About Pro Persona
What is Pro Persona working on right now?
Mental health care faces considerable challenges. There are not enough therapists, and waiting lists are long, also at Pro Persona. We strive to keep treatments as brief and efficient as possible, while also ensuring they are as long as necessary. We focus on research that makes treatments more personal and more effective, even in the long term.
Why is this work important now?
The costs of mental health care continue to rise. While we can effectively treat anxiety and OCD, only about half of the patients experience significant improvement. This highlights the need for better treatments and deeper understanding. If we fail to personalise treatments sufficiently, patients face a greater risk of relapse. This not only complicates the patient experience but also contributes to longer waiting lists for others in need. Additionally, it places a considerable financial burden on society as a whole.
What are you currently working on with BSI?
We are studying how to improve exposure therapy for people with social anxiety disorder. We also test whether neuromodulation can enhance the effectiveness of the treatment. In a project called ZOOMin, we investigate the general factors that contribute to the success of a treatment. We also examine the factors that contribute to relapse or lack of improvement.
For people with severe OCD, we now use “imaginary rescripting” more often. This treatment is still relatively new. We investigate how this method can enhance the value of traditional exposure therapy.
Working Together with BSI
Why do you work with BSI?
BSI has a lot of expertise in anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. Some people work at both Pro Persona and BSI. We share a common agenda. Pro Persona often asks questions about treatment, and BSI focuses more on experimental research.
Over the past twenty years, we have collaborated to develop and enhance treatments, while also sharing important insights with the mental health community.
What do you value most in the collaboration with BSI researchers?
We regularly hold meetings where researchers from Pro Persona and BSI share their studies and plans. Our collaboration is enjoyable, and we benefit from each other's expertise, which I find very inspiring. Often, a brief conversation leads to many new ideas. Working with BSI researchers has provided Pro Persona with valuable knowledge and insights into treating anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. Over the past twenty years, we have developed and improved treatments together, sharing important insights with the mental health field.