Therapy Techniques

Embracing Your Path to Healing

At Contemplative Caregiver, we understand that each individual’s path to wellness is unique. That’s why we offer a diverse array of therapy options, each tailored to meet your specific needs and circumstances. From the comfort of telehealth to the immersive experience of nature-based sessions, our approaches are designed to support and nurture your journey towards healing and growth. Whether you’re seeking to explore new aspects of yourself, heal from past traumas, or build stronger relationships, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Reach out to us to discover more about our therapies and how they can be tailored to your unique journey.

As you explore these options, delve into the specific therapy techniques we employ. Each method is carefully selected and applied to foster healing, growth, and a deeper understanding of oneself.

Authentic Movement

  • Description: A form of expressive therapy that encourages clients to move freely in response to their inner feelings, fostering self-awareness and emotional release.
  • Session Example: The therapist observes as the client moves spontaneously, later discussing the emotions and memories these movements evoke, linking them to personal experiences.
  • Visit American Dance Therapy Association for more information on dance and movement therapy.

Body-Based Therapy

  • Description: Focuses on the connection between the body and mind, using physical awareness and movement to promote healing.
  • Session Example: A session may involve guided relaxation exercises, where the client is encouraged to notice physical sensations and release tension.
  • Check out Body-Mind Centering for resources on body awareness practices.

Contemplative Therapy

  • Description: Draws on contemplative and awareness practices from all over the world, using focus and reflection to explore inner thoughts and emotions for mental well-being.
  • Session Example: May include mindfulness exercises, breathwork, and guided meditation to help clients confront emotional challenges and develop inner peace.
  • Visit Mindful for mindfulness resources and practices.

Fishing Therapy

  • Description: Combines the calming activity of fishing with therapeutic principles, promoting mindfulness, patience, and a deep connection with nature.
  • Session Example: Involves guided fishing experiences, focusing on the present moment and using the peaceful setting for reflection and discussion about life and personal growth.
  • Explore the Recreational Therapy Foundation for information on therapeutic recreation.

Gaming Therapy / Nerd Therapy

  • Description: Blends the immersive world of video games with therapeutic practices, using gaming narratives and mechanics to explore personal issues and develop coping skills.
  • Session Example: Could involve discussing game characters and stories to reflect on personal life challenges, or cooperative gaming to build communication and teamwork skills.
  • Visit Take This for mental health resources in the gaming community.

Eclectic Therapy

  • Description: Combines elements from different therapeutic approaches tailored to the client’s individual needs.
  • Session Example: A therapist might use techniques from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and humanistic therapy, depending on the client’s issue.
  • Check out Psychology Today for an overview of various therapy types.

Ecotherapy/Nature-based Therapy

  • Description: Utilizes the healing power of nature, encouraging clients to engage with the outdoor environment.
  • Session Example: A session could involve a guided walk in nature, using the surroundings to facilitate discussion and reflection.
  • Visit Nature and Forest Therapy for information on forest bathing and nature therapy.

Ephemeral Forms Therapy

  • Description: Utilizes temporary forms, like sand or sculptures, to explore the transient nature of emotions and experiences, emphasizing the process over the product.
  • Session Example: Clients create temporary pieces, reflecting on the experience of creating and letting go, and discussing the feelings and thoughts that arise during the process.
  • Explore Art Therapy Blog for insights into art as therapy.

Existential Therapy

  • Description: Focuses on exploring the human condition, addressing issues like meaning, choice, and mortality.
  • Session Example: The therapist and client might explore existential questions and how they relate to the client’s current life challenges.
  • Visit The Existential-Humanistic Institute for resources on existential-humanistic practice.

Experiential Therapy

  • Description: Emphasizes learning through experience, often using activities or expressive tools.
  • Session Example: Clients might engage in role-playing to better understand and express their emotions.
  • Check out GoodTherapy for an understanding of experiential therapy.

Family Systems Therapy

  • Description: Focuses on the family as an emotional unit, exploring the roles and patterns that family members adopt. It aims to improve family functioning by addressing systemic issues.
  • Session Example: A session typically involves multiple family members, discussing family dynamics, communication patterns, and working collaboratively to resolve conflicts and improve relationships.
  • Explore The Bowen Center for family systems theory and therapy.

Feminist Therapy

  • Description: Examines the impact of gender roles and societal expectations, empowering clients to challenge societal norms.
  • Session Example: Discussions may focus on how gender roles impact the client’s life and relationships.
  • Visit Association for Women in Psychology for more on feminist psychology.

Gestalt Therapy

  • Description: Focuses on the present moment and self-awareness, helping clients understand the context of their thoughts and feelings.
  • Session Example: The therapist might use the “empty chair” technique for the client to dialogue with different parts of themselves.
  • Read our blogs: Depth & Gestalt
  • Check out Gestalt Therapy Network for resources on Gestalt therapy.

Hakomi

  • Description: A mindfulness-centered somatic therapy, Hakomi integrates physical and mental processes to promote self-discovery and change. It emphasizes mindfulness, nonviolence, and the body’s wisdom.
  • Session Example: In Hakomi therapy, the therapist might guide the client through mindfulness exercises to explore unconscious beliefs, using gentle physical movements to access deep emotional states.
  • Visit the Hakomi Institute for comprehensive information on Hakomi therapy.

