Family Systems Theory holds that a person’s psychological functioning is largely influenced by their relationships with others, particularly their family of origin. As well, this theory holds that families operate in ways that are consistent with systems and that systems operate according to principles rooted in nature. Systems’ thinking includes principles such as circular, interlocking, and time-delayed dynamics as well as supportive and complementary actions. By taking these principles into account and becoming more aware of their own patterns of behavior, clients are better able to modify their behavior, become more autonomous, and avoid automatic responses to dynamics that occur within interpersonal relationships in their lives.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy helps clients become more aware of the connection between their thought patterns and situations in life as well as subsequent emotions and habitual reactions. The goals of therapy are to provide skills to alter ways of thinking, calm the mind, recognize distorted thinking, and choose appropriate actions that produce desirable results.
Body-Centered Psychotherapy focuses on a deepening awareness of a combination of emotional, energy, sensations, and somatic processes and responses. This approach includes techniques such as acupressure (including EFT), EMDR, visualization, relaxation, and body postures or movement. Principles associated with energy work, including Therapeutic and Healing Touch, may inform and guide body-centered approaches. This approach teaches people to use the body as a resource with which to integrate body, mind and spirit, become more of a witness/observer to what is happening internally, and experience more authentic responses to life.
Emotionally Focused Therapy is a structured approach to couples therapy developed by Sue Johnson and Les Greenberg in the 1980’s. It is based on conceptualizations of attachment theory and the nature of relationship distress. Negative patterns of interactions are identified as well as core emotions that underlie and motivate interactions. New interactions that promote respect, closeness, and caring are initiated and practiced with guided support from the therapist. The goals of EFT are to expand and re-organize key emotional responses, create positive shifts in interactions, and foster a secure bond between partners.
Creative Expression includes approaches that involve expression and exploration of feelings through non-verbal means. In my practice, the creative approaches that may be used include artistic expression (usually drawing), body postures and stances, visualization, play therapy, and role-play. These creative modalities tend to enhance the therapeutic experience as an aid to self-discovery and healing and the symbolic expression of feelings, emotions, and sensations that represent the inner world.
Energy Psychology refers to a set of therapeutic techniques that utilize the major components of the human energy system composed of bio-electromagnetic fields. Some techniques integrate Eastern approaches with Western psychology to address and integrate aspects of mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. These approaches address the three main interacting components of the energy system: energy pathways or meridians, energy centers or chakras, and the human biofield (field of energy that surrounds and envelops the body). These techniques include EFT and other acupressure techniques, muscle testing, and EMDR.