CLIENT FOCUS

TREATMENT APPROACH

Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT)Attachment-based family therapy (ABFT) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on the family's relationships and communication patterns. It is based on the theory that strong and secure attachments between family members are essential for emotional health and well-being. The goal of ABFT is to identify any problems in family relationships, enable family members to become more attuned to each other’s needs, and build a secure bond between them. It also helps family members to practice healthy communication skills, learn effective problem-solving strategies, and build trust within the family.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on how one's thoughts, feelings and behaviors are connected and can be changed. It is based on the idea that how we think (cognition) and how we feel (emotion) can influence how we behave. CBT helps people identify and challenge distorted thinking and replace it with more balanced thinking, leading to improved mood and behavior. ‘Homework’, usually containing practical writing exercises, is often completed by the client between sessions to reinforce the therapy. Examples of tools that practitioners often use are journaling, challenging beliefs, and mindfulness.

Collaborative Couple Therapy (CCT)CCT practitioners view conflicts as conversation starters and a way to foster intimacy between partners. Practitioners assert that relational conflict happens when partners are unable to express their true thoughts and feelings. This may lead them to act in ways that hurt their partner, for example, acting in an ‘adversarial’ or ‘withdrawn’ way. The goal of the therapy is to help partners shift into a more collaborative way to solve problems and therefore improve their relationship. The therapist works to create a safe and supportive environment where each partner can openly express their feelings and concerns, while also addressing any areas of conflict. Collaborative couple therapy focuses on understanding the perspectives of both partners, exploring the needs of each partner, and developing positive communication and problem-solving skills. This approach also emphasizes the development of trust, understanding, and mutual respect within the relationship.

Emotion-Focused TherapyEmotion-focused therapy (EFT) is a type of psychotherapy that is based on the idea that emotions play a key role in a person’s mental health. EFT focuses on helping people to identify, accept, and manage their emotions in a healthy and productive way. The goal of EFT is to help people identify and express their emotions, understand how those emotions impact their behavior, and learn how to manage their emotions in a way that is adaptive and healthy. EFT is a research-based approach to psychotherapy that has been found to be effective in helping people manage a variety of mental health conditions. It has been used successfully in the treatment of individuals, couples, and families, as well as with groups. EFT is particularly beneficial for people who struggle with emotional regulation, mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues.

Emotional Freedom TechniqueEmotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is an alternative therapy for emotional and physical distress. It is based on the idea that the cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the body's energy system. EFT is a form of psychological acupressure, in which a combination of physical tapping and verbal affirmations are used to help the body release the emotional and physical distress.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy treatment that was originally designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. It uses a structured approach to address the past events that may be causing current distress, and uses bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, to activate different neural networks in the brain in order to reduce symptoms of trauma. EMDR has been found to be effective for a wide range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

Gestalt TherapyGestalt therapy is an experiential, humanistic approach to psychotherapy that emphasizes personal responsibility, and that focuses on the individual's experience in the present moment. It explores an individual's emotions, behaviors, and thoughts, and how they may be influencing one another. It is rooted in the belief that people are responsible for their own experience, and that they can make conscious choices to improve their lives. The goal of gestalt therapy is to help individuals gain insight into their current experiences and to become aware of how their behaviors and thoughts shape their present reality.

Gottman MethodThe Gottman Method is an evidence-based approach to couples therapy that is designed to help couples strengthen their relationships and resolve conflicts. This method is based upon decades of research on thousands of couples and utilizes an approach that is both structured and collaborative. The method is designed to help couples increase respect, affection, and closeness, break through and resolve conflict, generate greater understanding, and to keep conflict discussions calm. It emphasizes the importance of self-regulation, constructive communication, and creating a safe environment for couples to talk and work through their issues. During sessions, couples work on skills such as active listening and expressing needs and feelings effectively. Couples are also given tools to identify and work through conflicts by using problem-solving techniques and developing strategies to manage emotions and reduce stress.

