Therapeutic Modalities & Treatment Approaches

My treatment approaches include various therapeutic modalities illustrated as such.  Initially, Client-centered therapy is implemented to build trust and rapport with new clientele.  This therapeutic modality entails three treatment approaches: genuineness and congruence, unconditional positive regard, and empathetic understanding, to which I offer while developing a therapeutic relationship with new clients.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a psychological treatment that can be effective for various problems, including depression, anxiety disorders, marital problems, and severe mental illness.  This therapeutic modality stems from three core principles surrounding (1) Psychological problems based on irrational thinking.  (2) Psychological problems based on learned behaviors, and  (3) Psychological problems are resolved by improving thinking patterns.  Treatment approaches encompass altering irrational thoughts and learning problem-solving skills that change behaviors and aid in the development of self-confidence.  Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) is a type of CBT that is an action-oriented approach that focuses on helping clients deal with irrational beliefs while learning how to manage their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in a healthier, more realistic way.

Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) focuses on a client's present and future circumstances and goals rather than past experiences.  In this goal-oriented therapy, the therapist encourages clients to imagine the future they desire and then collaboratively develops a series of steps to help them achieve those goals.  This therapy modality effectively assists clients with marital problems, anger management, independent living skills, and career goals.  Spirit-Focused & Spirituality therapy can help clients reconnect to their purpose in life, affirm their beliefs, and even manage grief and loss.  Spirituality is a "sense of connection" to something "greater than oneself" and can serve as an operative force that guides lead and provides "insight into direction" parallel to God's divine purpose for each individual.

Family systems theory (Kerr & Bowen, 1988) is a theory of human behavior that defines the family unit as a complex social system in which members interact to influence each other's behavior.  Family systems theory recognizes that the "family plays a crucial role in emotional and physical well-being" across the life course.  Family systems theory emphasizes that families are continuous entities with rules, beliefs, and values that shape members over time.  As such, a family system framework influences therapists to support clients with mental health problems, focusing on the "family as a whole."  Family dynamics impact human relationships, such as what draws people together, drives them apart and considers any conflict.  Finally, this theory postulates that patterns of interaction between family members create, maintain, and perpetuate both problem and nonproblematic behaviors.  Given all things discussed, I examine the family dynamics of new clientele while applying this treatment approach during the intake protocol and throughout the therapeutic process.   

Critical race theory involves studying and analyzing race, racism, and power.  This theory constitutes a broad perspective while considering the historical, contextual, economic, emotional, and self-interest relationship between groups and racism.  Critical race theory aims for equality, rationality, and principles embedded in American laws (Alexander, 2012).   Eurocentric ideology is a feature of Critical race theory, which suggests that eurocentrism is many ideologies of what social norms should exemplify.  Taken from this theoretical stance, I apply Critical race theory as a treatment approach when working with people of color and diverse family systems while considering nontraditional perspectives and refraining from the practice of individual and institutional racism.  Therefore, I like to ensure that cultural sensitivity and cultural humility are understood and implemented while practicing cultural competence in the therapeutic relationship to assure optimal quality services to all populations regardless of color, race, gender, or creed.