While the causes are a subject of widespread debate, our country is experiencing a mental health crisis of sobering proportions. Affecting people of all ages and beginning at extremely young ages, the incidence of diagnosed mental health dysfunction in our country is rising. Ridgefield’s Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge has been on the front lines witnessing this sad reality. “In my 25 years in mental health, people only seem to be more anxious and the level of issues children have has intensified,” she says. The good news is there are now more options available to those suffering from various psychological issues. Educating the public about the spectrum of options and working with individuals and families on better mental health in a more holistic manner is what the team at Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge & Associates do every day. 

“When I started evaluating and treating children and families, I quickly learned there weren’t a lot of scientifically-based therapies being offered or utilized. Medication was king and that was what every mental health and medical practitioner recommended,” Capanna-Hodge says of her early days as a psychologist. “I began a quest for understanding not just the brain but the mind-body connection. I realized very few of my clients were getting to the root cause of their issues. Our system is designed to just treat symptoms. I knew we could do better, and this realization changed the way I practiced.”

She knew there had to be an alternative because witnessing suffering children and families was simply too hard. That’s when she discovered neurofeedback, a brain-based tool able to measure and alter brain wave activity. This technology is one of several that Capanna-Hodge uses that incorporates neuroscience and research; biofeedback and advanced bioregulation therapy are two others. These modalities calm the central nervous system and demonstrate good effect when coupled with psychotherapy and other therapeutic techniques such as EFT/tapping, hypnosis, somatic therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).

“In the beginning, we really just grew to accommodate all the people who found me because traditional treatments failed them or they wanted to avoid medication,” Capanna-Hodge  says. “With the increase in complex cases, we added more holistic, yet research-based therapies. People improved, so we grew as word spread.”

Capanna-Hodge now directs a comprehensive holistic psychotherapy center that includes a staff of 14 therapists and other professionals. Each therapist has a different specialty but they work together cohesively to coordinate the best client care possible. Their work is based on the belief that nutrition, restorative sleep, reduced stress, and addressing genetic and nutrient deficiencies are the platform for improved mental and physical health. “We use therapies that tap directly into the client’s subconscious, which is really in control,” Capanna-Hodge explains. “We really love working with patients with issues of all complexities. We are able to couple our holistic therapies with psychotherapy in a way that helps clients progress.”

Bringing children, families and adults relief is the guiding principle of Capanna-Hodge’s mission. She is passionate and focused about the importance and necessity of the work, especially in these times. “People are suffering and feel frightened, and some even feel like they have run out of hope because they haven’t found something that helps,” she says. “I get so excited that children and individuals get better in such a holistic manner and they don’t have to use less effective medications that always come with side effects and potential toxicity. Neurofeedback and biofeedback often work quickly to reduce symptoms and without side effects.” 

“If you or your child aren’t progressing, you are looking to avoid medication, or you really want to get to the root cause that is preventing you from wellness, then our office provides effective and holistic therapies that are rooted in neuroscience and supported by research,” she says. Progress is measured with QEEG brain maps— which are a visible representation of one’s brain wave patterns— cognitive testing, and/or behavioral ratings. The therapies the center offers are pleasant and accessible to even very young children or individuals with more severe disabilities or chronic issues.”

Thankfully, the tide is turning, Capanna-Hodge says, because individuals with mental health and physical issues are seeking out holistic therapies when conventional approaches fail them. This, in turn, is forcing traditional mental health and medical practitioners to learn more or even recommend them.

The center launched a new program last year, a 360 Reboot intensive therapies support program, designed to address a variety of issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, PTSD, OCD, sensory processing, LD and others, in a 10-day or two-week format. “The program crosses multiple modalities and works on the premise of addressing root issues and rebooting the brain and body,” Capanna-Hodge explains. “We can provide short-term or long- term support with intensive clients. I just love watching a child, family and/or adult change with holistic therapies.”

Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge & Associates is located in Ridgefield and Newtown. For more information or to make an appointment for an assessment, call 203-438-4848, email [email protected] or visit DrRoseann.com. See ad, page 33.

Nicole Miale is Publisher of Natural Awakenings of Fairfield County/Housatonic Valley, CT and Natural Awakenings of Greater Hartford County, CT. Connect with her at [email protected].