Services
Achieving complete health and wellness is done by improving an individual's physical and mental well-being, relationship systems, and behavioral functioning by taking into account the impacts of social, psychological, family, and cultural factors that influence the individual's overall wellness. Our therapists are highly trained and experienced in a variety of specialties to work with individuals, couples, and families.
Mental Health
Depression
This can have an impact on the ability to complete daily tasks, participate in activities one enjoys, and interacting with others. It can feel isolating, overwhelming and all-consuming. Treatment for depression may involve psychotherapy, occupational therapy, medication, exercise, or lifestyle changes such as prioritizing quality sleep and nutrition. While there is no single solution to overcoming depression, mental health professionals have identified therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) as valuable interventions. These therapies provide evidence-based techniques and strategies that help people gain insight into the nature of their depression and take active steps towards developing helpful and healthier ways of processing your feelings and managing mental wellness.
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Anxiety
Common ways to reduce anxiety include goal setting, relaxation techniques, and problem-solving strategies. Goal setting focuses on helping individuals set achievable goals that they can work towards in order to lessen their anxiety symptoms. Relaxation techniques help individuals learn how to reduce muscle tension and regulate their breath, allowing them to better cope with stressful situations. Lastly, problem-solving strategies help people understand the thoughts and emotions associated with their anxiety in order to better manage it. Therapist can help recognize underlying and co-occurring mental health concerns that may be contributing factors to your anxiety. Occupational therapists can help people find meaningful activities and occupations that can help reduce anxiety. Identifying and modifying environmental factors in their daily lives, such as noise levels or lighting, can also be beneficial to those struggling with anxiety. Additionally, they can provide advice on lifestyle modifications, such as maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly, to further reduce anxiety. Working with a therapist can help increase your quality of life, build self-efficacy, manage symptoms, and improve overall well-being.
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Trauma
Therapists can work with individuals to help them understand the physical and emotional effects of trauma by utilizing mindfulness practices, art therapy, or other creative interventions. Mental health providers are now offering therapy tailored specifically for those with trauma, which aims to provide coping mechanisms and facilitate constructive conversations surrounding mental wellbeing. Trauma Informed Care (TIC) is an important mental health resource that can help individuals who have experienced trauma. TIC acknowledges and honors the traumatic experiences of each individual, and encourages mental health therapy to incorporate understanding of how these experiences may impact present day emotions, behaviors, and relationships. It relies heavily on building trusting relationships between the therapist and client, as well as providing education about how to cope with traumatic events. Ultimately, TIC seeks to support people in building healthier self-concepts, more constructive thinking patterns, stronger feelings of personal self worth, better communication with family and friends, and more autonomous decision making processes.
Stress
Stress can cause serious negative effects on the physical and mental state of an individual. Stress can be the result of a number of factors, including difficult life events, unhealthy reactions to daily stressors, job changes, relationship issues, or anxiety induced by medical conditions. Through observation and communication with the client, the therapist can identify the root causes of the client's stress, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and establish ways to maintain positive levels of wellbeing. Occupational therapists help build foundations for positive behavior change to reduce the effects of stress. Everyone experiences stress in different ways and so it is helpful to engage in therapies that promote relaxation, such as breathing exercises or meditation.
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a real and serious concern for pregnant women, mothers, and their families. PPD is a mood disorder that affects new mothers and can range from mild to severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, and fatigue. While it affects each woman differently, it is an important mental health concern to be addressed. Mental health therapy can be of great assistance in managing the symptoms including feelings of helplessness, irritability or moodiness, feeling disconnected from your baby, decreased interest in your baby's activities, changes in eating and sleeping patterns, anxiety or fearfulness, and difficulty identifying joy. Women suffering from postpartum depression should feel empowered to speak up about their experience and seek help from therapeutic professionals guided by evidence-based approaches.
