Types of Therapy
An integrative practice braids together the most powerful and effective techniques for you. You will be part of the decision-making when it comes to the types of psychotherapy we will use together. I am trained in many different types of therapy that are proven to help.
The Different Types of Therapy I Provide
Welcome! I am a clinical psychologist who provides treatment to individuals, couples, and families. The following information is about the different types of therapy I provide and my clinical approach.
Overarching Treatment Philosophy
In general, I like to stay future-oriented, positive, and goal-focused. We will dig into the past, but only if it might be helpful to see where certain prior events or periods are causing current challenges and barriers. In other words, at times, we might try to discover the complex roots of a problem, but only when it can be helpful to the here-and-now, and not when it runs the risk of leading to conjecture and uncertainty that gets in the way of feeling better now and reaching goals. Sometimes it is worth looking for deeper-seated, complicated reasons that block success and happiness. Still, if we find that those reasons are elusive or that knowing them does not help fix things, that is okay, and we can still pursue powerful and meaningful here-and-now solutions through the different types of therapy for which I am trained.
Grounding the Different Types of Therapy
The six techniques listed below are all wrapped up in a Humanistic Psychology approach that looks at how you understand and perceive the world and make meaning from that perception. The goal is to see what drives your decision-making, how the world creates your mood, and what needs you can meet to feel better and more fulfilled. In other words, the Humanistic approach does not suggest that “you were born that way” or that you are merely a product of past experiences (though we will still explore the past as it influences the here and now). Instead, Humanistic Psychology provides hope and motivation. Most of the different types of psychotherapy I use stem from a humanistic approach.
Positive Psychology
Positive psychology describes an approach that reduces the focus on challenges and problems and increases the focus on possibilities and opportunities. This is one of the types of psychotherapy is perfect for those who feel blocked, where despite knowing that they have the potential to be happy and reach goals, today, those feelings seem out of reach. The benefits of positive psychology are well known, and this approach mixes well with others.
Learn more about Positive Psychology
Cognitive-Behavioral
Cognitive Psychology, often called “Cognitive-Behavioral” or “CBT,” works to change your perspective by changing your thought patterns. We will find and try to change those automatic thoughts that occur when you face challenges that present doubt and uncertainty. We will look for the irrational or exaggerated negative thinking that can underlie depression and anxiety. I also offer different types of therapy that are specific, such as CBTI for sleep problems.
Narrative Approaches
Narrative therapy is an approach that focuses on the stories or narratives people construct about their lives. I use narrative methods in my work with individuals, couples, and families. This form of treatment is based on the idea that people’s identities are shaped by the stories they tell themselves. Narrative methods aim to help reframe and reauthor these stories to strengthen and empower them. This is one of the different types of therapy that mixes well with others.
Learn more about Narrative Therapy
Psychodynamic
Psychodynamic approaches emphasize the importance of the unconscious mind and the influence of early life experiences on an individual’s psychological functioning. This is one of the different types of therapy that works well for those who want to gain insight into their unconscious processes and how they impact thoughts and behaviors. It can uncover repressed emotions, unresolved conflicts, and deep-seated motivations contributing to current issues.
Learn more about Psychodynamic Therapy
Solution-Focused
Solution-focused types of psychotherapy start with creating clear short—and longer-term goals and uses techniques designed to help you stick closely to a plan to address them. We look for meaningful and measurable results that you feel are bringing you closer to reaching your goals and contentment, and as you do reach them, we’ll set new ones. Solution-focused approaches are entirely future-oriented, designed to bring out your existing strengths.
Gestalt Methods
Gestalt methods emphasize the present moment and your subjective inner experience. It is centered around the idea that you should strive to understand yourself and your experiences as a whole, integrated entity rather than a collection of separate parts. This is one of the different types of psychotherapy that is a great approach for those primarily seeking personal growth, improved relationships, self-acceptance, and to be ready to make meaningful changes in their lives.
Other Types of Psychotherapy I use
Schema methods are one of the types of psychotherapy that integrates elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoanalytic therapy, attachment theory, and emotion-focused therapies. I commonly use this approach for those who have not responded well to traditional forms of therapy. Schema therapy focuses on identifying and changing deeply entrenched patterns or themes in thinking, feeling, and behavior, known as “schemas.”
Interpersonal (IPT)
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) is a time-limited, evidence-based form of treatment that focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and communication patterns to help alleviate psychological symptoms, particularly those associated with mood disorders such as depression. I use IPT to help people address specific problem areas in relationships that are contributing to challenges and barriers.
