Individual therapy is what people traditionally think of when considering psychological treatment. We utilize a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach to treatment and integrate other empirically supported treatment approaches where appropriate. The CBT framework has been scientifically proven to effectively treat various disorders and psychological distress, with positive effects that continue to increase even after treatment ends. This treatment method is short-term, practical, and goal-oriented.
During treatment, we work to analyze and alter problematic thought patterns; fundamental beliefs about yourself, others, and your environment; and unhelpful behaviors that are causing distress. Also, we will work on developing coping strategies, improving emotional regulation, and cultivating problem-solving skills. Furthermore, we will examine what interpersonal styles may prevent you from achieving your goals. For certain anxieties, we will incrementally help you face your fears (i.e., exposure therapy) and learn coping skills to conquer each step.
The ultimate goal is to make you your own therapist so you can handle psychological, interpersonal, and situational distress on your own long after treatment concludes.
Many people in relationships experience some level of conflict; feel discontent or no longer desired; and are in repetitive patterns of upsetting, antagonizing, or disappointing one another. In couples therapy, we will work on improving communication, building understanding on how our actions communicate upsetting messages to our partners, and stopping disruptive behavioral patterns. We will promote compromise and conflict resolution to help both partners meet their needs and increase enjoyable moments together. Utilizing a CBT approach, we will also examine how both partners’ processing of situations and previous life and relationship experience leads to potential misunderstandings, labeling, unwanted reactions, or unforeseen consequences.
Over time, families can get into disruptive patterns that cause individual members to become distressed, upset with one another, and unable to work toward positive change and conflict resolution. This can even include regular arguments in which multiple family members are involved. Furthermore, the demands of life — such as school, work, social commitments, and other time-consuming activities — can further tax the family system.
In family therapy, we will work to bring the family system to a more cohesive and positive place. We will improve communication, alter problematic behavior patterns, learn to compromise, and help every family member get their needs met. If children and teens are involved, we will include reward systems to help positively modify their behavior.