White Pine Behavioral Health

Joel Guarna, PhD
Licensed Psychologist
 

On this page, you will find information about my professional background and treatment orientation.  If you are a professional looking to make a referral, you will find information here that may answer your questions.  You may also request information be sent to you or review my online brochure (for clients | for professionals).    New! Information about ACT Trainings in Maine.

If you are a client or potential client, feel free to look around.  You can read my brochure for clients.  Take a few moments to consider some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).  I will also be glad to answer any questions you may have.  Lastly, it may also be helpful to review some of my working assumptions, that is, ideas I have about you and about the purpose of our therapy.  I encourage you to follow-up on this reading by making contact with me directly.  

If you would like to speak with me about my services or would like to schedule an appointment, please call me at 207-272-8500.  If you need directions to my office in Portland, please click here.

Curriculum Vitae

Online Profiles

My primary treatment approach is cognitive-behavioral.   In most cases, I use Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) methods that have scientific support for their effectiveness.  Compared to some traditional psychotherapies, when following a CBT approach I focus less on childhood experiences and unconscious memories and more on patterns in your present thinking and behavior and aspects of your past that continue to “show up” as you try to move forward with your life.  My methods are active, directive, and educational, and focus on resolving the problems that you currently face. 

I gained extensive experience with CBT during my graduate and postgraduate training and as a staff psychologist at the Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare System in Boston.  I trained others to use CBT and other treatment approaches during my time as a Clinical Instructor of Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.  I was involved in interdisciplinary teaching as the coordinator and primary instructor of a course on CBT for psychiatry residents at the Harvard South Shore Psychiatric Residency Training Program.

My current therapy approach emphasizes newer developments in CBT treatments, such as Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness-based therapies. ACT uses mind/body and experiential strategies to increase mindful awareness of thoughts and feelings, encourage acceptance of uncontrollable private reactions, and promote action in valued areas of life.  ACT holds close to its basic science and behavioral sensibilities while providing an array of innovative techniques that empower clients to change. 

If you are interested in Eastern philosophies and practices, you may want to review my Contemplative Psychotherapy page.

Learn more about the therapies I use in the Treatments section or review my approaches to specific problems.  I am happy to provide additional information about my treatments and encourage you to ask as many questions as you like.  I strive to have a collaborative relationship with my clients where we work together as a team.

Copyright 2006
White Pine Behavioral Health LLC