Grief & Loss
Grief is a normal response to significant loss. It is a complex emotion, and the healing process is not something that can be rushed. Therapy is an effective way for those experiencing grief and loss to find support, understanding, and constructive ways of coping with this difficult experience. It can provide individuals with a safe space to share their feelings, as well as guidance on understanding why they are feeling the way they do. Individuals and families can gain insight into their emotions, learn helpful strategies to process the pain of loss, work through transitions, and evaluate how the loss has impacted their beliefs and ways of being in the world. With time and dedicated effort to healing, those who have experienced traumatic losses can begin to live more meaningful lives. Seeking mental health support during times of loss is essential for successful recovery and long-term mental wellbeing.
Life Transitions
Mental health therapy can be immensely helpful during times of transition, whether changes are voluntary or forced on an individual. Transitions can present a unique set of struggles and difficulties that may not be experienced in more stable periods of life. Through therapy, individuals can gain tools and insight to cope with their changing circumstances, learn how to better manage their emotions, and discover ways to embrace whatever new paths their lives may take. The role of an occupational therapist is to help adults and children overcome physical and mental challenges that prevent them from achieving their best in life, and one area where this is especially important is during times of transition. In such cases, occupational therapists can provide support for a wide range of mental, vocational, and social development needs. By seeking appropriate therapeutic intervention during times of transition, individuals can develop resilience, while continuing to progress through their personal journeys.
Relationships
People often turn to mental health therapy when they are facing relationship issues. Working through a problem with a professional therapist can provide an impartial and objective view, as well as help guide the individual or couple in finding a healthy solution. It is important to take time to identify the particular challenges before entering therapy, making any necessary adjustments, and committing to making changes in order to successfully work on the issue that has caused distress. With patience and dedication, there is hope for individuals or couples who address their relationship concerns through therapy.
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a neurological disorder that affects an individual's ability to pay attention, control impulses and remain focused. It is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as exposure to toxins, stress, or nutrition imbalance. Symptoms may include difficulty focusing on one task for any length of time, difficulty completing tasks, feeling overwhelmed and easily distracted. ADD can interfere with daily activities such as academics and work performance, making it difficult to succeed in life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most common forms of therapy used to help individuals with ADD learn to control their own behavior and focus on tasks more effectively. Other therapies such as social skills training, biofeedback, educational counseling, and family therapy may also be beneficial in helping cope with ADD and its associated symptoms.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is different from Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) in that ADHD is a more severe form of ADD, with symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsiveness and difficulty paying attention. People with ADHD are often more impulsive and easily distracted than those with ADD. They may also have difficulty focusing on tasks or sitting still for long periods of time, as well as problems with organization and restlessness. Additionally, people with ADHD are more likely to experience academic struggles, issues with social skills, behavioral problems, and emotional difficulties such as depression or anxiety. It is most commonly diagnosed in childhood but can continue into adulthood.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder characterized by persistent intrusive thoughts or beliefs and repetitive behaviors that an individual feels the need to perform in order to deal with the anxiety generated by these thoughts. Typical compulsions include excessive hand-washing, counting, checking, and hoarding. Symptoms of OCD can range from mild to severe and, left untreated, can lead to relationships issues, problems at school or work, and can even impact daily functioning. Occupational therapists can help people with OCD manage the disorder and lead more functional lives. Treatment plans may involve a variety of techniques, such as helping individuals to recognize their thoughts and behaviors that are associated with OCD, implementing strategies to reduce anxiety, teaching relaxation techniques, and finding activities that will distract them from obsessive thoughts.
