Clinical Psychologist in Scottsdale, Arizona

Our Approach

Dr Petta is a licensed psychologist with over 25 years of experience.

Understanding Your Experience

Assessments and progress tracking are an important component of accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. We believe that imaging (i.e., brain mapping) the organ (i.e., the brain/mind) that we are treating is an essential part of helping you or your loved one achieve success in our program. Dr. Petta utilizes various assessment tools and techniques to understand your thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and life experiences. This process is the first step towards gaining insight into the challenges you or your loved one may be facing.

Evidence-Based Support

We utilize evidence-based therapeutic approaches to address and overcome mental health disorders and stress-based physical problems (such as some gastrointestinal disorders). Dr. Petta specializes in proven methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Systematic Desensitization (for phobias) and Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback (an evidence-based “Best Practice” intervention for anxiety, depression, hypertension and irritable bowel syndrome).She also utilizes Neurofeedback as an adjunct intervention when treating individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and trauma. Since the brain is our master organ, when it is functioning optimally, the person tends to function better, with a reduction in their symptoms and presenting complaints. 

Preventing and Intervening

Our practice focuses not only on treating existing issues but also preventing the development or worsening of mental health challenges. Dr. Petta is also a certified sport psychologist and devotes a portion of her practice to helping individuals attain their peak performance goals as well as providing coaching support in the “4 Pillars of Success”: Sleep, Exercise, Nutrition & Stress Management.

Specialized Expertise

With expertise in various areas, Dr. Petta offers specialized services tailored to specific populations or issues. Whether you’re seeking assistance for yourself, your child, or another loved one, looking for help with sport or other performance goals, or need help with health-related challenges, Dr. Petta’s specialized approach and expertise will address your’s or your loved one’s unique needs.

Ethical and Confidential Care

Rest assured that your well-being is our top priority. Dr. Petta adheres to strict ethical guidelines and professional standards, ensuring the confidentiality of your information and providing a safe and comfortable space for your personal growth.

Difference Between Counseling and Clinical Psychology

It generally revolves around the focus, depth, and scope of the services provided.

It Depends On What You Need

The distinction between counseling and clinical psychology can be nuanced, but it generally revolves around the focus, depth, and scope of the services provided. Ultimately, the choice between counseling and clinical psychology depends on the nature and severity of your concerns.

If you’re dealing with specific life challenges, counseling may be a suitable option. For more complex mental health issues, clinical psychology provides a more in-depth and comprehensive approach. We offer both, depending on the needs and goals of our clients.

Focus and Scope

Counseling

Counseling typically addresses specific issues and challenges in a person’s life, such as relationship problems, life transitions, or stress management. It often emphasizes short-term goals and practical solutions. 

Clinical Psychology

Clinical psychology covers a broader spectrum, including the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of typically more severe mental health conditions. Clinical psychology is equipped to handle a wider range of mental health issues, including more severe conditions like major depression, anxiety disorders, and trauma-related disorders. It may involve a deeper exploration of underlying issues, including emotional, cognitive, and behavioral aspects. 

Dr. Petta’s training and expertise in clinical and sport psychology, and being a life-long athlete herself, allows her to draw upon various tools, techniques and experiences to meet the specific needs and goals of the varied populations of clients who seek her services. 

Treatment Duration

Counseling

Counseling is often shorter-term and may involve a brief series of sessions to address immediate concerns and develop coping strategies. Dr. Petta provides brief counseling (usually 12 sessions or less) for individuals facing everyday challenges, stressors, and transitional periods or life events. The main focus of these sessions is providing support and guidance to enhance the coping skills of her clients.

Clinical Psychology

Treatment in clinical psychology may be more extended, especially when dealing with complex mental health disorders or trauma. Dr. Petta has worked extensively with various forms of trauma, including childhood abuse, PTSD in the military, and various forms of traumatic life events. Therapy for these situations usually involves a combination of neurofeedback to help stabilize a hypervigilant nervous system with ongoing therapeutic support and coping strategies to help individuals navigate and manage the effects of their condition. 

Assessment and Diagnosis

Counseling

While counselors may assess and evaluate clients, the focus is often on immediate concerns and practical solutions rather than formal diagnosis.

Clinical Psychology

Clinical psychologists are trained to conduct comprehensive assessments, diagnose mental health disorders, and develop treatment plans based on a deeper understanding of the individual’s psychological profile.

Dr. Petta has expertise in working with a broad range of clinical populations, including the seriously mentally ill (adolescent and adult), adjudicated juvenile offenders (violent/sexual offenders, substance abuse & mentally ill), patients in both outpatient and day treatment programs and wounded warriors in the military.

What Makes a Client a Good Fit in Our Program?

