People go to therapy for a variety of reasons: Anger management, PTSD, trauma, anxiety, depression, career counseling, elder care, behavior problems with children, grief, relationship problems, marriage counseling, or just a general sense of dissatisfaction with life.

When I see a patient for psychotherapy I listen to the specific things that they are telling me that they want to change in their life. I try and understand what makes them unique and hear their story as an individual. I make a plan to help each patient accomplish the goals they are asking me for. I think about all the different types of therapy I have been trained in and about which ones will help this patient.

In addition to listening to what a patient is talking about, I also listen for what a patient is not telling me. I try and figure out what is it about this patient that they are avoiding looking at in their own life. I try and help patients see the things that make them uncomfortable about themselves and face these fears. This always results in patients discovering new things that they want out of life that they didn’t ask for when they first came in.

I think that we live our lives in a kind of fog and psychotherapy can help clear that fog. Psychotherapy can help us heal, but it can also put us in touch with who we really are and what we really want.

Taproot Therapy Collective is a group of therapists that specializes in many different things. We have therapists who specialize in anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, addiction, and dissociative disorders. We treat PTSD, panic attacks and We also have therapists who see people for premarital counseling, career counseling and executive coaching. We try and stay trained in the needs of all of our community in Birmingham, Alabama.

Yes. Most premarital counseling focuses on whether or not you share common life goals, plans and strategies with your partner. My premarital counseling helps people see the reasons they are attracted to each other. It helps couples examine the way that they will change over their life journey. It helps couples discover who they will be at many points in their life, not just resolve issues present when they are getting married.

I get more calls about EMDR therapy than any other modality I do. I am happy to refer you to many other EMDR therapists in Birmingham Alabama if you send me and email.

We have therapists who work with kids, families and teenagers.

Most people come into therapy knowing nothing about any of the styles of therapy. That is absolutely fine. Some people come into therapy really interested in one and want to talk about it. We are happy to talk to you about how any of these modalities work or how we apply them.

We value who you are and what you believe and want you to get better. You are the best expert in how to be the best you. We just want you to find that “you”. We want to find your unique strengths and gifts and help you apply them to life. We are “you” friendly therapists. Be honest. Bring yourself. Come as you are.

No. Only a psychiatrist can prescribe medication in Alabama. We are happy to refer you to one. Research shows that therapy combined with medication is the most effective way to treat some mental health disorders.

Psychiatrists and Nurse Practitioners can prescribe medication.

A psychiatrist is a licensed medical doctor. They are licensed by the AMA. They can prescribe medication.

A nurse practitioner is the highest level of licensure for a nurse who works with an MD. They are licensed by the state. They can prescribe medication.

A clinical psychologist is someone licensed with Ph.D. in Psychology. They are licensed by the APA. They cannot prescribe medication.

A MFT or marriage and family therapist typically does therapy with couples and families. They are usually trained in more systemic models of therapy. They have a masters degree and are licensed by the state. They cannot prescribe medication.

An LPC or licensed professional counselor is has a masters degree in counseling and a license from the state board. They have a masters degree in counseling. They are at the highest level of their professional licensure. They cannot prescribe medication.

An LICSW or an LICSW PIP is a licensed clinical social worker with a license to practice independently and supervise other social workers from the state board. They have a masters degree in social work. They are at the highest level of their professional licensure. They cannot prescribe medication.

Comprehensive Therapy FAQ: Treatment Approaches for Various Conditions

Neurodevelopmental Conditions

Neurodevelopmental conditions affect brain development and function. Effective therapeutic approaches can significantly improve quality of life and help develop coping strategies.

How does therapy help individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Therapeutic approaches for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) focus on improving social communication, addressing sensory processing challenges, and developing adaptive skills. Therapy often incorporates structured behavioral interventions, social skills training, and sensory integration techniques. Family involvement is crucial, with therapists providing strategies for parents to support development at home. Early intervention typically produces the best outcomes, though therapeutic benefits can be gained at any age.

What therapeutic approaches are most effective for ADHD?

