OUR APPROACH
We believe that each client is unique and has their own unique needs and goals, we also recognize that a person's problems are often influenced by a combination of psychological, social, spiritual and environmental factors, and we seek to address these factors in a comprehensive manner. In sessions we will often explore an individual's thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, as well as their relationships with others and their social and cultural environment. Our therapists may use a variety of techniques and modalities to help the person gain insight into their problems, develop coping strategies, and improve their overall well-being, and reach their therapeutic goals. Some of the modalities our therapists utilize in practice are Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).
EYE MOVEMENT DESENSITIZATION AND REPROCESSING (EMDR)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a type of psychotherapy that was originally developed to help individuals recover from trauma. It has since been used to treat a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and phobias.
EMDR therapy was developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Francine Shapiro. Shapiro noticed that moving her eyes back and forth rapidly seemed to reduce the intensity of negative emotions associated with certain memories. She began experimenting with this technique and eventually developed the EMDR protocol.
EMDR therapy works by accessing and reprocessing traumatic memories. The therapist guides the client through a series of eye movements, auditory tones, or tactile sensations while they focus on a specific traumatic memory. These bilateral stimuli help the brain to process the memory in a different way, allowing the client to move past the intense emotions associated with it.
During an EMDR session, the therapist will guide the client through a series of steps. First, they will work with the client to identify the traumatic memory or memories that they want to target. Next, they will help the client identify negative thoughts and emotions associated with the memory. The therapist will then guide the client through a series of bilateral stimuli while they focus on the memory. The client may be asked to follow the therapist's fingers with their eyes, listen to tones played through headphones, or feel gentle taps on their knees or hands.
After each set of bilateral stimuli, the therapist will ask the client to share any new thoughts, feelings, or sensations that came up during the exercise. This process is repeated several times during the session, allowing the client to process the memory in a new and less distressing way.
EMDR can be particularly helpful for individuals who have experienced trauma but have difficulty verbalizing their experiences. EMDR therapy can also be used to treat a range of other mental health conditions. It has been shown to be effective in treating phobias, panic disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.
INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS (IFS)
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a type of therapy that helps individuals understand and work with the various parts of their personality. This approach recognizes that people often have different aspects of themselves that can sometimes conflict with one another. IFS therapy provides a framework for identifying and addressing these internal conflicts.
The Internal Family Systems approach was developed by Richard Schwartz, a family therapist who was working with individuals struggling with eating disorders. He found that clients had a tendency to talk about their inner struggles as if they were different parts of themselves. Schwartz began to explore this concept further, and eventually developed the IFS model.
The IFS model posits that individuals have a "Self" that acts as the core of their personality. The Self is compassionate, curious, and non-judgmental, and it serves as a guide for individuals to connect with their other parts. These parts can be categorized into three main groups: managers, firefighters, and exiles.
Managers are the parts of us that try to maintain control and prevent us from feeling pain. They can be highly critical and judgmental, and may strive for perfection. Firefighters are the parts of us that respond to stress and trauma by engaging in impulsive behaviors, such as substance abuse or self-harm. Exiles are the parts of us that hold our pain and trauma, and may feel isolated or disconnected from the rest of our personality.
IFS therapy helps individuals understand and work with these different parts of themselves. The therapist helps the client connect with their Self, and from there, the client can begin to explore and understand their other parts. Through this process, clients can learn to develop a more compassionate and understanding relationship with themselves.
IFS therapy is highly personalized, and the approach is tailored to each individual's specific needs. The therapist works collaboratively with the client to identify their different parts and explore their experiences. The therapist helps the client to develop strategies for working with their parts in a healthy and productive way.
Overall, Internal Family Systems therapy can be a powerful tool for individuals who are struggling with internal conflicts. By understanding and working with their different parts, clients can develop a deeper sense of self-awareness and self-compassion. With the help of an experienced IFS therapist, individuals can learn to develop a more integrated and harmonious sense of self.
DIALECTICAL BEHAVIORAL THERAPY
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of psychotherapy that was originally developed to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, it has since been used to treat a range of other mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, mood disorders, ADHD and substance use disorders.
DBT therapy was developed in the late 1980s by psychologist Marsha Linehan. She recognized that individuals with BPD often experienced intense and difficult-to-manage emotions, which could lead to impulsive behavior and other problems. Linehan developed the DBT approach to help these individuals learn coping skills to manage their emotions and improve their overall functioning. DBT therapy is based on the principles of dialectics, which involves balancing seemingly opposing concepts. In the context of therapy, dialectics refers to balancing acceptance and change. The therapist works with the client to accept themselves and their experiences, while also helping them make changes to improve their lives.
How DBT is structured:
DBT therapy typically involves both individual therapy sessions and skills training. In individual therapy sessions, the therapist works with the client to identify and address specific problems or concerns. The therapist may use various techniques such as behavior chaining, mindfulness, and exposure therapy, to help the client make progress.
In skills training sessions, the client learns specific coping skills to help them manage their emotions and improve their overall functioning. These skills may include mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. The therapist teaches these skills in a group or individual setting however the group setting provides opportunities for the clients to practice them in real-life situations.
DBT therapy is a highly structured and goal-oriented approach to therapy. The therapist works collaboratively with the client to identify specific goals and develop a treatment plan. The therapist also provides ongoing support and encouragement to the client as they work toward their goals.
COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. It is a popular and effective form of therapy that has been used to treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. For example, if you have a negative thought about yourself, it can lead to feelings of sadness or anxiety, which can then lead to behaviors such as avoidance or isolation. CBT aims to identify and challenge these negative thoughts, replacing them with more helpful realistic thoughts. During the sessions, the therapist and client work together to identify negative thought patterns and behaviors and develop strategies to change them.