My Integrative Approach
Often therapists state they are integrative and base their approach on each unique client. This is because subscribing to only one particular theory or modality is not realistic. Theories are not a “one size fits all.” Someone who benefits from CBT might not benefit from mindfulness therapy, or the other way around. There are more commonly used theories, but often therapists today pull from a range of approaches. The importance is that interventions are used intentionally. Some therapy requires specific training beyond graduate courses, such as psychoanalysis. Below are my most used theories and approaches; however, I often pull from DBT skills, mindfulness practices, schema therapy, motivational interviewing techniques, and others. Although I have engaged in continuing education courses since graduating, I am not specially trained in any specific approach or modality besides EMDR.
Most Used Approaches
Person-Centered Therapy
Person-Centered Therapy assumes that people hold infinite opportunities for comprehending themselves and solving their own core issues. The main factor of therapeutic outcome with this approach is the relationship between client and therapist. Strong therapeutic rapport allows clients to learn their capacity for healing and engage in self-guided progress. Clients use the relationship to foster greater honesty, open-mindedness, and willingness for deeper self-exploration. I operate from this perspective with attributes of authenticity, acceptance, presence, and empathy to promote this space of growth for clients, which in turn helps them better cope with problems as they identify them.
Corey, G. (2017). Person-centered therapy. In Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (10th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
The CBT approach emphasizes thinking, assessing, deciding, analyzing, and doing. It assumes that cognitions, emotions, and behaviors interact significantly in a cause-and-effect relationship. Through the therapeutic process, clients are taught skills that give them the tools to identify and dispute irrational beliefs. Clients also learn how to replace detrimental ways of thinking with effective and rational cognitions. When operating from this approach, my task is to help you differentiate between realistic and unrealistic thoughts, and between self-defeating and life-enhancing thoughts. My aim with CBT is also to teach you how to better recognize an incongruence with thoughts, feelings, and behaviors on your own, and re-direct them with coping skills. I still validate feelings with CBT, whether thoughts appear rational or irrational.
Corey, G. (2017). Cognitive-behavioral therapy. In Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (10th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole, Cengage Learning.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy
EMDR emphasizes treatment of toxic (and sometimes long-term) stress in the nervous system. Our nervous systems respond to adversity and stress with hard-wired responses that are programmed for survival. However, unresolved stress from trauma can damage our nervous systems, and result in symptoms related to anxiety and PTSD. EMDR is an intensive therapy that helps to metabolize maladaptively stored memories in the nervous system. Through the eight phases of EMDR, clients can heal formerly activating memories and triggers, by allowing these memory networks to become more adaptive. Clients can heal past traumas, learn to better tolerate present distress, and feel more confident about future fears.
Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures (3rd ed.). New York, NY: The Guilford Press.
