Therapy We Use
Which Therapy is Right for You?
Within the field of therapy, a multitude of modalities exists, each with its specific indications, durations, purposes, and aims. Recognizing the importance of aligning the right type of treatment with the right condition and situation is crucial for effective therapy.
At Psynoptic, we prioritize matching each patient with the ideal provider, one who is adept at employing the therapy modality that best suits the patient's individual needs.
The therapeutic journey is highly personal, and as such, the approach to treatment varies significantly from one individual to another. For some, therapy alone provides the pathway to healing; for others, medication is the key. And then there are cases where a combination of both therapy and medication is necessary to achieve the best outcomes. Our commitment is to navigate these complexities with you, ensuring a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique circumstances and promotes optimal mental health.
Therapy Modalities
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, time-limited psychotherapy modality that focuses on identifying and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to psychological distress. Typically, CBT sessions are conducted over a duration of several weeks to months, with the average treatment ranging from 5 to 20 sessions, depending on the individual's specific issues and progress. This therapy is effective for a wide array of psychiatric conditions, such as depression, anxiety disorders, phobias, and eating disorders, among others.
Our providers are adept at assessing whether CBT is the right approach for each patient, considering their unique needs and therapeutic goals. They are skilled at facilitating CBT, guiding patients through the process of recognizing and reevaluating distorted thoughts, and adopting healthier behaviors and coping strategies. Through goal-oriented exercises and the development of new skills, our clinicians empower patients to tackle current problems and prevent future ones, promoting lasting mental health improvement and personal growth.
Psychodynamic Therapy is an in-depth form of psychotherapy that emphasizes understanding the influence of past relationships and experiences on present behavior and feelings. This approach aims to uncover the root causes of psychological distress by exploring unconscious patterns and emotional wounds. It's particularly beneficial for addressing complex emotional issues, personality disorders, and unresolved trauma, offering insights into how these past experiences shape current behavior and relationships.
Unlike the more structured and time-limited approach of CBT, Psychodynamic Therapy may extend over a longer period, often ranging from a few months to several years, depending on the depth of the issues being explored and the individual's personal growth and healing process.
Our providers are skilled at determining the appropriateness of Psychodynamic Therapy for each patient, carefully considering their history, psychological needs, and treatment objectives. With expertise in navigating the nuanced and reflective process of this therapy, our clinicians create a supportive and confidential space where patients can delve into their past, understand its impact on their present, and work towards emotional healing and psychological well-being. Through this therapeutic journey, our team is committed to guiding patients towards a deeper understanding of themselves and fostering lasting change.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) is a focused, evidence-based treatment that addresses interpersonal issues and mood disorders, emphasizing the relationship between personal relationships and psychological well-being. IPT is grounded in the belief that interpersonal problems can significantly contribute to psychological distress. The therapy is designed to improve communication patterns, enhance interpersonal skills, and resolve conflicts within key relationships. It's particularly effective for treating depression and mood disorders, with a strong focus on how an individual's interactions and relationships influence their mental health.
IPT is typically conducted over a short to medium term, with treatment durations ranging from 12 to 16 weeks. During this time, the therapy targets specific interpersonal issues through a structured framework, aiming to bring about quick improvements in symptoms and interpersonal functioning.
Our clinicians are proficient in identifying when IPT is the most suitable therapeutic approach for a patient, taking into account their unique interpersonal challenges and emotional needs. With their skill in facilitating IPT, our providers help patients navigate through their relationship difficulties, offering strategies to build healthier and more supportive connections. By focusing on the here and now, IPT aids patients in understanding and improving their current relationships, which can lead to significant improvements in their overall mental health and satisfaction with life.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a comprehensive cognitive-behavioral approach designed specifically to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). It has also proven effective for those dealing with self-harm behaviors, suicidal ideation, substance abuse, eating disorders, and intense emotional dysregulation. DBT emphasizes the development of coping skills to manage stress, regulate emotions, and improve relationships through four key modules: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
DBT is typically administered in a structured format that includes individual therapy sessions, skills training group sessions, and as-needed coaching, with the entire program usually extending over several months to a year. This multifaceted approach ensures that patients not only learn valuable skills but also have the support necessary to apply these skills in their daily lives.
