Writer Name: Shannon Freud, MSW, RSW
Keyword: therapeutic modalities, counselling practices
Related keywords: Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Attachment Styles
Key Takeaways
1. Therapist diversity
2. Trauma-informed vs. Trauma-Focused therapy
3. Therapy for parents and caregivers
4. Therapeutic modalities
Therapist Diversity:
Therapists and counsellors use a variety of models to understand and support people who are seeking help.
Finding the right fit
Find a person to talk to who is familiar with the types of therapy that would best help you
Ultimately, the work that you do with your therapist will be most helpful if you feel a connection with them enough to open up and be vulnerable
Don't forget to check out my Frequently Asked Questions here https://www.shannonfreudcounselling.com/faq-s
Trauma-informed vs. Trauma-Focused therapy
Here we will explore the difference between understanding psychological trauma, and treating it
Therapists need to be ready for whatever you bring to the table
If you have experienced psychological trauma, there are therapies developed specifically to help you process it
To be most effective for all clients, therapists need to have a trauma-informed lens. We need to recognize the different trauma responses, as they can surface in anyone. We also need to create a safe and nurturing space, where clients feel comfortable to explore their responses, without fearing judgment
Some therapists are trauma-focused, meaning that they help clients to process the trauma and move past it. Only therapists highly experienced in trauma-focused therapy should be helping you to process your trauma. Otherwise, the client is at further risk of being re-traumatized. If you are struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Complex PTSD, or Developmental Trauma, search "treating psychological trauma" or "therapists who treat psychological trauma"
Therapy for parents and caregivers
I understand the complex issues that come up for parents and caregivers, helping you to show up as your best self for those who care for, and about
How is it different from other therapy?
Therapy for parents and caregivers needs to include a couples therapy offering
It also needs to consider
child development
life stages
co-parenting
marriage
separation
divorce
caregivers' levels of support, and functioning
This therapy considers not only the connection that parents feel with their children, but also the parents' connection with themselves
Caregivers' identities as parents, stress, burnout (especially for parents and caregivers of adult children with mental health struggles, and single parents of kids with special needs)
Therapeutic modalities
This means therapists take different approaches to treatment, including various techniques, or ways of looking at individuals' situations and circumstances
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is a type of psychotherapy that identifies a problem, and aims to overcome that problem by developing a goal. From that goal, we can delve into your thoughts and beliefs, and look at how they may have an impact on your choices and actions. It may also include Exposure therapy, which helps clients to overcome their distress by exposing them to the source of it, without causing them harm
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
Solution Focused Brief Therapy is client-centred, strengths-based, and focuses on the present moment. It helps clients to to consider what would make their situation better, envision a life that they would like to have, and make a plan towards that goal
Narrative Therapy
Narrative Therapy is focused on clients’ strengths, and recognizes the person as separate from the problems they face. With this approach, the therapist can help clients identify their dreams, values, goals, and skills that define who they really are
Mindfulness
Mindfulness was developed in the hospital system, to help people cope with the stresses of being in the hospital. It teaches meditation techniques, to help clients be present in the moment. The reality is that no one can continually stay in the present moment. Instead, Mindfulness is about being able to self-regulate your attention, and approaching your thoughts and feelings from a position of curiosity and openness
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
With Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, the therapist makes no attempt at helping to reduce the symptoms. Instead, the symptoms reduce as a by-product of the therapy. Clients learn to reduce the impact and influence of unwanted thoughts and feelings through the effective use of Mindfulness
Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)
Interpersonal Psychotherapy is attachment-based, and focuses on reducing problematic symptoms through improving how clients function interpersonally
Motivational Interviewing
Collaborative with the client, focused on goals, and making changes in one's life. This type of therapeutic modality was developed to help motivate those into their next stage of change
Conclusion
Finding the right therapist for you can take time, and a lot of trial and error. See if you can set up a trial 20 minute session, and interview a couple of different therapists. Check out my Frequently Asked Questions here, to help you on the right track to finding the right fit. I hope that you find your way back to me!