Explanation of Modalities

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that helps people identify and change negative patterns of thinking and behavior that can contribute to emotional struggles like anxiety, depression, or stress.

  • In simpler terms, CBT is based on the idea that how we think (our thoughts) affects how we feel (our emotions) and what we do (our behavior). For example, if you think something bad is going to happen, it can make you feel anxious, which may lead you to avoid certain situations or act in ways that reinforce the fear.

  • In therapy, you work with a therapist to spot these negative thoughts, challenge their accuracy, and replace them with more realistic or helpful thoughts. This shift can lead to healthier emotions and more positive actions.

  • The goal of CBT is to break the cycle of negative thinking, so you can feel better and cope with life’s challenges more effectively.

Motivational Interviewing (MI)

  • Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a type of therapy that helps people find the motivation to make positive changes in their lives. It’s all about having a conversation where the therapist listens carefully, asks questions, and helps you explore your reasons for wanting to change—without pushing or judging you.

  • In simpler terms, MI works by helping you talk about your own feelings and reasons for wanting to make a change, whether it’s quitting smoking, improving your mental health, or any other goal. The therapist doesn’t tell you what to do but helps you recognize and build on your own strengths and reasons for change.

  • The idea is that when people feel understood and not judged, they’re more likely to be motivated to make the changes they want for themselves. It’s about finding your own answers and feeling empowered to make lasting changes.

Brainspotting

  • Brainspotting is a type of therapy that helps people process and heal from emotional trauma or stress by focusing on specific spots in the eyes. It’s based on the idea that where you look can help you connect with deep emotions or memories that are stored in your brain.

  • In simpler terms, during a Brainspotting session, the therapist guides you to focus on a certain point or direction with your eyes, while you talk about or think about something that’s bothering you. The idea is that by focusing on these "brainspots," your brain can start to process and release emotional tension or trauma.

  • It’s like when you focus on a problem for a while and suddenly feel a sense of relief or clarity. Brainspotting helps your brain do that naturally, helping you feel calmer and more in control over time. It’s a gentle way to help your brain heal by tapping into where the emotions are held in your body and mind.

Integrative approach with additional modalities, including:

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) 

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)

  • Mindfulness-based interventions

  • Somatic interventions

Two friends, enjoying nature near a waterfall.

Two friends, enjoying nature near a waterfall.

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My Road to Becoming a Therapist