Our clinicians are adept at assessing whether DBT is the most appropriate therapy modality for each patient, considering their specific struggles and treatment goals. They are skilled in delivering DBT, providing a supportive and validating environment while also challenging patients to confront and change unhelpful patterns. Through this balanced approach, our providers guide patients towards mastering skills for handling emotional distress, leading to more stable and fulfilling lives.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of psychotherapy that helps individuals embrace their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting or feeling guilty for them. It utilizes acceptance strategies, mindfulness techniques, and commitment to behavioral change to increase psychological flexibility. ACT is particularly effective for a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, stress, and chronic pain. The core premise of ACT is to teach individuals to accept what is out of their personal control while committing to action that enriches their life based on their values and interests.
The duration of ACT can vary depending on the individual's needs and the specific issues being addressed, but it typically spans from a few weeks to several months. This therapy emphasizes actionable change and personal growth, encouraging individuals to live a values-driven life even in the face of pain, fear, or frustration.
Our providers excel in identifying when ACT is the best fit for a patient's circumstances, integrating their unique challenges and life goals into the therapeutic process. They are skilled in facilitating ACT, guiding patients through its core processes to help them develop a compassionate relationship with their inner experiences and commit to meaningful life changes. Through ACT, our clinicians support patients in building a fulfilling life aligned with their values, regardless of the psychological obstacles they may face.
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) concentrates on finding solutions in the present time and exploring one’s hope for the future to find quicker resolutions to one’s problems. This modality is goal-oriented and focused on the client's strengths and resources to help them move forward. SFBT is particularly effective for individuals facing life transitions, relationship issues, and specific mental health challenges where the person is seeking quick and practical strategies to achieve immediate change.
The typical duration of SFBT is short-term, often ranging from just a single session to a few months, making it distinct for its focus on efficiency and rapid progress towards defined goals.
Our clinicians are proficient in discerning whether SFBT aligns with a patient’s needs, especially for those seeking expedient outcomes and possessing a clear vision of their desired future. Skilled in the art of this therapy, our providers help patients identify their goals, leverage their innate strengths, and apply practical solutions to their current problems. Through SFBT, our team empowers patients to enact positive change and achieve tangible results in a condensed timeframe, fostering a sense of hope and accomplishment.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) combines traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques with mindfulness strategies to help individuals better understand and manage their thoughts and emotions in order to decrease feelings of depression, anxiety, and stress. It is particularly beneficial for individuals prone to recurrent depressive episodes, offering tools to prevent relapse by promoting awareness of the early signs of depression and teaching coping mechanisms.
MBCT programs typically extend over 8 weeks, involving weekly group sessions where participants engage in mindfulness practices, cognitive exercises, and discussions aimed at fostering mindfulness in everyday life. This structured approach helps participants develop a new relationship with their thoughts and feelings, one that is characterized by acceptance and observation rather than judgment and reaction.
Our clinicians are adept at evaluating whether MBCT is suitable for each patient, considering their history of depression, current mental state, and openness to mindfulness practices. With expertise in facilitating MBCT, our providers guide patients through the process, helping them cultivate mindfulness and cognitive awareness to improve mental health and well-being. By integrating mindfulness practices with cognitive therapy, MBCT offers a powerful approach to reducing stress and preventing the recurrence of depression, supporting patients in achieving a more balanced and resilient mental state.
Narrative Therapy is a collaborative and non-pathologizing approach to psychotherapy that centers on individuals' narratives or stories as a way to understand their experiences and issues. It operates on the premise that people construct the meaning of their lives through storytelling, and that problems can be re-authored into more empowering narratives. This modality is particularly useful for individuals dealing with identity issues, trauma, relationship conflicts, and life transitions, as it helps them reframe their experiences and see themselves as separate from their problems.
Narrative Therapy is typically flexible in duration, adapting to the needs of the individual and the complexity of the stories being navigated. Sessions focus on uncovering and articulating life stories, identifying preferred outcomes, and collaboratively working to rewrite the narratives in ways that promote empowerment and healing.
Our clinicians are skilled in determining when Narrative Therapy is the most appropriate approach for a patient, taking into account their readiness to engage in storytelling and reflection. They are proficient in guiding patients through the process of narrative exploration and re-authoring, helping them to detach from negative self-concepts and build more positive, self-affirming stories. Through Narrative Therapy, our team supports patients in transforming their relationship with their past and envisioning a future aligned with their values and aspirations, fostering a sense of agency and purpose.
Gestalt Therapy is an experiential form of psychotherapy that emphasizes personal responsibility and focuses on the individual's experience in the present moment. It integrates the physical, emotional, and intellectual aspects of each person, encouraging self-awareness and self-acceptance. Gestalt Therapy is particularly effective for addressing unresolved issues, enhancing self-esteem, and improving overall mental health and relationships. It operates on the belief that through becoming aware of thoughts, feelings, and actions in the present moment, individuals can better understand themselves and make healthy changes.
