Therapy Offerings – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Biofeedback

Our therapists offer psychotherapy in these three formats:

• Individual Psychotherapy
• Couples Counseling
• Men’s Groups

While all therapy and treatment plans are specially-tailored to meet each client’s unique needs and goals, the following are brief descriptions regarding common treatment approaches in therapy.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a scientifically supported psychotherapy treatment which involves learning to identify and modify the problematic thoughts and behaviors which contribute to anxiety, stress, depression, relationship issues, and a host of other everyday concerns. CBT is a structured therapeutic approach which is present-centered, goal-focused, and which involves learning new techniques to change thoughts. Clients engage in between-session “homework” in order to practice these techniques and to pursue the goals determined with their therapist. Rather than focusing on issues from childhood or family of origin, treatment focuses on clients’ present functioning in order to give them the tools they need to manage current areas of concern while leveraging their personal strengths more effectively. Click here to learn more about the research base supporting how CBT has helped millions of people to live fuller, more adaptive lives.

Exposure Therapy

Exposure therapy is a behaviorally-oriented, well-researched treatment which research has shown to be among the most effective for reducing – and even eliminating – anxiety disorders including phobias, PTSD, and OCD. Treatments are tailored to meet the specific needs of each patient, and involves engaging in sustained, stepwise exposure to stimuli and situations which patients either avoid or cause them significant distress. By working collaboratively with a supportive therapist who is experienced in exposure therapy, our patients generally find that they are able to control their anxiety rather than having anxiety control them. See the National Center for PTSD to learn more about exposure therapy’s proven success for individuals who experience anxiety.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Acceptance and commitment therapy is a mindfulness-based therapy approach which involves cultivating acceptance – and reducing avoidance – of negative thoughts and feelings. ACT employs mindfulness/meditation exercises, guided experiential exercises, clarification of clients’ values, and identification of new, valued behaviors which result in clients experiencing fuller, more meaningful lives. See the National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices (NREPP) to get more information about this empirically-supported treatment.

Biofeedback

Biofeedback therapy is where the body and the mind meet. Biofeedback therapy teaches clients how to positively impact some of your body’s physiological markers, such as your heart rate, that are strongly connected to mental and physical health and wellbeing. Non-invasive electrical sensors provide feedback information about your body’s state of stress or relaxation, and your therapist will guide you through techniques that can bring your body into a measurably more relaxed state. With practice, the client may use these techniques to manage stress outside a therapy setting without the gadgets.