Treatment Options

You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf

— Jon Kabat-Zinn

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of evidence-based psychotherapy that combines elements of cognitive and behavioral therapies with mindfulness and acceptance principles. It was developed by Dr. Steven C. Hayes in the late 1980s and has since gained widespread recognition as an effective approach for treating various mental health concerns.

The primary goal of ACT is to help individuals develop psychological flexibility, which is the ability to be present in the moment, fully aware of their thoughts and feelings, and to take purposeful action based on their values, even in the presence of difficult thoughts or emotions. ACT emphasizes acceptance, mindfulness, values, and committed action as key components of the therapeutic process.

Here are some key features of ACT:

1. Acceptance: ACT emphasizes the importance of accepting difficult thoughts, feelings, and sensations as normal parts of human experience, without trying to eliminate or suppress them. Clients are encouraged to allow these internal experiences to come and go without judgment or resistance.
2. Cognitive Defusion: ACT uses techniques to help clients develop a different relationship with their thoughts, such as recognizing that thoughts are not necessarily facts, and learning to observe and detach from thoughts rather than getting entangled in them. This is known as cognitive defusion.
3. Mindfulness: ACT incorporates mindfulness practices to help clients develop present-moment awareness, non-judgmental observation of their thoughts and emotions, and a compassionate attitude towards themselves and their experiences.
4. Values Clarification: ACT helps clients identify and clarify their personal values, which are their desired directions in life. Values provide a foundation for meaningful action and guide clients in making choices that align with their deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment.
5. Committed Action: ACT encourages clients to take action that aligns with their values, even if it involves discomfort or uncertainty. Clients are encouraged to set and work towards specific goals and take steps towards them, despite the presence of challenging thoughts or emotions.
6. Contextual Self: ACT emphasizes the concept of the “observing self” or the “contextual self,” which is a transcendent sense of self that can observe and contextualize thoughts, feelings, and experiences without being fused or identified with them. This allows clients to have a more flexible and adaptive relationship with their internal experiences.

ACT is typically delivered in a collaborative and experiential manner, with clients engaging in various exercises, mindfulness practices, and experiential activities during therapy sessions, as well as engaging in homework and practice outside of sessions. ACT has been found to be effective in treating a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, insomnia, and more. It is typically provided by trained mental health professionals, such as psychologists, counselors, or therapists, who have expertise in ACT principles and techniques.

The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change

— Carl rogers

Humanistic therapy is a type of psychotherapy that emphasizes the individual’s unique experience, self-awareness, and personal growth. It focuses on the person’s subjective experience and their capacity for self-direction, self-actualization, and self-awareness. Humanistic therapy is rooted in the humanistic psychology movement, which emerged in the 1950s and 1960s as a reaction against the deterministic and reductionistic views of human nature prevalent in other psychotherapeutic approaches of the time.

Some key principles of humanistic therapy include:

1. Client-Centered Approach: Humanistic therapy, also known as person-centered therapy, places a strong emphasis on the client’s subjective experience and individuality. The therapist provides an accepting, non-judgmental, and empathic environment that allows the client to explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences without fear of judgment or criticism.
2. Focus on the “Here and Now”: Humanistic therapy emphasizes the importance of the present moment and the client’s immediate experience. The therapist helps the client develop self-awareness and understanding of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in the present moment, rather than focusing excessively on past experiences or future concerns.
3. Self-Actualization and Personal Growth: Humanistic therapy views individuals as capable of self-directed growth and development. The therapist facilitates the client’s journey towards self-actualization, which involves fulfilling their unique potential and becoming the best version of themselves.
4. Empowerment and Autonomy: Humanistic therapy emphasizes the client’s autonomy and encourages them to take responsibility for their choices, actions, and emotions. The therapist helps the client develop self-efficacy, self-empowerment, and a sense of personal agency.
5. Authentic Relationship: Humanistic therapy places a high value on the therapeutic relationship as a collaborative partnership between the therapist and the client. The therapist is genuine, authentic, and empathic, creating a safe space for the client to express themselves freely and explore their inner experiences.
6. Holistic Approach: Humanistic therapy recognizes the interconnectedness of various aspects of an individual’s life, including their thoughts, emotions, behaviors, relationships, and cultural context. It takes a holistic approach to therapy, considering the client’s whole being and their unique experiences in different domains of life.

Humanistic therapy is typically conducted in one-on-one individual sessions, although it can also be adapted for couples, families, or groups. It is often used to treat a wide range of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, relationship issues, and issues related to self-esteem, personal growth, and self-actualization. Humanistic therapy is typically provided by trained mental health professionals, such as psychologists, counselors, or therapists, who have expertise in humanistic principles and techniques.