Guided ImageryGuided imagery is a form of visualization used for relaxation and healing. It uses the power of the imagination to create positive changes in a person's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is also used to reduce stress and anxiety, cope with physical and emotional pain, increase motivation, confidence, and self-esteem, and to improve focus and concentration. During a guided imagery session, the practitioner will guide the client through a series of visualizations, using words and descriptions to help them create mental images in their mind. These visualizations can take many forms, such as a comforting place from the past or the client’s future goals.

Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT)IRT focuses on helping couples identify and address their unconscious patterns of behavior that contribute to conflict and dissatisfaction in the relationship. IRT also emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and validation in healing past wounds and creating a more positive and fulfilling relationship. IRT helps couples develop communication skills and a deeper understanding of each other's needs and feelings.
Through Imago Therapy, couples will be able to explore their communication patterns, discover sources of conflict, and create new ways of connecting with each other that build empathy and understanding. The therapist will also work with the couple to create a vision for their relationship and set realistic goals for how to achieve it. This therapy helps couples to develop better communication, trust, and intimacy, as well as providing hope for the future of their relationship.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a form of therapy that combines cognitive behavioral therapy with mindfulness practices. It is based on the idea that our thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations can affect our mental health. MBCT helps individuals become aware of their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations in order to gain insight and control over them. MBCT helps clients learn how to recognize their sense of being and see themselves as separate from their thoughts and moods. This separation can free the client from thought patterns in which the repeated negative messages may be dominating the client’s focus. After developing an awareness of the separation between thoughts, emotions, and the self, people in treatment may find that while the self and the emotions may exist simultaneously, they do not have to exist within the same dimension. The healing can take place when one learns how to interject positive thoughts into negative moods and thereby create a shift in mood.

PsychoanalysisPsychoanalysis is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on unconscious processes and is used to treat mental health conditions. It is based on the belief that unconscious conflicts are the root of psychological issues. It seeks to understand an individual's psychological experience, including thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, in order to identify patterns, uncover underlying conflicts, and gain insight into how these conflicts may be impacting the individual's life. Psychoanalysis is based on the idea that unconscious processes and experiences can affect behavior, mood, and relationships. The goal of psychoanalysis is to help the individual gain insight into these unconscious processes. Psychoanalysis suggests that the client’s symptoms can be reduced by bringing these conflicts into conscious awareness.

Psychodynamic TherapyPsychodynamic therapy is a form of therapy that focuses on the unconscious mind and how it affects behavior. It works to help people understand and work through past experiences and feelings that may be causing difficulties in the present. This type of therapy encourages individuals to explore their emotions, relationships, and behaviors in order to gain insight into their current difficulties. It can help individuals better understand themselves and their motivations, and gain insight into how past events have impacted their current lives. People tend to develop defense mechanisms when faced with challenges in life. Defense mechanisms may keep painful feelings, memories, and experiences in the unconscious. A few common defense mechanisms include: denial, repression, and rationalization. Psychodynamic therapists encourage people to speak freely about their emotions, desires, and fears. Being open may help uncover vulnerable feelings that have been pushed out of conscious awareness. According to psychodynamic theory, behavior is influenced by unconscious thought. Once painful feelings are brought forth and processed, the defense mechanisms are no longer needed and a person in treatment can start changing unhelpful patterns when coping with life’s challenges.

Somatic Experiencing (SE)Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a body-oriented approach to the healing of trauma and other physical and psychological stresses. It is based on the idea that the body is a powerful source of healing and that unresolved trauma can be resolved through the process of bringing awareness and attention to the physical sensations of the body. By gradually and gently guiding individuals through the sensations associated with their traumatic experience, SE can help to restore balance and well-being more quickly and effectively than traditional psychotherapy. SE utilizes the body’s natural ability to regulate and heal itself and supports individuals in developing more resilience and self-regulation. Somatic Experiencing aims to help people move past the place where they might be “stuck” in processing a traumatic event. SE is often used to treat symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

SERVICES OFFERED

Individual Therapy
Coaching
Couples Therapy
Family Therapy
Group Therapy