Psychotherapy, also called “talk therapy” or just “therapy,” is a form of treatment to help you feel better about what’s happening in your life. Therapy can take many forms, or specific modalities, like we have listed here. Sometimes therapy is more electic, or a blend of different styles and techniques unique to each person’s goals, expectations, and motivations. Therapy can be effective when we work together to create and identify improvement and positive change over time.

CBT is probably the most well known form of short-term therapy. It’s based on the idea that the way we think and feel affects the ways we behave. The goal of CBT is to help you identify, challenge, and then change unhealthy thought patterns so that you respond more positively to the challenges of life. This is a common treatment for depression and anxiety concerns.

In narrative therapy, people are separate from their problems and destructive behaviors. We are not defined by our struggles or our mistakes, or our successes and accomplishments. We are more than our past. The events that occur in our lives (good and not so good) are viewed as stories, and some stories are more meaningful than others. We use narrative therapy to “rewrite” these stories for a future that reflects who we really are and what we want to accomplish in our lives.

Humanistic therapy focuses on unconditional positive regard, empathy, and genuineness. This type of therapy is holistic, with a focus on positive characteristics and the potential for growth. We look at positive traits and behaviors to enhance wisdom, growth, healing, balance, happiness, and fulfillment. This is a useful approach for people who want a greater sense of personal meaning in their life.

Sometimes what we need to work through is too uncomfortable or too hard to talk about. Sometimes we just don’t have the words. Sand Tray Therapy uses sand and a variety of miniatures and toys to create stories that represent our inner world. These stories help us become aware of past and current challenges in life. This is a safe, protected space that helps move toward healing, resolve conflicts, remove obstacles, and gain better acceptance of self. And, no, it’s not just for children!

There isn’t a single best approach to treatment. Many types of therapy have been shown to be effective at treating mental health concerns. This is not a one-size-fits-all industry. That’s why we are more “eclectic” or “blended” in our approach. We see you as an individual and tailor our treatment to your unique needs based on our training, experience, and expertise.