Wisdom Institute Research Department

At Wisdom Institute, our research department is dedicated to advancing the field of mental health by exploring innovative therapies, holistic healing practices, and ways to improve access to evidence-based treatments. Our research not only drives the development of cutting-edge approaches in treating PTSD and complex trauma but also supports the education and training of future mental health professionals.

Research Focus Areas

PTSD and Complex Trauma

We are committed to understanding and improving treatments for PTSD and complex trauma, particularly in individuals with high Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) scores. Our research focuses on the effectiveness of therapies like EMDR, DBT, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). By exploring these approaches, we aim to refine therapeutic methods and identify best practices that can be applied across diverse populations, ultimately enhancing patient care.

Holistic Healing

Our holistic approach to mental health integrates practices such as mindfulness, trauma-informed yoga, and nature-based interventions. We study how these practices can complement traditional therapies to provide more comprehensive healing for trauma survivors. The evidence we gather contributes to the broader acceptance and application of integrative mental health care, supporting individuals in achieving lasting wellness.

Accessibility of Evidence-Based Therapies

Many people face significant barriers to accessing the mental health care they need. Our research investigates these barriers and develops strategies to increase accessibility to evidence-based therapies and medicines, particularly for underserved populations. The insights we gain inform policy recommendations and the creation of programs aimed at reducing disparities in mental health care access.

EMDR-Influenced Group Work

We are pioneering research on the effectiveness of EMDR-influenced group therapy for individuals with PTSD and complex trauma. This research explores the dynamics of group settings, integrating EMDR principles, and comparing outcomes with individual EMDR therapy. Our findings will contribute to making this highly effective treatment more accessible, cost-effective, and supportive through shared healing experiences.

Supporting Doctoral Student Development

At Wisdom Institute, we are deeply invested in the education and development of the next generation of mental health professionals. We collaborate with doctoral programs to offer students unique opportunities to design and conduct their dissertations within our clinical settings. Students have access to our patient population, clinical data, and mentorship from our experienced clinicians and researchers.

We encourage dissertation projects that align with our research focus areas, such as the effectiveness of PTSD therapies, the integration of holistic and traditional treatment approaches, and EMDR-influenced group therapy. Through regular supervision and support, we ensure that students' research is methodologically sound and contributes meaningfully to the field.

Students also gain hands-on experience in clinical research, from patient recruitment to data analysis and publication. We provide opportunities for them to co-author papers, publish their findings in peer-reviewed journals, and present at conferences, preparing them for successful careers in both academic and applied psychology settings.

Integrating Research with Patient Care

Our research is deeply intertwined with the care we provide to our patients. By focusing on patient-centered research, we not only advance the field of psychology but also directly improve the therapies our patients receive. For example, studying the real-world effectiveness of KAP, EMDR-influenced group work, or DBT allows us to refine and adjust treatment protocols in real-time, ensuring that our patients benefit from the most current and effective care.

We also use our research findings to design scholarship programs that help patients afford evidence-based therapies not covered by insurance. By educating patients about the benefits and availability of these therapies, we empower them to advocate for their own mental health care.

Dissemination and Long-Term Impact

Our commitment to research extends beyond our walls. We will publish our findings in psychology and mental health journals and present at national and international conferences. By sharing our work, we contribute to the global understanding of PTSD, complex trauma, holistic mental health, and accessibility of care.

Our research will inform policy and practice. We will develop policy briefs to influence mental health policy at local, state, and national levels and create training programs for clinicians, ensuring that the latest evidence-based practices, including innovative EMDR group therapy models, are widely adopted.

Through ongoing research initiatives and partnerships, Wisdom Institute will  build a legacy as a leader in trauma and integrative mental health research. We are dedicated to advancing therapeutic practices, supporting the education of future clinicians, and improving patient outcomes, ensuring that our impact is felt for years to come.