Individual Therapy: CBT/EMDR/MET

INDIVIDUAL THERAPY

Our therapists provide a range of therapy approaches and options based on what is most relevant for a particular problem. We believe that the ‘right fit’ should be based on good scientific evidence. Below is a summary of the therapies, which are recommended for a wide range of mental health problems.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) refers to range of therapies with a common focus on helping people break free from cycles of unhelpful thoughts, emotions, physical experiences and actions. Traditionally, this is achieved through a focus on changing negative thoughts. However, our therapists use a range of approaches from different schools of CBT while adhering to what has worked in scientific studies. As teachers and trainers of CBT we are well versed to take this to our clients.

A typical cognitive behavioral contract starts with helping clients identify the goals and values. The client and therapist collaborate to create an understanding of the problem(s) or disorder(s) based on research, as well as the personal story of the client. The therapist acts as a coach to help the client navigate effectively through their life circumstances.

Cognitive behavioral therapy sessions are ALWAYS structured; they involve questionnaires to measure clients’ progress and the therapists helps the client to implement action plans between sessions.

CBT is the most scientifically studied therapy and can be used to treat a range of mental illnesses (Depression, all Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, PTSD and more) and physical health conditions CLICK HERE TO SEE A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF CONDITIONS THAT CAN BE HELPED BY CBT.

There are several schools of CBT. For example: Exposure Therapy, Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Beckian Cognitive Therapy. CMAP Health therapists are trained in several of these styles and use a Unified CBT approach consistent with our training model (see UnifiedCBT.com for more information on this)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was developed to help clients who self-harm, suffer with suicidal ideation or have Borderline Personality Disorder. It is also useful for people who have difficulty with regulating their emotions. DBT consists of group skills training (mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness), as well as individual therapy. Groups usually run in modular cycles of 6 months.

DBT can also be useful in other conditions, such as addictions and eating disorders.
Our DBT therapists have undergone training through Behavior Tech, the only organization which is authorized to teach DBT.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In EMDR, the therapist guides the client to process trauma memories, while simultaneously being engaged in and/or stimulated by a sensory activity (often following a moving target with the eyes, holding bilateral tactile sensors or hearing bilateral sounds). EMDR therapists may use simple devices to produce the sensory stimulation. EMDR researchers have done several gold standard studies to prove its effectiveness in post-traumatic stress disorder. EMDR has a place in several national and international guidelines.

Motivational Enhancement Therapy

Motivational Enhancement Therapy is used in the treatment of addictions. It was devised from Motivational Interviewing, which is a person-centered approach to help people reduce ambivalence and improve motivation to engage in healthy habits. Motivational enhancement therapy can be combined with CBT to help clients with eating disorders, life style issues (e.g. weight, lack of exercise) and almost any health problem where motivation is an issue.

Other Approaches

There are many other therapy approaches: Interpersonal Therapy (for depression), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Narrative Exposure Therapy (for PTSD) and different style of couples and family therapies. Our therapists are skilled in several of the above and will be able to combine and provide them within a structured and goal directed framework.