ADHD and ADD therapy combines behavioral interventions with cognitive strategies to improve executive function skills. Treatment often focuses on developing organizational skills, time management techniques, and strategies for sustaining attention. Therapists work with clients to create structured environments that minimize distractions and support task completion. For children, parent training is an important component, while adults may benefit from coaching in workplace adaptations and relationship management. Therapy can be effective as a standalone treatment or as a complement to medication.

Child & Adolescent Issues

Children and adolescents face unique challenges that can benefit from specialized therapeutic approaches tailored to their developmental stage.

How can therapy address academic and school performance problems?

Therapy for academic and school performance challenges begins with a comprehensive assessment to identify underlying factors such as learning differences, anxiety, attention issues, or motivational problems. Therapeutic approaches may include cognitive-behavioral techniques to address test anxiety, executive function coaching to improve organization and study skills, and collaborative work with teachers to implement appropriate accommodations. Therapists also help students develop a growth mindset and healthy academic self-concept while teaching stress management techniques specific to educational settings.

What therapeutic approaches help with behavioral problems in children?

Therapy for behavioral problems in children often employs a multi-faceted approach. Parent management training provides caregivers with effective discipline strategies and techniques to reinforce positive behaviors. Child-centered approaches focus on identifying underlying emotional needs or skills deficits that may be driving problematic behaviors. Play therapy and expressive arts techniques help children communicate feelings they may not have words for. For school-based behaviors, therapists collaborate with teachers to implement consistent behavioral support plans across environments.

What specialized approaches are used in therapy for children?

Therapy for children utilizes developmentally appropriate techniques that engage young clients through play, art, and storytelling. Child therapists create a safe, nurturing environment where children can express themselves naturally. Treatment may incorporate elements of play therapy, where children work through emotional challenges through symbolic play; cognitive-behavioral approaches adapted for younger clients; and family therapy to address systemic factors. Therapists work closely with parents to reinforce therapeutic goals at home and provide consistent support across environments.

Mood & Anxiety Disorders

Mood and anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions. Effective therapeutic approaches can provide significant relief and improve functioning.

How does therapy treat anxiety disorders?

Anxiety treatment employs evidence-based approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to identify and challenge anxious thought patterns while developing healthier responses to anxiety triggers. Exposure therapy helps individuals gradually confront feared situations in a controlled, supportive environment. Mindfulness-based approaches teach present-moment awareness and acceptance of anxious feelings without being overwhelmed by them. Therapy may also incorporate relaxation training, breathing techniques, and lifestyle modifications to reduce overall stress levels and improve resilience.

What therapeutic approaches are used for panic disorders?

Treatment for panic, mania, and anxiety disorders includes cognitive-behavioral techniques that target catastrophic misinterpretations of bodily sensations. Therapists help clients identify early warning signs of panic and develop effective coping strategies. Controlled breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation provide physiological management of panic symptoms. Exposure-based approaches may include interoceptive exposure, where physical sensations similar to panic are safely induced to reduce fear responses. For conditions involving mania, mood stabilization strategies and recognition of early warning signs are emphasized.

How does therapy address depression and mood disorders?

Depression and mood disorder therapy employs multiple evidence-based approaches. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps identify and modify negative thought patterns and behavioral activation encourages engagement in rewarding activities. Interpersonal therapy addresses relationship issues that may contribute to depressive symptoms. For severe or treatment-resistant depression, intensive approaches may be recommended. Therapy also focuses on developing healthy lifestyle habits, stress management techniques, and social support networks that promote emotional well-being and resilience against future depressive episodes.

What therapeutic approaches are effective for OCD and Bipolar Disorder?

Treatment for OCD and Bipolar Disorder requires specialized approaches. For OCD, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold standard, gradually exposing individuals to anxiety-provoking stimuli while preventing compulsive responses. For Bipolar Disorder, therapy focuses on mood monitoring, trigger identification, and development of stability routines. Cognitive-behavioral techniques address distorted thinking patterns in both conditions. Social rhythm therapy helps establish regular daily patterns that support mood stability. Both conditions benefit from family involvement to create supportive home environments.

Trauma & Stress-Related Issues

Trauma and chronic stress can have profound effects on mental and physical health. Specialized therapeutic approaches can help process traumatic experiences and develop resilience.

How does therapy help with dissociation and amnesia?