Harm Reduction Therapy

  • Description: Aims to reduce the negative consequences of behaviors like substance abuse without necessarily requiring complete abstinence.
  • Session Example: The therapist works with the client to set realistic goals for reducing harmful behaviors.
  • Explore Harm Reduction Coalition for education and advocacy on harm reduction.

Holistic Health Therapy

  • Description: Considers the whole person, including physical, mental, and spiritual aspects, in the pursuit of overall well-being.
  • Session Example: A session may include discussions on lifestyle, diet, exercise, and mental health practices.
  • Visit National Wellness Institute for holistic wellness resources.

Humanistic Therapy

  • Description: Emphasizes the client’s capacity for self-awareness and personal growth, focusing on their unique perspective.
  • Session Example: The therapist provides a non-judgmental space for the client to explore and express their true self.
  • Check out American Humanist Association for more on humanism.

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

  • Description: Views the psyche as composed of different parts or sub-personalities, each with its own viewpoint and qualities.
  • Session Example: The therapist helps the client identify and understand the various parts of their internal system.
  • Visit IFS Institute for detailed information on Internal Family Systems.

Mindfulness Therapy

  • Description: Encourages clients to be present in the moment and develop an awareness of their thoughts and feelings.
  • Session Example: May include mindfulness meditation or exercises to cultivate moment-to-moment awareness.
  • Explore The Mindfulness Initiative for advocacy and resources on mindfulness.

Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

  • Description: Combines cognitive therapy with mindfulness techniques to help prevent relapse in depression.
  • Session Example: Clients learn to disengage from habitual ‘automatic’ negative thoughts.
  • Visit MBCT for comprehensive Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy resources.

Motivational Interviewing

  • Description: Aims to resolve ambivalence and help clients find the motivation to make positive decisions and accomplish goals.
  • Session Example: The therapist uses open-ended questions to explore the client’s motivation for change.
  • Check out Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) for training and resources.

Multicultural Theory

  • Description: Recognizes and respects the diversity of clients, including cultural, racial, and gender differences.
  • Session Example: Therapy is tailored to respect the client’s cultural background and experiences.
  • Visit American Counseling Association – Multicultural Competencies for resources on multicultural counseling.

Music Therapy

  • Description: Uses music to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals.
  • Session Example: Clients might create, listen to, or discuss music to explore their feelings and improve well-being.
  • Explore American Music Therapy Association for information on music therapy.

Narrative Therapy

  • Description: Encourages clients to reframe and rewrite the narratives of their lives in a more empowering way.
  • Session Example: The client is guided to recount their life story and identify moments of resilience and strength.
  • Visit The Dulwich Centre for narrative therapy resources.

NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM)

  • Description: Addresses the long-term effects of trauma by focusing on the connection between psychological issues and the body. NARM works to identify and resolve patterns formed as a result of developmental trauma.
  • Session Example: A NARM session may involve exploring past traumas and their impact on current behavior, using mindfulness and somatic awareness to foster healing and integration.
  • : Check out NARM Training Institute for training and information on NARM.

Person-Centered/Rogerian Therapy

  • Description: Based on the belief that clients are the best authorities on their own experiences.
  • Session Example: The therapist provides unconditional positive regard, empathy, and congruence.
  • Visit Center for Studies of the Person for more on person-centered approaches.

Psychodynamic Therapy

  • Description: Explores unconscious processes as they are manifested in a person’s present behavior.
  • Session Example: The focus might be on unresolved conflicts and past experiences that affect current behavior.
  • Explore American Psychoanalytic Association for resources on psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapy.

Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

  • Description: Focuses on what clients want to achieve through therapy rather than on past problems or issues.
  • Session Example: The therapist helps the client identify and build on their existing resources and strengths.
  • Visit Solution Focused Brief Therapy Association for more on SFBT.

Somatic Therapy

  • Description: Focuses on the connection between the mind and body and uses both psychotherapy and physical therapies for holistic healing.
  • Session Example: May include breathing exercises, physical movement, or posture work.
  • Check out Somatic Experiencing Trauma Institute for insights into somatic experiencing.

Telehealth-based Therapy

  • Description: Provides therapy through digital means, like video conferencing, to increase accessibility.
  • Session Example: Clients receive the same care as in-person therapy but through a digital platform.
  • Visit American Telemedicine Association for a comprehensive look at telehealth practices, guidelines, and the latest news in telemedicine.

Transpersonal Therapy

  • Description: Integrates the spiritual and transcendent aspects of the human experience with the framework of modern psychology.
  • Session Example: Might include meditation, guided imagery, or other practices to explore spiritual dimensions of the self.
  • Check out The Journal for scholarly articles and research papers on various aspects of transpersonal psychology.

Continuing Your Journey Beyond Therapy

At Contemplative Caregiver, our support extends beyond individual therapy sessions. Explore the various ways you can continue your journey of self-discovery and healing: