Dr. Ralston is one of a few psychologists practicing in Hawaii who are board certified in Cognitive and Behavioral Psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). He provides Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Trauma Therapy (CTT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), for adult (18+ years of age) women.
Since the beginning of his private practice in 2006, Dr. Ralston has predominantly treated adult women who have experienced domestic violence, abuse, bad or manipulative relationships, rape, sexual assault, other assault, or abuse as a child. While these women are now safety out of the abusive relationship, they continue to struggle with symptoms and problems resulting from these experiences, and therefore seek help in Dr. Ralston's practice.
Treatment is provided via telehealth (also known as online therapy, telemedicine, and telepsychology), and when appropriate and indicated, may also be provided in-person at his Kaimukī office. He does not treat children, adolescents, teens, males, couples, or families.
Dr. Ralston utilizes Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs)to treat the following conditions and related challenges:
* Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)
* Trauma (domestic violence, sex abuse, assault, motor vehicle accidents, combat, and more)
*Trauma-Related Guilt and Shame (e.g. "I should have...")
* Panic Disorder
* Specific Phobias (All types, including Blood / Injury / Injection / Needle Phobia)
* Social Anxiety
*Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
* Stress
While experiencing any form of these challenges can be highly unpleasant, the good news is that anxiety and the effects of trauma are generally treatable. Furthermore, treating anxiety and the main effects of trauma first may result in little or no need for specific work on co-occurring depression or anger as they often diminish to sub-problematic levels once anxiety, fear, or guilt is greatly reduced or gone.