Therapeutic Approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Existential Therapy Positive Psychology Psychodynamic Therapy |
Acceptance Commitment TherapyAcceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a powerful new psychotherapy based on cutting-edge research into how the human mind works. It has been clinically proven to be successful in a wide range of psychological problems. This is a very active therapy. It’s not one of those therapies where we just talk about your problems. The ACT approach involves learning how to stay in the present moment, identify your values, learn which actions to engage in to move you toward your values, learn to free yourself from your mind, and accept the pain that is inevitable in a purposeful, value based life.
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Through our work together you will learn to confront your psychological pain and build the life that you value and choose. Emotional and psychological freedom means understanding what is important to you, knowing how to build that important life, while learning to make room for the pain that is often unavoidable. The philosopher and psychologist Alfred Adler said that “life happens at the level of events not thought, trust only movement.” Together, we will get you moving in the right direction to the authentic life you deserve.
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Existential TherapyThe goal of existential psychotherapy is to help clients gain a greater sense of meaning and purpose in their lives. This is accomplished through an examination of values and clarification of one’s personal life goals and direction. Existential work also deals with the difficult concept of choice. By freeing the client from the anxiety attached to decisions and choices, the client is then able to move more gracefully through the many problems and choices they face. Issues from death to loneliness and isolation are addressed in this work. Existential therapy provides a deeper analysis of one’s existence, which increases clarity, direction, and self-understanding.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on the interaction between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. By understanding the interplay between these areas, an individual can gain better understanding of him or herself. The more you are able to recognize and make sense of your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, the more you will be able to determine where and when changes are needed. I will help you examine the core beliefs you may have about yourself, the world, and your future, and identify the influence these beliefs have on your current life. A second feature of cognitive behavioral therapy involves the use of mindfulness and relaxation. As part of therapy, you will develop the ability to relax yourself and reduce internal stress and emotional discomfort. We will work collaboratively to help you problem solve your life more effectively and reach your goals. CBT can be short-term or long-term. It is often used to address specific problems or chronic life issues such as depression, chronic pain, or anxiety.
Positive PsychologyPositive Psychology builds off the idea that we can be happier and more satisfied with our lives. It was developed by Martin Seligman, Ph.D., and is currently one of the most popular models of psychology. The therapy involves increasing positive feelings, and engagement in life’s activities, such as hobbies and passions. Together, we will work toward creating for you more meaningful relationships and life accomplishments. This type of therapy is not always recommended for individuals who are experiencing high levels of emotional distress. This is not always the case, as some individuals dealing with moderate depression and/or anxiety, find this type of work, clarifying, enriching, and motivating.
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Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic Therapy involves a long-term process of identifying the dynamics of an individual’s life that are effecting his or her current functioning. These dynamics include ones relationship with parents, other people, and his or herself. The primary focus of psychodynamic therapy is to reveal the unconscious content of a client’s psyche in an effort to alleviate internal tension. It also relies on the interpersonal relationship between client and therapist. By examining the process of what is happening between the client and the therapist, clients are able to better understand some of the ways their interactions with others have created problems or successes in their lives. The client is then able to take what they have learned in session and apply it so that he or she can improve relationships with their family and friends.
