Approaches
Now trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy. A truly transformative eye-movement therapy that can achieve quick results even for the most complex struggles. Wouldn't it be nice to heal from trauma without talking about every detail? - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7seb14yXbE
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a unique, non-talk therapy that is designed to reprogram the way our brain stores distressing memories and images. The therapist guides the client through a detailed script that combines bi-lateral eye movements with voluntary image replacement. ART combines a number of well-established therapies such as: Gestalt Therapy, Psychodynamic therapy and guided imagery. This powerful approach can address symptoms of anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, phobias, trauma, depression and many other mental health concerns, with results in as little as one session. Now recognized as a first line of treatment for first responders and veterans, ART can significantly improve your quality of life.
**Please Note** Appointment for Intake and Consent still required before receiving eye movement therapy.
For more information, check out: https://acceleratedresolutiontherapy.com/what-is-art/
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
Founded by Aaron T. Beck, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is an evidenced-based, present-focused, structured and time-sensitive therapy that is geared towards increasing awareness of thoughts, feelings and behaviours and the connection between them. Individuals are guided through a variety of strategies during and outside of sessions aimed at challenging and modifying problematic thoughts and behaviours. CBT has been heavily researched and has been found to improve a number of concerns including but not limited to: anxiety, depression, low-self esteem and self-worth, addictions, eating disorders and anger. Much like any approach, CBT is not a one size fits all, however it has been successfully integrated with several other approaches including compassion-focused techniques, mindfulness-based therapies, Acceptance Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.
Situation -> Thoughts -> Feelings -> Behaviours
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
Mindfulness practices originate back to 1500 BCE and were often practiced in Hindu and Buddhist cultures. Mindfulness is not, however, founded on any religious principles and is easily integrated into most psychotherapeutic approaches. The most recent concept of mindfulness was developed in the 1970s by John Kabat-Zinn, researcher and clinician, when he developed the mindfulness-based stress reduction program. According to Kabat-Zinn the definition of mindfulness is paying attention on purpose, to the present moment, non-judgmentally. It often involves integrating our five senses which can promote a more grounded and relaxed state.
Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy effectively combines mindfulness practices with cognitive and behavioural techniques. It helps individuals understand how to separate themselves from their thoughts and feelings. It is an evidenced-based approach that has been found to improve many struggles including: anxiety, depression, rumination, chronic pain and disordered eating.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Founded by Steven Hayes, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a psychological and behavioural therapy that integrates cognitive strategies, mindfulness and values work. It was inspired by relational frame theory and comes from a school of behaviourism known as functional contextualism (Harris, 2019). The goal of act overall is to help people live more fulfilling lives while teaching individuals how to manage the pain and suffering that comes along with life. The focus of ACT is to encourage flexibility within our mind and thoughts through six core processes: acceptance, cognitive fusion, being present, self as context, values and committed action. Over the past several decades, research has been conducted on the effectiveness of ACT and it has been found to improve struggles such as: anxiety, depression, stress, anger, chronic pain and addictive thoughts and behaviours. If you like creative metaphors, experiential strategies, and humour, this might just be for you.
Harris, R (2019). ACT Made Simple (2nd Ed). New Harbinger Publications Inc.
Compassion-Focused Therapy
Compassion focused therapy was originally founded by Paul Gilbert and is a relatively new form of therapy that incorporates Buddhist principles. It was developed in response to the realization that many individuals who experience shame, low self-worth, and are highly self-critical, struggle to develop and utilize kind and compassionate narratives (Leaviss & Uttley, 2015). Many individuals who have experienced trauma and psychological disorders have difficulty turning off the threat system in their brain, and as a result, are often unable to soothe themselves when encountering a real or perceived threat (Leaviss & Uttley, 2015). Self-compassion is one way to help encourage self-soothing, and calm this threat response. After many years of research, it has been found that increasing an individuals capacity for self-compassion and kindness improves not only mental health, but promotes better outcomes in many psychotherapy approaches.
More recently, expert Dr. Kristen Neff has conducted extensive research on this topic and has developed a framework around self-compassion and the different constructs that encourage it. These include: Self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness. Self-compassion is not positivity, and it is not self-pity. If you're tired of hearing people say "Just stay positive", or "it could be worse", self-compassion may be a more appealing approach for you.
Leaviss, J, & Uttley, L. (2015). Psychotherapeutic Benefits of Compassion-Focused Therapy: An early systematic view. Psychological Medicine. 45(5), 927-945. doi: 10.1017/S0033291714002141
Polyvagal Theory
The Polyvagal Theory is a newer theory proposed by Stephen Porges, that aims to describe the ways our nervous system responds to our environment and experiences, and how we can regulate these responses (Dana, 2020). The Polyvagal Theory also provides an accurate map of the nervous system and helps explain the process of how the stories we tell ourselves impact our nervous system (Deb Dana, 2020). The interpretation of these stories is picked up by our nervous system which then travels along pathways to the brain, which influence our belief system (Dana, 2020).
What many do not know, is that we can positively influence the state of our nervous system and the time it takes to recover from unregulated states. Polyvagal theory is a great way to involve the physical body in the therapeutic process to help manage difficult physiological reactions related to trauma and mental health.
