Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
CBT examines the relationship between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours and how this affects our lives and mental wellbeing. It has been found to be effective in treating those with depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and trauma. It is often used in combination with other therapies to treat concerns such as OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) and phobias.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
DBT is a structured and provides skills for managing strong emotions and navigating social relationships. It provides core skills in the areas of emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. This therapy is often utilized to treat chronic suicidal ideation, self-harm, emotional dysregulation concerns, depression, and personality disorders such as borderline personality disorder (BPD). It has been found to be helpful to both adult and teen populations. It is most often provided in combination with group therapy which provides the educational components of the therapy.
Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT)
EFT focuses on client’s reactions and emotional experiences and is based on attachment theory. It employs emotional exploration and helps clients recognize the relationship between negative patterns of interaction and attachment related fears of loss or abandonment. It can be helpful in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, navigating life transitions, and in couples and family counselling.
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
EMDR is most often used to treat PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), Complex PTSD, and distressing experiences. EMDR utilizes bilateral stimulation while having the client focus on traumatic memories, which in turn reduces the emotional intensity and vividness of the memories. It has been widely recognized internationally and research has suggested that EMDR is effective in treating symptoms of PTSD and trauma.
For more information on this therapy, head over to the EMDRIA website at www.emdria.org
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
This method is widely used in the treatment of OCD, phobias, trichotillomania (hair pulling), and excoriation disorder/ dermatillomania (skin picking). Elements of ERP may also be used in trauma treatment. This method works by exposing the client to the feared object, thought, scenario, or place and preventing the response that is used to reduce the fear (eg. avoiding dogs if you are afraid of them) that also inadvertently continues the cycle.