The duration of Gestalt Therapy can vary, typically ranging from short-term engagements to longer, more in-depth explorations, depending on the individual’s goals and the nature of their concerns. Sessions involve creative and experiential techniques, such as role-playing and the use of metaphors, to explore current issues and past experiences that influence present behavior.
Our clinicians are adept at assessing whether Gestalt Therapy is the right fit for each patient, with a focus on those seeking to deepen their self-awareness and actively engage in the therapeutic process. They are skilled in facilitating this approach, guiding patients to explore their experiences and experiment with new ways of thinking and behaving. Through Gestalt Therapy, our providers help patients navigate their way toward greater self-awareness, acceptance, and fulfillment, empowering them to live more fully in the present and cultivate richer, more meaningful relationships.
Humanistic Therapy, also known as Person-Centered Therapy, is grounded in the belief in the inherent value and potential of each individual to grow and solve their problems. This approach emphasizes a non-directive, empathetic environment where clients lead the discussion to explore and realize their true selves. It's particularly effective for individuals seeking to improve self-esteem, enhance self-awareness, and address feelings of emptiness or insignificance. Humanistic Therapy fosters a deep sense of understanding and acceptance, encouraging clients to uncover their own abilities to heal and grow.
The duration of Humanistic Therapy varies, as it's tailored to the individual's pace of self-exploration and personal growth. The therapist and client work together in a journey toward self-actualization, focusing on the client's experiences, thoughts, and feelings in a supportive and judgment-free space.
Our clinicians are proficient in identifying when Humanistic Therapy is the most suitable approach for a patient, particularly those who value autonomy and self-guided growth in their therapeutic journey. They are skilled in creating a warm, empathetic, and accepting environment, allowing patients to freely express themselves and explore their identities. Through Humanistic Therapy, our team empowers patients to uncover their own strengths and values, leading to a more authentic and fulfilling life.
Family Systems Therapy views individuals' problems within the context of their family units, recognizing that family dynamics can significantly influence an individual's mental health. This approach explores the roles each family member plays, the communication patterns that exist, and how these elements contribute to the problem at hand. It's effective for addressing issues such as marital conflict, parent-child relationship problems, and the impacts of mental illness on the family.
The duration of Family Systems Therapy can vary, depending on the complexity of the family's issues and the goals of therapy. It may involve all or some family members and focuses on improving communication, resolving conflicts, and making changes within the family system to support individual and collective well-being.
Our clinicians are skilled at determining when Family Systems Therapy is the appropriate treatment modality, taking into account the nature of the problem and the willingness of family members to participate in therapy. They are experienced in facilitating sessions that encourage open dialogue, understanding, and problem-solving among family members. Through Family Systems Therapy, our team helps families navigate their challenges in a way that strengthens relationships and fosters a healthier, more supportive family environment.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a distinct psychotherapeutic approach developed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. EMDR therapy facilitates the processing of traumatic information to bring these memories to an adaptive resolution. During EMDR sessions, the therapist guides the client through a series of lateral eye movements while the client recalls the traumatic event, aiming to reduce the emotional impact of these memories over time. This method is particularly effective for treating PTSD, anxiety disorders, and other trauma-related issues.
The typical course of EMDR therapy varies depending on the individual's specific needs and the severity of the traumatic experiences, but it often consists of multiple sessions, sometimes within a structured framework spanning from a few weeks to several months.
Our clinicians are proficient in assessing the suitability of EMDR for each patient, especially those struggling with the effects of trauma. They are trained and skilled in conducting EMDR therapy, providing a safe and supportive environment for patients to reprocess traumatic memories. Through EMDR, our team aids individuals in healing from the psychological impact of past trauma, fostering emotional resilience and promoting a healthier state of mind.
Group Therapy offers a unique environment where individuals can explore their issues in a setting that provides support, perspective, and feedback from peers facing similar challenges. This form of therapy is beneficial for a wide range of issues, including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and interpersonal difficulties. It fosters a sense of community and belonging, allowing participants to learn from each other’s experiences, share coping strategies, and develop new ways of interacting.
The duration and structure of Group Therapy sessions can vary, typically ranging from short-term groups focused on specific topics to ongoing, open-ended groups that allow for deeper exploration over time.