Therapy for dissociation and amnesia typically begins with stabilization techniques to ensure clients can manage overwhelming emotions safely. Grounding exercises help individuals reconnect with the present moment when dissociative symptoms occur. Trauma processing approaches may include EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) or sensorimotor psychotherapy to address traumatic memories stored in the body. For dissociative identity disorder, integration work may be carefully undertaken. Therapy progresses at a pace comfortable for the client, emphasizing safety throughout the healing process.

How does therapy address grief and loss?

Therapy for grief and loss provides a safe space to express and process complex emotions associated with bereavement. Therapists validate the uniqueness of each person’s grief journey while offering support through the various stages of grief. Therapeutic approaches may include narrative techniques to help clients construct meaningful stories about their loss, mindfulness practices to manage overwhelming emotions, and meaning-making exercises to integrate the loss into one’s life story. For complicated grief, specialized interventions help address factors that may be blocking the natural grieving process.

What therapy approaches help with chronic pain and post-surgery depression?

Treatment for chronic pain and post-surgery depression addresses both physical and psychological dimensions of suffering. Cognitive-behavioral approaches help develop adaptive pain management strategies and challenge catastrophic thinking about pain. Mindfulness-based interventions focus on changing one’s relationship with pain rather than eliminating it. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps individuals pursue meaningful activities despite pain. For post-surgery depression, therapy addresses adjustment to physical limitations, body image concerns, and grief over lost functioning while developing realistic expectations for recovery.

How can therapy help with Long COVID symptoms?

Long COVID somatic and stress support therapy utilizes a biopsychosocial approach to address the complex interplay of physical symptoms, emotional distress, and social impacts. Treatment may include pacing strategies to manage limited energy resources, cognitive techniques to address anxiety about symptoms, and mindfulness practices to reduce stress responses that may exacerbate physical complaints. Therapists help clients develop self-advocacy skills for navigating healthcare systems and validate the reality of their experience. Support for grief over lost functioning and adaptation to a “new normal” is also provided.

Specialized Population Issues

Certain populations have unique mental health needs that benefit from specialized therapeutic approaches and cultural sensitivity.

What specialized approaches are used in LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy?

LGBTQIA+ and Poly Affirming Therapy creates a safe, validating environment where diverse gender identities, sexual orientations, and relationship structures are respected. Therapists help clients navigate minority stress, internalized stigma, and discrimination experiences while supporting authentic identity expression. For transgender and non-binary individuals, therapy may address gender dysphoria, transition-related concerns, and family adjustment. For those in polyamorous or non-traditional relationships, therapy supports healthy communication and boundary-setting while respecting chosen relationship structures.

How does therapy address women’s specific mental health needs?

Women’s issues therapy addresses concerns that disproportionately affect women or require gender-sensitive approaches. Treatment may focus on navigating gender-based expectations and societal pressures, addressing reproductive and hormonal health impacts on mental wellbeing, or healing from gender-based trauma and discrimination. Therapists employ feminist therapeutic perspectives that recognize the impact of power dynamics and socialization on women’s experiences. Specific issues addressed may include pregnancy and postpartum mental health, perimenopause and menopause transitions, work-life balance challenges, and relationship dynamics.

What therapeutic approaches address men’s specific mental health needs?

Men’s issues therapy creates space for addressing mental health concerns in ways that overcome traditional barriers to men seeking help. Therapists recognize how masculine socialization can impact emotional expression and help-seeking behaviors. Treatment approaches may focus on developing emotional vocabulary, addressing work and performance pressures, navigating relationship challenges, and processing trauma in ways that respect men’s communication preferences. Therapy may also address fatherhood transitions, identity shifts during major life changes, and developing healthier expressions of masculinity.

Performance & Professional Issues

Professional demands and performance pressures can create unique mental health challenges that benefit from specialized therapeutic approaches.

How does therapy address professional burnout?

Executive coaching and professional burnout therapy helps high-performing individuals recognize early warning signs of burnout and implement sustainable work practices. Treatment focuses on boundary-setting, workload management, and reconnection with values and meaning in professional life. Cognitive approaches address perfectionism and unhealthy achievement orientation, while mindfulness techniques promote stress resilience. Therapists help clients develop strategic self-care practices tailored to their specific professional demands and personal temperament, emphasizing sustainable performance rather than short-term productivity.

