Mindfulness-Based Interventions are evidence-based therapy techniques that are drawn
from mindfulness practices to support both physical and mental health. These
approaches, like Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based
Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and
Commitment Therapy (ACT), teach techniques to help you become more aware of your
thoughts and feelings in the present moment without judging them. These modalities
are used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression,
stress, and trauma. Whether you're dealing with stress or depression, or simply want to
feel more balanced, mindfulness-based modalities can provide valuable tools for
managing clients’ life.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is appropriate for people of all ages, including
children, adolescents, and adults. CBT allows individuals to feel better by learning
techniques that encourage changing maladaptive thoughts and behaviors into realistic
and positive thoughts and emotions. The therapy primarily involves talking to raise
awareness of the interrelationship between your thoughts, emotions, and behavioral
patterns. It also helps you understand the underlying cause behind the irrational beliefs,
core beliefs, and maladaptive reactions.
CBT empowers self-advocacy, self-esteem, and self-love. Literature supports CBT can
address numerous conditions, such as major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders,
post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, and many others. Research indicates
that CBT can be delivered effectively online, as well as face-to-face therapy sessions.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
developed by Dr. Marsha Linehan in the late 1980s, primarily to treat individuals with
borderline personality disorder (BPD). DBT is an intervention for emotional
dysregulation and teaches the concept of “dialectics,” which means two opposing forces
can exist at the same time. It is particularly effective in treating borderline personality
disorder. However, the techniques utilized in treatment are also effective for various
mood disorders involving suicidal tendencies, substance use disorders, eating
disorders, and severe depression. The principle of DBT is skills training, empowering
clients to navigate emotionally charged situations. DBT teaches four modules:
Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotional Regulation, and Interpersonal
Effectiveness. Clients will learn to accept where they are and develop healthy coping
and communication skills.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an 8-phase
psychotherapy developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro to help people alleviate distress from
past traumatic experiences. Utilizing concepts from brain science, cognitive-behavioral
therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and body-based therapies, EMDR uses
evidence-based techniques to reprocess traumatic memories. Through bilateral
stimulation, like guided eye movements or tapping, and new insights, the brain naturally
heals by reprocessing “stuck” memories. It’s like helping the brain finish processing the
disturbing event so it doesn’t keep causing problems in the present. EMDR effectively
treats trauma and anxiety-related disorders, phobias, and depression. It reduces the
severity of trauma and anxiety symptoms.
Exposure and Response Prevention (EXRP/ERP)
Exposure Response Prevention (EXRP/ERP) is a CBT technique used to treat
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and phobias by reducing anxiety levels through
exposure and preventing the performance of compulsions. This process involves
exposing a patient to known triggers and fears while keeping them from engaging in
their usual compulsions and rituals. EXRP/ERP helps individuals confront their fears,
phobias, traumatic experiences, and beliefs in a safe and controlled environment. This
method enables them to learn how to manage their obsessions without engaging to
compulsions. Eventually, clients will gain a sense of control over their anxiety.
EXRP/ERP allows individuals diagnosed with OCD, phobias, and anxiety to take charge
of their worries and reduce both obsession and anxiety.
Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)
One evidence-based technique for treating trauma-related disorders is exposure
therapy. This intervention operates on the principle that confronting your fears or
traumatic experiences in a controlled environment, while using adaptive coping
mechanisms taught in therapy, can build resilience and diminish the impact of the
distressing event. The therapy typically consists of about 8 to 15 sessions and includes
two main components: imaginal exposure (revisiting the trauma memory) and in vivo
exposure (gradually confronting trauma-related situations or places). By gradually
exposing you to traumatic memories, feelings, or situations, the therapy aims to weaken
their hold on your life. Under the guidance of a therapist, you learn about the trauma,
understand its context as a past event, and find healthy ways to manage it until it no
longer provokes strong emotional responses. The goal is to reduce PTSD symptoms by
helping patients face their fears and memories of the trauma, thereby diminishing the
power these memories have over them.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) is an effective intervention against trauma-related
conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), adult sexual assault, adult
physical assault, domestic violence (DV) and child physical, sexual, or emotional
abuses. It is a facet of cognitive behavioral therapy that focuses on helping someone
process traumatic thoughts, memories, feelings, and reactions. The treatment occurs in
12 sessions, with each session focusing on a different aspect of the traumatic
experience. The client will learn healthy ways to process the distressing event and
reduce the severity of the symptoms. CPT is recovery focused, short-term treatment
that can be utilized by a group or individual client. CPT is widely used by military
members, veterans, and civilians who have experienced trauma events. CPT can be
used alone or in conjunction with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)
Adverse life experiences can evoke strong emotions like anger, shame, fear, and
despair. In response, we develop an inner “protector part” that actively anticipates and
avoids re-experiencing these painful emotions, even long after the threats are no longer
present. Internal Family Systems (IFS) helps recalibrate our inner systems to align with
our innate ability to feel confident, compassionate, and whole. Developed by Dr.
Richard Schwartz, IFS is a transformative, evidence-based treatment that is used to
support a wide range of issues and is influenced by the Dr. Schwartz’s work in Family
Systems Therapy, experiential therapies, and mindfulness-based practices.
Interoceptive Exposure
Interoceptive exposure is a psychological treatment technique used primarily to treat
panic disorder. The approach focuses on exposing individuals to the uncomfortable
bodily sensations trigger anxiety or panic attacks in a controlled and systematic way and
desensitizing their body to these sensations and reducing their negative responses.
Interoceptive exposure is to help reducing the fear and avoidance of these physical
sensations by helping individuals learn that these sensations are not dangerous and
that they can tolerate them.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) combines cognitive-behavioral therapy
(CBT) techniques with mindfulness practices. Mindfulness, a therapeutic intervention
created by Jon Kabat-Zinn, a professor of medicine, aims to increase awareness of the
present moment. This practice uses adaptive cognitive and behavioral modification to
train the mind and body to break away from negative stress patterns. MBCT is effective
in preventing relapses in depression, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, bipolar
disorder, and other forms of emotional distress. In addition to mindfulness techniques
such as mindfulness meditation, guided imagery, intentional living, practicing gratitude,
and body scans, MBCT also employs basic CBT principles. It helps individuals
understand how their thoughts impact their feelings and behaviors and teaches
techniques for thought regulation. Each session increases resilience against stressors
and promotes adaptive cognitive and behavioral patterns.
