The main focus of my counseling sessions is spiritual, infused with aspects of traditional talk therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Positive Psychology and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). These traditional talk therapies are described in more detail below:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a traditional talk therapy counseling technique that helps clients understand the thoughts and feelings that influence behaviors. CBT is commonly used to treat a wide range of disorders, including phobias, addiction, depression and anxiety. CBT is generally short-term and focused on helping clients deal with a very specific problem. During the course of treatment people learn how to identify and change destructive or disturbing thought patterns that have negative influences on behavior. One of the greatest benefits of CBT is that it helps clients develop coping skills that can be useful both now and in the future.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a modified form of cognitive therapy that incorporates mindfulness practices that include present moment awareness, meditation, and breathing exercises. Using these tools, people learn to be in the here and now as well as how to break away from negative thought patterns that can cause a decline into a depressed or other mood-disordered state. This therapy can help a person fight off a difficult frame of mind before it takes hold. MBCT was derived from the work of Jon Kabat-Zinn, a professor of medicine and creator of the mindfulness-based stress reduction technique, which is often used in meditation and yoga practices to reduce tension and control pain.
Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is an evidenced-based, straightforward, result-driven approach to counseling that helps clients become “unstuck” by drawing on their already existing resources and personal strengths. SFBT is a short-term method of treatment that typically lasts between five and eight sessions and is ideal for those who want to be more self-reliant and confident in their ability to help themselves. SFBT guides each client to focus on their ability to find healthy and positive solutions to any of their problems. It is effective treatment for anxiety, depression, grief and loss as well as relationship issues. SFBT guides each client to be resourceful and to trust that they can figure anything out while transforming their relationship with their problems, focusing on the end result (solutions) and not what created the issue.
Positive Psychology helps to increase a person’s experience of positive emotions by helping with identifying and developing their strengths and unique talents. A major focus is enhancing a person’s goal-setting and goal striving abilities which builds a sense of hope. Other results of this treatment approach include: cultivating a sense of happiness and well-being; nurturing a sense of appreciation and gratitude; building and maintaining healthy, positive relationships with self and others; and shifting perspective in order to learn to savor every positive experience.
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