What specialized approaches help physicians dealing with burnout?

Physician and MD burnout therapy addresses the unique stressors faced by medical professionals, including high-stakes decision-making, emotional labor, and systemic healthcare pressures. Treatment approaches acknowledge the culture of medicine while providing permission for self-care and vulnerability. Therapy may focus on processing difficult patient outcomes, managing moral injury, and developing sustainable emotional boundaries. For medical students and residents, strategies for navigating training demands while maintaining well-being are emphasized. Confidentiality and professional implications receive special attention given licensing concerns.

How does therapy enhance athletic performance?

Peak performance enhancement therapy utilizes sports psychology principles to optimize mental aspects of athletic achievement. Techniques include visualization and mental rehearsal, attentional focus training, arousal regulation, and development of pre-performance routines. Therapists help athletes cultivate a growth mindset, manage competitive pressure, and develop constructive responses to setbacks. For injured athletes, therapy addresses the psychological aspects of recovery, including motivation maintenance and identity concerns. Teams may benefit from communication enhancement and group cohesion work to achieve collective performance goals.

Behavioral Management

Behavioral management approaches help individuals develop healthier patterns and responses to challenging situations.

How does therapy address anger management issues?

Anger management therapy helps individuals identify anger triggers and develop healthier emotional regulation skills. Treatment typically includes recognizing early physical cues of anger, implementing time-out techniques before escalation, and learning assertive communication strategies. Cognitive work focuses on challenging distorted thinking patterns that fuel angry reactions. Mindfulness approaches help create space between triggering events and responses. For deep-seated anger issues, therapy may address underlying trauma, unresolved grief, or early attachment experiences that contribute to chronic anger patterns.

What therapeutic approaches are used for eating disorders?

Eating disorder recovery support utilizes specialized approaches that address both behavioral symptoms and underlying psychological factors. Treatment typically includes nutritional rehabilitation supervised by healthcare professionals, cognitive-behavioral techniques to challenge distorted thoughts about food and body image, and exploration of emotional functions the eating disorder serves. Family-based treatment is often central for adolescents. Therapy also addresses body acceptance, development of healthy coping skills, and treatment of co-occurring conditions like anxiety or trauma. Long-term recovery support emphasizes sustainable lifestyle patterns and relapse prevention.

Therapeutic Approaches and Treatment Modalities

When seeking mental health support, understanding the variety of therapeutic approaches available can help you find the right fit for your needs. At Get Therapy Birmingham, we offer evidence-based treatment modalities designed to address specific concerns and promote lasting healing. Below, we explore some of the most effective therapeutic approaches in contemporary practice.

Mind-Body Integration Approaches

The connection between mind and body forms the foundation of several powerful therapeutic modalities:

Somatic Experiencing helps release trapped trauma energy from the body, working with physical sensations to resolve traumatic experiences. This approach, developed by Dr. Peter Levine, recognizes how trauma becomes stored in bodily systems and offers gentle techniques for release and regulation.

Somatic Trauma Mapping provides a structured approach to identifying how trauma manifests physically, creating a personalized roadmap for healing that addresses both psychological and physical dimensions of traumatic experiences.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) utilizes bilateral stimulation to help process disturbing memories and experiences. For younger populations, EMDR for Children and Teens offers age-appropriate adaptations of this powerful approach.

Brainspotting identifies and processes traumatic experiences through eye positions that correlate with areas of neurological activation, particularly helpful for anxiety treatment and healing trauma.

Neuroscience-Based Therapies

Advances in neuroscience have led to innovative treatment approaches that directly address brain function:

Neurofeedback trains the brain to regulate itself more effectively through real-time feedback, helpful for conditions ranging from ADHD to trauma responses.

QEEG Brain Mapping creates a visual representation of brain activity, allowing for targeted intervention in areas showing dysregulation.

Emotional Transformation Therapy (ETT) uses light and color to influence neurological processing, offering rapid relief for emotional distress.

Depth and Meaning-Focused Approaches

These modalities explore deeper aspects of the psyche and help create meaning from difficult experiences:

Jungian Therapy works with unconscious material through dreams, symbols, and archetypes, promoting individuation and wholeness. Understanding How to Understand Carl Jung and Jungian Analysis can enrich this therapeutic journey.

