Treatment Approaches

FAQ

In the field of mental health, modalities, or therapy approaches, refer to the various methods and approaches therapists use to treat mental health issues. Understanding these modalities can help you gain a clearer picture of what to expect from therapy and how different approaches might benefit you.

Therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Each individual is unique, with their own experiences, challenges, and goals. This is why I use a variety of modalities, tailoring the approach to best meet the needs of each client.

In my work with clients, I utilize several evidence-based modalities. Evidence-based means these methods have been scientifically studied and found to be effective in treating certain mental health conditions. These include the modalities listed below.

Cognitive-Behavioral 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a solution-focused approach that addresses problematic thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It’s based on the understanding that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and that changing one can help change the others. In our sessions, we’ll work together to identify harmful thought patterns, understand their origins, and develop practical strategies to manage them. CBT can be particularly effective for managing stress and anxiety, as it provides tools for challenging negative thought cycles and developing healthier responses to stressors. It’s also commonly used in the treatment of depression and addiction, helping individuals to break the cycle of negative thinking and self-destructive behaviors.

Psychodynamic

Psychodynamic therapy delves into the unconscious mind, helping individuals to unravel, experience, and understand their deep-rooted feelings in order to resolve them. This approach involves exploring unresolved issues and conflicts from past relationships or childhood that are affecting your behavior and emotions today. Psychodynamic therapy can be particularly beneficial for those dealing with depression or anxiety, as it helps to uncover and address the underlying psychological patterns that contribute to these conditions. It can also be beneficial for individuals struggling with addiction, by helping to uncover the unconscious conflicts driving the addictive behavior.

Emotion-Focused

Emotion-focused therapy is designed to help individuals manage and respond to their own emotions more effectively. This approach involves learning to recognize, express, and regulate emotions in a healthy way. EFT can be particularly effective for managing stress and anxiety, as it provides tools for identifying emotional triggers and managing emotional responses. It’s also beneficial for individuals dealing with depression, as it helps to improve emotional awareness and regulation, and promotes a healthier relationship with one’s emotions.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a mindfulness-based approach that encourages individuals to embrace their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting or feeling guilty for them. ACT develops psychological flexibility, which is the ability to stay in the present moment and engage in values-based, positive behaviors, even when experiencing difficult thoughts, emotions, or sensations. ACT can be particularly effective for managing stress and anxiety, as it promotes acceptance and mindfulness, and helps to reduce the impact of negative thoughts and feelings. It’s also beneficial for individuals dealing with addiction, as it promotes acceptance and commitment to change.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is a cognitive-behavioral approach that emphasizes the psychosocial aspects of treatment. DBT combines standard cognitive-behavioral techniques for emotion regulation and reality-testing with concepts of distress tolerance, acceptance, and mindful awareness. DBT can be particularly effective for managing stress and anxiety, as it provides tools for managing emotional responses and improving interpersonal relationships. It’s also commonly used in the treatment of addiction, helping individuals to manage distressing emotions and improve their interpersonal relationships, which are often affected by addictive behaviors.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a form of meditation that involves focusing on the present moment in a non-judgmental way. It helps individuals become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and sensations without getting caught up in them. Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and a sense of calm. It can also be beneficial for individuals dealing with depression or addiction, as it promotes awareness and acceptance, and can help to break the cycle of negative thinking and self-destructive behaviors.