Emotionally focused therapy is a family of related approaches to psychotherapy with individuals, couples, or families. EFT approaches include elements of experiential therapy, systemic therapy, and attachment theory. EFT approaches are based on the premise that human emotions are connected to human needs, and therefore emotions have an innately adaptive potential that, if activated and worked through, can help people change problematic emotional states and interpersonal relationships. The therapist and clients look at patterns in the relationship and take steps to create a more secure bond and develop more trust to move the relationship in a healthier, more positive direction.

Cognitive/Behavioral counseling is a type of treatment focused on our thought process and how our thoughts effect our feelings and behavior. It is believed that our feelings are generated by our thoughts and we know that we act or react based on how we feel. Thus it makes sense that if we change the way we think we will feel different and thus act/react differently. This, of course, is a simple explanation of a very complicated process. The treatment is by no means easy but it is doable and very effective.

To demonstrate how our thoughts influence our feelings and actions, consider the following example:

You're at home sitting in the living room when you hear a noise coming from the kitchen. You don't think anything of it because you know your spouse is home and probably made the noise. Now, consider your reaction in this same scenario but you are home alone. You hear the same noise coming from the kitchen but now you are nervous, startled, scared. You know you're the only one at home and you know you didn't make the noise. You start to wonder who made the noise - did someone break in, are you going to get hurt? Your action/reaction is very different now as compared to your previous reaction when your spouse was home.

Consider how you felt while reading and imagining this scenario. The way we think and perceive information is very influential on our behavior. But our thoughts are not set in stone; they can be changed. If you've experienced distorted thinking and have difficulty with feelings of sadness, anxiety, irritability, anger, frustration, negativity, hopelessness, etc., this therapeutic approach may be helpful.

Family systems therapy is a treatment approach that typically focuses on all members of the family. It pays attention to roles developed in the family as well as communication styles. It is believed that the family system is a very powerful influence on each individual and that, at times, this family system is dysfunctional and in need of help. At times one person is recognized or identified as the "problem." Often through therapy it is determined that in reality the entire family is in need of assistance, and the one person who was identified as the problem cannot make changes unless the entire family system makes changes.

Play therapy is an approach used to work with young children. Children experience similar emotional responses as adults. However, they do not have the cognitive abilities to identify these emotions or express them. Children are not often able to talk about their problems or feelings. Instead they express their thoughts, feelings, and actions through their play. Play therapy is a powerful tool to help kids express themselves and learn how to cope with difficult issues. A therapist can help children work through difficulties by slightly altering a child's play to something that is more adaptive and effective. Children may not even realize that they are gaining skills through this process. At Granite State Child & Family Counseling we involve parents in this process so they may continue the skill building process at home.

Though Psychoanalytic therapy is no longer an approach supported by insurance companies it is still an approach that is useful in therapy. Psychoanalytic and Psychodynamic approaches focus on the psyche and the influences of past experiences. It is believed that who we are today has a lot to do with our past experiences. Without those experiences we would be different people. Our experiences shape and influence who we are. These experiences help us to negotiate future situations or relationships. At times these experiences hinder this ability and instead we develop dysfunctional skills in order to survive or function. In today's therapy world we tend to not conduct traditional psychoanalytic or psychodynamic therapy. However, we often take certain perspectives from these approaches in order to help those in need.

Sand Tray therapy is a treatment approach similar to the idea of Emotionally Focused Therapy and Cognitive/Behavior therapy. However, the use of sand trays are utilized to help the psyche express what the conscience mind is unaware of. It is known that our thoughts influence and effect our feelings and actions. It is also known that it is difficult for some to recognize their thoughts in order to change or replace them. Sand tray therapy uses our psyche in a way that allows for free expression of thoughts and feelings and brings to light these feelings so that more effective thoughts can be introduced.

Sand tray therapy involves the free choice of objects placed in the sand tray, quiet reflection on what the builder has built, and then your own interpretation of the meaning behind the tray. It is an amazing process and what is revealed can only be explained through experience. This treatment approach is used with children and adults and is used for disorders and issues such as depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, phobias, grief, and anger. It is also used with couples and families to address issues related to relationships.

To learn more about this treatment approach please feel free to contact me and schedule a session today.

It is not uncommon for people to lose sight of the positive when experiencing difficulty. Solution focused therapy is a treatment approach that helps to focus on the positive while addressing the negative or difficulties. It plays to a persons strengths as a way to help improve function and decrease difficulty. It is believed that each person possesses the ability to function effectively and that at times those strengths have been displaced. With therapy you can regain your strengths and learn how to capitalize on them in order to manage difficulty. Please contact me today to learn how to regain the power in your life.