Parts-Based Therapy helps identify and integrate different aspects of the self that may be in conflict, similar to the approach developed by Sidra and Hal Stone in their work on voice dialogue.

Shadow Work helps integrate disowned aspects of the self, with specific applications for relationships and group settings.

Contemplative and Mindfulness Practices

These approaches cultivate present-moment awareness and compassionate self-observation:

Meditation and Mindfulness build skills in non-judgmental awareness, reducing stress and increasing emotional regulation.

Window of Tolerance practices help expand one’s capacity to remain present with difficult emotions without becoming overwhelmed.

Structured Therapeutic Protocols

These evidence-based approaches offer clear frameworks for addressing specific concerns:

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) combines cognitive strategies with mindfulness, particularly effective for emotional regulation and interpersonal challenges.

Lifespan Integration connects neural networks associated with memories throughout one’s timeline, promoting integration and healing of early developmental wounds.

Complementary Approaches

These modalities can enhance traditional therapy:

Aromatherapy uses scent to influence mood and physiological states, potentially supporting the therapeutic process.

Micronutrition for Mental Health, including specific protocols for Amino Acids, Minerals, and Vitamins, addresses biological foundations of mental health.

Specialized Treatment Approaches for Specific Conditions

We offer specialized therapeutic protocols for various conditions:

• Addiction Recovery
• Anxiety and Panic Disorders
• Trauma Processing
• Grief and Loss
• Depression and Mood Disorders

The Integration of Ancient Wisdom and Modern Practice

Our therapeutic approach often bridges traditional wisdom with contemporary understanding:

Ritual in Therapy incorporates symbolic practices that have helped humans navigate transitions for millennia.

Mythology in Therapeutic Context provides archetypal frameworks for understanding universal human experiences.

Indigenous Thought and Existentialism offers rich perspectives on meaning-making that complement modern therapeutic approaches.

Therapeutic approaches for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) focus on improving social communication, addressing sensory processing challenges, and developing adaptive skills. Therapy often incorporates structured behavioral interventions, social skills training, and sensory integration techniques. Family involvement is crucial, with therapists providing strategies for parents to support development at home. Early intervention typically produces the best outcomes, though therapeutic benefits can be gained at any age.

Treatment for OCD and Bipolar Disorder requires specialized approaches. For OCD, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold standard, gradually exposing individuals to anxiety-provoking stimuli while preventing compulsive responses. For Bipolar Disorder, therapy focuses on mood monitoring, trigger identification, and development of stability routines. Cognitive-behavioral techniques address distorted thinking patterns in both conditions. Social rhythm therapy helps establish regular daily patterns that support mood stability. Both conditions benefit from family involvement to create supportive home environments.

Therapy for dissociation and amnesia typically begins with stabilization techniques to ensure clients can manage overwhelming emotions safely. Grounding exercises help individuals reconnect with the present moment when dissociative symptoms occur. Trauma processing approaches may include EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) or sensorimotor psychotherapy to address traumatic memories stored in the body. For dissociative identity disorder, integration work may be carefully undertaken. Therapy progresses at a pace comfortable for the client, emphasizing safety throughout the healing process.

• Long COVID somatic and stress support therapy utilizes a biopsychosocial approach to address the complex interplay of physical symptoms, emotional distress, and social impacts. Treatment may include pacing strategies to manage limited energy resources, cognitive techniques to address anxiety about symptoms, and mindfulness practices to reduce stress responses that may exacerbate physical complaints. Therapists help clients develop self-advocacy skills for navigating healthcare systems and validate the reality of their experience. Support for grief over lost functioning and adaptation to a “new normal” is also provided.

