Perry Passaro Ph.D
Perry Passaro, Ph.D. is a licensed psychologist, a diplomate in cognitive therapy and certified in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy. He specializes in using EMDR for the Desensitization of Triggers and Urge Reprocessing (DeTUR™). DeTUR is a safe, extremely well-tolerated treatment that can be used for any addictive or dysfunctional behavior.
DeTUR™ targets the triggers that bring up the uncomfortable feelings leading to the urges and reprocesses the triggers so that they no longer stimulate the need to behave in ways that are not aligned to an individual’s values. DeTUR is one aspect of the comprehensive treatment offered at Realize Recovery to help our clients to function more successfully in their life.
Dr. Passaro is also a certified Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART) facilitator (a cognitive therapy based intervention) as well as a Friends and Family (Addiction) facilitator.
Dr. Passaro works collaboratively with Mr. Vasquez and Dr. Sokolski in providing an integrated treatment for individuals in recovery with dual diagnosis (psychological disorders that commonly occur along with addiction). He specializes in the treatment of the most common co-occurring conditions with addiction; anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Dr. Passaro utilizes two empirically based “talk therapies”; Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). CBT helps individuals become aware of inaccurate or negative thinking, learning to shift perspectives and respond in more skillful ways. ACT uses acceptance and mindfulness strategies, together with commitment and behavior change strategies, to increase psychological flexibility.
Not everyone who benefits from ACT and CBT has a mental health condition. CBT and ACT can be effective tools to help anyone learn how to better manage stressful life situations, especially those in recovery.
Dr. Passaro has been identified as one of the Top Ten Psychologists in Orange County, CA.