Mental Health Therapy Strategies from Angie Byers LPC

“Therapy is not just for "fixing problems" but a unique opportunity to get to know yourself.”

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) aims to change negative patterns of thought and behavior. It is based on a core premise: Thoughts, emotions and behaviors are interconnected, and negative thoughts and beliefs can lead to negative feelings and actions.

CBT focuses on the here and now and provides practical tools and techniques for managing problematic thoughts/behaviors. It involves identifying and challenging negative thoughts and beliefs to replace them with more positive and realistic ones. CBT teaches coping skills and stress management techniques, such as relaxation and mindfulness.

CBT TREATS:

  • Eating Disorders
  • Depression
  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Brainspotting

Brainspotting is a powerful, focused treatment method that works by identifying, processing and releasing core neurophysiological sources of emotional/body pain, trauma, dissociation and a variety of challenging symptoms.

Brainspotting therapy is intended for individuals experiencing emotional distress, trauma and physical pain. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as anxiety, depression, PTSD and physical pain resulting from injury or chronic pain. Brainspotting therapy is also used for general stress reduction and personal growth.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy based on the principles of dialectics and believes opposing forces can be integrated to stimulate change and growth.

DBT recognizes individuals with mental health conditions often have intense emotions and impulsive behaviors that can be difficult to manage. DBT teaches skills in four areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) emphasizes the importance of accepting difficult thoughts and feelings to promote psychological flexibility and lead a meaningful life.

ACT is based on the idea that attempting to control or eliminate negative thoughts and emotions can increase psychological distress and prevent individuals from living a fulfilling life. Instead, ACT encourages individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings as they are and to focus on values-based action, regardless of what is happening in their internal experience.

ACT involves six core processes: acceptance, cognitive defusion, being present, self-as-context, values and committed action. The therapy helps individuals to distance themselves from their thoughts and feelings instead of becoming absorbed in them, and to identify their values and set goals in alignment with them.

Narrative Therapy

Narrative therapy works by helping individuals examine and re-author the stories they tell about themselves and their experiences. Narrative Therapy encourages individuals to identify and challenge limiting beliefs and external influences to reshape thinking mechanisms. The goal is to help individuals see their problems as separate from themselves and to empower them to create new, more empowering stories about their experiences.

Narrative therapy focuses on the strengths, skills and resources of the individual, rather than their weaknesses or problems.

Shame Resilience

Shame Resilience Therapy helps individuals develop a resilient response to shame. The focus is put on understanding and processing feelings of shame in a healthy way. We’ll develop strategies for coping and learn new ways of thinking when shame arises.

Shame Resilience Treats:

  • Low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness
  • Difficulty forming healthy relationships with others
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Substance abuse and addiction
  • Eating disorders and body image issues
  • Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts and bodily sensations. It is a key aspect of many forms of meditation and has been shown to have numerous psychological and physical health benefits for:

  • Reducing stress
  • Anxiety
  • Improving emotional regulation
  • Promoting well-being