Self-esteem
Mental health and self-esteem are two sides of the same coin; having a healthy mental state is essential for having a positive self-image. Being mindful of one's own physical, psychological, and emotional states can help in cultivating an optimal level of self-worth. Self-esteem requires us to view ourselves in a positive light, understand our worth, celebrate our accomplishments, and accept our flaws. Mental health can be improved by engaging in activities that promote relaxation, mindfulness, and positive thinking. Developing strong interpersonal relationships, maintaining an active lifestyle, and participating in meaningful activities have been found to positively impact mental health as well as foster resilience and an improved self-image. Psychotherapy aims to help people understand and accept themselves, as well as learn how to think more positively, manage their emotions better, create greater self-awareness, and develop healthier relationships with themselves and others. In addition, psychotherapy may involve role-playing activities or other exercises that allow people to recognize the strengths they possess while exploring strategies they can use to improve their overall sense of self-worth.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, also known as PTSD, is a mental health condition that can arise in anyone who has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD include intrusive thoughts and memories related to the trauma, nightmares, avoidance of people or places associated with the trauma, hypervigilance, difficulty sleeping, and feeling emotionally and physically “numb”. Treatment for PTSD usually involves psychotherapy such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Trauma-Focused Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Relaxation and stress management techniques to help people process the traumatic experience and cope more effectively with their symptoms.
Physical Health
Gross Motor Skills
Gross motor skills involve the coordination of large muscle movements and are essential for physical activities such as walking, running, hopping, jumping and dancing. These skills are developed throughout childhood, with most children mastering these basic gross motor skills by the age seven. Gross motor skills continue to be refined through adolescence and adulthood. Gross motor activities cultivate strength, flexibility, and balance as well as help develop good posture and muscular endurance. Engaging in regular gross motor activities can also reduce stress levels, improve cardiovascular health, and enhance overall wellbeing. Gross motor skills can be broadly divided into two categories: locomotor and manipulative. Locomotor skills involve large-scale movement, such as walking, running, hopping, jumping, and climbing. Manipulative skills cover activities that involve moving objects from one place to another, like kicking a ball or throwing a Frisbee. Athletic activities such as basketball and gymnastics combine both types of gross motor skills and require coordination of the body in more complex ways. Being able to master these different types of gross motor skills is important for developing physical confidence, coordination, and balance in both children and adults.
Fine Motor Skills
Fine motor skills are the coordination of small muscle movements that involve the hands, wrists, fingers, and feet. Developing these skills are necessary for performing everyday activities such as writing, eating, and doing up buttons. Fine motor activities also help with the development of eye-hand coordination. In young children, these skills can be developed through play with puzzles, drawing, or Lego blocks; while in adults these can be enhanced through hobbies such as painting or playing an instrument. These skills are divided into two main types: in-hand manipulation and grasp. In-hand manipulation involves the coordination of movements of the fingers, the thumb, and other small muscles in the hand, for activities such as tying shoelaces or doing up buttons. Grasp is used to hold an object with your hands by using a perfect grip. This type of movement is necessary for activities such as holding a pencil or spoon properly. Fine motor skills are important for everyday life and development of eye-hand coordination; developing these skills can help to improve dexterity, balance, and hand-eye coordination.
Sensory Processing
Sensory processing is the process of receiving, organizing, and responding to information from our environment. This can include sight, smell, sound, touch, taste, and movement. It involves the integration of multiple sensory systems in order to create meaningful responses and behaviors. Sensory processing helps us interact with our environment, perform daily activities such as dressing or eating, and understand social cues. Poor sensory processing can make everyday tasks difficult and lead to challenges in development, learning, and behavior. To help support good sensory processing skills it is important to engage in activities that are stimulating and fun. Occupational therapists are trained to help identify and address sensory processing concerns. They will assess an individual’s needs and then develop strategies to assist with addressing the concerns. Strategies can include activities that provide tactile and vestibular stimulation, such as swinging or bouncing on a sensory swing.
Sensorimotor Skills
Sensorimotor skills involve the development of one’s ability to use their senses and body to interact with the environment. These skills are important for activities such as reaching, grasping, and manipulating objects, learning basic motor movements like crawling or rolling over, and developing more sophisticated motor skills such as walking, climbing stairs, or riding a bike. Sensorimotor skill development is a life-long process that begins in infancy and continues throughout adulthood. With appropriate encouragement, each stage of sensory-motor growth is an opportunity for learning about oneself and the world. Occupational therapy can be beneficial for those having difficulty with sensorimotor skills. For adults, psychotherapists can help by teaching techniques for self-regulation and calming exercises that increase body awareness and help them become more aware of how their body is moving in relation to the environment. The goal of both occupational therapy and psychotherapy is to empower individuals by increasing their understanding of their own capabilities and providing them with the tools they need to be successful in everyday life.
