General Approaches
Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic therapy identifies how relationship problems occurring in the present may stem from relational patterns that were learned early in life. Psychodynamic therapy is particularly useful in understanding how experiences of childhood abuse, neglect, or other traumas have impacted your present day relationships. The goal is to understand how these patterns may have been useful in the context in which they developed, but are harmful in the present. Psychodynamic therapy is designed to understand these patterns and change them.
Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT)
EFT, as the name implies, is designed to facilitate the healthy expression of past and present emotions. EFT is an effective treatment for the negative impacts of childhood trauma and neglect. It has been shown to be particularly effective for couples. In EFT for couples, partners are encouraged to identify and interrupt cycles of interaction and learn to communicate in more emotionally attuned and effective ways. EFT fosters a more compassionate view of ourselves as individuals and engaged partners in relationships.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)
CBT is based on the idea that the way we think influences how we feel and behave. CBT has considerable research to support its use for a wide range of problems. Therapy focuses on challenging unhelpful thoughts that are causing problems like depression, anxiety, eating difficulties, substance use, relationship problems, etc.. The client and therapist examine these beliefs to develop more balanced alternative thoughts and behaviours. Sessions involve homework assignments that clients practice between sessions. Clients are taught the skills to be their own therapists in future.