History of publications: Sand tray therapy was developed in the early 1900s by Margaret Lowenfeld. She published her first book on sand tray therapy in 1939, titled “The World Technique.” The book has been translated into several languages and is used by therapists around the world.
Information on the founder: Margaret Lowenfeld was a British psychologist and educator. She is considered to be the founder of sand tray therapy, and her work has had a profound influence on the field of psychology.
Methods and techniques: Sand tray therapy is a form of therapy that uses miniature figures and objects to help clients to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. The client is free to create whatever they want in the sand tray, and the therapist helps them to interpret their creations. Sand tray therapy is a non-verbal therapy, which means that it can be used with clients who are unable to express themselves verbally.
Here are some of the benefits of sand tray therapy:

It can help clients to access their unconscious thoughts and feelings.
It can help clients to develop insight into their problems.
It can help clients to find new ways to cope with their problems.
If you are interested in learning more about sand tray therapy, you can visit the American Sand Tray Association website or speak with a therapist who is trained in this method.

Brainspotting is a powerful therapeutic approach that works by identifying specific eye positions that correlate with emotional activation in the brain. When you experience trauma or emotional distress, this information becomes stored in your brain and body. During a Brainspotting session, your therapist helps you find “brainspots” – eye positions that connect to stored trauma or emotional distress in your brain.

By maintaining focus on these specific eye positions while discussing or processing difficult emotions or memories, Brainspotting enables direct access to the subcortical brain where traumatic memories are stored. This process helps the brain process and release traumatic material that has been “stuck” in your nervous system. The therapy creates new neural pathways that aren’t connected to the distressing emotional charge, allowing for deeper, more effective healing than talk therapy alone.

Many clients experience significant relief after just a few sessions, though the number of sessions needed varies depending on the complexity of the trauma being addressed.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) works through an eight-phase protocol that helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories. During EMDR, you’ll focus on a disturbing memory while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation – typically through guided eye movements, alternating tones, or tactile stimulation like gentle taps on your hands.

The bilateral stimulation activates both hemispheres of the brain and appears to help the brain process traumatic memories in a way similar to what happens during REM sleep. This helps transform these memories from their raw, emotionally charged state into more adaptive, less distressing forms. Throughout the process, your brain makes new connections between the traumatic memory and more adaptive information, helping you develop new insights and perspectives.

EMDR is particularly effective for PTSD, anxiety, and trauma-related conditions. The therapy typically requires multiple sessions, with many clients experiencing significant improvement within 6-12 sessions for single-incident trauma.

Somatic Experiencing works by focusing on bodily sensations to release trauma energy that has become trapped in your nervous system. Developed by Dr. Peter Levine, this approach recognizes that trauma responses like fight, flight, or freeze can become incomplete when they’re overwhelmed, leaving residual trauma energy stored in the body.

During a session, your therapist will guide you to track physical sensations in your body while moving slowly between states of activation (related to the traumatic experience) and resource (related to safety and comfort). This pendulation helps discharge trauma energy in small, manageable amounts. Rather than reliving traumatic experiences, you’ll work at the edge of your comfort zone, maintaining awareness of bodily sensations while developing greater capacity for containing difficult emotions.

The process helps reset your nervous system’s response to perceived threats and gradually restores your body’s natural ability to regulate itself. Clients typically experience increased resilience, reduced symptoms of anxiety and trauma, and a greater sense of being present and comfortable in their bodies.

Jungian therapy works by exploring the unconscious mind through dreams, symbols, and archetypes to promote psychological growth and wholeness. Based on Carl Jung’s analytical psychology, this approach recognizes that much of our psychological life exists beyond our conscious awareness.

During therapy, you’ll work with a Jungian analyst to bring unconscious material into consciousness, often through dream analysis, active imagination (a form of directed daydreaming), and exploration of symbolic imagery. Your therapist will help you recognize patterns and themes that connect to universal archetypes – innate, universally understood symbols or concepts like the Hero, the Shadow, or the Wise Elder.

A key goal of Jungian therapy is individuation – the process of integrating unconscious aspects of yourself into consciousness to become more whole and authentic. This includes confronting and integrating your “shadow” – the disowned or rejected parts of yourself – and balancing opposing forces within your psyche.

Unlike some therapeutic approaches that focus primarily on symptom reduction, Jungian therapy aims for profound transformation and meaning-making. It’s particularly beneficial for existential questions, midlife transitions, and spiritual explorations. Learn more about how to understand Jung and Jungian analysis.

Parts-based therapy works by recognizing that our psyche contains different “parts” or subpersonalities, each with their own perspectives, feelings, and needs. This approach, informed by models like Internal Family Systems (IFS) and the work of Sidra and Hal Stone, helps you identify and work with these different aspects of yourself.