Types of Services
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a mental health intervention that can provide tremendous benefits to clients. Through a trusting relationship with their mental health professional, individuals can explore the challenges they are facing in order to gain insight and develop strategies for meeting their goals. Psychotherapy is often used to address common mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, stress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or suicidal ideation. It can also be beneficial for those looking to create meaningful relationships and discover new paths in life. Through this dialogue, individuals can gain greater insight into their psychological concerns, understand how they think and feel about things, become aware of their patterns of behavior, explore different ways to solve problems, develop coping skills, and work towards healthier forms of expression.
Counseling
A form of psychotherapy that is used to help individuals understand and cope with their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. It is a collaborative process between the therapist and the individual where they work together to explore any issues that are causing distress or preventing them from living a healthier and more fulfilling life. Counseling can be really helpful in gaining insight into oneself, developing self-awareness, understanding how past experiences have shaped one’s current behavior, and learning ways to manage stress and make positive changes. Through counseling people can gain a greater understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses as well as develop new skills for managing mental health concerns, difficult relationships, or emotional distress.
Children and Adolescent Therapy
Children and adolescent therapy is an incredibly important service, providing essential mental health support to today's young people to promote wellness. From play therapy for very young children, to expressive art and music therapies for older kids, therapy can provide mental health services that are tailored specifically to the needs of children and adolescents. Common mental health concerns addressed through this therapeutic approach include anxiety, depression, impulsivity, autism spectrum disorder, attention difficulties, aggressive behavior, trauma-related concerns, and family issues. No matter the specific concern that is being dealt with in therapy, it provides a professional atmosphere where the mental health journey of the child or adolescent will be nurtured. Furthermore, it helps foster positive health habits in children and adolescents at a critical period of physical, psychological, and emotional development.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational therapy is a holistic approach to physical and mental health that helps people develop, recover, and maintain the skills needed for everyday life tasks. It helps individuals gain independence, flexibility, confidence, and improved functioning by participating in activities tailored to their interests and needs. Clients work towards their goals to increase participation in meaningful occupations within their home, school, or community. Occupational Therapists assess mental, physical and social abilities, looking for areas of need for sustainable mental and physical wellbeing. Through a combination of individualized therapy sessions and activities, Occupational Therapists are able to identify and then provide tailored strategies to help improve mental and physical health. The goal of Occupational Therapy is always focused on improving quality of life by catering to the specific needs of the individual.
Pediatric Occupational Therapy
Pediatric occupational therapy is an evidence-based disciple designed to enable children of all skill levels to engage and participate in meaningful, everyday activities. It builds on mental health and physical abilities, targeting the development of both social and cognitive skills, which in turn helps the child reach their fullest potential. A pediatric occupational therapist works closely with a child and their family to provide advice and support on developing skills essential for their everyday life, like motor development, sensory integration, play and leisure participation, self-care such as dressing, problem solving and using technology. Through this holistic approach of attaining mental and physical well-being, the individualized sessions focus on improving the overall quality of life in children.
Family Therapy
Family therapy is a powerful tool that can help bring families closer together as they work through difficult challenges. By facilitating an open dialogue between family members and helping individuals reflect on how their behaviors affect the entire unit, this type of therapy helps foster a climate of understanding and respect. Through constant communication, education, and skill building, family therapy serves as a secure launching point for positive healing and growth. Family dynamics are complex but with the right guidance families can navigate these complexities with greater ease while simultaneously gaining stronger relationships with each other.
Couples & Marriage Therapy
Couples therapy typically involves two individuals, usually partners or spouses, gaining insight into their relationship dynamics and learning how to effectively communicate. This type of therapy provides them with an objective third party who can help identify potential underlying concerns within the dynamic. Couples may gain improved mental well-being from participating in individual therapy for respective mental health concerns in addition to couples therapy. Through counseling, couples can work towards resolving conflicts in a healthy manner and cultivate a deeper understanding of one another.