Change happens when the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change

— Unknown

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that was originally developed by psychologist Dr. Marsha Linehan in the 1980s to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder. Since then, it has been widely used to treat various mental health conditions, including but not limited to, mood disorders, self-harm behaviors, substance use disorders, and eating disorders.

DBT incorporates elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, dialectical philosophy, and behavioral principles. It is a structured and evidence-based therapy that aims to help individuals develop skills to manage difficult emotions, improve interpersonal relationships, and increase their overall quality of life.

Some key components of DBT include:

1. Mindfulness: DBT emphasizes mindfulness practices, which involve paying attention to the present moment in a non-judgmental way. Mindfulness skills help individuals develop awareness and acceptance of their thoughts, emotions, and sensations, without trying to change or control them. Mindfulness is considered a core skill in DBT, as it helps individuals regulate their emotions, tolerate distress, and improve their ability to respond effectively to challenging situations.
2. Emotion Regulation: DBT focuses on helping individuals develop skills to identify, understand, and regulate their emotions in healthy ways. This includes learning techniques to manage intense emotions, reduce emotional vulnerability, and increase emotional resilience.
3. Interpersonal Effectiveness: DBT teaches individuals effective communication skills, assertiveness, and strategies for building and maintaining healthy relationships. It focuses on improving interpersonal interactions and addressing issues related to boundaries, assertiveness, and conflict resolution.
4. Distress Tolerance: DBT helps individuals develop skills to tolerate distressing situations without engaging in harmful behaviors. This includes strategies to cope with distress, manage crises, and prevent impulsive or harmful behaviors.
5. Cognitive Restructuring: DBT includes cognitive-behavioral techniques to identify and change negative or maladaptive thought patterns. This involves challenging and modifying distorted thoughts or beliefs that contribute to emotional distress or problematic behaviors.
6. Dialectical Thinking: DBT incorporates dialectical philosophy, which emphasizes the integration of seemingly contradictory concepts. It helps individuals develop a balanced and flexible mindset that acknowledges and reconciles opposing perspectives, leading to increased emotional resilience and adaptability.

DBT is typically provided in both individual and group settings, and it often involves a combination of individual therapy sessions, group skills training sessions, phone coaching, and therapist consultation team meetings. DBT is typically delivered by trained mental health professionals who have expertise in DBT principles and techniques. It is a structured and time-limited therapy that typically spans over several months to a year, depending on the individual’s needs and goals.

Change is inevitable, but growth is optional

— Ben Furman

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), also known as Solution-Focused Therapy, is a goal-oriented, strengths-based, and brief form of therapy that focuses on identifying and building upon a person’s existing resources and strengths to create solutions to their problems. It was developed by Steve de Shazer and Insoo Kim Berg in the late 1970s as an alternative to traditional problem-focused therapies.

SFBT is based on the belief that individuals have the capacity to find solutions to their problems, and that change is possible by focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on problems. The therapist and client work collaboratively to identify and amplify the client’s strengths, abilities, and resources, and to set and work towards clear and achievable goals.

Some key principles of SFBT include:

1. Goal-oriented: SFBT is future-focused and goal-oriented. The therapist and client work together to identify specific and realistic goals that the client wants to achieve. The emphasis is on finding solutions and making progress towards these goals, rather than dwelling on problems or analyzing the causes of the problems.
2. Strengths-based: SFBT focuses on identifying and amplifying the client’s strengths, abilities, and resources. The therapist helps the client recognize and utilize their existing strengths and abilities to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. The emphasis is on what is working well in the client’s life, rather than on what is not working.
3. Brief and time-limited: SFBT is typically a short-term and time-limited therapy, with an emphasis on efficiency and effectiveness. The therapist and client work together to identify and implement solutions as quickly as possible, often within a few sessions or up to 10 sessions, depending on the client’s needs and goals.
4. Collaborative and client-centered: SFBT is a collaborative approach, where the therapist and client work as a team. The therapist actively involves the client in the therapeutic process, encourages their input, and respects their autonomy and expertise in their own life. The client’s values, preferences, and goals are central to the therapy process.
5. Solution-focused questions: SFBT uses specific types of questions, such as scaling questions, miracle questions, and exception questions, to help the client shift their focus towards solutions and possibilities, rather than problems and obstacles. These questions help the client explore their desired future, their strengths, and the steps they can take towards their goals.
6. Change is constant: SFBT emphasizes the idea that change is a constant part of life, and that individuals have the capacity to adapt and create solutions to new challenges. The therapist helps the client build a mindset of change and adaptability, and encourages them to take small steps towards their goals.