Existential and Logotherapy
Existential types of psychotherapy and logotherapy are both approaches that emphasize the search for meaning and the human condition. They provide valuable frameworks for helping individuals navigate the complexities of human existence and find purpose in their lives. I use this approach when people have a general sense of malaise despite many aspects of their life going well.
Emotionally Focused (EFT)
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a structured, short-term form of treatment that focuses on adult relationships and attachment/bonding. EFT is grounded in attachment theory and aims to create stronger, healthier emotional bonds between partners or family members. I use EFT with couples and families where the children are adults.
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is another of the types of psychotherapy that integrates two other approaches. It combines mindfulness skills with the practice of self-acceptance. ACT is part of the third wave of cognitive-behavioral therapies and focuses on helping individuals live meaningful lives while accepting the inevitable pain that comes with them. I use ACT with people who have challenges that may persist.
Specialty Types of Therapy
In addition to the more general services, I offer some specialty intensive services. These types of psychotherapy services offer 24/7 support and other advantages.
College Admissions
The college admissions process is stressful and difficult, but it also offers opportunities for growth and learning. I help with most aspects of the process in a way that taps into strengths to improve admission chances. This virtual service is quite flexible.
Executive Coaching
With my background in both business and psychology, I enjoy providing positive, focused, and effective executive leadership coaching to current and emerging leaders, both as individuals and in groups. This service can be provided in person or virtually
Fear of Flying
Many people fear flying; for some, this fear affects their ability to travel for important family and work responsibilities. For others who do fly, the anxiety is bothersome both before and after the flight. Many different types of therapy can help.
Sports Psychology
I help high school, college, and professional athletes achieve peak performance and flow.” Sports Psychology is actually several different types of therapy that provide a powerful and effective way to help you reach true potential on and off the court.
Fear of Public Speaking
Treatment can help you feel more confident, reduce the stress that precedes times you need to speak in front of others, and reduce anxiety during the event. It can also reduce the anxiety beforehand. These methods are powerful and many find success.
Psychological Testing
I provide psychological testing to help you know whether you have a certain diagnosis, understand yourself better, develop new coping strategies, and learn how to capitalize on your strengths. Testing can pair with many different types of therapy.
Do You Need Treatment?
A common question people ask is, “Do I need therapy?” People often wonder if they need treatment even though they are successful in many areas of their lives or if they are unsure whether what they are going through is just a phase. People often ask themselves if they need couples or family counseling even though they feel they should be able to work things out on their own or even though there are still good times in their relationships.
I suggest that “benefit from” is more accurate than “need” regarding individual, couples, or family treatment. Defining whether someone “needs” a psychologist is difficult but knowing who would benefit from psychotherapy is easy.
Why Pursue Any of These Types of Therapy?
Therapy, whether individual, couples, or family counseling, is designed to help you reach your potential and improve your mood and outlook. Thus, almost anyone can benefit from therapy. The question is more about degrees. Suppose you feel that something is hampering your ability to achieve in school or at work fully, or your family or social life is not providing the inherent benefits that it should, or as a couple or family, you are finding that conflict is increasing in frequency or intensity. In that case, therapy may be vital.
Many people also benefit when they generally feel “okay” but have a mild but lingering sense of malaise or existential stress. Others seek self-discovery that might deepen their relationships, increase feelings of meaningfulness, or discover new strength and resilience. Therapy can be life-changing in these instances, even if not urgent.
What Types of Therapy Will Work Best
When we meet, we will discuss the different types of psychotherapy that might best help you alleviate symptoms and reach your goals. My integrative practice means that I can choose from many proven, effective, and powerful methods, and we can work together to create the most powerful approach for you. I choose among the types of therapy listed above and others, and I continually look to stay up-to-date regarding the latest practice innovations in clinical psychology.
Your results should be obvious, measurable, and clear, and as therapy progresses we will work together to make sure that this is true and remains that way.
In my blog I also cover how long psychotherapy takes to see meaningful results
Contact Me About My Approach and the Types of Therapy I Use
Thank you for visiting, and I hope you might decide to call. In your initial call, I can answer any questions you have about the types of therapy I provide, and then our first meeting can help you decide whether my approach is a good fit for you. With therapy, there is never any obligation to continue after that initial visit. Even if everything you read here suggests that I may be a good fit for what you are looking for, you should still use that first session to assess that in person.
(617)_680-5488
Addresses:
In person: Westwood, MA & Lee, NH
Virtual: Serving 40 states