Jody L. Bantz, PsyD

Jody Bantz, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist at Eisenhower Behavioral Health in Rancho Mirage. She earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego. Dr. Bantz completed post-graduate training in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). She has been credentialed with the Council for the National Register for Health Service Providers in Psychology since 2006 and is a member of EMDRIA, a professional association of EMDR providers.

Dr. Bantz has more than 20 years of experience treating patients in a wide range of environments. She has done consulting work with the National MS Society and the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America helping newly diagnosed individuals learn to cope with their illness. She has done consulting work within the community working with the developmentally disabled helping them learn adaptive behaviors enabling them to lead more productive and satisfactory lives.

Dr. Bantz's areas of expertise include mood disorders, anxiety disorders and chronic illness. She works primarily with the adult and geriatric population. Dr. Bantz has a specific interest in cognitive behavioral therapy and relaxation techniques which she utilizes in her work with people who suffer from chronic pain and illness. She is a certified therapist in EMDR, which she integrates with supportive therapy to help her clients overcome past traumatic experiences as well as to assist with chronic pain and illness.

When asked about her approach to treatment, Dr. Bantz explains, "I like to meet my clients where they are at. It is important to me that they feel comfortable and seen. After all, if one does not feel comfortable how likely are they to open up and benefit from therapy? I base most of my interventions using cognitive behavioral therapy and EMDR which are evidenced-based approaches. I love giving my clients tools that they can use and integrate into their daily lives in order to empower them and see positive change. "

Dr. Bantz is an advocate of taking a holistic approach to health and well-being, and understands the importance of the mind-body connection. Her interests include fitness, hiking, nutrition, independent film (particularly documentaries), travel and foreign culture. Favorite pastimes are enjoying music and relaxing with her dog, Fozzie. Dr. Bantz enjoys volunteering and participating in fundraising events for agencies raising money to advance research for chronic disease.