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Treatment Services

Help for mental health issues comes in several forms; however, asking for help is the first step. Seeking out Counseling or Therapy is one of the best options for help that you can choose: you will receive support, professional guidance, and above all else, not have to face your issues alone. In the realm of mental health and emotional well-being, the terms counseling and therapy are often used interchangeably, leading to confusion for many seeking professional support. Understanding the nuances between these two practices is crucial in determining which path is best suited to your needs and goals. Let's embark on a journey to uncover the distinctions between counseling and therapy, in determining which path is best suited to your needs and goals, shedding light on their unique approaches and methodologies.

Counseling + Therapy

​Counseling typically refers to a brief, solution-focused approach that aims to address specific issues troubling an individual. It often focuses on problem-solving, stress management, and coping strategies for immediate concerns. Emphasis is placed on guiding individuals through challenging situations, providing tools to navigate through difficulties in a supportive environment.

 

Therapy, on the other hand, tends to imply a more in-depth, long-term process that delves into the root causes of emotional issues. Emphasis is placed on working towards deeper self-exploration, healing past wounds, and fostering personal growth. Therapy sessions often involve exploring emotions, childhood experiences, and patterns of behavior to promote lasting change and well-being.

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Treatment for Anxiety

There are many therapy and counseling options for treating Anxiety. Types of Anxiety Disorders include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety, and separation anxiety. The most used approach is Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is the most used approach to treat essentially any type of anxiety disorder because it’s been extensively researched and shown to be effective. CBT for Anxiety is a hands-on approach that helps individuals change their thinking and behavioral patterns, gain skills to navigate difficult situations, and maintain a sense of control and confidence. CBT is considered the gold-standard in anxiety treatment, largely due to the nature of the treatment targeting and reframing thought patterns. 

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Treatment for Stress

Stress therapy and counseling comes in many forms, and individuals can explore different approaches to determine what works best for them. Stress therapy is essential when facing intense, chronic, and long-lasting stress. Constant stress can negatively impact physical and mental well-being, but professional support can help individuals learn healthy coping skills, management techniques, and prevention strategies. Common examples of therapy for stress include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), and Solution Focused Therapy (SFT). Stress therapy provides professional guidance in sessions, but clients must learn to apply relaxation and coping skills outside treatment to reduce the impact of stress on their physical and mental health. Mindfulness, healthy movement, and journaling are positive examples of stress management.

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Treatment for Depression

Therapy combined with counseling is a highly effective treatment for Depression, which is a mood disorder characterized by chronic episodes of depressed mood, fatigue, and a loss of motivation, interest, and pleasure in activities. Some people also experience feelings of hopelessness, irritability, trouble focusing, and even feelings of worthlessness. In 2021, one study found that 1 in 3 American adults now suffers with depression. Fortunately, several effective treatments for depression exist, including therapy or a combination of therapy and medication. Certain types of therapy like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapies, Interpersonal Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) are considered evidence-based treatments and are proven effective in treating depression and delving into the root causes of depression.

Treatment Stages

1

Initial Disclosure 

This stage focuses on getting to know your therapist, your therapist getting to know you, and building the therapeutic relationship. You’ll dive into what brought you into therapy, and what you want to work on.  Your therapist will assess your current state of mental health and determine your mental health history.

  • Assessing if mutual good fit (personality, communication style, therapy approach, values) 

  • Gaining more information (history, family, relationships, support, challenges, previous experiences in therapy)

  • Therapist outlining what to expect and boundaries

  • Identifying collaborative goals

  • Providing education on what may be occurring (symptom, diagnosis)

  • If not a good fit, find another therapist and end treatment 

2

Intervention & Integration

This is when therapy starts. This is when the work begins and when we dive in deep. Your therapist will guide you through the process, reminding you of the goals that you discussed in Stage 1. This stage is when you’ll begin to see changes and begin to feel unstuck, and healing takes place. You may be in therapy for six weeks, six years, or anything in between. The timeframe isn’t so much the goal as the results you wish to accomplish.

  • Identifying barriers/challenges and ways to interrupt cycles of sabotage with healthier behaviors and actions 

  • Change 

  • Trying new things outside of therapy (homework, experiments) and reporting back to see what worked and didn’t work

  • Teaching and practicing skills ​

3

Evaluation & Graduation

Once you’ve achieved the goals you set in the past 2 stages, your therapist will reassess with you and discuss if you want to continue therapy or if you are ready to graduate and continue managing your mental health on your own using the tools you’ve learned. In either case, your therapist will always be on your team for healing and well-being. 

  • Summarizing work so far

  • Goals met and progress

  • Feeling more confident in ability to handle life challenges and transitions without therapist

  • Thinking about the future and ways to handle possible challenges and setbacks

  • Saying goodbye and underlying feelings about loss of relationship

  • Moving sessions to less frequency (every other week, monthly, once every quarter, as needed) 

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