Trauma Therapy
Trauma Informed Therapy is an evidence-based approach to mental health treatment developed with the purpose of addressing the mental and emotional needs of individuals who have experienced trauma. Through this method, mental health practitioners recognize how a person’s past experiences may impact their mental wellbeing and use interventions designed to foster healing and restore balance. This often involves using individual therapy sessions, along with providing education about trauma to guide the therapeutic process. Additionally, Trauma Informed Therapy seeks to create an environment in which clients feel heard, respected, and supported as they work towards healing and personal growth. Psychotherapy is an important mental health resource for helping individuals to process and recover from traumatic experiences. Studies have suggested that trauma-informed therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral interventions, can be beneficial in reducing symptoms related to psychological distress. With psychotherapy, individuals learn how to face their trauma more skillfully and integrate it into their story. Through the support of mental health professionals and techniques such as mindfulness or cognitive restructuring, they can acquire skills necessary to help them gain control over their mental health and find joy in life once again.
Parenting Skills
Effective parenting skills are essential for mental health, wellbeing, and overall success in life. Parenting skills go beyond the basic needs of nutrition and hygiene to encompass a wide range of knowledge. It is often beneficial to consult an occupational therapist in order to help guide parents on developing skills that can assist with mental and physical health concerns that may arise throughout the child's development. Such parenting strategies include: understanding individual wants and needs; being attentive to emotions; being consistent with discipline; showing openness to communication; providing guidance on socializing appropriately with peers; establishing healthy limits; and fostering age-appropriate independence. Using these strategies, parents can provide their child with a healthy environment where they can learn, develop, and thrive.
Child Development
Child development is an ever-evolving field that involves the mental, physical, and emotional growth of individuals from infancy to young adulthood. It is important for both parents and healthcare professionals to be aware that different ages require different considerations when it comes to physical and mental health. In particular, understanding the normal stages of growth for mental processes such as language and memory helps healthcare practitioners assess for pathological concerns or learning disabilities. Moreover, having awareness of the changes in coordination and strength at each stage of human development allows occupational therapists to create tailored strategies for physical needs. To help children reach their full potential, it is thus critical to keep up with advancing knowledge concerning child development.
Play Therapy
Play Therapy is an intervention that utilizes a child's natural love of playing to create an environment in which mental, emotional, and physical difficulties can be addressed. It is commonly used by mental health and occupational therapist, particularly with younger children, as it allows them to access and work through difficult mental and physical health issues in a safe and non-threatening manner. Furthermore, the therapists who utilize play therapy act not only as listeners but also as supporters, playing alongside their clients to better understand their emotions and experiences. This professional but playful approach has been shown to help young people uncovered mental health concerns and then support them in the process of healing.
Teletherapy
Teletherapy is revolutionizing the mental and physical health care landscape. This convenient option allows individuals to access mental health care and occupational therapy from anywhere in the world, without the need for an in-person visit. In addition to increasing access and convenience, teletherapy also helps reduce stigmas associated with therapy and gives individuals more anonymity when seeking treatment. Teletherapy provides a safe space for people to talk about their needs without having to worry about judgment from others outside of the closed-door sessions. This can be incredibly helpful for those who are dealing with mental concerns, such as anxiety or depression, and require assistance working through emotions in a private setting. Overall, teletherapy is providing much-needed healthcare options that make it easier to improve health and reduce stressors associated with receiving traditional therapy services. Recent studies have found that teletherapy can be just as effective as in-person services for mental and physical health treatment. In many cases, it can even provide improved results due to the convenience of remote access and increased access to therapeutic support. Research has shown that teletherapy is just as safe and effective as in-person services when provided by qualified professionals.