SFBT can be applied to a wide range of issues, including but not limited to, relationship problems, mental health concerns, addiction, and life transitions. It is typically delivered in individual, couple, family, or group settings, and can be used as a standalone therapy or integrated with other therapeutic approaches. SFBT is often used as a brief and effective intervention for helping individuals identify and implement solutions to their problems, and to promote positive change and growth.

The most basic of all human needs is the need to understand and be understood, and the best way to understand people is to listen to them

— Carl Rogers

Person-Centered Therapy, also known as Client-Centered Therapy or Rogerian Therapy, is a humanistic approach to therapy developed by Carl Rogers in the 1940s and 1950s. It is a non-directive, empathetic, and client-centered approach that focuses on the individual’s unique experience and perspective, and aims to promote self-awareness, self-acceptance, and personal growth.

In Person-Centered Therapy, the therapist creates a safe and non-judgmental environment where the client can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of criticism or judgment. The therapist actively listens, shows empathy, and seeks to understand the client’s subjective experience, while refraining from giving advice, interpreting, or directing the client’s actions.

Some key principles of Person-Centered Therapy include:

1. Unconditional positive regard: The therapist provides unconditional positive regard to the client, accepting them unconditionally and without judgment. This creates a safe and non-judgmental space for the client to express themselves openly and honestly.
2. Empathy: The therapist shows empathy towards the client by actively listening and seeking to understand their subjective experience from their point of view. The therapist strives to understand the client’s feelings, thoughts, and experiences without imposing their own interpretations or judgments.
3. Authenticity and genuineness: The therapist aims to be authentic and genuine in their interactions with the client, being honest and transparent while maintaining a non-judgmental stance. This helps build a trusting and authentic therapeutic relationship.
4. Client-centered approach: The client’s perspective, needs, and goals are central to the therapy process. The therapist follows the client’s lead and respects their autonomy, allowing the client to set the agenda and determine the direction of the therapy.
5. Focus on the here-and-now: Person-Centered Therapy focuses on the client’s immediate experience in the present moment, rather than dwelling on the past or focusing solely on future goals. The therapist helps the client gain awareness of their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in the present, and explore ways to address their current concerns.
6. Self-actualization: Person-Centered Therapy emphasizes the individual’s capacity for self-actualization, or the innate tendency towards personal growth and self-improvement. The therapist supports the client in exploring their own values, beliefs, and aspirations, and helps them align their behavior with their authentic self.

Person-Centered Therapy can be used to address a wide range of issues, including but not limited to, depression, anxiety, relationship problems, self-esteem issues, and personal growth. It can be delivered in individual, couple, family, or group settings, and can be integrated with other therapeutic approaches as well. Person-Centered Therapy is known for its empathetic and non-directive approach, which helps clients develop a deeper understanding of themselves, their experiences, and their values, and empowers them to make positive changes in their lives.

Your thoughts are not facts, but the interpretations you give to the facts

— Unknown

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely used therapeutic approach that focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is a short-term, goal-oriented, and evidence-based therapy that aims to identify and modify maladaptive thoughts and behaviors in order to improve emotional well-being and promote positive change.

CBT is based on the premise that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and that our thoughts can influence our emotions and behaviors. CBT helps individuals identify and understand their thoughts (cognitions) and how these thoughts may be contributing to their emotions and behaviors.

CBT typically involves the following key components:

1. Cognitive restructuring: The therapist works with the client to identify and challenge negative or irrational thoughts that may be contributing to emotional distress. This involves examining the evidence for and against these thoughts, and developing more balanced and rational thoughts to replace the negative ones.
2. Behavioral activation: The therapist helps the client identify behaviors that may be maintaining or worsening their emotional distress, and collaboratively develops strategies to change these behaviors. This may involve setting and working towards specific behavioral goals, such as engaging in activities that the client has been avoiding due to their distress.
3. Skills development: The therapist helps the client develop new coping skills, such as relaxation techniques, problem-solving skills, communication skills, and assertiveness skills, to better manage their emotions and behaviors in challenging situations.
4. Psychoeducation: The therapist educates the client about the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and provides information about common cognitive distortions (e.g., black-and-white thinking, catastrophizing) and how they can impact emotions and behaviors.
5. Homework assignments: CBT often involves homework assignments, where the client practices the skills learned in therapy and applies them in their daily life to promote generalization and long-term change.

CBT can be used to address a wide range of mental health conditions, including but not limited to, anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, substance use disorders, and trauma-related disorders. It can be delivered in individual, group, or family settings, and can be tailored to the unique needs and goals of the individual. CBT is typically time-limited and structured, with a focus on active collaboration between the therapist and the client, and an emphasis on empowering the client to become their own therapist by developing and utilizing effective coping strategies for long-term well-being.

