Treatment Approaches

A form of psychotherapy used to help clients to identify the thoughts in parentheses or beliefs) and behaviors that have a negative impact on an individual’s life, or interfere with an individual being their “best self” (for example, beliefs and behaviors that keep you from trying new things or accomplishing important goals, trigger feelings of sadness/depression, worry/panic/anxiety, or get in the way of having close relationships with others).

Combines mindfulness (paying attention in a special way – on purpose, in the present moment, without judging what is happening) and meditation techniques with cognitive behavioral therapy. Research has shown MBCT to be particularly effective in treating recurrent depression and anxiety, as well as medical issues like chronic pain, coping with cancer, and infertility, to name a few.

A stress reduction program taught in a group format, in which individuals learn mindfulness and meditation techniques (see MBCT) to cope better with a variety of stressors in their lives. A wonderful way for anyone – including, but not limited to college students, single parents, those trying to find work-life balance — to learn to live more in the moment, make deliberate choices about important matters in their lives, and overall, enjoy life more.

As with the other forms of treatment mentioned here, this is a research-supported form of psychotherapy. It is an integrative (includes aspects of several kinds of psychotherapy) therapeutic approach designed to treat symptoms of trauma and post-traumatic stress. Alternating bilateral stimulation (a way of alerting the hemispheres of the brain and a right-left-right-left pattern) is used to help individuals process memories from distressing experiences (for example car accidents, traumatic injuries, sexual or other forms of assault, and experiences of childhood abuse and/or neglect).

A specialized form of cognitive behavioral psychotherapy used to help individuals overcome many forms of overeating (for example, emotional/stress-related eating, binge eating, obesity caused by an inability to stop eating when physically full) and food obsessions by teaching strategies and skills to restore healthy eating patterns without dieting.

Psychotherapy based on attachment (the degree to which you feel secure and connected in important relationships) and communication (how you interact with others) theories that helps clients reduce feelings of distress and improve their well-being by understanding how their patterns and relationships might be contributing to their problems (for example, anxiety and depression), and by learning new strategies and skills to change unhelpful relationship patterns. For example, individuals who have difficulty asserting themselves (expressing her needs and wishes to others in a confident manner) and setting limits and boundaries with others (ie., saying “no” to others) might feel anxious or depressed because of the ways in which these difficulties negatively impact their relationships with others.

A form of psychotherapy that promotes psychological healing by teaching individuals to be compassionate with themselves and others. Research suggests compassion is essential to well-being, and promotes emotional and physical health.