Types of Care
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) is a mental health therapy technique used to help individuals identify, understand, and adjust unhealthy thinking, behavior, and emotions. CBT can be helpful for many mental health concerns as it provides tools to assist in managing stress, improving interpersonal communication skills, developing problem-solving strategies to cope with difficult situations, and increasing self-efficacy. It can be conducted both individually or with group sessions and typically emphasizes the importance of examining patterns of thoughts that could contribute to mental health issues. CBT has been shown to be extremely effective in addressing mental health needs and providing lasting mental wellness outcomes.
Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment that has shown to be effective in promoting mental health and well-being. It involves learning skills such as effective communication, managing emotions, mindfulness, and distress tolerance which are essential for developing strong mental health. DBT combines elements of cognitive behavioral therapy with mindfulness meditation. It focuses on understanding patterns of behavior in order to help one find clarity when making decisions, reduce troubling thoughts, and focus on building a meaningful life through fulfilling relationships and values. Through systemic change it assists the individual to learn how to navigate the complexities of mental health challenges.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is an empirically supported mental health treatment designed to help individuals who have experienced significant trauma in their lives. TF-CBT engages individuals across a variety of modalities, such as cognitive restructuring, emotion regulation, relaxation, and the development of skills to better manage and cope with mental distress. It integrates individual, family, and group therapies for a comprehensive approach in addressing mental health concerns that may arise from trauma. Its evidence-based approach allows mental health professionals to effectively treat mental health concerns as they arise resulting in improved mental health for those who have experienced trauma.
Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
While both Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) share similarities, they have a few notable differences. The main difference between CBT and MBCT is that CBT focuses on changing faulty thinking patterns and behaviors, while MBCT focuses on gaining acceptance and awareness of one's thoughts without judgment or criticism. MBCT adds a mindfulness component to the process where individuals are encouraged to observe their thoughts without getting caught up in them or engaging with them too deeply. This helps create a sense of psychological distance from their thoughts so that they can gain perspective and choice about how to respond. Whereas CBT focuses more on identifying negative thought patterns and challenging them, MBCT emphasizes being aware of thoughts as they come up, allowing them to float away, and then dropping into the present moment.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a mental health treatment that helps people to accept the reality of their mental or physical state, while focusing and committing to actions that can lead to improved mental and physical wellbeing. This approach centers around mindfulness, allowing individuals to cultivate an appreciation for what is occurring in the present moment without judgment or criticism. It also involves helping individuals develop a sense of values-based motivation, encouraging them to take action by what truly matters to them. Through techniques such as exposure tactics and behavior-changing techniques, ACT equips individuals with tools that can support their mental and physical health over the long term.
Gottman Method
The Gottman Method is a type of therapy utilized to support couples in building stronger relationships. It was developed by Dr. John and Julie Gottman, two mental health experts, who have dedicated their careers to providing couples with insight into effective communication, problem-solving skills, and strategies for managing arguments. Research-based approaches such as the Sound Relationship House Theory and other Gottman methods are used to create an environment of safety and comfort enabling couples to explore difficult conversations, express deeper emotions, identify potential issues before they become bigger problems, and increase understanding within the relationship. Ultimately, this method is designed to help couples reconnect and foster increased satisfaction in their partnerships.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing is a type of therapy in which therapists utilize active listening, statements of empathy, and reflective dialogue to help individuals explore the pros and cons of changing certain behaviors. During sessions, therapists listen to the individual's goals and struggles without judging, shaming or pressuring them into making decisions they might not be ready for. Instead, they focus on helping the individual come to their own conclusions as they work together to identify solutions that will best support the individual's desired outcomes. By establishing a supportive environment and allowing individuals to retain autonomy over their decisions, Motivational Interviewing has been shown to effectively promote healthy behavior change.
Person Centered
Person Centered Therapy is one of the most widespread mental health approaches. It allows mental health professionals to counsel clients in a supportive environment and promote self-exploration and personal growth. The philosophy upon which Person Centered Therapy is based points to the idea that clients are innately capable of understanding themselves, even if they need help manifesting their feelings into words or actions. In this therapy, mental health practitioners focus on creating a safe and comfortable atmosphere for their clients to traverse psychological vulnerabilities. Through conversation, the mental health professional guides the client through difficult topics such as life stressors with an emphasis on the client’s potentials and strengths. By exploring both current psychology as well as past experiences, mental health professionals allow individuals to delve deeper into themselves while supporting them along the journey.
