Our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are all impacted by one another. CBT looks more closely at how each of our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors influence our interpretation of an experience. We aim to identify unhelpful automatic thoughts, introduce more balanced thinking via thought reframing to influence our emotions and behaviors to better align with our goals and values.

ERP is a type of CBT in which we gradually approach those thoughts/things/places that are feared while resisting those behaviors, both mental and physical, that have been shown to actually reinforce that fear. While exposing one’s self to feared situations might sound terrifying, exposures are done with care and consideration, to understand “the value of this exposure?” ERP has been clinically proven to treat anxiety disorders, eating disorders, OCD and its related disorders.

PE is endorsed by both the American Psychiatric Association and the VA. After a traumatic event, some people experience unwanted thoughts, nightmares, feelings of hopelessness, depression, and hypervigilance. If you have these symptoms, you understandably want to avoid thoughts, feelings, and things that remind you of the trauma. The goal of PE is to gradually help you reengage with life, especially with things you have been avoiding. By doing so, you will strengthen your ability to distinguish safety from danger and decrease your PTSD symptoms.

DBT skills helps with emotion regulation, interpersonal relationship effectiveness, conflict, and teaches assertiveness for self-advocacy and appropriate communication. DBT skills help individuals acceptance the reality of their life while moving toward meaningful change.

Mood is affected powerfully by our actions, but our actions are also influence by our mood. BA looks at areas where avoidance patterns have persisted and where we can intervene using active coping. Unlike anxiety where we target changing our thoughts, in BA we aim to change the behavior. Over time and with continual practice, we see our mood change and an increase in confidence while returning to daily and enjoyable activities.

ACT helps us to be able to live in accordance with our values and be more engaged in the present moment. This happens through radical acceptance, identifying values, behaviors that support those values, and mindfulness. Practicing these skills leads to greater psychological flexibility.