TYPES OF THERAPY
Brainspotting
Brainspotting is a newly developed therapeutic technique that incorporates the use of intellectual, emotional and physical elements. The premise is that, when painful emotions are internalized, even subconsciously, they often develop into maladaptive beliefs, behaviors and psychic, as well as, physical symptoms. The goal of Brainspotting is to go beyond that which is in conscious memory to unlock, process and release the remnants of negative life experiences. This is achieved by locating and activating the places in one's body where specific memories are stored. Locations for Brainspotting are identified by slow eye tracking either with one eye or two. They are found by using feedback from the client's felt sense "the inside window" and/or the therapist's observation of the client's reflexive responses such as blinks, eye twitches, quick inhalation, etc. "the outside window". By locating "brainspots", in conjunction with bilateral brain stimulation, we can access the neurophysiology related to symptoms, allowing for deep and rapid healing results.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing):
EMDR is an eight-phased structured approach to processing information using bilateral brain stimulation (alternating audio, visual or tactile stimuli). This increased stimulation of the brain combined with attention to specific target material helps release unexpressed emotions and feelings.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a relatively short-term, evidence- based form of psychotherapy. It is rooted in the premise that situations in our lives do not directly produce out feelings and actions. Rather, it is the way we think about and interpret things that affects how we feel, as well as how we act. CBT's primary focus is to correct cognitive distortions (incorrect beliefs) that cause psychic distress, as well as, practice new behaviors that further support rational thought patterns, thus improving daily functioning. Clients actively learn skills that enable them to examine their own thoughts, producing sustainable improvements in emotions and behavior.
Play Therapy
Play therapy is a technique used with children. Based on their stage of development, children are unable to fully verbalize their feelings and thoughts. Play therapy gives them an age-appropriate way to express, as well as, process their emotions while taking advantage of the therapeutic benefits of play. Play therapy builds on the natural way that children learn about themselves and their relationships in the world around them (Axline, 1947; Carmichael, 2006; Landreth, 2002). Because play provides a safe psychological distance from their problems, children are able to utilize the guidance of the therapist to address and resolve their own difficulties in a developmentally appropriate way.
