Types of Therapy

Below are descriptions of different types of therapy. Each therapist may use a unique approach tailored to their expertise and your needs. To learn more about our counselors and their specific approaches, find their bios here!

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy 

ACT is a form of therapy that encourages individuals to accept difficult emotions and thoughts rather than trying to eliminate them. ACT emphasizes mindfulness and psychological flexibility, helping people to stay present and align their actions with their core values. Instead of fighting uncomfortable feelings, clients learn to observe them without judgment and commit to meaningful behavior despite challenges. It is commonly used to treat anxiety, depression, and stress-related issues. ACT promotes acceptance, resilience, and purposeful living.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

CBT is a structured, goal-oriented form of therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. It helps individuals recognize how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. By challenging unhelpful beliefs and adopting healthier coping strategies, clients can better manage emotional distress and improve their overall well-being. CBT is commonly used to treat anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. It is an evidence-based approach aimed at empowering individuals to make lasting changes.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

DBT is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on helping individuals manage intense emotions and improve interpersonal relationships. It combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices to enhance emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and acceptance. DBT is structured around four core skills: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT emphasizes balancing acceptance with change and supports clients in creating a more fulfilling and stable life.

Exposure and Response Prevention

ERP is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy specifically designed to treat Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). It involves exposing individuals to the thoughts, images, or situations that trigger their obsessions and then preventing the typical compulsive responses. The goal is to reduce the power of the obsessions over time and help individuals learn that their fears are manageable without engaging in compulsive behaviors. ERP aims to break the cycle of anxiety and avoidance by gradually increasing tolerance to distress. It is a well-researched and effective treatment for reducing OCD symptoms and improving quality of life.

Existential Therapy

Existential therapy focuses on exploring the human condition, particularly themes like freedom, choice, responsibility, and the search for meaning. It helps individuals confront feelings of anxiety, isolation, and uncertainty that arise from the inherent challenges of existence. By encouraging clients to examine their beliefs, values, and personal experiences, existential therapy empowers them to create a more authentic and purposeful life. The therapist acts as a guide, helping clients embrace their freedom and responsibility in shaping their own paths.

Gottman Couples Counseling

The Gottman approach to couples counseling is based on the research of Drs. John and Julie Gottman and focuses on improving relationship dynamics through evidence-based strategies. The approach emphasizes enhancing communication, fostering emotional connection, and addressing conflicts constructively. It uses specific tools to strengthen friendship, manage conflict, and create shared meaning in relationships. Key components include building a sound relationship foundation, managing conflict, and creating a shared sense of purpose. Gottman therapy aims to increase relationship satisfaction and stability by addressing both the emotional and practical aspects of partnership.

Narrative Therapy

Narrative therapy is a collaborative, non-pathologizing form of therapy that helps individuals reframe their personal stories. It views people as separate from their problems, allowing them to explore how their experiences shape their identities and perspectives. By focusing on the stories people tell about themselves, narrative therapy encourages clients to rewrite these narratives in a way that aligns with their values and strengths. This approach empowers individuals to see new possibilities and create positive change in their lives. It’s often used to address issues like trauma, depression, and relationship challenges.

Person-centered therapy

Person-centered therapy emphasizes the importance of a supportive and nonjudgmental therapeutic environment. The therapist provides empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness, allowing clients to explore their feelings and experiences freely. This approach empowers individuals to trust their inner resources and work toward personal growth. The goal is to foster self-awareness and self-acceptance, helping clients realize their full potential.

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy 

REBT is a cognitive-behavioral approach that focuses on changing irrational beliefs to improve emotional well-being. It teaches individuals to identify and challenge these self-defeating beliefs, replacing them with more rational, constructive thoughts. By addressing these core beliefs, REBT helps people reduce negative emotions and maladaptive behaviors. The therapy emphasizes personal responsibility and encourages clients to adopt more flexible and realistic thinking patterns. REBT aims to promote emotional resilience and effective problem-solving.

Motivational Interviewing 

MI is a client-centered counseling approach designed to enhance motivation and commitment to change. It involves engaging in a collaborative dialogue where the therapist helps clients explore and resolve ambivalence about behavioral change. MI uses open-ended questions, reflective listening, and affirmations to support clients in articulating their own reasons for change. The goal is to strengthen clients' intrinsic motivation and self-efficacy to make positive changes in their lives. It is commonly used in addressing addiction, health behavior change, and other areas where clients may struggle with motivation.