During therapy, you’ll learn to identify your various parts – such as the Inner Critic, the Vulnerable Child, or the Protector – and understand the role each plays in your psychological functioning. Your therapist will help you develop a compassionate relationship with all your parts, especially those carrying emotional burdens or playing protective roles that may have once been helpful but now cause problems.

The goal is to achieve greater internal harmony by helping parts that are stuck in the past update their understanding of your current reality and needs. Parts work also helps develop your “Self” – your core identity that can observe and coordinate between different parts with compassion and wisdom.

This approach is particularly effective for addressing inner conflict, self-criticism, and patterns of behavior that feel automatic or out of your control. As parts are acknowledged and their concerns addressed, many clients experience greater internal coherence and self-compassion.

Neurofeedback works by providing real-time feedback about your brain activity, allowing your brain to self-regulate more effectively. This non-invasive therapy begins with QEEG brain mapping, which creates a detailed map of your brain’s electrical activity to identify areas of dysregulation.

During a neurofeedback session, sensors placed on your scalp monitor your brainwaves. This information is fed into a computer program that provides immediate feedback through visual or auditory signals when your brain produces more desirable patterns of activity. For example, you might watch a video that plays smoothly when your brain is producing optimal brainwave patterns and pauses or dims when it’s not.

Through this feedback process, your brain learns to self-regulate more effectively through a process called operant conditioning. Over time, your brain strengthens neural pathways associated with improved focus, reduced anxiety, or whatever goal is being targeted in your treatment.

Neurofeedback typically requires multiple sessions to achieve lasting results, with many clients seeing improvements in attention, mood regulation, and stress management after 20-40 sessions. The therapy is particularly effective for ADHD, anxiety, depression, and trauma-related conditions.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) works by teaching specific skills to manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and build a life worth living. Developed by Marsha Linehan, DBT balances acceptance and change strategies – the “dialectical” aspect of the therapy.

During DBT, you’ll learn four core skill sets: mindfulness (being present in the moment without judgment), distress tolerance (handling crisis situations without making them worse), emotion regulation (understanding, managing, and changing intense emotions), and interpersonal effectiveness (communicating needs and boundaries while maintaining relationships).

DBT typically involves multiple components: individual therapy sessions to address specific challenges and apply skills to personal situations, group skills training to learn and practice DBT skills, phone coaching for real-time support during crises, and therapist consultation teams to help providers deliver the best treatment.

The therapy is structured in stages, beginning with stabilizing dangerous or life-threatening behaviors, then addressing emotional pain and quality-of-life issues, and finally focusing on building an ordinary life of happiness and connection. DBT was originally developed for borderline personality disorder but has proven effective for numerous conditions involving emotional dysregulation, including eating disorders, substance use disorders, depression, and PTSD.

Somatic Trauma Mapping works by creating a detailed understanding of how trauma affects your body and nervous system. This approach recognizes that trauma isn’t just stored in memory but lives in the body as patterns of tension, numbness, or dysregulation.

During this therapy, your therapist will help you systematically track and map where and how trauma manifests in your body. You’ll learn to identify your personal trauma response patterns – such as specific areas of tension, postures that emerge under stress, or particular sensation patterns that signal nervous system activation.

Once this map is developed, you’ll work with your therapist to address these somatic patterns through targeted interventions that help release stored tension and create new patterns of safety and regulation. These might include gentle movement practices, breathing techniques, or specific exercises designed to complete interrupted defensive responses.

The mapping process itself is therapeutic, as it helps you develop the capacity to track bodily sensations with curiosity rather than fear. This approach is particularly helpful for complex trauma, chronic pain conditions, and situations where traditional talk therapy hasn’t provided sufficient relief.

Emotional Transformation Therapy (ETT) works by using light and color to rapidly relieve emotional distress through visual brain stimulation. This innovative approach, developed by Dr. Steven Vazquez, combines elements of interpersonal therapy with precise visual brain stimulation.

During an ETT session, your therapist guides you through a process where you focus on specific emotional states while being exposed to particular frequencies of light, often through colored filters or specially designed light devices. This visual input helps stimulate neural pathways associated with specific emotional states.

