At GDC, we’re using our blog and social channels to #DemystifyTherapy. We want to break down the questions and stigmas held about seeking help, and clear up common misconceptions around the therapeutic process. This month, we want to pull back the curtain a little bit as we share different modalities and approaches you might encounter in a therapy session.
What are treatment modalities and approaches you might ask? These are the different theories and schools of thought that counselors, social workers, and therapists study during the time that they earn their degrees. Of course, these jobs involve lifelong learning; even the most seasoned clinicians are learning everyday from the latest research and new concerns their clients bring to them.
Treatment modalities are just different methods of treatment. Some practitioners may stick to one while others will use a mixture. Some of the most common treatment methods include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a form of talk therapy that helps with multiple issues and mental illnesses. Data shows that CBT improves function and quality of life. CBT has evolved since clinicians first started using it based on clinical experience and best practices. CBT is based on the core principles that psychological problems are partially based in both unhelpful ways of thinking and on learned patterns of unhelpful behaviours. Finally, CBT believes that people living with these issues can learn to cope and lead better lives.
CBT Demystified: CBT is all about how an individual has the strength to examine and change the ways in which their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. This is often illustrated through the CBT Triangle.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT): DBT is a modified type of CBT that also combines mindfulness. It teaches people to live in the moment, cope with stress, regulate emotions, and improve relationships. DBT includes both group and individual sessions. It also teaches distress tolerance, mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness skills, and emotional regulation skills.
DBT Demystified: The “D” in DBT stands for “dialectical” which is an integration of opposites. Essentially, DBT takes a both/and approach to wellness strategies rather than an either/or.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress that are the result of disturbing life experiences, like ACES or trauma. It involves activating both sides of the brain simultaneously to reprocess memories with present day awareness; while also engaging mindfulness techniques and replacing negative cognitions with positive ones
EMDR Demystified: EMDR is all about teaching the brain that you have the power to be freed from the effects of trauma and learn you are safe and in control through actionable care.
Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT): Through ACT, clients learn to stop avoiding, denying, and struggling with their emotions and instead accept their responses are normal, and that they are able to live with them and move forward with their lives. Clients are able to commit to making necessary changes through this framework. ACT consists of six core processes to help promote and expand psychological flexibility which includes emotional openness and adaptability. The six core processes are: acceptance, cognitive defusion, being present, self as context, values, and committed action.
ACT Demystified: Much like CBT, ACT looks at how individuals are able to take active steps to shift their behavior while at the same time accepting their psychological experience. This allows clients to both change and accept their attitudes and emotional states.