Robert W. Motta

Hofstra University United States of America

Dr. Robert W. Motta is a professor emeritus of psychology and a founder of the Child and Family Trauma Institute at Hofstra University in New York. There, he served as a chairperson of the Psychology Department and founded and directed the American Psychological Association–accredited PsyD doctoral training program. He has published more than 150 scientific papers and book chapters as well as seven books, including Alternative Therapies for PTSD: The Science of Mind-Body Treatments; Secondary Trauma: Silent Suffering and Its Treatment; The Psychology of Panic; Burnout Syndrome: Characteristics and Interventions, and others. Dr. Motta is board-certified in cognitive behavioural psychology and behaviour therapy. He is the former president of the School Division of the New York Psychological Association and is licensed as a clinical psychologist and certified as a school psychologist. He is also a military veteran.

4books edited

4chapters authored

Latest work with IntechOpen by Robert W. Motta

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) originated as a diagnostic entity owing to observed negative emotional and behavioural consequences of Vietnam War veterans. PTSD is now understood as the outcome of a wide variety of traumatic experiences, not just those of veterans. This book clearly defines the nature of PTSD, its origins and phenomenological roots, and explores traditional and emerging treatments for this disorder. Traditional treatments have focused on cognitive behaviour therapy and its variants. We have now learned that PTSD is more than a problem of one’s dysfunctional cognitions; it encompasses behavioural, emotional, and spiritual aspects as well. As such, healing from PTSD essentially involves a transformation of self and a deep appreciation of the impact of this disorder on all aspects of functioning. The various chapters in this book provide novel insights into where and why PTSD occurs while also addressing traditional and nontraditional interventions.

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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Edited by Robert W. Motta

Books edited

By Robert Motta

There is considerable research indicating that exercise can be of significant benefit in reducing anxiety and depression. There are far fewer investigations of the role of exercise in reducing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This chapter reviews empirical research on the impact of exercise, particularly aerobic exercise, in reducing PTSD and negative emotional states. A variety of models are reviewed to possibly explain why exercise is so beneficial. Those who suffer from PTSD are notoriously treatment avoidant. Exercise is presented as an effective intervention for PTSD, anxiety, and depression and because it does not produce the level of avoidance that traditional psychotherapies do, it becomes a valuable potential tool for treating PTSD.

Part of the book: Psychology of Health

Perspective Chapter: Panic Disorder – A Real-World Case Due to Covid

By Robert W. Motta

This chapter presents a “real-world” case of extreme panic disorder and details the treatments that were brought to bear in efforts to reduce the panic. Unlike most cases of panic which appear to arise unpredictably and from unknown causes and last for a short amount of time, this one was attributed to an underlying neurological condition and many of the extreme panic episodes persisted for full days. The condition producing this panic was autoimmune encephalitis which appears to have arisen because of a Covid infection. The eventual resolution of the panic disorder took almost 2 years of daily struggles and are detailed within the chapter.

Part of the book: The Psychology of Panic

An Overview of Burnout and Relevant Interventions

By Robert W. Motta

Burnout is a term used to describe the emotional and physical depletion that occurs after a period in which a person gives of themselves to the point of exhaustion. It has often been associated with studies involving therapist exhaustion but is also applicable to those who care for others within families, for first responders, for health service providers, and even for those who may not be involved in people work, but simply become drained from incessant job demands. Several practical interventions are presented, and these interventions are generally not of a formal psychotherapy nature. Some interventions involve structural changes in the work setting along with activities such as social engagement, yoga, meditation, exercise, etc.

Part of the book: Burnout Syndrome

Introductory Chapter: Understanding Burnout

By Robert W. Motta

Part of the book: Burnout Syndrome

Robert W. Motta

Latest work with IntechOpen by Robert W. Motta

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Books edited

Burnout Syndrome

The Psychology of Panic

Suicide

Chapters authored

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