Experiential Therapy is a form of therapy that uses a variety of techniques to help people re-experience emotional situations in their past.  This is a great approach for those who feel overwhelmed by the direct approach of talk therapy as it uses creative expression to symbolize one’s experiences. Techniques that may be involved in Experiential Therapy can include Expressive Arts (drawing, painting, acting, music, poetry), role-playing, animal care, recreation, and Sand Tray therapy.  Sand Tray therapy uses therapeutic sand and miniatures in which the client creates a world that represents the things they are struggling with. The therapist will then process with the client the different aspects of the sandtray they created.

Exposure and Response Prevention therapy (ERP) is a modality commonly used for the treatment of  Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Anxiety. The “Exposure” component refers to helping people confront their fears, anxiety, and obsessive thoughts. The “Response Prevention” component involves engaging in these situations without engaging in ineffective or compulsive behaviors to reduce uncomfortable emotions. ERP looks different for everyone and is tailored to a person’s specific needs.

We all have different metaphorical “parts” as a result of our unique life experiences and trauma. In IFS, you and your therapist will explore your “wounded parts” (trauma responses/negative beliefs about yourself) and your “protector parts” (ways you have learned to keep the wounded parts of yourself “hidden”). Common examples of “wounded parts” are feelings of shame, rejection, abandonment, pain,and betrayal while examples of protector parts might be perfectionism, self-criticism, impulsivity, and anger.. The goal of IFS is to distinguish who you are as a person, separate from your “parts”, and find a way that the needs of all parts can be recognized, but not get in the way of thriving.

A body-centered approach of therapy that looks at the connection of mind and body.  Therapists may incorporate yoga, breathwork, somatic awareness, meditation techniques, movement & dance, and more—to address an individual’s physical, mental, and emotional needs.

The Gottman Method is an evidence-based modality that has been researched for over fifty years. It provides easy to learn tools on how to communicate effectively among couples and families. According to the Gottman Institute, the Interventions are designed to help couples strengthen their relationships in three primary areas: friendship, conflict management and creation of shared meaning.