Internal Family Systems (IFS) is an evidence-based therapy and has been successfully used to treat a range of mental health issues including anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance abuse, and chronic pain. IFS is a transformative approach to psychotherapy that views the mind as a system naturally made up of “parts” with different roles, led by a core “Self.” The goal of IFS therapy is to help people identify, understand and heal their protective and vulnerable parts, and reconnect with their core Self so that they can restore balance to the mind’s internal system.
IFS defines the self as the innate presence within each person, the essence of who they are as a human and that cannot be broken. Other parts are forced from their natural and ideal states into more extreme roles. Protective parts dominate the system, defending wounded inner parts that hold painful feelings like sadness, anger and shame. By turning their attention inward, clients get to know their protective and vulnerable parts, and increase access to the Self.
Strengthening connection to the Self and building self-to-part relationships creates an opportunity to gain insight into the patterns and beliefs causing distress Even the most dominant or extreme parts can be transformed by innate capacity of the Self for connection, and healing. Start feeling more whole by understanding the “parts” that make you you!
Choice Theory is based on the premise that every individual only has the power to control themselves and has limited power to control others. Choice Theory encourages individuals to understand basic psychological needs and take responsibility for meeting these needs. Taking charge of their own thinking and behavior and withdrawing from attempts to control others helps people reconnect by improving and cultivating meaningful relationships.
Reality Therapy is the application of Choice Theory to mental health.
Reality Therapy avoids discussing symptoms, and complaints when possible since these are the ways that people choose to avoid dealing with the pain of unsatisfying relationships. Reality Therapy can help people focus on the present, reduce the frequency and intensity of negative behaviors, strengthen relationships and increase satisfaction with life.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy used to reduce symptoms associated with a range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, and substance abuse. CBT can help individuals gain insight into how their thoughts shape their feelings and behaviors, so they can identify and change the underlying thought processes behind their emotional struggles.
CBT can also help individuals plan and implement behavior changes that align with their goals, and reduce behaviors connected to lower moods and negative feelings. Through exploring the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, CBT can empower individuals to make meaningful and lasting changes in their lives.
Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a collaborative approach to therapy that focuses on identifying and achieving goals in the present while keeping the future in mind. SFBT is widely used to help people with a range of issues including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, relationship problems, and more. It is based on the belief that people are experts in their own lives and have the capacity to resolve their own issues.
SFBT helps individuals envision desired outcomes, find exceptions to problems, and connect strengths to goals. By focusing on what works, and what can be changed, SFBT offers an emphasis on positivity and empowerment that can help clients achieve their desired outcomes quickly and efficiently.
Creative expression can be incorporated into therapy and used to improve a person’s mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Different types of materials and techniques are used to help an individual express themselves. This may include painting, drawing, sculpting, drama, storytelling and role play, writing, or other mediums.
Creative expression enables individuals to work through personal challenges, express their emotions, and gain self-awareness. Expressive arts can be particularly helpful when someone has difficulty finding words to communicate their feelings. Art allows for the free-flow of unconscious thoughts, helping clients externalize feelings and thoughts that are difficult to communicate.
Expressive arts can enhance the therapeutic process of experiencing and communicating emotions, reducing stress, decreasing anxiety, developing coping skills, and connecting with others.
Narrative Therapy is often used for anxiety, depression, and trauma, but it may also be used for a variety of other mental health concerns. Narrative Therapy focuses on examining the stories you create about yourself, your experiences, and your relationships.
Narrative helps clients explore life experiences to explore and redefine how these experiences have shaped your beliefs and identity. By retelling these stories to be more empowering and positive, you can create positive change, enhance your overall satisfaction with life, and improve (or recover from) relationships with others. Narrative Therapy can help you find a new perspective on past experience and feel a greater sense of control over your life now.