Clients who are motivated to seek treatment and are committed to doing the work to improve their mental, emotional and physical well-being.

We thrive on helping our clients achieve their goals, and work best when we partner together with our clients in this process. 

How can we help?

Dr. Petta and her staff have a proven track record of helping individuals navigate a variety of mental and physical health challenges, achieve their sport and/or performance goals and improve their overall health and well-being. 

Here are several ways in which Dr. Petta and her staff can help you:

Understanding and Coping with Emotions

We can assist you in understanding and managing your emotions more effectively. This includes exploring the root causes of emotional struggles and developing coping strategies to navigate difficult feelings.

Improving Relationships

If you’re facing challenges in your relationships, our program can provide a safe space to explore and address interpersonal issues. This may involve communication skills, conflict resolution, and understanding relational dynamics.

We work with couples and families to help improve communication and conflict resolution. We also provide behavioral coaching programs for children and adolescents, and parenting strategies to help manage children/adolescents’ behaviors.

Managing Stress and Anxiety

We are skilled in helping individuals cope with stress and anxiety. Through therapy, coaching and neurofeedback/biofeedback, you will learn practical techniques to reduce stress, manage anxious thoughts, and develop a more resilient mindset.

Overcoming Depression

If you or your loved one is experiencing symptoms of depression, we will work to help identify underlying contributing factors and develop strategies to alleviate symptoms. This may involve a combination of talk therapy and behavioral interventions.

Addressing Trauma

For individuals who have experienced trauma, Dr. Petta provides a therapeutic space to process and heal from traumatic experiences. She uses evidence-based approaches such as trauma-focused therapies, neurofeedback and/or biofeedback to promote healing.

Enhancing Self-Esteem and Self-Confidence

Our program will assist you in building a positive self-image and improving self-esteem. This involves exploring and challenging negative thought patterns and developing a more compassionate view of oneself.

Improving Coping Skills

Whether you’re facing major life transitions, grief, or other challenges, we will help you develop effective coping skills and identify healthy ways to navigate life’s ups and downs.

Managing Mental Health Disorders

Dr. Petta is trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of mental health disorders, including anxiety disorders, depression, and other disorders affecting attention and cognition, such as ADHD, Long Covid and cognitive decline in the elderly. Treatment plans are tailored to your specific needs and may include therapy, neurofeedback and/or biofeedback and case management which may include working closely with the other health providers on your team.

Setting and Achieving Goals

Dr. Petta and her staff will support you in setting and working towards personal and professional goals. We will collaborate with you to identify realistic and achievable steps to enhance your life satisfaction and fulfillment.

Promoting Overall Well-Being

Beyond addressing specific challenges, we are concerned with your overall health and well-being. We go the “extra mile” to provide you with the attention, support and care you or your loved one may need to achieve the goals established at the outset of treatment. We help you cultivate a positive and meaningful life by fostering self-awareness, resilience, and personal growth.

How many biofeedback treatments do you need?

The number of biofeedback treatments an individual needs can vary widely depending on several factors, including the nature and severity of the condition being treated, individual response to treatment, and treatment goals. Biofeedback is often a gradual process, and improvements may occur over a series of sessions. Here are some general considerations:

Frequency of Sessions

Biofeedback sessions are typically scheduled regularly, such as once or twice a week. The total number of sessions can vary based on the specific treatment plan. Generally, most individuals can learn to recognize their body’s physiological cues and regulate their responses within 4-6 biofeedback sessions. More sessions may be required to master and maintain the initial progress.

Nature of the Condition

Chronic or complex conditions may require more sessions compared to milder or acute issues. Conditions like chronic pain, anxiety disorders, or migraine headaches might involve a more extended treatment plan.

Individual Response

The rate of progress varies from person to person. Some individuals may experience noticeable improvements after a few sessions, while others may require more time to see significant changes.

Consistency and Compliance:

Consistency in attending sessions and actively participating in the biofeedback process is crucial for optimal results. Individuals who practice the learned techniques between sessions tend to experience better outcomes.

Assessment and Progress Monitoring

Like neurofeedback therapy, biofeedback starts with a comprehensive assessment (called a Physiological Stress Profile) that guides the training and recommendations offered.

We conduct these assessments at the beginning of treatment to establish a baseline and then monitor your progress in relationship to the your baseline during each biofeedback session. Adjustments to the biofeedback protocol are made based on individual response and evolving treatment goals.

Skill Acquisition

Biofeedback involves learning and practicing self-regulation techniques. The number of sessions needed may depend on how quickly individuals acquire and integrate these skills into their daily lives. We have found that when clients practice applying these skills to real-life challenging situations outside of the formal biofeedback session, they tend to make faster and more long-lasting gains.