FAQs – Frequently Asked Therapy Questions
Therapy Styles & Approaches
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a modern form of psychotherapy that focuses on the present and future, and helps to identify goals and develop practical strategies for change. It is brief, structured, and uses a collaborative, solution-focused approach. SFBT can be used to address a wide range of issues, including relationship difficulties, stress, anxiety, depression, and addiction, and is suitable for individuals, families, and work-related problems. The therapist facilitates change while the client is the expert on their own life.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is a holistic approach to healing that helps individuals understand and address the emotional and psychological issues that are causing problems in their lives. This approach recognizes the innate capacity for self-healing and growth and is based on compassion and self-awareness. IFS can lead to deeper and more lasting change compared to traditional talk therapy.
Narrative therapy views people as experts in their own lives and helps to retell experiences to gain new insights and understandings. This non-pathologizing approach emphasizes strength and resilience, and seeks to empower individuals in their healing process. By exploring cultural and social influences on personal experiences, narrative therapy can lead to profound change and a greater sense of agency and empowerment.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that helps individuals change negative patterns of thought and behavior that contribute to emotional distress. It involves weekly therapy sessions, homework assignments, and a focus on identifying and challenging negative thoughts. CBT has been proven effective for a range of mental health issues and can lead to significant improvements in symptoms.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps individuals develop psychological flexibility and live a fulfilling life by accepting their thoughts and feelings and committing to actions aligned with their values. During therapy sessions, your therapist will work with you to identify your values and develop strategies for acceptance and commitment. ACT has been shown to be effective for a range of mental health issues.
A trauma-informed lens in mental health therapy involves recognizing the impact of trauma on clients and creating a safe, supportive therapeutic environment. Therapists must understand the client’s experiences, be aware of triggers, and develop a treatment plan that takes into account the client’s history of trauma. Adopting a trauma-informed approach leads to more effective therapy outcomes and helps clients to overcome the lasting effects of trauma.
Special Topics
Common themes in therapy include self-exploration, relationship-building and communication skills, and stress and coping. By working with a mental health professional, individuals can gain insight into their thoughts and behaviors, develop new coping strategies, and improve their well-being. Whether struggling with a specific issue or looking to enhance overall emotional and psychological well-being, therapy can help.
Therapy can help parents who are feeling overwhelmed or disconnected by providing a safe and supportive environment, new coping strategies, and tools to improve relationships. Through therapy, parents can gain clarity about their experiences, identify patterns in thoughts and behaviors, and learn effective communication skills. By reclaiming their sense of self and finding greater peace, happiness, and fulfillment in parenthood, therapy can be a valuable tool for parents.
Recovering from trauma can be challenging, but therapy offers a supportive environment for processing experiences, learning coping strategies, and addressing the impact on relationships and daily life. A mental health professional provides guidance on the path to healing.
Big ‘T’ Trauma refers to a traumatic event that has a significant impact on a person’s life. It can cause symptoms such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, and substance abuse. Therapy provides a safe environment to process the traumatic experience and develop new coping strategies to improve physical and emotional well-being. A mental health professional can guide individuals on their journey towards healing.
Little ‘t’ Trauma” refers to a series of smaller traumatic events that accumulate over time and can have a lasting impact on one’s mental and physical health. Symptoms may include anxiety, depression, PTSD, and substance abuse. Therapy provides a safe environment to process traumatic experiences and develop coping strategies to improve well-being. A therapist can help guide you towards healing.
Therapy Tools & Interventions
Mindfulness involves being fully present and engaged in the current experience. Benefits include reduced stress and anxiety, improved focus and concentration, increased emotional regulation, and enhanced well-being. Mindfulness is a valuable tool for promoting mental and emotional health.