COUNSELING APPROACHES
Our therapists primarily utilize Cognitive Behavioral and Solution Focused Therapy, the Gottman approach to Couple's Therapy, Love and Logic model, and also incorporate Therapeutic Art, Therapeutic Play and Sand Tray modalities. Peg Hemmer is certified in Rational Hypnotherapy and Level I of Gottman Couples Therapy.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is based on the idea that how we think (cognition), how we feel (emotion) and how we act (behavior) all interact together. Specifically, our thoughts influence our feelings and our behavior follows. Clinical sessions focus on modifying everyday thoughts with the aim of positively influencing emotions and behaviors. The particular therapeutic techniques vary according to the client or particular kind of issue, but commonly include keeping a log of significant events and associated feelings, thoughts and behaviors; questioning and testing assumptions or patterns of thoughts that might be unhelpful and unrealistic; gradually facing activities which may have been avoided; and trying out new ways of behaving and responding. Relaxation techniques are also commonly included. CBT is widely accepted as an evidence-based, effective short term or brief therapy. 1
Solution Focused Therapy (SFT)
SFT is a process that helps people change by focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on problems. SFT is another type of brief or shorter term therapy. The therapist helps the client identify aspects of the desired solution. Rather than searching for the causes of the problem, the focus is on defining the changes and making them a reality. The two main elements are: (1) how the client wants his or her life to be different, and (2) what it will take to make it happen. The therapist assists the client to create a detailed picture of what it will be like when life is better bringing about a feeling of hope, and this makes the solution seem possible. 2
Rational Hypnotherapy (RHT)
Certified in Rational Hypnotherapy through the National Association of Cognitive Behavioral Therapists.
With Rational Hypnotherapy you can: lose weight, stop smoking, increase self esteem, increase self confidence, reduce or eliminate anxiety, depression, grief, anything you want to change - you CAN! Like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Hypnotherapy can also help people change the way they think. Often certain thoughts are acquired through accidental hypnosis. Rational Hypnotherapy can turn around those accidentally acquired thoughts quickly and easily!
Gottman approach to Couple's Therapy
Based on Dr. John Gottman's 35 years of compelling research with over 3,000 couples, the Gottman approach to couple's therapy is a practical, effective approach to assisting couples to close the "chasm" that divides them by providing a "roadmap for helping couples to compassionately manage their conflicts, deepen their friendship and intimacy, and share their life purpose and dreams".
To view video clips of John Gottman, Ph.D., and Julie Schwartz Gottman, Ph.D click here:
Gottman Couple's Approach
Expressive Arts
Expressive arts includes visual arts, painting, sculpture, drama, storytelling, creative writing, poetry, music, dance, everything that is usually thought of as creative expression. The expressive arts take us into the world of imagery and emotion, of visions and feelings. Expressive art is a transformational process. For many, art it is the most natural way of expressing themselves and communicating with others.The process of expressing oneself through art unites body, mind, and spirit. Scientific studies tell us that art heals by changing a person's physiology and attitude. The body's physiology changes from one of fear to one of creativity and inspiration. Art and music put a person in a different brain wave pattern; affect a person's autonomic nervous system, their hormonal balance and their brain neurotransmitters. Engaging in expressive arts immediately changes a person's perceptions, attitude, emotional state, way-of-being in the world and pain perception. People are able to externalize thoughts and feelings, and are often surprised by the art they have created! The wonder and the beauty of their creations are almost beyond what they could have imagined!
Play
Play is the language of children of all ages. Play boosts our energy and our spirits! Play allows us to be in the world on a more manageable scale. When used therapeutically, play provides a way for hidden emotions to be brought to light where they can be acknowledged. Through play we can learn how to better cope with heightened stress.4
Sand Tray
Sand Tray is a method of therapy that works well with those individuals who have trouble talking about difficult issues. During sand play people are able to externalize their internal thoughts and problems. The sand tray approach is primarily used in therapy with children, but also with adults and families as a visual means to express thoughts, feelings and perspectives.
To view more examples of art and sand trays click here: Art and Sand
"My Family"
10 year old male with a "blended" family
Note: Photographs of art and therapeutic sand trays have been published with authorization by client/parent/guardian.
Resources:
1, 2 http://www.wikipedia.org
3 http://arttherapy.org
http://www.expressivetherapy.com
4 http://www.a4pt.org
5 http://www.gottman.com
Tree Photo by Michael Figg