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Individual Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
This is a form of psychological treatment that has been demonstrated to be effective for a range of problems including depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, marital problems, eating disorders, and severe mental illness. Numerous research studies suggest that CBT leads to significant improvement in functioning and quality of life. In many studies, CBT has been demonstrated to be as effective as, or more effective than, other forms of psychological therapy or psychiatric medications.
It is important to emphasize that advances in CBT have been made on the basis of both research and clinical practice. Indeed, CBT is an approach for which there is ample scientific evidence that the methods that have been developed actually produce change. In this manner, CBT differs from many other forms of psychological treatment.
CBT is based on several core principles, including:
Psychological problems are based, in part, on faulty or unhelpful ways of thinking.
Psychological problems are based, in part, on learned patterns of unhelpful behavior.
People suffering from psychological problems can learn better ways of coping with them, thereby relieving their symptoms and becoming more effective in their lives.
CBT treatment usually involves efforts to change thinking patterns. These strategies might include:
Learning to recognize one’s distortions in thinking that are creating problems, and then to reevaluate them in light of reality.
Gaining a better understanding of the behavior and motivation of others.
Using problem-solving skills to cope with difficult situations.
Learning to develop a greater sense of confidence in one’s own abilities.
CBT treatment also usually involves efforts to change behavioral patterns. These strategies might include:
Facing one’s fears instead of avoiding them.
Using role playing to prepare for potentially problematic interactions with others.
Learning to calm one’s mind and relax one’s body.
Not all CBT will use all of these strategies. Rather, the psychologist and patient/client work together, in a collaborative fashion, to develop an understanding of the problem and to develop a treatment strategy.
CBT places an emphasis on helping individuals learn to be their own therapists. Through exercises in the session as well as “homework” exercises outside of sessions, patients/clients are helped to develop coping skills, whereby they can learn to change their own thinking, problematic emotions, and behavior.
CBT therapists emphasize what is going on in the person’s current life, rather than what has led up to their difficulties. A certain amount of information about one’s history is needed, but the focus is primarily on moving forward in time to develop more effective ways of coping with life.
source: apa.org
Trauma Informed Care
Trauma-informed care is an approach to therapy that asks “What happened to you?” rather than “What is wrong with you?” This shifts the tone from victim-blaming to recognizing the person as a survivor. Trauma-informed care is not a specific or technique-heavy modality, rather it is a set of guiding principles that recognizes that trauma has significant effects on people and is often underrecognized and underreported.
Trauma-informed therapists assume that, more likely than not, their client has experienced trauma that should be addressed safely and compassionately. Additionally, trauma-informed care providers recognize the impact of cultural, historical, and gender issues and how they may affect a person.
Trauma-informed therapists work first to establish a sense of safety and trust before trying to dive deep into your trauma history. They start by developing a strong collaborative and supportive relationship. Trauma-informed clinicians will work to empower their clients by honoring their voice and their choice on what they want and need from their therapy. Compassion and respect are the foundation of trauma-informed care.
Trauma-informed care is for everyone regardless of personal history, and oftentimes, you may not realize that your life experiences were indeed traumatic. Often, the therapy will move slower in the beginning, taking time to establish trust before bombarding you with questions about all the details of your life. Trauma-informed therapists use many different styles and techniques and they generally tend to see clients weekly for approximately 50-minute sessions depending on the needs and preferences of the client.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is a type of psychotherapy that involves a combination of cognitive therapy, meditation, and the cultivation of a present-oriented, non-judgmental attitude called "mindfulness."
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy builds upon the principles of cognitive therapy by using techniques such as mindfulness meditation to teach people to consciously pay attention to their thoughts and feelings without placing any judgments upon them.
There are a number of mindfulness techniques and exercises that are utilized as a part of MBCT. Some of these include:
Meditation: People may practice guided or self-directed meditation that helps them gain a greater awareness of their body, thoughts, and breathing.
Body scan exercise: This involves lying down and bringing awareness and attention to different areas of the body. People usually begin at their toes and move up through the body until they reach the top of the head.
Mindfulness practices: Mindfulness involves become more aware of the present moment. It's something that can be practiced during meditation, but people can also incorporate these activities into the things they do every day.
Mindfulness stretching: This activity involves stretching mindfully to help bring awareness to both the body and mind.
Yoga: MBCT may also encourage people to practice different yoga poses that can help facilitate mindful stretching of the body.