My Approaches to Therapy
I embrace a multi-dimensional therapeutic approach, using a diverse range of strategies catered to each unique client.
My Approaches to Therapy
I embrace a multi-dimensional therapeutic approach, using a diverse range of strategies catered to each unique client.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is my main area of interest because of how it has worked for me, as well as my loved ones. I constantly research what works in CBT and what does not.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a treatment technique that focuses on transforming an individual's thoughts in order to positively change their behavior. Also emphasized in this technique are behavior-targeted exercises, but each exercise is used pragmatically.
The core concept of CBT is that a person's thoughts impact their emotions, motivation, and behavior. Targeting these thoughts is what will produce effective change.
This approach has successfully been used in therapy for over fifty years. The first form of CBT was rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT), developed by Albert Ellis. This model was based on the idea that maladaptive thought processes directly impact emotional responses, thus impacting behavior. Aaron Beck further coined the term CBT with his own theories. His model stated behavioral problems result from bias, or how the individual views stimuli.
CBT is most often used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, and addiction. It has been a form of treatment for schizophrenics and other clients as well. However, many therapists question the appropriateness of CBT for the treatment of symptoms relative to autism and ADHD. CBT targets negative thought patterns in order to change behavior, encouraging rational thinking and expression of suppressed thoughts. That's why I think it is incredibly important to recognize that CBT is not for everyone.
Chand SP, Kuckel DP, Huecker MR. (2023). Cognitive Behavior Therapy. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470241/
Hooley, J. M., Nock, M. K., & Butcher, J. N. (2019). Abnormal Psychology (18th ed, page 561). Pearson Education (US). https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9780135191033
DBT
Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, is characterized by emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. These skills allow a client to navigate their daily emotions, feelings, and stress, as well as cope wisely with high-stress incidents.
DBT originated out of CBT in the 1970s by Marsha Linehan as a treatment for self-mutilating and suicidal women. Her evidence-based strategies allowed women with personality disorders, as well as other psychosocial disorders, to accept their problems and embrace change.
Many psychologists critique the complexity and long-term requirements of DBT in order for it to be effective. Like every form of therapy, a certain motivation for change is required. If rushed or improperly handled, clients may certainly find the amount of skills to learn overwhelming.
Behavioral Tech Institute Admins. (2023). What is DBT? Behavioral Tech Institute. https://behavioraltech.org/dialectical-behavior-therapy-dbt/
Chapman A. L. (2006). Dialectical behavior therapy: current indications and unique elements. Psychiatry (Edgmont (Pa. : Township)), 3(9), 62–68.
Person-Centered
Person-centered therapy is a form of talk therapy in which the client directs the conversation. The therapist repeats the client's thoughts, emotions, and behavior for clarification. This is an important part of learning a client's background, reasons for being in therapy, self-improvement priorities, and trauma work. Many clients find this beneficial as they feel listened to and better understood.
In my experience, person-centered therapy alone can be counterproductive. Allowing a client to control the session encourages ruminating and eliminates the opportunity for a therapist to challenge destructive thought patterns. Combined with other strategies, however, I believe this is crucial to building a comfortable and trusting client-therapist relationship.
A balanced, flexible approach is crucial to client success. That's why along with CBT concepts, I integrate feminist therapy and person-centered therapy. To me, this looks like active listening, "yes, and...", the open discussion of external forces at play, and prioritizing client comfort rather than following a defined therapy structure.
Too often in therapy offices, clients feel invalidated in their experiences with the environment, society, and the greater external aspects that impact their mental health. I believe it is important to acknowledge these factors and allow the client to grieve these injustices. This practice is not counterproductive; rather, it allows a safe foundation for the client to feel and thus act.
Moving forward, this encourages a client to focus on positive coping skills. Goal orientation and other CBT strategies can then be added where applicable to the client's unique circumstance. The client's ideal takeaway is "my thoughts and feelings align with the reality of the situation."
Couple's & Family Therapy
IBCT
Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy, IBCT, is a behavioral therapy strategy that emphasizes accepting the limitations of each partner and working within those perimeters. Long-standing issues, such as repetitive trust or communication problems, are addressed in order to improve the couple's relationship.
IBCT therapists practice a "DEEP" understanding of relationship problems: differences in personality and beliefs, emotional sensitivities, external circumstances or stressors, and patterns of interaction between the partners. A theory of intervention is also fundamental: all relationship problems result from the combination of a triggering action and a sensible reaction. Therefore, relationship problems can be resolved by altering the triggering action, altering the vulnerable response, or a combination of the two (Christensen 2017).
IBCT originated in the 1990s out of the change-based alternative, traditional behavioral couple therapy (TBCT). IBCT, rather than focusing on changing each partner in order to suit the other, strategizes to help each partner accept the other.
Christensen, A., & Doss, B. D. (2017). Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy. Current opinion in psychology, 13, 111–114. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copsyc.2016.04.022
Hooley, J. M., Nock, M. K., & Butcher, J. N. (2019). Abnormal Psychology (18th ed, page 569). Pearson Education (US). https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9780135191033
Structural Family Therapy
Structural Family Therapy focuses on altering the family context in order to improve the behaviors (support) of individuals, and therefore relationships between members. The therapist often role-plays within the family in order to understand each dynamic, and then later manipulates these dynamics. This allows the therapist to pinpoint behavioral and emotional triggers in each member, as well as challenge unbalanced power.
Hooley, J. M., Nock, M. K., & Butcher, J. N. (2019). Abnormal Psychology (18th ed., 569). Pearson Education (US). https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9780135191033