While maintaining this visual focus, your therapist engages you in a specialized form of dialogue designed to process and transform emotional states. The combination of light stimulation and therapeutic dialogue helps your brain quickly process and release emotional distress that may have been stuck for years.

ETT is known for producing rapid results, with many clients experiencing significant emotional relief within a single session. The therapy can be particularly effective for anxiety, depression, trauma, and physical pain with emotional components.

Meditation and mindfulness therapy works by training your mind to focus on the present moment without judgment. These practices help you develop a different relationship with your thoughts and emotions – observing them rather than being consumed by them.

During mindfulness therapy, you’ll learn various meditation techniques that help you cultivate present-moment awareness. These might include focused attention meditation (concentrating on a single point like the breath), open monitoring meditation (observing thoughts and sensations as they arise without getting caught up in them), and loving-kindness meditation (directing well-wishes toward yourself and others).

Regular practice helps strengthen the prefrontal cortex (responsible for executive function) while calming the amygdala (involved in the fear response). This leads to improved emotion regulation, reduced reactivity to stress, and greater psychological flexibility. Learning about the window of tolerance – the optimal zone of arousal for processing emotions – can enhance these practices.

Mindfulness therapy is evidence-based and has been shown effective for numerous conditions including anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and stress-related disorders. Benefits typically increase with regular practice, with many people experiencing greater calm, clarity, and compassion in their daily lives.

Therapeutic approaches for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) focus on improving social communication, addressing sensory processing challenges, and developing adaptive skills. Therapy often incorporates structured behavioral interventions, social skills training, and sensory integration techniques. Family involvement is crucial, with therapists providing strategies for parents to support development at home. Early intervention typically produces the best outcomes, though therapeutic benefits can be gained at any age.

Treatment for OCD and Bipolar Disorder requires specialized approaches. For OCD, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold standard, gradually exposing individuals to anxiety-provoking stimuli while preventing compulsive responses. For Bipolar Disorder, therapy focuses on mood monitoring, trigger identification, and development of stability routines. Cognitive-behavioral techniques address distorted thinking patterns in both conditions. Social rhythm therapy helps establish regular daily patterns that support mood stability. Both conditions benefit from family involvement to create supportive home environments.

Therapy for dissociation and amnesia typically begins with stabilization techniques to ensure clients can manage overwhelming emotions safely. Grounding exercises help individuals reconnect with the present moment when dissociative symptoms occur. Trauma processing approaches may include EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) or sensorimotor psychotherapy to address traumatic memories stored in the body. For dissociative identity disorder, integration work may be carefully undertaken. Therapy progresses at a pace comfortable for the client, emphasizing safety throughout the healing process.

• Long COVID somatic and stress support therapy utilizes a biopsychosocial approach to address the complex interplay of physical symptoms, emotional distress, and social impacts. Treatment may include pacing strategies to manage limited energy resources, cognitive techniques to address anxiety about symptoms, and mindfulness practices to reduce stress responses that may exacerbate physical complaints. Therapists help clients develop self-advocacy skills for navigating healthcare systems and validate the reality of their experience. Support for grief over lost functioning and adaptation to a “new normal” is also provided.

History of publications: Sand tray therapy was developed in the early 1900s by Margaret Lowenfeld. She published her first book on sand tray therapy in 1939, titled “The World Technique.” The book has been translated into several languages and is used by therapists around the world.
Information on the founder: Margaret Lowenfeld was a British psychologist and educator. She is considered to be the founder of sand tray therapy, and her work has had a profound influence on the field of psychology.
Methods and techniques: Sand tray therapy is a form of therapy that uses miniature figures and objects to help clients to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. The client is free to create whatever they want in the sand tray, and the therapist helps them to interpret their creations. Sand tray therapy is a non-verbal therapy, which means that it can be used with clients who are unable to express themselves verbally.
Here are some of the benefits of sand tray therapy:

It can help clients to access their unconscious thoughts and feelings.
It can help clients to develop insight into their problems.
It can help clients to find new ways to cope with their problems.
If you are interested in learning more about sand tray therapy, you can visit the American Sand Tray Association website or speak with a therapist who is trained in this method.