Counseling

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is an evidence-based, mind-body counseling intervention that uses tapping lightly on acupressure points on the body to reduce stress and anxiety and integrate trauma. EFT addresses both cognitive and somatic (body) aspects of stress and trauma by focusing on a presenting problem or traumatic memory at the same time the nervous system is downregulated (soothed) by tapping.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a comprehensive cognitive-behavioral treatment. Research has shown DBT to be effective in reducing suicidal behavior, psychiatric hospitalization, treatment dropout, substance abuse, anger, and interpersonal difficulties. The therapy is based on non-judgement problem solving and skills.

Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP) is a treatment protocol that has been researched to be the gold standard in treating OCD. ERP is the process of gradually exposing people to situations designed to provoke a person’s obsessions in a safe and secure environment. ERP provides the client with skills for when a triggering situation presents itself.

Comprehensive Behavioral Treatment is a behavioral intervention for Trichtotillomania and other compulsive, body-focused, repetitive behaviors (BFRBs). In ComB, clients select from multiple strategies designed to interrupt the established patterns and build alternative patterns. The client self-implements the proposed technique(s); and monitors and reports on the impact.

The main goal of ACT is to gain psychological flexibility in order to have a valued life, even with the presence of obstacles. Clients learn to develop a new acceptance and openness for the fullness of life, and its wide spectrum of experiences – including the challenges that inevitably accompany certain aspects of living.

Play Therapy is a therapeutic technique utilized to assist individuals in self-expression through non-directive play. This approach provides clients with a safe and secure environment to explore and work through current difficulties. Using the child’s natural means of expression, this method assists him/her in coping with emotional stress or trauma.

Expressive arts is an intentional blend of counseling and creative arts that promotes self-expression, insight, emotional growth, and healing. The creative process allows clients to tell their stories and access inner resources for healing in ways that are not dependent on verbal communication. Drawing, painting, writing/journaling, music, videography, life-maps, collage, ceramics, crafts, dancing/movement, photography are some of the ways expressive arts are integrated in counseling.

Trauma informed care encourages practices that facilitate a culture of safety, empowerment, and healing. GIFT’s mission and values are beautifully aligned with the Guiding Principles for Trauma-Informed Care.

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is an evidence-based treatment approach developed by Drs. Anthony Mannarino, Judith Cohen and Esther Deblinger to help children and adolescents through trauma recovery. TF-CBT is a structured, short-term treatment model that helps reduce trauma symptoms in children and adolescents and provides parent/caregiver support and education. Child and adolescent sessions focus on processing cognitive, affective, and behavioral concerns while parent/caregiver sessions assist in addressing personal distress, teaching effective parenting skills, and promoting supportive parent-child interactions. Joint sessions create space for integration and healing the impact of trauma in the family system.