Therapy Modalities

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Trauma-informed therapy is a specific approach to therapy that recognizes and emphasizes understanding how the traumatic experience impacts mental, behavioral, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. Trauma informed therapy and therapists demonstrate an understanding of the connection between the trauma experience and the person’s emotional and behavioral responses. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines trauma focused therapy as, "a program, organization, or system that is trauma-informed: Realizes the widespread impact of trauma and understands potential paths for recovery; Recognizes the signs and symptoms of trauma in clients, families, staff, and others involved with the system; Responds by fully integrating knowledge about trauma into policies, procedures, and practices; and seeks to actively resist re-traumatization.” 

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing or EMDR is a psychotherapy that helps individuals heal from past trauma, emotional distress, and disturbing life experiences.  In EMDR, the clinician aids the client in activating their bodies natural ability to heal.  EMDR therapy has shown that the mind can heal from psychological trauma much as the body recovers from physical trauma. Through bilateral stimulation (eye movements) protocols, EMDR removes the psychological blocks allowing healing to resume.      

Check out this video for a brief description of how EMDR works:  https://youtu.be/hKrfH43srg8

Dialectical Behavioral therapy or DBT is an adapted approach to Cognitive Behavioral therapy that has been proven to help individuals struggling with emotional dysregulation (anxiety, depression), managing destructive behaviors (addiction, self harming, suicidal ideation), and those struggling to heal from past trauma. DBT focuses on teaching coping skills, living in the moment, and creating a life worth living. DBT treatment is broken into three components: weekly individual therapy, weekly group skills classes, and phone coaching. Together these components make up the comprehensive DBT program.  Many therapists and therapy settings may use some or all of these components to help you on your therapy journey.      

Check out this video for an example of what Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) looks like in an individual therapy session.  https://youtu.be/iQEurMdJtds    

Through a trauma informed lens, the therapists at Healing together offer counseling to address substance use, dependence, and concerns. Everyday more research shows the connections between past trauma and substance use. Substance use counseling may be a part of treatment in conjunction with family, couples, and/or group therapy to meet you where you are; addressing past, present, and future triggers for lapse and relapse. As a part of your treatment, substance use counseling can teach more effective coping strategies, process obstacles, and support your recovery journey. 

Cognitive Behavioral therapy or CBT helps individuals make connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This treatment modality works with the client to identify patterns in thinking, feeling, and behaviors that are impacting their functioning on a daily basis. A CBT approach to therapy typically involves working with a therapist to change thinking patterns that are not working for you or causing difficulties in your life. CBT has demonstrated to be an effective treatment for anxiety, depression, substance use, and couples concerns.