Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy was first developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1989 as a way of treating clients with distressing traumatic memories. EMDR utilizes our neural plasticity to change how our bodies respond to these traumatic memories. Using external stimuli, such as hand-tapping or audio tracks, a clinician can help clients access memories and process them.

EMDR was originally explored as a treatment for various anxiety disorders such as GAD and PTSD. However, a therapist may add this treatment for a variety of other reasons based on client needs.

Play can serve many purposes in psychosocial and motor development. Children especially learn to replicate the lessons they learn outside of play within that space. Using the power of play, clinicians provide an environment where clients can feel free to express themselves through toys and/or art. Therapists then observe how and what the child plays out, giving them insight into how to best promote healthy behaviors and process what is causing inappropriate ones.

Much like Play Therapy, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy helps a clinician observe a child’s behaviors. Where PCIT differs from Play Therapy is in the inclusion of the child’s caretakers. Sessions usually involve the therapist in a separate room from the family, observing interactions through a camera. The first phase of sessions involves establishing warmth and availability with their child. The second is focused on building security between parents and kids. The therapist can then coach parents from afar on how to best establish connection and apply skills learned in previous sessions. PCIT is generally recommended for families who are having issues with frequent tantrums, self-esteem issues, and attachment issues.

According to the American Art Therapy Association, "Art therapy is a mental health profession designed to enrich the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making and the creative process, all within a psychotherapeutic relationship." 

Many individuals come into therapy looking for a more mindful way of life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy give actionable steps to achieve that. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy seeks to identify distressing thoughts and to acknowledge them in neutral terms to reduce stress.

Trauma-Focused CBT takes into consideration the other factors that can produce distressing thoughts. It addresses the more acute stress following a traumatic event.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy similarly focuses on mindfulness, but also branches out into other aspects of functioning. There are four pillars of focus in DBT; mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal affectiveness. Developing skills within each area helps enhance the effectiveness of the others.

Narrative therapy examines the stories and values we apply to our own behaviors and problems. Narrative helps clients separate actions that happen to them from the actions they can take themselves. Therapists who use narrative therapy often implement it for those going through difficult times and are looking for better self-esteem and purpose.

Attachment & Behavioral Catchup is a strengths-based, brief system that helps parents and their children effectively communicate by observing “In the Moment” interactions. ABC looks to support the natural instincts of parents that enhance connection. Parents who participate in this kind of therapy can expect a high focus on encouragement and sustainable practices, rather than discouragement from what they need to do differently. This program is designed to be mindful of cost and time expenses as well, needing just 10 weekly sessions to be effective in most cases. Kylee Brant, LCMFT/RPT-S, is certified in ABC for in utero up to 4 years old.