Descriptions of Treatment Orientations

Brief descriptions of the treatment orientations I use most often:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A type of psychotherapy that offers a structured, goal-oriented approach in which negative patterns of thought about the self and the world are challenged in order to shift to more healthier ways of thinking, feeling and behaving. CBT also helps people learn skills to effectively manage a range of problems, including painful emotional states such as depression and anxiety.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): DBT is a treatment approach that focuses on tools to help people learn to manage and regulate intense emotions and extreme mood swings. DBT helps people reduce impulsivity and/or self-destructive behaviors, and cultivate a meaningful life. DBT is particularly effective for highly sensitive people (HSP), people who feel emotions intensely and may have difficulty managing or regulating their emotions.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT emphasizes accepting thoughts and feelings without judgment, rather than trying to suppress or control them. People learn to observe their inner experiences without getting caught up in them or allowing them to dictate their actions. The goal of ACT is to cultivate psychological flexibility, which is the ability to be present with your experiences while choosing actions that are in line with your values. This means being able to adapt to challenges and setbacks without getting derailed from your goals.

*Please note that in order for these therapy modalities above to be effective, it is important that the client engages and follows through with weekly therapy homework.