Commonly Used Therapies

After understanding why a client is seeking therapy, a scientifically-based treatment is determined. Sometimes a single therapy is used, but often a combination of therapeutic approaches and methodologies is most effective. Some of the common approaches are explained below.

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a highly effective treatment that has long been used for a variety of conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, marital problems, eating disorders and severe mental illness. In many situations, research has shown it to be as effective or even more effective than psychiatric medications. CBT centers around several core areas, including:

 

1. Thought Patterns – Psychological problems are often based on faulty or unhelpful ways of thinking. Learning to recognize one’s own distortions in thinking that are creating the problems, and then reevaluating them based on reality, can lead to tremendous change and growth.

2. Behaviors – Issues also can stem from learned patterns of unhelpful behavior. For some clients, this involves facing one’s fears rather than avoiding them. For others, it’s developing self-confidence that leads to new behaviors.

3. Coping Skills – Those suffering from psychological problems can learn better ways of coping with them, thereby relieving their symptoms and becoming more effective in their lives. Often the first step is learning to calm the mind and relax the body.

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During CBT, the therapist and client work collaboratively to fully identify the problem and determine a treatment strategy. Through practice, most clients eventually learn to serve as their own therapists.

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Internal Family Systems

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a compassionate, evidence-based therapy that helps individuals understand the different parts of themselves that influence thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Rather than viewing these parts as problems to fix, IFS recognizes that each one serves a purpose—often working to protect us from pain, past experiences or overwhelming feelings. This approach can be especially helpful for those navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions and patterns of inner conflict.

 

IFS is grounded in the belief that everyone has a core self that can help guide healing. Through therapy, clients learn to notice and understand protective parts, wounded parts and the ways they interact. As awareness grows, inner conflicts begin to soften and space is created for greater clarity, calm and connection.

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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing 

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a commonly used, evidenced-based therapy that taps into the brain’s natural ability to heal itself by helping clients reprocess traumatic memories and experiences. In fact, scientific research has shown that EMDR is effective for the treatment of post-traumatic stress, phobias, panic attacks, anxiety disorders, stress, sexual and physical abuse, disturbing memories, complicated grief and addictions.

Possible Benefits of EMDR

• When traumatic events are remembered, the associated images, sounds and feelings are no longer relived.

• Most clients experience a decline with specific painful emotions, and others no longer feel them at all. 

• For most people, EMDR requires less time than traditional talk therapy.

• The client has the ability to pause, slow down or stop the treatment at any time.

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To discuss which treatment is right for you, schedule an appointment with Mountain Laurel Therapy today.