The right therapy techniques make all the difference
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is an effective, evidence-based treatment for a variety of mental health challenges including: anxiety, depression, panic, OCD, and sleep issues. CBT can also address challenges related to addiction, relationship issues, eating disorders, trauma symptoms and more. CBT teaches individuals how to recognize and re-frame maladaptive thought patterns (distortions) and problematic behaviors in order to improve how they feel. CBT also focuses on development of coping skills like: self-monitoring, cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation and relaxation methods including deep-diaphragmatic breathing techniques.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT is a treatment approach that promotes being present in experiencing the full range of emotions and experiences, rather than resisting or repressing things, which can intensify and postpone one’s suffering and distress. It is believed that, through learning to allow the full range of authentic experiences, that one can choose to actively accept the reality of what things are, (as undesired as it may be). This deep acceptance of “what is“ can promote shifts in attitudes and behaviors, and elicit purposeful changes that ultimately allow an individual to create a more fulfilling life, in-line with their personal values.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a number of practices that teach people to enhance attention and awareness in the present by methods including: meditation, breathing exercises, body scanning, journaling, and attending to the five senses. Mindfulness promotes experiencing thoughts, feelings and physical sensations non-judgmentally, and just as they are. Mindfulness also promotes learning how to slow down and be in the moment which can foster a genuine sense of acceptance, ease and harmony in life. For some other benefits can include: stress reduction, improvements in sleep, pain management, enhanced resilience, improved mood, and advancements in an overall sense of well-being.
Strength-Focused Therapy (SFT)
SFT is an empowering approach focused on developing and strengthening a person’s abilities and adaptive qualities, rather than overly focusing on weaknesses to define them. SFT emphasizes the belief that everyone has the potential for growth and resilience, even in the face of great adversity.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
IFS is a framework that conceptualizes the self as consisting of a system of internal parts, each with distinct drives, feelings, and needs, as well as a “core self” that can guide in the healing process. This orientation can be used to address trauma healing, repair internal conflicts, reduce contention with a harsh inner-critic, improve relationships through enhanced communication and understanding, strengthen self-compassion, offer re-parenting opportunities, better understand motives and behaviors, support aspects of Jungian shadow-work, and aid in a general self-improvement process.
Contact Dr. Abel to learn more about these or other treatment approaches