the early phases of training. As you gain a better understanding and trust your body more and more, this will improve. In some very rare cases, a client makes no progress or has frequent relapses, which means that dystonia fights back to keep its grip on the subconscious. In these cases, an more aggressive approach is necessary and this will consist of a repeat of the Intensive Training.
The client who earns the best results:
Understands the cause(s) and symptoms of dystonia
Understands this training process
Believes training is possible and has a positive attitude
Is not currently in another training program
Is not combining various other methods
Takes personal responsibility for training
Takes personal responsibility for general wellness (physical, emotional, and intellectual) and clean, sober living*
Has the time, energy, and stamina to train
Does not have pressing, immediate obligations (competition, performance, engagement, etc.)
Is able to focus on the solution
Reads and understands suggested research articles (training is offered only in English)
Can apply the training principles to daily activities of life in a natural setting
Has an adequate support system (friends, family, coaches, etc.)
(*) The use of alcohol, marijuana, other mind-altering drugs, certain prescription drugs, and certain food supplements or drinks is not recommended.