Integrative Psychotherapy
As an integrative therapist, I am referring to the fact that I do not adhere strictly to one theoretical orientation or school but utilize procedures that I believe will be most helpful for an individual client. Regardless of theoretical orientation employed, in almost all cases there will be a significant focus on the therapeutic relationship. This is because it is thought to represent a microcosm of the outside world and therefore relationships and patterns that exist outside the therapeutic room.
Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapy
A type of psychotherapy that is based on the theory that psychological symptoms are related to the interaction of thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. Clients will learn to assess their thinking patterns in a more positive and realistic way which will ultimately improve their emotional state and positively influence their behavior. In cognitive behavioral therapy, the therapist and patient will work on identifying and directly changing thoughts and behaviors that may be maintaining symptoms. Cognitive behavioral therapists often assign homework for the patient to complete outside of sessions. Cognitive behavioral therapy is researched supported to treat many psychiatric and psychological symptoms of depression and anxiety spectrum disorders, psychological problems such as couples, family, complicated grief, and anger problems.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Its main goal is to teach skills to cope with stress, regulate emotions and improve relationships with others. DBT is designed for use by people who have urges to harm themselves however, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy has been shown effective in treating people with drug and alcohol problems and other quality of life interfering behaviors. The overall goal is aimed at helping people change behavioral, emotional, thinking, and interpersonal patterns associated with problems in living.
Acceptance And Commitment Therapy (ACT)
A behavioral treatment that is focused on taking value-inspired action. This treatment approach explores motivation and behaviors from an existential perspective while teaching mindfulness practices. One core principal from ACT is accepting what is out of one’s personal control and commit to taking action that improves the quality of one’s life. Psychological skills are taught to handle painful thoughts and feelings while clarifying what is most meaningful in one’s life.
Motivational Interviewing
This is a client-centered counseling style for eliciting behavior change by helping clients to explore and resolve ambivalence thus enhancing motivation to change. Motivational interviewing is gentle and respectful, and focuses in the initial stages on building rapport and understanding what the behavior in question is doing for the person. This leads to gaining a fuller understanding of how his or her behavior may be affecting other parts of life. That can help clients establish personal goals around change.