Therapies
Integrative Therapy
Integrative therapy acknowledges the complexity of human experience and behaviour and avoids a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. Integrative therapy focuses on both deepening the understanding of mental health concerns as well as identifying strategies for alleviating and reducing mental health symptoms. Some of the therapies included in my integrative approach to therapy are listed below.
PSYCHODYNAMIC THERAPY
Focus on early childhood negative experiences, unconscious conflicts, relational patterns and attachment issues. Aims for deeper insight and corrective emotional experiences.
COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY (CBT)
Focus on negative thought patterns and cognitive distortions, and their links to emotions and behaviours. Aims for cognitive restructuring and skill-building for behavioural change.
MINDFULNESS THERAPY
Mindfulness is an umbrella term for a multi-pronged approach to dealing with mental health issues using experiential strategies aimed at improving the experience in the present moment
ACCEPTANCE AND COMMITMENT THERAPY (ACT)
A mindfulness-based behavioral therapy focusing on increasing psychological flexibility, accepting difficult emotions, and taking actions aligned with one’s values.
INTERNAL FAMILY SYSTEMS (IFS)
A novel approach by Dr. Richard Schwartz focusing on the relationship between the core Self and related parts of the self aimed at improving integration with the internal self.
DIALECTICAL BEHAVIOR THERAPY (DBT)
Evidence-based approach pioneered by Dr. Marsha Linehan focusing on emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness and mindfulness skills.
EMOTION-FOCUSED THERAPY (EFT)
Focus on the role of emotions in personal change and relationship dynamics, aimed at understanding and working with emotions to improve emotional regulation, relationship connection, and overall well-being.
POLYVAGAL THERAPY
Focused on the autonomic nervous system regulation and aimed at understanding the body’s responses to stress and trauma and providing strategies to improve self-regulation and resilience.
EXISTENTIAL / HUMANISTIC THERAPIES
Emphasis on the individual’s unique experience and potential for growth, focusing on the “lived experience” and believing in the inherent worth and ability of individuals to make positive changes.