Description of Modalities

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The premise of CBT is that the way an individual thinks about a situation can influence their emotions, which can also dictate their behavioral response. CBT is a structured approach to therapy which includes homework both within the therapeutic space, and outside of session. The client moves towards greater awareness of their inaccurate or negative thinking patterns, and learns how to effectively challenge them to form more neutral and/or balanced beliefs. CBT also supports clients in developing a greater sense of self-confidence, confronting versus avoiding problems and resolving them, and re-evaluating contexts in the light of reality.

ERP is a type of behavioral therapy that stresses confronting fears [thoughts, situations, images, objects] directly versus remaining in a cycle of avoidance and increased anxiety. ERP places a client in direct contact with their anxiety and obsessions, while preventing compulsive responses or safety behaviors through the use of more adaptive coping skills. The ultimate goal of ERP is to gradually expose individuals to their fears to live a life of greater freedom. 

The fundamental goal of ACT is to create a life of more purpose through values-oriented behaviors, while accepting the pain and suffering that inevitably accompanies it. ACT is different from other therapeutic modalities in that the primary focus is actually not symptom reduction, but rather emphasizes the need for psychological flexibility and mindfulness as one confronts their unhelpful belief systems and messages. ACT assumes that behavior and cognitive change requires commitment towards action that is in line with one's values.

DBT supports individuals in living more presently, developing more adaptive ways to manage and cope with stress, improving emotional regulation, and establishing more effective interpersonal relationships. DBT is based on a bio-social theory in that mental health concerns are a result of biological makeup and environmental factors, both of which can negatively influence one's ability to manage emotions. The psychotherapist operates from a very compassionate lens: the client is accepted for who they are, while also adopting more helpful coping skills.

EFT is an attachment based modality that targets the negative and rigid interactions within the partnership. The EFT process involves three stages: de-escalation and greater understanding of the negative interaction cycle, restructuring the interactions that provide more secure connection, and creating more resiliency and mastery in the partnership through improved problem solving, needs identification, and emotional expression.

Gottman Method supports partners in rebuilding and increasing intimacy, connection, and respect, addressing conflict more effectively through improved communication, and building a shared life of more meaning. Partnerships that would benefit from Gottman Method include those in frequent conflict, poor communication patterns, high emotional distress, sexual difficulties, infidelity, and decreased emotional and intimate connection.

The psychotherapist considers the context of the individual's trauma history, including triggers, activating situations, and current needs. Trauma-informed therapy, rather than a specific modality, is a "lens" in which the psychotherapist views their client, and the impact of their trauma on current emotions, behaviors, and ability to regulate. 

The psychotherapist may also incorporate Attachment Theory as the client processes historical relationships and relational/attachment wounds; clients are supported in making sense of current interpersonal difficulties, and moving towards forming secure and meaningful attachments. Five guiding principles are at the foundation to trauma-informed care: safety, choice, collaboration, trustworthiness, and empowerment.