Our clinicians are skilled at determining whether Group Therapy is an appropriate modality for a patient, taking into consideration their comfort with group settings and specific therapeutic needs. They are experienced in facilitating group sessions that promote a safe and constructive environment for personal growth and mutual support. Through Group Therapy, our team helps individuals gain insights, enhance social skills, and experience the healing power of shared empathy and understanding, contributing to their overall mental health and well-being.
Play Therapy utilizes the power of play to help children express what is troubling them when they do not have the verbal language to express their thoughts and feelings. In play therapy, toys are like the child's words and play is the child’s language. This approach is especially effective for children experiencing emotional or psychological challenges, such as trauma, behavioral issues, family problems, and various mental health conditions. It provides a safe and comfortable environment for children to explore their feelings, understand their behaviors, and learn new coping mechanisms.
The duration of Play Therapy can vary, often depending on the child's specific needs, the complexity of the issues being addressed, and the progress made in sessions. It's tailored to be developmentally appropriate and can be a short-term or longer-term therapeutic intervention.
Our clinicians are adept at recognizing when Play Therapy is the most beneficial approach for a child, considering their age, developmental stage, and particular emotional or psychological needs. They are skilled in creating a supportive and engaging therapeutic space where children can use play to communicate at their own pace and level of comfort. Through Play Therapy, our team supports children in processing their experiences and emotions, fostering resilience and emotional growth in a manner that respects and honors their unique developmental journey.
Art Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses the creative process of art making to improve and enhance the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of individuals of all ages. It is based on the belief that the creative process involved in artistic self-expression helps people to resolve conflicts and problems, develop interpersonal skills, manage behavior, reduce stress, increase self-esteem and self-awareness, and achieve insight. Art Therapy is particularly effective for individuals who may find traditional talk therapies limiting or difficult, providing an alternative means of expression for those dealing with emotional distress, trauma, chronic illness, and various psychological issues.
The duration of Art Therapy varies, tailored to each individual's therapeutic goals and progress. It can be applied in both short-term and long-term contexts, depending on the depth of the issues being explored and the therapeutic outcomes desired.
Our clinicians are proficient in determining the suitability of Art Therapy for each patient, incorporating it into treatment plans for those who might benefit from a non-verbal mode of expression. They are experienced in guiding patients through the art-making process, creating a safe and supportive environment that encourages exploration and expression through creative mediums. Through Art Therapy, our team facilitates a unique path to healing and personal growth, allowing patients to explore and resolve their issues in a profoundly personal and impactful way.
Existential Therapy is a philosophical approach to psychotherapy that focuses on exploring the inherent challenges and opportunities of human existence, such as freedom, responsibility, meaning, and isolation. It encourages individuals to confront these existential questions and to use their understanding to live more authentic and meaningful lives. This modality is particularly effective for individuals facing existential crises, dealing with major life transitions, or struggling with feelings of emptiness and dissatisfaction. Existential Therapy aims to help clients find meaning and purpose in their lives, even in the face of suffering and uncertainty.
The duration of Existential Therapy can vary widely, as it is highly individualized and depends on the depth of the existential issues being explored. It can range from a short-term engagement focusing on specific life events to a more prolonged, in-depth exploration of one's life and choices.
Our clinicians are skilled at recognizing when Existential Therapy might be the most beneficial approach for a patient, taking into consideration their readiness to engage in deep existential inquiry and their specific life circumstances. They are experienced in facilitating a therapeutic process that encourages self-exploration and reflection in a supportive and non-judgmental environment. Through Existential Therapy, our team assists individuals in navigating life's challenges, fostering a sense of personal agency, and embracing the freedom to create a life of meaning and fulfillment.
Motivational Interviewing is an individual-centered counseling style for eliciting behavior change by helping patients to explore and resolve ambivalence. It is particularly effective for individuals who are hesitant or resistant to change, making it a valuable approach for addressing habits, substance use, and other behavioral health challenges. By emphasizing the patient's own motivations for change and fostering a sense of autonomy, Motivational Interviewing facilitates a collaborative process that encourages individuals to take active steps towards their goals.
The duration of Motivational Interviewing typically varies depending on the individual's specific needs and the extent of their ambivalence, but it is generally considered a short- to medium-term therapeutic approach. Sessions are focused on enhancing motivation and commitment to change through open-ended questions, affirmations, reflective listening, and summarizing.
