Therapy Modalities

With art therapy, creative expression is used to improve a person’s mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Different types of materials and techniques are used to help an individual express themselves. This may include painting, drawing, sculpting or putting together collages. As an individual expresses themselves creatively, they are able to work through personal challenges, express their emotions, and gain self-awareness.

Art therapy is commonly used with children, but may be used for adolescents and adults. It is particularly helpful if someone has difficulties finding words to express their feelings. It allows a free-flow of unconscious thoughts which are then expressed creatively. Thus, it’s an effective technique to help externalize feelings and thoughts that are difficult to communicate. Art therapy can help with processing emotions, improving self-esteem, reducing stress, decreasing anxiety, and developing coping skills. It can also help with connection and communication with others.

Child therapy specific:
Art therapy uses creative methods to help children express their thoughts and feelings when words are not enough. This could involve drawing, painting, sculpture, or other forms of artistic expression. The child’s artwork can be a gateway to discussion, allowing them to express their feelings indirectly and helping the therapist understand their emotional state.

Circle of Security Parenting is an attachment-based parenting approach that helps caregivers better understand and respond to their child’s emotional needs. The goal is to strengthen the parent-child relationship by helping parents recognize cues, build secure attachment, and support emotional regulation. Through this process, parents learn how to balance being a safe place for comfort while also encouraging exploration and independence. Circle of Security can be helpful for parents navigating behavioural challenges, emotional outbursts, separation anxiety, attachment concerns, or feelings of disconnection within the family dynamic.

Cognitive Behavioural 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 behaviours, CBT can help individuals gain insight into how their thoughts create their feelings and behaviours, thereby empowering them to make lasting changes in their lives.

In child therapy:
CBT helps children understand the link between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. It encourages them to identify and challenge negative thought patterns and replace them with healthier, more positive ones. CBT can be especially effective in treating conditions such as anxiety, depression, and ADHD in children.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a type of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy commonly used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other trauma. CPT works by focusing on changing thoughts and beliefs related to the distressing traumatic experience or event. When working with a therapist, you’ll identify and challenge negative thought patterns and work to replace them with more balanced thoughts. Oftentimes, you’ll write about the event so that you can process and make sense of the traumatic experience. As a result of CPT, you may experience improved emotional regulation, increase self-esteem, and greater control over your emotions.

DBT, or Dialectical Behaviour 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.

In child therapy:
DBT is a type of cognitive behavioural therapy that focuses on helping children manage their emotions and cope with stress. DBT teaches skills in four areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. It’s often used for adolescents who have difficulties with emotion regulation or are exhibiting self-harming behaviours.

Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) is a powerful, evidence-based approach to counselling, focused on helping individuals recognize and process their emotions. By exploring underlying patterns of emotion, clients gain insight into their behaviour 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.

In child therapy:
This approach to therapy is meant to help children and their parents better understand and manage their emotions. It encourages children to express their emotions in a safe and supportive setting, and it teaches them how to identify and respond to their emotional needs in a healthier manner. It can be especially beneficial for children who have experienced trauma or emotional disturbances.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a highly effective, evidence-based therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). ERP helps individuals gradually face feared thoughts, situations, or triggers while resisting the compulsions or rituals that typically follow. Over time, this process can reduce anxiety, build confidence, and help you regain control over daily life. ERP is commonly used to support individuals struggling with intrusive thoughts, checking behaviours, contamination fears, perfectionism, and reassurance-seeking patterns. With the support of a therapist, treatment moves at a pace that feels manageable and supportive.

Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (I-CBT) is a specialized treatment approach designed for individuals experiencing obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Rather than focusing primarily on anxiety reduction, I-CBT helps clients understand how doubt and imagined possibilities begin to override reality and lived experience. This approach supports individuals in recognizing the reasoning process behind obsessive thoughts and learning to trust their senses, experiences, and intuition again. I-CBT can be especially helpful for those struggling with obsessive doubt, mental compulsions, and intrusive thoughts that feel difficult to “logic away.”

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!

Mindfulness-based therapy is a therapeutic approach that integrates mindfulness and cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). It aims to help individuals cultivate awareness and acceptance of their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. The goal of mindfulness-based therapy is to reduce the distress caused by thoughts, emotions, and experiences to improve overall well-being. The exact approach will depend on your needs and your therapist. However, you will be encouraged to engage in meditation and/or mindfulness practices. This may include breathing exercises, mindful movement, and body scans. As part of mindfulness-based therapy, you may be asked to work towards identifying and challenging negative thought patterns so you can develop positive coping skills. This modality is used for a variety of mental health concerns, including anxiety, stress, depression, and chronic pain. By creating an increased sense of connection to the self and others, you can experience a greater sense of purpose in life.

With narrative therapy, you will focus on the stories you create about yourself, your experiences, and others. To create change, you will work towards rewriting these stories to be more empowering and positive. This can ultimately impact your overall quality of life and the strength of the relationships you have with others. With a therapist, you will explore your life experiences to uncover how they have shaped both your beliefs and identity. Narrative therapy is often used for anxiety, depression, and trauma, but it may also be used for a variety of other mental health concerns. As a result of narrative therapy, you may feel a greater sense of control over your life and have a new perspective on past experiences.

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 behavioural difficulties, and can be used in individual or group therapy settings.

Psychodynamic therapy focuses on how unconscious thoughts influence behaviours. During a session, individuals will explore past experiences, emotions, and dreams. The therapist will guide them towards gaining insight into the difficulties that brought them to therapy.

Psychodynamic therapy can benefit individuals dealing with a broad range of mental health issues, including anxiety, personality disorders, depression, relationship challenges, self-esteem issues, and personal growth challenges.

With increased awareness, the focus shifts to changing behaviours and improving the ability to manage emotions.

Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a collaborative approach to therapy that focuses on identifying and achieving goals in the present while keeping the future in mind. SFBT is widely used to help people with a range of psychological and emotional conditions such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, relationship issues, and more. It is based on the belief that clients are experts in their own lives and have the capacity to resolve their own issues. By focusing on what’s working and what can be changed, SFBT offers a positive outlook and a sense of empowerment that can help clients achieve their desired outcomes quickly and efficiently.

Somatic Experiencing is a holistic therapeutic approach that focuses on the mind-body connection. It involves both psychotherapy and physical therapy. This may include breathing techniques, dancing, or other types of movement.

It is commonly used for trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief, and when individuals feel disconnected from their bodies. Somatic therapy can lead to a reduction in tension and physical discomfort, an increased connection to the body, an improved ability to handle stress, and an overall more balanced emotional state.

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) is an evidence-based therapy approach designed to support children, teens, and families impacted by trauma. TF-CBT helps individuals process difficult experiences in a safe, structured, and supportive environment while developing healthy coping skills for managing emotions, stress, and trauma responses. Treatment often includes emotional regulation, gradual processing of traumatic memories, and strengthening communication between caregivers and children. TF-CBT is commonly used to support individuals who have experienced abuse, neglect, grief, violence, medical trauma, or other overwhelming life events.