What To Expect in Therapy

       We believe that each person’s circumstances are unique, so we develop a personalized treatment plan for your specific goals and needs. We usually incorporate ERP(Exposure Response Prevention) therapy for clients with social anxiety, OCD and various phobias. ERP encourages each client to face their fears by gradually exposing them to anxiety-inducing situations that they can tolerate, with the help of a clinician. We know that avoiding situations that make us nervous sends a signal to our brain that the situation is a threat. Therefore, we become even more anxious each time we avoid a stressful situation because our brain begins to associate it with danger. The key to reducing our fear is by continuously engaging in anxiety-inducing situations and desensitizing our negative feelings towards it; thus, ERP therapy is highly effective(estimating at around 65-85%) at reducing OCD, social anxiety and other phobias. 

         Many of our therapists also use mindfulness training by implementing meditations, deep breathing and muscle relaxation exercises in therapy. We know that our physical and mental wellbeing are inherently connected so by relaxing our physical body, we send a message to our mind that there is no threat. Studies show that meditations and breathing exercises can improve memory and decrease depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and ADHD symptoms. We help our clients find the best way to unplug and reconnect with their bodies.

    Additionally, every therapist on our team will use a wide range of approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, narrative therapy, movement therapy, play therapy, etc. If you've never heard of these approaches, we will be happy to explain them to you in your first session!

These interventions help support you during difficult times, reframe and restructure any negative thought patterns, find replacements for unhealthy behaviors and bring awareness to maladaptive thoughts(if there are any). Ask your therapist about any intervention to find out more!