The Marriage & Family Institute
Therapy Modalities
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a therapeutic approach that blends acceptance and mindfulness techniques with commitment and behavior-change strategies. It focuses on helping people embrace their thoughts, feelings, and emotions rather than suppressing, avoiding, or controlling them. Rather than focusing on what is outside of your control, you’ll instead focus on what you can personally control.
ACT is beneficial for a variety of mental health conditions, including trauma, chronic pain, eating disorders, OCD, anxiety, depression, and stress. It’s also a fundamental tool to improve overall well-being.
With the help of therapy, you’ll gain confidence in your ability to handle thoughts and feelings without needing to control them.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that is focused on helping individuals identify and manage the underlying causes of their mental and emotional struggles. CBT is a highly effective treatment method used to reduce symptoms associated with a range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, eating disorders, and substance abuse. By examining the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, CBT can help individuals gain insight into how their thoughts create their feelings and behaviors, thereby empowering them to make lasting changes in their lives.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
DBT, or Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, is a type of therapy that has been scientifically proven to help individuals struggling with a variety of mental health issues. It works by teaching people mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness skills. DBT is most often used to treat borderline personality disorder, as well as anxiety disorders, depression, and eating disorders. With the help of a qualified therapist, clients can learn to become more skilled at managing their emotions and developing healthier relationships. DBT can be an incredibly powerful tool for those who are looking to gain control over their mental health and live a more fulfilling life.
Ego State Psychotherapy
Ego State Psychotherapy works by identifying different sub-personalities or ‘ego states’ within an individual. Each ego state reflects a certain aspect of a person, and they vary with respect to how they are organized and their level of development. This type of therapy is commonly used for individuals who have experienced events that have caused feelings of fragmentation in sense of self.
In therapy, a therapist will help you identify the different ego states that make you whole. You’ll work towards integrating all the ego states into a cohesive self.
Emotion Focused Therapy
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) is a powerful, evidence-based approach to counseling, focused on helping individuals recognize and process their emotions. By exploring underlying patterns of emotion, clients gain insight into their behavior and the connections between their thoughts, feelings, and actions. EFT is especially beneficial for those struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues. Through this therapy, clients can learn to express and manage their emotions in a healthy way, resulting in improved mental health and overall wellbeing.
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a type of therapy intended to help people who have had traumatic experiences in their lifetime. During EMDR, a therapist will take you through guided eye movements and other forms of bilateral stimulation (e.g., tapping or tones) while you recall the traumatic event or negative thoughts you are seeking support for. Recalling the events or emotions this way can help reduce the distress associated with them. It is used for a variety of mental health concerns, including PTSD, other traumas, anxiety, and depression. The goals of EMDR include reducing the intensity of symptoms, improving emotional regulation, and increasing self-esteem.
Gottman Method
Gottman Method is an approach to couples therapy developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman. This method is used in couples therapy with the focus being on building trust, enhancing intimacy, and developing better communication. With the help of a therapist, you will work together to identify and address patterns of negative communication and behaviors contributing to challenges in the relationship. The specific experience will vary depending on the therapist and your needs; however, it may include role-playing and guided conversations. By going through these scenarios, you can start to improve your communication and conflict resolution skills. The Gottman Method is used for a variety of relationship challenges, including conflict related to sex and intimacy, parenting and family dynamics, and communication challenges.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy is based on the idea that the mind is made up of multiple sub-personalities or “parts”. Each of these parts has its own viewpoints, emotions, and characteristics.
In IFS Therapy, the therapist will help the client identify and understand each of the parts that make them whole. By deepening the relationship with each part, there is an opportunity to gain insight into the patterns and beliefs causing distress.
IFS is used for a variety of concerns, including trauma, depression, anxiety, and interpersonal relationships. It can also be used for personal growth, self-understanding, and self-development.
Start feeling more whole by understanding the “parts” that make you you!
Play Therapy
Play Therapy is most often used with children and involves using play as a way for children to communicate and express themselves. Kids naturally use play to explore their environment and emotions. Thus, it is a great way to help children express their feelings and work through psychological issues. As part of play therapy, the therapist may use a variety of materials and techniques that are engaging for children. For example, puppets, dolls, art materials, or sand play. It is used in both individual and group settings for various mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and behavioral difficulties, and can be used in individual or group therapy settings.
Sand Play Therapy
Sandplay therapy is a distinct form of play therapy developed by Dora Kalff in the 1950s, based on the principles of Jungian psychology. This therapy involves the client creating scenes in a sandbox using a variety of miniature figures and objects. The sandbox represents a safe, contained space where the client can express subconscious thoughts and feelings through symbolic play.
Sandplay therapy and Play therapy are both grounded in the belief that play is inherently therapeutic as it fosters creativity, problem-solving, self-expression, learning, and emotional healing. Each form of therapy can be adapted to the needs of individual clients, depending on the nature of their issues and their therapeutic goals. While they can be particularly impactful for children who may not yet have the verbal abilities to express complex emotions, these therapeutic modalities are also effective for adults, providing a unique approach to accessing and resolving deep-seated issues