Trainings

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing)

EMDR is a psychotherapy approach used to treat trauma and distressing experiences. EMDR involves the use of bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements, sounds, or taps, while the person focuses on specific traumatic memories or distressing thoughts. This process aims to help the individual process these memories and reduce their emotional impact, leading to symptom relief and psychological healing.

CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)

CBT is a widely used psychotherapy approach that focuses on how thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes influence feelings and behaviors. The goal of CBT is to help individuals identify and change unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior that contribute to their difficulties or distress. By teaching skills for recognizing and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors, CBT can be effective in treating various mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, and more.

Tf-CBT (Trauma Focused CBT for children and adolescents)

TF-CBT is an evidence-based, specialized form of CBT designed to help children, adolescents, and families cope with the effects of trauma and traumatic experiences. TF-CBT integrates various therapeutic techniques, including cognitive-behavioral strategies, psychoeducation, relaxation techniques, and trauma-focused interventions, to address symptoms related to trauma such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and behavioral difficulties. TF-CBT aims to reduce traumatic stress symptoms, improve coping skills, and enhance family communication and support.

CBT-ED (CBT for Eating Disorders)

CBTED is an evidence-based, specialized form of CBT tailored to address the complex issues surrounding eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and others. It focuses on helping individuals change their unhealthy thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors related to food, body image, and weight through psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring, behavioral interventions, body image work, and relapse prevention… Equipping individuals with skills to identify triggers, cope with stressors, and prevent relapse into disordered eating behaviors.

Insight-Oriented (analyze and understand events in our lives)

Insight-oriented therapy focuses on gaining self-awareness and understanding of one’s thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and underlying psychological processes. This modality draws from various theoretical approaches, including psychodynamic therapy, humanistic therapy, and existential therapy and can be beneficial for individuals seeking deeper self-understanding, resolution of inner conflicts, personal growth, and improved mental health. The goal is to help individuals explore their inner experiences, gain insights into their motivations and patterns of thinking, and make meaningful changes in their lives through:

1. Exploration of the unconscious

2. Emphasis on past experiences

3. Development of self-awareness

4. Focus on the therapeutic relationship

5. Integration of insights into daily life

Gestalt (individual awareness, freedom and self-direction)

Gestalt therapy is a humanistic and experiential psychotherapy approach that focuses on the present moment experience, emphasizing awareness, personal responsibility, and the integration of mind and body. The word “Gestalt” comes from German and roughly translates to “whole” or “pattern,” reflecting the emphasis on viewing individuals as integrated wholes rather than fragmented parts. It can be effective in addressing relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, and unresolved trauma. Key principles and techniques of Gestalt therapy include: Here and now focus, awareness and mindfulness, holistic approach, creative experimentation, personal responsibility, and dialogue & relationship.

IFS (Internal Family Systems, “parts of ourselves”)

FS is a psychotherapeutic approach based on the premise that individuals have multiple “parts” or sub-personalities within themselves, each with its own thoughts, feelings, and motivations. These parts can sometimes conflict with each other and contribute to emotional distress and dysfunctional behaviors. It emphasizes self-compassion, empowerment, and the exploration of internal dynamics to promote holistic healing and personal growth. Key concepts and techniques of Internal Family Systems therapy include: Parts, Self, Internal dialogue, Experiential techniques, Healing and Integration.

ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)

ACT is a form of psychotherapy that falls under the umbrella of CBT focused on helping individuals develop psychological flexibility. ACT combines mindfulness techniques with strategies for accepting difficult thoughts and emotions while also committing to actions aligned with one’s values and goals, and has been applied successfully to various mental health concerns, including anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, chronic pain, addiction, and stress-related conditions. It aims to enhance psychological flexibility, resilience, and overall well-being by promoting mindfulness, acceptance, values-driven action, and self-awareness.

DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy)

DBT is a type of psychotherapy that combines CBT techniques with concepts from dialectics, emphasizing the balance between acceptance and change. DBT is often used to treat conditions such as borderline personality disorder (BPD), but it can also be helpful for other mental health issues like depression, addiction, and eating disorders. It focuses on developing practical and specific skills in areas such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness to help individuals manage intense emotions and improve their overall well-being.

AEDP (Accelerated Experiential-Dynamic Psychotherapy)

AEDP is a therapeutic approach that focuses on healing emotional wounds and fostering emotional transformation. AEDP integrates techniques from attachment theory, emotion-focused therapy, and body-focused approaches to help clients explore and process their emotions deeply. The therapist and client work collaboratively to build a secure therapeutic relationship, promote self-awareness, and facilitate emotional processing and healing.

MI (Motivational Interviewing) 

MI is a counseling approach that aims to help individuals resolve ambivalence and find motivation to make positive changes in their behavior and is often used in the context of addressing behaviors such as substance abuse, unhealthy eating habits, and other lifestyle changes. Key principles of motivational interviewing include: Expressing Empathy, Developing Discrepancy, Rolling with Resistance, Supporting Self-Efficacy, and Avoiding Argumentation. MI aims to elicit intrinsic motivation for behavioral change.

Somatic Mindfulness (Mind/Body Treatment for PTSD) 

SM is the practice of cultivating awareness of bodily sensations, movements, and experiences in the present moment. It involves paying attention to the physical sensations and feelings within the body without judgment or analysis. SM promotes self-awareness, stress reduction, and emotional regulation through: Body Awareness, Non-Judgmental Observation, Grounding Techniques, Emotional Regulation and Trauma-Informed Practice.

Play Therapy (Directive / Non-Directive) 

PT is a form of psychotherapy specifically designed for children and sometimes adolescents, utilizing play and creative activities as the primary means of communication and expression. It is based on the understanding that children may not have the verbal skills or cognitive abilities to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences as adults do. Therefore, play therapy provides them with a safe and supportive environment to explore, process, and work through their emotions and challenges. Key features and principles of play therapy include:

1. Non-Directive Approach: Play therapy often adopts a non-directive or child-centered approach, where the therapist follows the child’s lead during play sessions. This allows the child to express themselves freely without feeling pressured or judged.

2. Therapeutic Materials: Therapists use a variety of toys, art supplies, games, and creative materials to facilitate play and self-expression. These materials may include dolls, puppets, drawing materials, sand trays, blocks, and more.

3. Symbolic Communication: Children often use play as a form of symbolic communication, representing their inner thoughts, feelings, and experiences through play scenarios, stories, and interactions with toys.

4. Emotional Expression: Play therapy encourages children to express and process a wide range of emotions, including joy, sadness, anger, fear, and confusion, in a safe and controlled environment.

5. Problem-solving and Coping Skills: Through play therapy, children can learn and practice problem-solving skills, emotional regulation, coping strategies, empathy, social skills, and self-confidence.

6. Trauma-Informed Approaches: Play therapy can be adapted to address trauma and help children process traumatic experiences in a supportive and gentle manner.

The goal of play therapy is to support children in overcoming challenges, improving their emotional well-being, and enhancing their overall development.

IPT (Interpersonal Psychotherapy) 

IPT is a short-term, evidence-based approach that focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and addressing specific interpersonal issues that contribute to psychological distress. IPT has been found to be effective for various mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly when interpersonal issues play a significant role in the client’s difficulties.

Medical Model Framework vs Environmental/Feminist Theory approach

The medical model framework and the environmental feminist theory approach are two distinct perspectives used in understanding and addressing mental health and societal issues. The medical model framework focuses on biological explanations and medical interventions for mental health issues, while the environmental feminist theory approach considers broader social, cultural, and environmental contexts, emphasizing systemic inequalities and holistic approaches to mental health promotion and advocacy.