Sand Tray
Sand Tray Therapy is an effective treatment that allows individuals to express themselves nonverbally in a safe and creative environment. This therapy relies on the symbolism of placing figurines into sand, which represent mental states, experiences, or emotions. Through the process of manipulation and arrangement of the figurines in the sand tray, individuals can explore themselves and those aspects of their life they’d like to understand better or improve upon. The use of sand trays alone, or in addition to other treatments, can provide opportunities for deep reflection as well as a way to work through unresolved conflicts and emotions.
Yoga and Movement
Yoga and Movement therapy are forms of health practices focused on improving mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing by gently connecting breathing and movement. This particular practice focuses on connecting the mind and the body together in order to gain mental clarity, increased mental focus, better physical mobility, and an overall improved mental state. By combining both the mental aspect of being mindful with physical postures within each session, participants can develop a greater capacity for physical reflection within their individual experiences in life. In short, yoga and movement therapy provide an experience wherein we as individuals can encounter our truest selves through mindful intention.
Culturally Sensitive
Culturally Sensitive therapy is an approach to care that considers the impact of cultural identity on mental health. This approach strives to create an accepting and affirming environment, recognizing each person’s unique cultural expression. Therapists use culturally sensitive therapy to understand an individual’s background more deeply and develop tailored mental health approaches to best support their client's mental well-being. This is valuable in helping clients feel more comfortable talking about themselves, as it acknowledges and validates their culture. It has been proven to be effective in reducing mental health disparities, enabling a wide range of individuals from all backgrounds to access mental health care that is appropriate for them.
Solution-Focused Therapy
Solution-Focused Therapy emphasizes finding solutions to problems and thus helps people improve their lives. It is also known as brief or educational therapy, aiming to achieve changes through collaborative dialogue between the therapist and client. Solution-Focused therapy typically involves identifying a person's desired outcomes, exploring current strengths, discussing potential actions that may lead to the desired goals, and creating plans for more effective action. This process ultimately helps the client develop new ways of interacting with their environment and problem solving mental and physical health concerns. By taking a practical and proactive approach, Solution Focused therapy encourages clients to take positive steps towards improving wellness.
Internal Family Systems Therapy
Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is an evidence-based experiential form of psychotherapy seeking to access and integrate mental parts as well as develop qualities of Self within individuals. By establishing aspects of self-leadership, IFS stands out from other approaches by assisting the individual to look internally instead of externally for guidance. Key concepts such as self-compassion, openness and curiosity, expansion of awareness, honoring mental diversity, and sustainability or lasting growth are fundamental elements in the IFS therapy practice. All together, the IFS process provides the clients with greater autonomy to manage mental health concerns effectively and see them as teachable moments for progress and healing.
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an evidence-based therapy technique that helps improve the relationship between a parent and child. PCIT is typically used for children between the ages of 2 and 10 who are experiencing behavioral and emotional difficulties. During a PCIT session, a therapist coaches parents on how to interact with their child in a positive and effective way, using specific communication and behavior techniques. The therapist observes the parent-child interactions and provides feedback and guidance in real-time. The goal of PCIT is to improve the quality of the parent-child relationship and reduce negative behaviors in the child, ultimately leading to better outcomes for both the child and the family as a whole. In PCIT, the therapist will often use a one-way mirror or live video feed to observe the parent-child interactions. The therapist will guide the parent in using specific techniques such as praise, reflection, and behavioral tactics to encourage positive behavior in the child. If the child displays negative behavior, the therapist will coach the parent on how to address it in a way that promotes positive change. PCIT is typically conducted over several sessions, allowing the parent and child to practice the techniques they have learned and develop a stronger relationship. The ultimate goal of PCIT is for the child to feel loved, supported, and secure within their relationship with their parent, leading to a healthier and happier family dynamic.