The Different Types of Therapy Offered at Restore Renew Revive
Psychotherapy (often referred to simply as therapy) can be a powerful vehicle for personal transformation. By speaking with a trained therapist in a safe and confidential environment, a person has the opportunity to explore their inner world and gain an understanding of their behaviours. This blog aims to share about the different types of therapy that are offered at Restore Renew Revive.
Research has now shown that individual psychotherapy can be highly effective at improving the symptoms of a wide range of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and it can also be beneficial for families, couples and groups.
There is much evidence that points to the therapeutic relationship being very important, if not the most important element in successful therapy. For this reason, I encourage you to read more about me to decide if you resonate with who I am as a person. I also offer free 15 minute new client phone consultation calls so we can discuss this at greater length whether we’d be a good fit to work together.
In addition to the therapeutic relationship, people are also often curious about the types of therapy that I am trained in. Because I have been practicing as a clinical social worker for 16 years, I have had the opportunity to learn many different modalities of therapy, some of which I love and continue to use and others that I have drifted away from over time. Here are some of the types of therapy offered at Restore Renew Revive so that you can become more familiar with the ways that I currently practice to give you some idea of what therapy sessions would feel like.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of psychotherapy that helps people develop greater psychological flexibility and resilience. The goal of ACT is to help individuals live more fully in the present moment, while also recognizing and accepting the challenges and difficulties of life.
ACT is based on the principle that psychological suffering is caused by attempts to control or avoid negative thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Rather than trying to eliminate these experiences, ACT helps individuals learn to accept them and develop greater emotional resilience.
In an ACT session, the therapist will help the individual identify the values that are most important to them, and work to align their actions and behaviors with those values. The therapist may use a variety of techniques, including mindfulness exercises, cognitive restructuring, and behavior activation.
One key component of ACT is the use of metaphors and experiential exercises to help individuals develop a new perspective on their thoughts and emotions. For example, a therapist may use the metaphor of a bus driver to help an individual learn to observe their thoughts and emotions without being controlled by them.
The ultimate goal of ACT is to help individuals develop greater psychological flexibility, so that they can live a more meaningful and fulfilling life. ACT has been shown to be effective for a variety of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, overwhelm and negative self-image.
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy
Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT) is a type of couples therapy created by a leading Canadian psychologist, Dr. Sue Johnson, about 30 years ago while she was at the University of British Columbia. It is an evidence based therapy, backed by extensive research that focuses on the emotional bonds between partners. The goal of EFT is to help couples improve their emotional connection and build a stronger, more resilient relationship.
EFT is based on the idea that the emotional bond between partners is the foundation of a healthy relationship. When this bond is strong, couples are better able to navigate challenges and build a strong sense of trust and intimacy.
In an EFT session, the therapist will work with the couple to identify the negative patterns of interaction that are causing emotional disconnection. The therapist will then help the couple develop new patterns of communication and behavior that promote emotional safety and closeness.
EFT is a structured therapy that typically involves 10-20 sessions. The therapist will work with the couple to identify their specific relationship goals and develop a treatment plan that addresses their unique needs.
One key component of EFT is the use of emotion-focused interventions. These interventions help couples identify and express their emotions in a safe and supportive environment. By learning to express their emotions more effectively, couples are better able to communicate their needs and build a stronger emotional bond.
EFT has been shown to be an effective treatment for a variety of relationship problems, including communication difficulties, infidelity, and intimacy issues.
Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy
Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) is a type of therapy that is based on the principles of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), which is typically used to help couples improve their relationships. However, EFIT is designed for individuals who are struggling with emotional distress, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, or other mental health issues.
The goal of EFIT is to help individuals develop a deeper understanding of their emotions and their underlying patterns of thoughts and behaviors. By exploring and processing their emotions, individuals can gain greater insight into the root causes of their emotional distress and develop more effective coping strategies.
In an EFIT session, the therapist will work with the individual to identify the negative patterns of thinking and behavior that are contributing to their emotional distress. The therapist will then help the individual develop new patterns of thinking and behavior that promote emotional regulation and well-being.
EFIT is typically a short-term therapy that involves 10-20 sessions, although the length of treatment may vary depending on the individual’s needs. The therapist may use a variety of techniques, including mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and experiential therapy, to help the individual explore and process their emotions.
EFIT has been shown to be an effective treatment for a variety of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship difficulties. By focusing on the individual’s emotional experience, EFIT can help individuals develop a greater sense of emotional regulation, self-awareness, and resilience.
Somatic Therapy Therapy
Somatic therapy is a form of therapy that recognizes the connection between the mind and the body. It’s based on the idea that experiences and emotions are not only felt in the mind but also in the body. Somatic therapy seeks to address emotional and psychological issues by working with the body, helping clients to tune into physical sensations and become more aware of their body’s reactions. This type of therapy may involve a range of techniques to help clients process and release emotional and physical tension held in the body. Somatic therapy can be useful for a range of conditions, including trauma, anxiety, depression.
In a somatic therapy session, the therapist will guide you in exploring the sensations in your body, helping you to notice any areas of tension or discomfort. The therapist may use a variety of techniques to help you become more aware of your body and the sensations you are experiencing. These could include breathing exercises, movement, and self-touch. Through these techniques, the therapist will guide you in becoming more attuned to your body and your feelings.
As you become more aware of your bodily sensations and emotions, the therapist will work with you to explore and process any difficult emotions or memories that arise. This can involve talking through the experience and using various techniques to help you release tension and negative emotions from your body.
The ultimate goal of somatic therapy is to help you become more connected with your body and your emotions, so that you can heal from past trauma or emotional pain. The process can be empowering and can help you develop greater self-awareness and self-compassion
Trauma Informed Therapy
I am a trauma-informed therapist and have received specialized training in understanding the impact of trauma on an individual’s mental and emotional well-being. A trauma informed therapist takes a holistic approach, recognizing that trauma can affect not just a person’s thoughts and feelings, but also their physical health and relationships with others. They work to create a safe and supportive environment for their clients and help them to build resilience and coping skills to manage the effects of trauma.
Holistic Integrative Mental Health
Holistic integrative mental health is an approach to mental health care that takes into account the whole person – mind, body, and spirit. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms and diagnoses, this approach looks at the root causes of mental health issues and seeks to address them through a combination of conventional and complementary therapies.
Adopting a holistic integrative mental health approach means that I will work collaboratively with you to create a personalized treatment plan that considers all aspects of their health and well-being. I have taken additional specialized training in helping individuals achieve optimal mental health and well-being by addressing not only the symptoms of your mental health issues but also the underlying causes. I also work collaboratively with other professionals such as acupuncturists, nutritionists, naturopaths for support that is outside of my scope of practice.
If you are looking for a trusted mental health provider, Restore Renew Revive Counselling & Couples Therapy is here to help. I offer a variety of evidence-based therapy services, including somatic therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, emotionally focused therapy, trauma-informed therapy, and holistic integrative mental health. I am an experienced therapist dedicated to providing personalized care that meets your unique needs. To schedule an appointment or learn more about my services, please visit our website at https://restorecounselling.ca or call us at 902-702-7722.
