Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an effective intervention for a wide range of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety disorders, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, sleep disorders, and eating disorders, as well as other challenges.  CBT is a structured intervention, focusing on accomplishing specific goals in order to address current life challenges.  Using a range of strategies, CBT helps clients identify, evaluate, and challenge problematic thinking patterns with the goal of shifting thoughts and beliefs to be more accurate, realistic, and helpful.  CBT also focuses on supporting clients as they engage in new behaviors and coping strategies.  Clients benefit the most from CBT when they commit to trying new ways of doing things and practicing new behaviors in daily life.  With CBT, clients often experience increased feelings of mastery and control over their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, leading to higher levels of life satisfaction and well-being.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that incorporates acceptance and mindfulness strategies.  It has been shown to be effective for treating many different types of mental health problems and in particular has been shown to be beneficial for individuals who struggle with intense emotions (such as depression, anxiety, anger, shame) as well as behaviors that cause significant problems (such as substance use issues, suicidal behaviors, self-injury, or behaviors that are harmful to relationships).  The underlying goal of DBT is to help individuals build an authentic and fulfilling life by reducing unnecessary suffering and increasing positive emotions and life experiences.  DBT aims to accomplish this by teaching clients practical skills that can be used during highly stressful moments, interpersonal situations, and everyday challenges.  As a result of practicing these skills, clients often feel a greater sense of control over their emotions and behaviors as well as feeling more mindfully aware of their lives.

More information on DBT Skills Training Group page

Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs), such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, have been shown to be effective in helping clients cope with stress, chronic pain, depression, anxiety, ADHD, as well as other mental health concerns.  MBIs focus on teaching clients how to increase their ability to intentionally focus their attention on the present moment, observing sensations and experiences in a way that is non-judgmental.  Mindfulness is taught using a variety of exercises, including some that are formal practices (such as guided meditations) while others are practiced during everyday activities (such as practicing mindful awareness during a stressful interaction at work).  As clients increase their ability to be mindful, they often describe a heightened sense of control and freedom from the burdens of life challenges and stressors.  They also often notice more moments of joy and awareness in their lives that is sometimes described as “falling awake” to one’s own life and experiences.