At Brady Counseling, the therapist meets with the patient, performs a clinical evaluation and determines the best treatment approach.  The most effective form of psychotherapy is a combination of a strong therapuetic bond between the therapist and patient along with a validated treatment approach to teach the patient the skills they need to move forward in life.  The therapist may recommend individual , couples or family therapy depending on the patient's situation.  The following treatment modalities are commonly used along with other treatment approaches when needed.

Description of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

The way that we think effects the way that we experience the world.  Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidenced based practice treatment modality that examines the relationship between our thoughts, feelings and behaviors to assist patient with making positive changes in their lives.  People have negative thoughts that trigger uncomfortable/unwanted emotions/feelings that leads to undesirable behaviors or actions/symptoms.  CBT skills teach patients to challenge these negative thoughts, shift their cognitive distortions and re-create new core beliefs to transform their feelings and change behaviors.  This form of psychotherapy allows the patient to not only form a close alliance with the therapist but to learn coping skills and methods that promote independence and growth within themselves.

CBT is effective in treatment patients of all ages with various diagnoses and symptoms.  This treatment approach is commonly used to treat mood disorders, substance abuse disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders and most of all anxiety disorders.  Research shows that patients experience decreased symptoms and increased well-being after learning and implementing CBT strategies.

Description of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a behavioral treatment approach that emphasizes the development of four skills sets, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance and mindfulness.  DBT was developed initially to treat suicidality in adults with personality disorders, however, it has been found to be highly effective in treating many symptoms such as depression, anxiety and other mood disorders.  DBT teaches an array of skills including setting boundaries, regulating feelings, understanding emotions and body language, assertiveness, relaxation and interpersonal effectiveness in relationships.  DBT is an empiracally supported technique, meaning it has been clinically researched for its effectiveness in adolescents and adults.  DBT allows the patient to connect with their therapist and develop a toolkit that they will carry with them for life.

Description of Mindfulness 

Mindfulness is a form of relaxation and meditation that allows the patient to learn how to calm the mind and body.  This coping strategy is a highly effective method of redirecting unwanted thoughts by focusing attention on one specific thing, preferably a calming person, place or thing.  By focusing on this peaceful object, it cultivates balance and stability in or mind and body.  The practice incorporates all 5 senses and teaches the patient how to live in the moment and be actively present in life.  Mindfulness skills help patients to lean to relax, be non-judgmental, live in the here and now, self-soothe, practice radical acceptance, and be inspired to make positive life changes by appreciating the world around them.