TREATMENT MODALITIES DEFINITIONS

Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

Psychodynamic psychotherapy changes your relationship with yourself through a process of self-examination. The focus is on internal conflicts that you may or may not be aware of or know how to resolve. The goal is to resolve these conflicts through gaining a greater awareness of yourself. Through this process, you will resolve obstacles that interfere with your goals and feel less fearful. Further, you will gain clarity and a deeper understanding of what you feel and want. Awareness will allow you to develop a more empathetic approach to thinking about yourself and, in turn, you will feel more connected to yourself and others and your ability to deal with problems will be more effective.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a problem focused and action oriented therapy that focuses on the relationship between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. The goal is to identify patterns of thinking (i.e., self-judgment, catastrophic thinking, and all or nothing thinking) that lead you to feel unhappy and lead to less effective coping skills (i.e., withdrawal and avoidance) that may interfere with your life. By addressing these patterns, we can work together to develop more constructive ways of thinking that will lead to healthier and more flexible approaches to solving problems. You will feel less overwhelmed and more in control of your life. Further, you will develop specific tools that you can effectively use when life is stressful.  

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical-behavioral therapy (DBT) combines cognitive-behavioral techniques and mindful awareness derived from Buddhist traditions. The core dialectic in DBT is the acceptance of oneself while acknowledging the need for change. This form of therapy focuses on developing skills to cope with stress, reducing mood swings and distress, and improving relationships with others. Through mindfulness and skills training, you will develop a stable sense of self, learn to regulate your emotions, and effectively interact with others. 

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) 

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) is an evidence based, time-limited treatment for depression and views symptoms of depression to be the result of ineffective interpersonal relationships. The goal of treatment is to decrease symptoms by increasing one’s interpersonal effectiveness thereby developing stronger and more fulfilling relationships in one’s life. Treatment emphasizes current, rather than past relationships, and focuses on various themes such as interpersonal conflicts, role transitions, grief and loss, and social skills.

Person Centered Therapy

Person-centered therapy, also known as client-centered therapy, places the individual at the center of the therapeutic process, emphasizing the importance of empathy, understanding, and unconditional positive regard.The emphasis of person-centered therapy is the belief in self-actualization and personal growth and that people have an inherent drive toward becoming the best version of themselves. One of the key principles of Person-Centered Therapy is empathy. Through empathic listening and reflection, the therapist communicates genuine understanding, so the clients feel heard and accepted. By providing a non-judgmental space, the therapist encourages clients to explore their emotions without fear of criticism.  Its adaptability makes it relevant for addressing lots of topics, from personal growth and self-exploration to relationship problems and across mental health concerns. This approach has left a big impact on the field of psychotherapy, showing the transformative power of a nurturing and empathic therapeutic relationship.

Relational-Cultural Therapy

Relational-Cultural Therapy (RCT) is an approach to psychotherapy that emphasizes the significance of relationships in psychological well-being. This therapy suggests that having good connections with others and helping each other out are important for a person to thrive. Instead of thinking that it’s good to be distant, this theory says that feeling lonely, isolated, and disconnected causes distress. It suggests that real, give-and-take connections help in healing. RCT encourages clients to explore the impact of societal expectations, discrimination, and power imbalances on their mental health and recognizes that personal struggles are interconnected with broader sociocultural factors. By emphasizing mutual empathy, and cultural context, and addressing relational disconnections, RCT provides a framework for healing that aligns with the complexities of human experience. It not only fosters personal growth but also envisions a broader societal transformation towards equality and interconnectedness.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a practice that involves intentionally paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It has been increasingly recognized for its positive impact on mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Mindfulness is about being fully engaged in the here and now, emphasizing heightened awareness of thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the surrounding environment. A key component of mindfulness is the practice of non-judgmental acceptance – acknowledging thoughts and emotions without labeling them as positive or negative. Through consistent practice of meditation and mindfulness, people can develop the ability to bring their attention back to the present when their mind wanders, which can really reduce stress. Mindfulness can even be a very valuable tool for improving sleep quality. Mindful breathing and relaxation techniques can help create a conducive environment for restful sleep, reducing insomnia and promoting overall sleep health. The adaptability and simplicity of mindfulness make it accessible to a diverse range of individuals. Even if meditation isn’t for you, research has shown that mindfulness can have a profound impact on various aspects of well-being. It has been linked to stress reduction, improved emotional regulation, and increased resilience in the face of challenges. This technique has also been incorporated into therapeutic interventions for anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. It encourages people to bring mindful awareness to everyday activities, turning routine tasks into opportunities for appreciation. Whether through mindful eating, walking, or simply pausing to breathe, integrating mindfulness into daily life fosters a greater sense of calm, focus, and connection with the present moment. This simple yet powerful practice allows people to be fully engaged in their lives, promoting a sense of peace, resilience, and a deeper understanding of the complexities of the human experience.

Clinical Supervision

This 45-minute session is geared towards licensed mental health professionals (LCSW, Psy.D., Ph.D.) on an as needed basis or as an ongoing weekly engagement to introduce and/or to enhance their psychodynamic/psychoanalytic knowledge and clinical skills as well as helping the therapists get through instances of acting out, set-backs, impasses in their clinical work with the goal of facilitating their increased effectiveness as a therapist towards positive treatment outcomes.