Welcome

Thank you for visiting my website. My name is Lucas Rockwood, Psy.D., and I am a Clinical Psychologist practicing in Morristown , New Jersey. I am licensed for the practice of psychology in the State of New Jersey. I have extensive training and experience in providing therapy and assessment in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I also have a wide range of experience in working with adolescents and adults with various psychological difficulties.

When working with patients experiencing short-term and acute problems, my treatment approach typically follows a cognitive-behavioral perspective using Judith Beck's (1995) Cognitive Therapy (CT) model. The CT model is based on the assumption that an individual’s thoughts and beliefs influence his or her emotions and behaviors. The fundamental principle behind this cognitive model is that maladaptive and faulty beliefs cause emotional and behavioral disturbances. In therapy, I work collaboratively with patients to identify and modify dysfunctional beliefs. Dysfunctional beliefs are typically modified into more healthy and adaptive beliefs. In accordance with the CT model, as a patient’s belief system becomes less dysfunctional, he or she will gradually begin to feel better as a result of the reduction of negative emotions and behaviors. In addition to using cognitive-based strategies, I often implement behavioral interventions (e.g., imagery, exposure, breathing exercises, activity scheduling) when appropriate. 

When working with patients experiencing more pervasive and lifelong problems, my treatment approach follows a Schema Therapy model. I am currently enrolled in the 2012 International Training and Certification Program in Schema Therapy under the direction of the founder of Schema Therapy, Dr. Jeffrey Young. Schema Therapy is an integrative approach that incorporates elements of attachment, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and emotion-focused therapies into a unified and structured conceptual treatment model. According to this model, an individual develops early maladaptive schemas (self-defeating cognitive and emotional patterns) when certain core emotional needs (e.g., safety, nurturance, acceptance, autonomy) are not met during childhood (Young, Klosko, & Weishaar, 2003). These schemas can prevent the same unmet childhood emotional needs from being met during adulthood. Treatment typically involves cognitive restructuring, emotion-focused techniques (imagery, dialogues), limited reparenting, and behavioral pattern-breaking. The primary goal of Schema Therapy is to help patients find adaptive ways to meet their core emotional needs through changing maladaptive schemas, coping styles, and modes.

Concerning my credentials, I have a Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.) in clinical psychology from the Georgia School of Professional Psychology, which is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). I completed my clinical psychology predoctoral internship at Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital (GPPH), which is an APA accredited internship program. GPPH is a state psychiatric hospital that provides inpatient mental health treatment for patients suffering from severe mental illness. In addition to my internship, I have participated in several therapy and assessment practicum experiences, including placements at a readjustment counseling Vet Center and a community mental health center. 

Degrees: 
Psy.D., Clinical Psychology
Georgia School of Professional Psychology

M.A., Clinical Psychology
Georgia School of Professional Psychology

B.A., Psychology
University of Vermont 

Internship: 
Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital 
http://www.nj.gov/humanservices/internship.html

Licensure:
Psychologist, New Jersey 
NJ License # 4510 

Certification:                                                                                                                    International Certification and Training Program in Schema Therapy -2012, Candidate

Professional Associations:
New Jersey Psychological Association (NJPA), Member
www.psychologynj.org

Morris County Psychological Association (MCPA), Member
www.mcpanj.com                                                                                                                        

The New Jersey Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapists (NJ-ACT), Member  www.NJ-ACT.org 
     

References:                                                                                                                                Beck, J.S. (1995). Cognitive Therapy:Basics and Beyond. New York: The Guilford Press.                                                                                                                                                Young, J.E., Klosko, J.S., & Weishaar, M.E. (2003). Schema Therapy: A Practitioner's Guide. New York: The Guilford Press  

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