Our clinicians are proficient in determining when Motivational Interviewing is the most appropriate method for a patient, particularly for those who might benefit from a supportive and empowering approach to change. They are skilled in applying Motivational Interviewing techniques, creating a respectful and non-confrontational environment that honors the patient's pace and readiness for change. Through Motivational Interviewing, our team helps individuals to uncover their intrinsic motivations, leading to meaningful and lasting behavioral changes.
Transpersonal Therapy explores the spiritual aspects of the human experience, seeking to integrate the psychological and spiritual dimensions of well-being. This approach is grounded in the belief that beyond the individual ego lies a greater, more interconnected realm of consciousness that can provide significant healing and growth. Transpersonal Therapy is particularly effective for individuals seeking deeper meaning in their lives, experiencing spiritual crises, or looking to explore states of consciousness beyond the everyday.
The duration of Transpersonal Therapy can vary widely, as it is tailored to the individual's spiritual journey and the depth of exploration they are seeking. This form of therapy may incorporate meditation, mindfulness, breathing exercises, and other practices to facilitate spiritual awareness and personal transformation.
Our clinicians are adept at recognizing when Transpersonal Therapy may offer the most benefit to a patient, especially those expressing a desire to explore the spiritual dimensions of their existence. They are experienced in guiding patients through this exploratory process in a supportive and open-minded manner, fostering an environment where spiritual insights and personal growth can flourish. Through Transpersonal Therapy, our team supports individuals in connecting with their deeper selves and the broader universe, encouraging a profound journey towards holistic healing and self-discovery.
Integrative or Holistic Therapy takes a comprehensive approach to mental health care, blending techniques and insights from various therapeutic modalities to address the individual needs of each client. This approach recognizes the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit in achieving wellness and seeks to tailor treatment to encompass all aspects of a person's life. Integrative therapy is particularly effective for those seeking a personalized treatment plan that considers their unique complexities and strives for balance and harmony across all areas of life.
The duration of Integrative or Holistic Therapy is highly individualized, depending on the client's specific issues, goals, and the range of approaches being integrated into their treatment plan. It can vary from short-term interventions targeting specific problems to longer-term engagements for more in-depth exploration and healing.
Our clinicians excel at determining the appropriateness of an Integrative or Holistic approach for each patient, considering their overall well-being and the multifaceted nature of their mental health concerns. They are skilled in combining elements from different therapy modalities, creating a customized and flexible treatment plan that addresses the whole person. Through Integrative or Holistic Therapy, our team provides a comprehensive pathway to healing, empowering patients to achieve a balanced and fulfilling life.
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is a unique, evidence-based treatment for young children with behavioral problems, emphasizing improving the quality of the parent-child relationship and changing parent-child interaction patterns. PCIT is particularly effective for children aged 2 to 7 years who exhibit disruptive behavior disorders, including tantrums, noncompliance, and aggression. The therapy consists of two phases: the Child-Directed Interaction (CDI), focusing on enhancing the parent-child relationship through play, and the Parent-Directed Interaction (PDI), where parents learn to use specific discipline techniques.
The duration of PCIT typically ranges from 12 to 20 sessions, though it can vary based on the family's progress and specific needs. Sessions are unique in that they often involve a therapist coaching parents in real-time through an earpiece as they interact with their child, providing immediate feedback and support.
Our clinicians are adept at assessing whether PCIT is the best intervention for a family, taking into consideration the child's age, the nature of the behavioral concerns, and the family's readiness to engage in therapy. They are trained and skilled in delivering PCIT, working closely with parents to develop their skills in both nurturing and discipline, thereby improving the overall parent-child dynamic. Through PCIT, our team helps families foster a more positive, respectful, and supportive relationship, leading to significant and lasting changes in child behavior and family interactions.
Habit Reversal Therapy (HRT) is a behavior therapy designed to help individuals gain awareness of and change their problematic habits or behaviors. This approach is especially effective for conditions like tic disorders, trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder), nail-biting, and skin picking. HRT involves several key components, including awareness training, where individuals learn to recognize the cues and triggers for their behavior; development of a competing response, a behavior incompatible with the problematic habit; and building motivation and strategies for maintaining changes.
The duration of HRT is typically short to medium term, often ranging from a few weeks to several months, depending on the specific habit being addressed and the individual's progress.
Our clinicians are skilled in determining when HRT is the most appropriate treatment modality, considering the nature of the habit and the individual's goals. They are proficient in guiding patients through the HRT process, providing support and strategies for understanding and modifying their behavior. Through HRT, our team empowers individuals to take control of their habits, leading to improved self-esteem, reduced anxiety, and a greater sense of personal agency.