Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) helps people who have experienced trauma or other distressing events. It’s based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model.

The AIP model suggests that negative memories related to trauma and distressing events can hinder our brains typical information processing ability. This can cause a bad memory to be stuck in our brains.

EMDR therapy works by activating the brain's natural healing processes, getting a traumatic memory and it’s associated emotions “un-stuck” from our brains.

During an EMDR session, I’ll guide my patients through a series of eye movements while they focus on the traumatic event. I may also use other techniques, such as tapping or audio stimulation, to help the patient process the memories and emotions related to the event.

EMDR therapy is an empirically validated treatment for trauma and other mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and anger. The positive therapeutic outcomes rapidly achieved without homework or detailed description of the disturbing event which offers patients an efficient treatment approach.

Read more: Shapiro F. The role of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in medicine: addressing the psychological and physical symptoms stemming from adverse life experiences. Perm J. 2014 Winter;18(1):71-7. doi: 10.7812/TPP/13-098. PMID: 24626074; PMCID: PMC3951033. Online access here

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It’s based on the idea that our thoughts and beliefs can influence our feelings and actions, and that by changing these thoughts and beliefs, we can change our feelings and behaviors.

During CBT, I’ll work with a patient to identify negative or distorted thought patterns. I’ll help them to challenge and modify these thoughts. I may also use techniques such as exposure therapy or relaxation techniques to help the patient cope with difficult emotions and situations.

CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented therapy that’s focused on developing coping skills and strategies to manage symptoms and improve overall functioning. It’s often used to treat a variety of anxiety disorders, depression, and addiction.

Numerous research studies suggest that CBT leads to significant improvement in functioning and quality of life.

Read more: Hofmann SG, Asnaani A, Vonk IJ, Sawyer AT, Fang A. The Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Review of Meta-analyses. Cognit Ther Res. 2012 Oct 1;36(5):427-440. doi: 10.1007/s10608-012-9476-1. Epub 2012 Jul 31. PMID: 23459093; PMCID: PMC3584580. Online access here

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps a patient to increase their psychological flexibility, or the ability to adapt to new situations and experiences. It's based on the idea that by accepting difficult thoughts, feelings, and experiences, rather than trying to avoid or control them, we can make positive changes in our lives.

ACT uses a number of techniques to help people become more accepting of their thoughts and feelings, including mindfulness and acceptance strategies. It also focuses on helping people to develop a sense of purpose and meaning in their lives, and to take committed action towards their values and goals.

The efficacy of ACT has been evaluated in many randomized controlled trials investigating a broad range of target conditions. It can be effective in helping people to reduce their suffering and improve their overall quality of life.

Read more: Andrew T. Gloster, Noemi Walder, Michael E. Levin, Michael P. Twohig, Maria Karekla, The empirical status of acceptance and commitment therapy: A review of meta-analyses, Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 2020 18(1) Pages 181-192, ISSN 2212-1447, Access online

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) combines traditional cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques with Eastern mindfulness practices, and focuses on helping people to develop skills in four areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

DBT is based on the idea that by changing how we relate to our thoughts and emotions, we can improve our ability to cope with difficult situations and improve our overall functioning.

During DBT, I work with my patients to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors, and to develop more adaptive coping skills.

DBT is a relatively short-term therapy that is effective in helping people to reduce their suffering and improve their overall quality of life.

Read more: Chapman AL. Dialectical behavior therapy: current indications and unique elements. Psychiatry (Edgmont). 2006 Sep;3(9):62-8. PMID: 20975829; PMCID: PMC2963469. Online Access

Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is based on the idea that each person has multiple "parts" or subpersonalities that make up their psyche, and that these parts often have conflicting goals and needs.

IFS therapy focuses on helping people to understand and work with these parts in a way that promotes healing and growth.

During IFS therapy, I help my patients to identify and explore their different parts, and to understand the roles and functions of each part. I may also help the patient to develop a sense of self, or a "core self," that is able to observe and understand the different parts without being overwhelmed by them.

IFS therapy has been well documented to effectively treat a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders.

It’s focused on helping people to develop a greater sense of self-awareness and self-compassion, and to improve their overall functioning.

Read more: Haddock SA, Weiler LM, Trump LJ, Henry KL. The Efficacy of Internal Family Systems Therapy in the Treatment of Depression Among Female College Students: A Pilot Study. J Marital Fam Ther. 2017 Jan;43(1):131-144. doi: 10.1111/jmft.12184. Epub 2016 Aug 8. PMID: 27500908. Online Access

Gottman Method Couples Therapy helps couples improve their relationships and resolve conflicts. It’s based on the research of Drs. John and Julie Gottman, who studied couples and identified specific behaviors that are associated with successful relationships.

Gottman Method Couples Therapy focuses on helping couples to strengthen their communication skills, increase their understanding of each other's needs and feelings, and develop strategies for managing conflicts. It also emphasizes the importance of building a strong emotional connection and creating a sense of shared meaning and purpose in the relationship.

During Gottman Method Couples Therapy, I’ll work with a couple to identify and address specific issues in their relationship, and to develop skills and strategies for improving their communication and problem-solving skills. The therapy is typically short-term, and may involve both individual and couples sessions. It can be used to treat a variety of relationship issues, including communication problems, infidelity, and issues related to intimacy and trust.

Read more: Davoodvandi M, Navabi Nejad S, Farzad V. Examining the Effectiveness of Gottman Couple Therapy on Improving Marital Adjustment and Couples' Intimacy. Iran J Psychiatry. 2018 Apr;13(2):135-141. PMID: 29997659; PMCID: PMC6037577. Online Access