Descriptions of Treatment Orientations

Brief descriptions of the treatment orientations I use most often:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT represents a range of approaches used to alter distorted thoughts that drive negative feelings and behaviors. By identifying and replacing inaccurate perceptions, clients can positively influence their feelings and behaviors. CBT also helps clients learn skills to effectively manage a range of problems, including painful emotional states such as depression and anxiety.

Gestalt Therapy: Gestalt Therapy is a practical, present-focused approach to treatment that concentrates more on process (what is happening) than content (what is being discussed).  The emphasis is on what is being done, thought and felt at the moment rather than on what was, might be, could be, or should be. 

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT, invites people to open up to unpleasant feelings, and learn not to overreact to them, and not to avoid situations where they are invoked. Its therapeutic effect is a positive spiral where feeling better leads to a better understanding of the truth.

Functional Family Therapy (FFT): This form of family therapy is evidence-based and works to assess the relational nuances of a family before implementing concrete, sustainable behavioral interventions. The premise is that if one intimately understands how family members relate (i.e. who holds power, how decisions are made, who influences what, triangles, etc.) then the family therapy interventions can be specifically tailored to suit a particular family’s needs.