Treatment Models
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based psychological treatment that has shown to be effective for many issues including depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, relationship problems, and eating disorders to name a few. Research studies suggest that CBT leads to significant improvement in functioning and quality of life, often times, more so that other form of therapy.
CBT treatment works to change thinking and behavioral patterns. Some of the ways we will do this is by:
• Learning to recognize distortions in thinking that are creating problems, and then reevaluating them.
• 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 your abilities.
• Facing your fears instead of avoiding them.
• Using role playing to prepare for potentially problematic interactions with others.
• Learning to calm your mind and relax your body.
Through therapy exercises as well as “homework” outside of sessions, you will develop coping skills, learn to change negative thinking, problematic emotions, and behavior.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT combines standard cognitive-behavioral techniques for emotion regulation and reality testing with distress tolerance, acceptance, and mindful awareness. DBT assists to help people increase their emotional and cognitive regulation by learning about the triggers that lead to reactive states and helping to assess which coping skills to use based on events, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to help avoid undesired reactions.
DBT is often used when working with individuals suffering from:
• depression
• drug and alcohol problems
• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• binge-eating disorder
• mood disorders
• self-injury.
• abuse survivors
• chemical dependency
Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) a type of psychotherapy that involves a combination of cognitive therapy, meditation, and a present-oriented, non-judgmental attitude called "mindfulness." MBCT builds upon the principles of cognitive therapy by using techniques such as mindfulness meditation to teach you to consciously pay attention to your thoughts and feelings without judgments towards yourself or others.
Your practice of MBCT may include:
• Meditation
• Body Scan Exercises
• Mindfulness Stretches
• Yoga
• Breathing Exercises
MBCT work can help with:
• Anxiety disorders
• Bipolar disorder
• Depression associated with medical illnesses
• Low mood
• Unhappiness
• Depression-relapse prevention
• Treatment-resistant depression
Affirmative Therapy
Affirmative therapy understands that a person’s sexual orientation and gender identity cannot be changed and that it is not the root cause of their problems. Instead, it respects and regards all sexualities and genders positively, and provides an affirming space for its clients in several different ways.
Affirmative therapy is based on an awareness of the challenges that their clients have to face. This includes discrimination, stigma, and a lack of support and representation and addressing these challenges in therapy sessions. As an Affirmative Therapist in training, I am receiving specialized knowledge in understanding the challenges of my LGBTQIA+ clients, provide a safe and non-judgmental space for my client’s non-traditional identities, provide support and resources to my clients, help you resolve beliefs and traditions that you may struggle with (culturally, religiously, and more).
My main focus is to validate and support you through your growth to become the person you are meant to be.