From your Company’s perspective, what is therapy?

Therapy is the process of facilitating change in your life. The therapist is a catalyst in your change and transformation. In my perspective, everyone usually goes through similar stages of change. The first stage is pre-contemplation, where the individual is unaware that there needs to be a change. Then some event occurs in life, or a series of events which shifts them to the stage of contemplation, where they become aware that they need to change something but are undecided. In time, more of life propels them into the action stage, which prompts individuals to seek therapy. So, you see, you are already shifting and transforming before you have your first session. Now you are ready for the how. And that is where the therapist comes in, and provides a safe and nourishing space for you to accelerate your process of change in any issue that you are experiencing. The therapist can tangibly track your progress, celebrate with you, your milestones in therapeutic work and validate your positive outcome at the end of therapy.

Are there any philosophies or values that inform your therapists’ work that I should know about?

We work with you as an individual with where you are at, in your specific stage in life. The purpose of seeing a therapist is so that you can see things about yourself or your issue, in the reflection of the therapist. We act as a mirror to gently guide you to self-discovery. At times, we are transparent and honest about what we see, which you might not like to hear. At other times, we can be directive when you feel lost or confused. But mostly, you will feel heard, and validated and experience ease in gaining deep important insights. Therefore, in the individuals we serve, we value an open mind, receptiveness, commitment, and motivation to do inner work. We ensure that you become equipped with the best toolbox for your issues, confident in your own ability to manage or master these issues, and do not have to depend on a therapist forever. Each session we offer is impactful and information-packed, yet you will experience a safe space to truly express who you are and how you feel.

What is unique about the work your therapists do, and why is it different than other agencies?

Our therapists are trained in evidence based therapeutic interventions such as Cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, trauma focused therapy and solution focused therapy. However, we choose to approach everyone as a whole person. We focus on building a firm foundation of overall wellbeing first before we dive into deep psychological issues. It is based on Maslow’s hierarchy model; it is easier to be receptive and open to deep psychological insights after the basic functioning of your mind and body are improved. We address diet, nutrition, and lifestyle to address basic needs all humans should be fulfilling to function optimally in life. We also collaborate with other professionals because all issues, body, and mind, are connected. Therefore, we will work with your primary care physician, dietician, psychiatrist etc. Once your basic wellness foundation is set, we move you forward to the next level of your growth, mostly through CBT and a psychodynamic approach. We have seen over the years that this formula, uniquely tailored for you, works for anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma, mood disorders and psychotic disorders.

All our therapists are trained in one or more of the following modalities:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Academy of Cognitive Therapy)
• Cognitive Processing Therapy (Academy of Cognitive Therapy)
• R-CBT for Psychosis (Academy of Cognitive Therapy)
• Emotionally Focused Therapy: externship and Core Skills training (ICEEFT)
• Neuroscience Informed therapy (PESI)
• Polyvagal Theory Informed therapy (PESI)
• Emotionally Focused therapy for Individuals
• Internal Family Systems (IFS)

What is Emotion Focused therapy?

Emotion-focused therapy (EFT) helps you become aware of your emotions and better understand them. Your therapist works with you to increase your awareness of your feelings and how to accept them. They show you how to convert your emotions into useful information and regulate them, so they do not become overwhelming.

What is Cognitive behavioral therapy?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on your thoughts, reactions, and behaviors. You and your therapist discuss the difficulties you face every day and the feelings and responses they trigger. Using CBT principles, you begin to challenge flawed thinking and find ways to manage daily life with less stress.

Both these individual therapies address traumas that trigger or worsen mental health problems where they are a feature of your disorder.

What is IFS?

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is an approach that identifies and addresses multiple sub-personalities or families within each person’s mental system. These sub-personalities consist of wounded parts and painful emotions such as anger, shame, and parts that try to control and protect the person from the pain of the wounded parts. The sub-personalities are often in conflict with each other and with one’s core Self, a concept that describes the confident, compassionate, whole person that is at the core of every individual. IFS focuses on healing the wounded parts and restoring mental balance and harmony by changing the dynamics that create discord among the sub-personalities and the Self.

What conditions can benefit from individual therapy?

Empowered Mind-Body Therapy’s counselors use their skills in individual therapy to help people with an extensive range of mental health and behavioral disorders, including:

• Depression (major depressive disorder)
• Anxiety disorders
• Bipolar disorder
• Panic disorder
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Substance use disorder 

You could also benefit from individual therapy when you do not have a mental health condition, but you are dealing with difficulties in your life, such as loss and grief, abuse, gender identity, anger, and other challenges.