Understanding what therapy is and how the therapeutic process works helps clients feel more informed, empowered, and comfortable throughout treatment. A strong understanding of the foundation of therapy allows clients to actively participate in their care and develop a meaningful partnership with their therapist.
The purpose of therapy is not to “fix” a person or tell them what to do. Instead, therapy helps clients understand what is happening, identify patterns, process experiences, develop effective coping strategies, and make meaningful changes that align with their goals and values.
Depending on the client's needs, therapy may focus on:
At its core, therapy is a collaborative process. The therapist brings clinical knowledge, training, and therapeutic interventions, while the client brings their lived experience, goals, perspectives, and willingness to engage in the process. The goal is to work together to create a treatment process that supports the client's individual needs.
"There are many different types of therapy, and each one approaches problems a little differently. Some focus more on thoughts and behaviors, some focus on emotions and relationships, and others focus on processing past experiences or trauma. There isn't necessarily one approach that works for everyone. Part of our job together is figuring out what fits your needs, goals, personality, situation, and what you're comfortable with."
“We look at the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and work on patterns that may be keeping you stuck.”
“We focus on managing intense emotions, tolerating distress, improving relationships, and responding to situations more effectively.”
“We work with distressing memories or experiences in a structured way to help your brain process them differently so they become less emotionally overwhelming.”
“Parts Work helps us understand the different sides of ourselves and the roles they developed to help us cope, protect ourselves, or get our needs met.”
“For children, play can be a way of communicating and processing experiences when they don't yet have the words to explain everything they're feeling.”
“We gradually and safely work toward facing things that create fear or avoidance so that you can develop a greater sense of control and learn that anxiety can decrease without avoidance.”
“Brainspotting helps us use the connection between your eyes, brain, and body to explore and process experiences that may feel stuck or difficult to put into words.”
“We focus on understanding and processing the impact that traumatic experiences have had on your emotions, behaviors, relationships, and sense of safety.”
“TBRI helps us understand behavior through the lens of connection, safety, and unmet needs. We focus on helping children feel safe and understood while building skills for emotional and behavioral regulation.”
Therapy isn't about forcing a client into one particular treatment model. Your treatment should be individualized, and may include a combination of many approaches. Ethical informed consent requires us to remind clients that multiple interventions may be used, and collaboration will occur throughout treatment.
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