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.