Psychotherapy

Patient-type Focus
Short-term
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Persistent maladaptive thoughts, avoidance behavior, must able to participate in weekly homework Identify and challenge maladaptive thoughts, change emotions and behavior coming from thoughts, behaviorial techniques: breathing, exposure, goal-setting, visualization
Interpersonal Therapy Relationship conflicts, life-role transitions, grief “The here and now,” current relationships and conflicts. Specifically indicated for individuals with a major depressive episode.
Variable-term
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy Borderline personality, self-harming Acceptance and change, emotional regulation, mindfulness, distress tolerance, manage self-harm, group therapy
Motivational Interviewing Substance use disorders Address ambivalence to change, non-judgmental, enhance motivation to change, acknowledge resistance
Family Therapy Disruptive behaviour in children, eating disorders, schizophrenia Family therapy is a multi person modality for when psychological symptoms are exacerbated by interpersonal interactions within the family
Supportive Psychotherapy Lower functioning, in crisis, psychotic, cognitively impaired Therapist is the guide, reinforce coping skills, listen and foster understanding, build up adaptive defense mechanisms
Long-term
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Higher functioning, persistent patterns of dysfunction, more neurotic Unconscious conflicts cause symptoms, explore past relationship/conflicts, use transference, break down defense mechanisms
Other
Mindfulness-Based Therapy Anyone Noticing the present, focusing on breathing and relaxation
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Anyone A mindfulness-based therapy that uses acceptance and mindfulness strategies, together with commitment and behaviour change strategies, to increase psychological flexibility.
Trauma-Informed Care Anyone An approach to therapy for patients presenting with trauma-related symptoms
“These mountains that you are carrying, you were only supposed to climb.” ― Najwa Zebian