The key to healing is not forgetting, but transforming

— Francine Shapiro

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a therapeutic approach that was initially developed to treat traumatic memories and their associated symptoms, but has since been expanded to other mental health concerns as well. It was developed by psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s and has gained recognition as an evidence-based therapy for various psychological conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

EMDR involves a series of structured protocols that incorporate bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, hand taps, or auditory tones, while the individual focuses on a distressing memory or an unresolved issue. The bilateral stimulation is thought to engage the brain’s natural ability to process and integrate memories, emotions, and beliefs, and facilitate the resolution of traumatic or distressing experiences.

The key components of EMDR therapy include:

1. Assessment and preparation: The therapist assesses the individual’s readiness for EMDR and helps the client develop coping skills and resources to manage distress and regulate emotions.
2. Target identification: The individual and therapist identify specific traumatic memories, negative beliefs, and associated emotions and sensations that will be targeted during the EMDR processing.
3. Bilateral stimulation: The individual focuses on the targeted memory or issue while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as following the therapist’s finger movements with their eyes, receiving hand taps, or listening to auditory tones.
4. Processing and reprocessing: The individual’s attention is directed towards the targeted memory or issue, and they are encouraged to notice and explore any thoughts, emotions, sensations, or images that arise. The bilateral stimulation is continued while the individual’s internal experiences are processed and integrated.
5. Installation of positive beliefs: Positive and adaptive beliefs are identified and installed to replace the negative or maladaptive beliefs associated with the targeted memory or issue.
6. Closure and reevaluation: The session is closed by helping the individual reorient to the present and develop strategies for self-care. Subsequent sessions may involve reevaluating the targeted memories or issues to track progress and address any remaining distress.

EMDR is believed to facilitate the reprocessing and integration of traumatic memories and associated emotions, beliefs, and sensations, leading to symptom reduction and resolution. It is typically delivered in a structured format over a series of sessions, and the number of sessions may vary depending on the individual’s needs and goals.

EMDR has been found to be effective in the treatment of PTSD, as well as other conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, phobias, and addiction. However, it is important to note that EMDR may not be suitable for everyone, and it is recommended to consult with a qualified and trained EMDR therapist to determine if it is an appropriate therapeutic approach for an individual’s specific needs and circumstances.

Integrative therapy honors the uniqueness of each individual and tailors the approach to their specific needs

— Unknown

Integrative therapy, also known as integrative psychotherapy, is an approach to therapy that incorporates and integrates multiple theories, techniques, and methods from various therapeutic modalities into a cohesive and tailored treatment plan. It is a flexible and collaborative approach that aims to address the unique needs and goals of each individual client by drawing upon different therapeutic approaches based on their presenting concerns, personality, and preferences.

Integrative therapy acknowledges that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy, and that different clients may benefit from different therapeutic techniques or modalities at different times. The therapist may use a combination of techniques and theories from various therapeutic modalities, such as psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, experiential, family systems, and others, to create an integrated and personalized treatment plan for the client.

The key principles of integrative therapy include:

1. Holistic approach: Integrative therapy considers the whole person, including their thoughts, emotions, behaviors, relationships, and other relevant factors, in order to understand and address their concerns in a comprehensive and holistic manner.
2. Flexibility and customization: Integrative therapy allows for flexibility and customization in the treatment approach, tailoring the therapy to the individual needs and preferences of the client, and adapting the therapeutic techniques and strategies as needed throughout the course of therapy.
3. Collaboration and partnership: Integrative therapy emphasizes a collaborative and egalitarian therapeutic relationship, where the therapist and client work together as partners to explore and understand the client’s concerns, set treatment goals, and develop and implement a treatment plan that best fits the client’s unique needs and preferences.
4. Eclectic use of techniques: Integrative therapy draws upon a wide range of therapeutic techniques and methods from various modalities, integrating them in a way that is best suited for the client’s specific needs and goals.
5. Focus on therapeutic relationship: Like other therapeutic approaches, integrative therapy emphasizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship as a key factor in facilitating change and promoting healing. The quality of the therapeutic relationship, characterized by trust, empathy, and understanding, is seen as crucial in creating a safe and supportive environment for the client to explore and work through their concerns.

Integrative therapy can be used to address a wide range of mental health conditions, including but not limited to, anxiety disorders, depression, trauma-related disorders, personality disorders, relationship issues, and others. It can be delivered in individual, couple, family, or group settings, and may be used as a short-term or long-term approach to therapy, depending on the needs and goals of the client. The specific techniques and methods used in integrative therapy will vary depending on the therapist’s training, expertise, and the unique needs of the client.