Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

CBT is an active, problem-focused, and goal-directed therapy. It is an empirically supported treatment that focuses on patterns of thinking that are maladaptive and the beliefs that underlie such thinking.

For example, a person who is depressed may have the belief, "I’m worthless," and a person with a phobia may have the belief, "I am in danger." A person in distress likely holds such beliefs with great conviction. With a therapist’s help, the individual is encouraged to view such beliefs as hypotheses rather than facts and to test out such beliefs. Clients are encouraged to monitor and log thoughts that pop into their minds, these are called "automatic thoughts". This will enable them to determine what patterns of biases in thinking may exist and to develop more adaptive alternatives to their thoughts.

Studies of CBT have demonstrated its usefulness for a wide variety of problems, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, eating disorders, substance abuse disorders, and psychotic disorders.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) was developed by Marsha Linehan, PhD, at the University of Washington. It is based on the theory that individuals have internal distress that result from disconnection and stress between the individual and his/her surroundings. It focuses on how emotional vulnerability and invalid environment lead to problem behaviors and distorted thoughts. Individuals may not be able to read cues or understand expectations in certain roles or situations

DBT treatment combines the technology of change and the principles of learning derived from behavioral science with concepts and techniques associated with acceptance and tolerance derived from both eastern Zen practices and western contemplative spirituality. DBT utilizes Zen concepts as a basis to encourage patients to be mindful in the current moment, see reality without delusion, and accept reality and themselves without judgment. These two very different traditions are synthesized and balanced dialectically.

DBT teaches two types of Skills:

Acceptance Skills that include Mindfulness and Distress Tolerance

Change Skills that include Emotional Regulation and Interpersonal Effectiveness

The effectiveness of DBT has been demonstrated in many controlled studies across different research groups. DBT is now being used in many settings as a viable therapy for the treatment of bipolar disorder, TPSD and other disorders.

Resiliency

It is the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats, or even significant sources of stress. It means "bouncing back" from difficult experiences. Research has shown that resilience is ordinary, not extraordinary. People commonly demonstrate resilience.

Resilience is not a trait that people either have or do not have. It involves behaviors, thoughts, and actions that can be learned and developed by anyone.

Many studies show that the primary factor in resilience is having caring and supportive relationships within and outside the family. Relationships that create love and trust, provide role models, and offer encouragement and reassurance help bolster a person's resilience.