Brainspotting
Brainspotting is a neuroscience-informed approach to psychotherapy that targets and processes traumatic experiences, emotional difficulties, and other psychological issues. Furthermore, brainspotting is effective for healing physical pain, especially chronic or psychologically induced pain. The theory of brainspotting postulates that the eye's position can be used to access and process trauma and profound emotional experiences stored in the brain. Brainspotting, discovered by Dr. David Grand, Ph.D., involves finding an eye position in the patient’s visual field (often with the help of a pointer) that connects to a body sensation around a specific issue. Traditional talk therapy can only go so far in helping individuals heal from trauma. Recent developments in neuroscience have shown that trauma is often stored in the body and brain in a physiological form, what some neuroscientists call "trauma capsules." Talk therapy seeks to shift one's thoughts and behaviors, which can have an impact on our responses to trauma. However, neurobiological approaches to psychotherapy, including Brainspotting, have been shown to change the actual structure of our brains which leads to a deeper level of physiological healing. Brainspotting, discovered by Dr. David Grand, Ph.D., involves finding an eye position in the patient’s visual field (often with the help of a pointer) that connects to a body sensation around a specific issue. Research has proven that trauma is stored in the body and the brain; therefore, linking the somatic experience with the subconscious memory allows for deeply stored patterns to emerge. By using the eyes to access these “trauma capsules,” we help patients transition from dysregulation to a state of regulation. One of the advantages of brainspotting is that it can access and process traumatic experiences that may be difficult to reach through traditional talk therapy alone. By bypassing the cognitive and verbal filters, brainspotting taps into the body's wisdom, allowing for a more direct and profound healing experience.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a well known form of psychotherapy that can help replace thoughts and behavior patterns that no longer serve us and replace them with new patterns that heal and empower us. The fundamental principle of CBT is that our thoughts (cognitions) about events and situations can significantly impact our emotions and behaviors. CBT suggests that it is not the events that cause distress but our interpretation and meaning attached to those events. Therefore, individuals can change their emotional responses and subsequent behaviors by identifying and challenging negative or distorted thoughts. The goal of CBT is to help individuals identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns to helpful and empowering ones to improve their emotional well-being and overall functioning.
Core Beliefs
Core beliefs are foundational thoughts and paradigms that we have about ourselves, our families, and the world around us. They often are accompanied by intense affective and physiological responses. Core beliefs impact every aspect of our lives, from self-image to career aspirations to our sense of what’s right and wrong. By identifying constraining core beliefs and challenging them, we can shift them to more facilitative beliefs which lead to healing and growth.
Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation aims to increase knowledge and understanding of psychological and emotional issues, promote self-awareness, enhance skills, and empower individuals to manage their mental health better. The goals of psychoeducation can vary depending on the target audience and the specific mental health concern. Some common objectives include: Understanding Mental Health: It helps individuals gain a better understanding of their own experiences or those of their loved ones. Reducing Stigma: By providing education about mental health, psychoeducation seeks to challenge misconceptions, stereotypes, and stigma associated with mental health conditions. It promotes acceptance and encourages individuals to seek help without fear of judgment or discrimination. Treatment Options: Psychoeducation provides information about various treatment approaches, such as therapy, medication, self-help strategies, and lifestyle changes. It helps individuals make informed decisions about their treatment options and encourages them to engage in effective care. Coping Skills: Psychoeducation equips individuals with practical skills and strategies to manage their mental health challenges. It may include stress reduction techniques, communication skills, problem-solving strategies, self-care practices, and relapse prevention strategies.
Trauma Informed Care
Trauma-informed psychological care refers to an approach to mental health treatment that recognizes and addresses the impact of trauma on individuals. It is a framework that aims to create a safe and supportive environment for individuals who have experienced trauma while promoting their healing and resilience. The core principles of trauma-informed care include the following: Safety: Prioritizing physical and emotional safety for individuals in all aspects of their care. This involves creating an environment where individuals feel secure, respected, and empowered. Trustworthiness and Transparency: Building trust with individuals by being transparent and honest and maintaining clear and open communication. Providing information about the treatment process and involving individuals in decision-making promotes a sense of control and reduces feelings of vulnerability. Collaboration and Empowerment: Recognizing the individual as an active participant in their healing journey. Collaboration between the individual and the therapist fosters a sense of empowerment, autonomy, and shared decision-making. Choice and Control: Respecting the individual's autonomy and offering choices within the treatment process. Allowing individuals to control their own treatment decisions helps restore a sense of agency and promotes self-determination. Understanding the Impact of Trauma: Acknowledging the widespread impact of trauma and its potential effects on individuals' mental, emotional, and physical well-being. This includes recognizing trauma as a significant factor in their current difficulties and avoiding re-traumatization during therapy. Cultural Sensitivity: Recognizing and respecting the influence of cultural, social, and historical factors on an individual's experience of trauma. Providing culturally sensitive and responsive care helps to create a safe and inclusive therapeutic environment. Resilience and Strengths-Based Approach: Focusing on individuals' strengths, resilience, and existing coping mechanisms. Acknowledging and building upon these strengths can foster a sense of empowerment and promote healing.
Systems Theory
The family is a complex biopsychosocial-spiritual system, in which members interact and influence one another's behavior and life experience. It's members are both independent and interdependent at the same time. Individuals cannot be fully understood without understanding their family system.
Genograms
Genograms are structural diagrams of the family system that include analysis of relationship dynamics and family history of illness. They are very useful in the process of assessment and identifying patterns of behavior and intergenerational trauma. Drawing a genogram improves our ability to work with the patient and any parts of their identified family system who may visit or participate in a therapeutic intervention.