THERAPY APPROACHES
Our therapists use a collaborative approach, tailoring interventions to the unique needs and personalities of each of our clients. Below you will find a description of several evidence-based therapies that are incorporated by our therapists.
​
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, present-focused therapeutic approach which has been shown to be effective in treating a number of common mental health problems. CBT is based on the premise that our thoughts and interpretations of situations are more powerful in determining our emotional responses and reactions than the situations themselves. In CBT, we learn how to change unhealthy thinking patterns in order to achieve improved mood and remove mental barriers which may prevent us from reaching our goals.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. DBT therapy techniques are based on the key concepts of mindfulness and acceptance. The practice of DBT techniques improves and strengthens emotional regulation, healthy coping skills and interpersonal relationships.
​
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) is a type of short-term therapy that is used to improve attachment in adult relationships. EFT can help couples who are struggling with conflict, intense emotions and poor communication. EFT has proven to be particularly helpful for couples who are healing from infidelity or other major relationship traumas. EFT facilitates change through a clearly defined system that helps guide the therapist and track the couple's progress. Through the process of EFT, couples identify negative interaction patterns, learn to share emotions and show compassion for one another and develop new communication strategies and skills. “From the cradle to the grave, humans desire a certain someone who will look out for them, notice and value them, soothe their wounds, reassure them in life’s difficult places, and hold them in the dark.” Sue Johnson, Founder of EFT
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is a family-focused treatment developed for children ages 2-7 with significant behavioral challenges. PCIT is conducted through "coaching" sessions during which the therapist observes the typical interactions between the parent and child and provides in-the-moment coaching on skills to manage the child's behavior. PCIT is done across two treatment phases. The first phase of treatment focuses on establishing warmth in the parent-child relationship through learning and applying skills proven to help children feel calm and secure in their relationships with their parents and good about themselves. The second phase of treatment equips parents to manage the most challenging behaviors while remaining confident, calm, and consistent. In this phase, parents learn proven strategies to help the child accept limits, comply with directions, respect household rules and demonstrate appropriate behavior in public.
​
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy was developed to relieve distress for those suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). EMDR therapy facilitates the processing of painful traumatic memories in order to bring these memories to a more adaptive resolution. EMDR can eliminate or reduce distress related to trauma and facilitate the reformulation of associated negative beliefs. During EMDR, bilateral stimulation (e.g. eye movements or tapping) is used while the client simultaneously focuses on the traumatic memory for brief segments. EMDR uses a three-pronged approach which addresses past trauma, current triggers and future rehearsal. Click below for an informative video about EMDR and trauma.