Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) & Dialectical Behavioral Therpay (DBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an extremely popular form of therapy aimed at recognizing and changing maladaptive patterns of thinking and behavior. This can be tricky, as these patterns become ingrained over time. Most people fail to see the strong connection between what we think and what we do, and how these factors make us feel. When engaged in this form of therapy, therapists will offer guidance and teach increased awareness of these specific thoughts and behavioral patterns. Clients are taught how to challenge or combat those that cause distress. Often, “homework” assignments are given between sessions. This allows clients to practice newly learned positive skills in hopes that they become “second nature.” Once these concepts are understood and mastered, people realize that they are actually in control of their mood, level of functioning, and anxiety. Cognitive behavioral skills give people the CHOICE to be happy.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a form of psychotherapy that was originally developed by Marsha M. Linehan, a psychology researcher at the University of Washington, to treat people with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and chronically suicidal individuals; it is now used in a variety of psychological treatments including treatment for traumatic brain injuries (TBI), eating disorders, and mood disorders. Research indicates that DBT is also effective in treating patients who present varied symptoms and behaviors associated with spectrum mood disorders, including self-injury. Recent work also suggests its effectiveness with sexual abuse survivors and chemical dependency.
DBT combines standard cognitive behavioral techniques for emotional regulation, and reality testing with concepts of distress tolerance, acceptance, and mindful awareness largely derived from Buddhist meditative practice. DBT may be the first therapy that has been experimentally demonstrated to be generally effective in treating BPD. The first randomized clinical trial of DBT showed reduced rates of suicidal gestures and psychiatric hospitalizations.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy is a technique used for people with a variety of concerns. It has been shown to be effective in reducing distress related to traumatic or difficult life events as well as for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Addiction, OCD, performance anxiety, sexual abuse and many other conditions. These experiences or conditions often cause side effects that are disturbing and EMDR therapy can be helpful to create a more neutral feeling. EMDR therapy is an 8 phase technique known for utilizing alternating stimulation of the left and right side of the brain, typically in the form of eye movement, to activate the adaptive information processing system in the brain. As this information processing system is activated, the emotional content of a disturbing memory washes away along with any remaining bodily disturbance, and a person is left with the facts of a situation and a deeper, more positive belief system. This allows a person to feel a great reduction in distress when thinking of particularly traumatic events in their life and to correct negative beliefs that have been built upon them. Many report that following EMDR treatment, they feel an improved sense of who they are, a reduction in stress and tension and improved relationships with others. Additionally, those who has experienced flashbacks, nightmares and hypervigilance report a neutral feeling that relieves these symptoms. EMDR therapy has been a recognized technique for trauma for 25 years and has been adopted by the Department of Defense for treating Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Relationship Counseling
Relationship counselors work with couples in all stages to facilitate conflict resolution, improved communication, and realignment in families. Our clients find that by approaching and communicating with each other using effective tools they learned in the counseling sessions, they can resolve conflicts they have experienced for years. Our therapists use tools from a variety of resources including Gary Chapman’s Love Languages and the work of John Gottman to name just a few. Clients are seen individually and together, based upon their needs as a couple and what feels most comfortable. Whether you have been struggling for years or you just began to have some difficulty, relationship counseling can be a good way to determine what changes might be needed and how to proceed with each other in the future.
Individual Therapy
West Grove Clinic is proud to be the home of providers with various modality specialties including: Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), relationship counseling, trauma informed care, EMDR, art based therapy, and addiction services. By offering many types of therapies that can help treat all kinds of mental health and addiction-related issues, you can guaranteed we have a plan that’s right for you.