Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of evidence based psychotherapy that assists one in understanding patterns of thought and action, unhealthy ways of thinking, and various symptoms. CBT has been shown to help with a range of disorders, from anxiety to drug addiction. During the application process of CBT, the therapist and client will take time to create problem-solving strategies, healthy coping mechanisms, and unlearning unhealthy ways of thinking and behaving, and replacing them with positive coping strategies.  This may include facing fears, learning to let go of unhealthy coping mechanisms, recognizing the pattern of unhelpful thoughts in the moment, and using strategies to relax mentally and physically. The therapist and client will collaborate to create exercises for the client to function well in their day-to-day life, and hopefully give the client the confidence to construct their own unhealthy thought pattern.

Reference:https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral

Truma based CBT functions as regular CBT would, but with an emphasis on one’s past trauma. During this process, one will focus on past experiences and behavior brought on by trauma allowing the client to take control of their life.  The goal of this therapy is to relieve distressing symptoms and assist the client in having a healthier outlook upon themselves. 

Reference: therapygroupdc.com

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is mainly used for emotional dysregulated disorders and aims to teach distress management, healthy relationship skills and emotion regulation. The therapist and client will work together, similar to CBT, to create healthy coping mechanisms based on understanding one’s own dysfunctional emotional thought. The four main concepts used in DBT are mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. These concepts are created in therapy to assist the client in tolerating negative emotions and empowering them with resilience.  

Reference: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/dialectical-behavior-therapy

Play therapy is designed for children that are usually between the ages of 3 to 11. The therapy is conducted in the context of playing with age appropriate materials for the child to be expressive and for the therapist to observe where the child is struggling. For children, play, as parents know, is an outlet for  them to convey emotions and experiences. Play therapy is usually conducted for children struggling with social, emotional, and behavioral difficulties. The therapist engages as a play partner with the child to build a trusting relationship and to build confidence, creating coping strategies, and emotional release.  

Reference: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/play-therapy 

Internal family systems is a therapeutic perspective that views a person as having many “parts” that make up the whole person and exploring how those parts interact. During therapy, one will undergo naming different parts that may cause a variety of emotions and how each one of those parts can create harmony. This process of healing  allows the true self to be in charge and for the client to function happier in their day-to-day life. 

Reference: https://ifs-institute.com/

Motivational interviewing is a short-term therapy that is client-focused.  The therapist assists the client in finding and achieving goals that may seem unsure. The therapist is there to act as your guide during difficult changes or undesirable preparation through empathy, teaching self-efficiency, and resilience for you to achieve your goals  This is most commonly used in route to physical health or management of addiction. 

Reference: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/motivational-interviewing

Seeking Safety is an evidence based treatment for people struggling with trauma or addiction. This modality's goal is to assist the client in the present, day-to-day life choices, to reach safety in their current situation without exploring the past. The therapist will also provide tangible exercises for the client to complete between each session. 

Reference: https://www.treatment-innovations.org/ss-description.html