Approach

​Integrating the past, present and future into the therapeutic experience allows for a full picture approach. Using a variety of modalities including  psychodynamic theory (which includes attachment style theory), cognitive behavioral therapy/ dialetical behavior therapy and strength based therapy leads to better coping, insight and self agency.

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Psychodynamic theory looks to the past to explain current behaviors and build insight about ourselves. Within psychodynamic theory, is the ever popular attachment theory which explains the way we behave and our "attachment style" in our romantic relationships. When using this modality we will look at the past/childhood and often lived experiences that contribute to the various attachment styles.  We will also highlight your patterns of behavior to address difficulties such as emotion disregulation and negative thoughts/feelings. The framework of these theories highlight the role that relationships play in shaping thoughts, feeling and behaviors and offer insight on how we can foster healthier relationships with others.

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that is used to treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), among others. Set in the present,  CBT focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and how they interact with each other. CBT Is all about creating TOOLS for coping and change. 

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CBT is based on the idea that our thoughts and beliefs have a powerful impact on our emotions and behavior. When we have negative thoughts or beliefs, we may experience negative emotions, such as anxiety or depression, and engage in negative behaviors, such as avoidance or substance use. CBT aims to help individuals identify and challenge these negative thoughts and beliefs, in order to change their emotional and behavioral responses.

The first step in CBT is to identify the negative thoughts and beliefs that are contributing to individual symptoms. This is often done through self-monitoring exercises, where you track thoughts and the situations in which they occur. Therapist will then work with the individual to examine these thoughts and beliefs and determine whether they are accurate and helpful or inaccurate and unhelpful.

Once the negative thoughts and beliefs have been identified, we  will work with the individual to challenge and reframe them. This may involve testing the evidence for these thoughts and beliefs, considering alternative explanations, or evaluating the potential consequences of holding onto these beliefs. The goal is to help the individual develop more accurate and helpful ways of thinking about themselves and the world around them.

CBT also involves behavioral techniques to help individuals change their behavior and develop new coping skills. This may include exposure therapy, where the individual is gradually exposed to the situations or objects that trigger their anxiety, or behavioral activation, where the individual is encouraged to engage in positive activities, such as exercise or socializing, to improve their mood and reduce their symptoms.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is CBT's sister theory that was originally developed to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, it has since been found to be effective in treating a range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and substance use disorders.

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DBT emphasizes the development of four key skills, which are intended to help individuals better manage their emotions and behaviors including mindfuless, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectivness and emotion regulation.

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Mindfulness allows us to be focused and enganged in the moment.

Distress tolerance is another way to create tools for self destructive behaviors, stressful situations and other problematic behavior. 

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Interpersonal effectiveness is helpful for communication and relationship skills including boundaries,  assertiveness, active listening and conflict resolution.

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Emotion regulation helps individuals identify and manage emotions which can result in reducing the intensity of emotions. 

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Solution Focused Therapy is a brief goal oriented approach that focuses on soltuions to problems with goal setting at it's core. People build off their resources and help with the future self.