Individual Therapy

What it is:
Individual therapy, also known as psychotherapy or counseling, involves one-on-one sessions between a client and a licensed therapist. It is designed to help people address personal challenges, gain self-awareness, and develop coping strategies.

Setting:
Typically, individual therapy is conducted in a private, comfortable, and confidential environment—whether in-person or virtually.

Common Issues Addressed:

• Anxiety, depression, and stress

• Trauma and PTSD

• Grief and loss

• Relationship difficulties

• Self-esteem issues

• Anger management

• Career or life transitions

Approaches Used:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifying and challenging negative thought patterns.

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Learning skills to manage emotions and behaviors.

• Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Developing mindfulness skills to handle overwhelming thoughts and emotions.

• Psychodynamic Therapy: Exploring how past experiences shape current behaviors and thoughts.

What it is NOT:
Individual therapy is not about giving advice or providing quick fixes. It’s a collaborative process where the therapist and client work together on the client's issues at a pace that's appropriate for the individual.

How SHIFT Works:
SHIFT uses evidence-based approaches like CBT and DBT to help clients gain insights into their thoughts and emotions. Our therapists provide practical tools to manage mental health, reduce symptoms, and promote long-term emotional well-being. We focus on active listening and personal empowerment, allowing clients to make meaningful changes in their lives.

What it is:
Children and teen therapy involves working with younger clients to address emotional, behavioral, or developmental issues. Therapy is tailored to the child's or teen's age, with methods designed to engage them effectively and in a way they can understand.

Setting:
Sessions can take place in a therapist's office, in school settings, or even online, depending on the child’s comfort and needs.

Common Issues Addressed:

• Behavioral issues (e.g., tantrums, defiance)

• Anxiety and depression

• Social difficulties and bullying

• Trauma, abuse, or neglect

• Family issues and divorce

• Academic pressures or learning difficulties

• Self-esteem and identity development

Approaches Used:

• Play Therapy: Using play to help children express emotions and process experiences.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helping children understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and actions.

• Art Therapy: Using creative processes like drawing and crafting to express and understand feelings.

• Family Systems Therapy: Working with the family as a whole to address underlying issues.

What it is NOT:
Children and teen therapy is not about trying to “fix” kids or imposing adult solutions to child-sized problems. It is a process of understanding, support, and skill-building, often in a non-direct way.

How SHIFT Works:
At SHIFT, we work with children and teens using a strengths-based approach. We incorporate play and art-based techniques to allow younger clients to engage meaningfully. Our therapists are trained to use developmentally appropriate methods to address the unique challenges faced by children and teens, creating a safe space for them to express and explore their feelings.

What it is:
Family therapy is designed to address dynamics within the family unit. It can involve all family members or just those who are directly involved in the issues at hand. The goal is to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen relationships.

Setting:
Sessions typically take place in a therapist’s office or virtually, where family members are guided through discussions and exercises that improve their understanding of each other.

Common Issues Addressed:

• Parent-child conflicts

• Communication breakdowns

• Family trauma or loss

• Divorce or separation

• Behavioral issues in children or teens

• Addiction within the family

• Mental health issues affecting family dynamics

Approaches Used:

• Structural Family Therapy: Examining and adjusting the family structure to create healthier patterns.

• Narrative Therapy: Helping families reframe their collective story and identify positive changes.

• Solution-Focused Therapy: Focusing on solutions and moving forward rather than delving deeply into past problems.

• Strategic Family Therapy: Developing strategies to manage specific behaviors within the family system.

What it is NOT:
Family therapy is not about assigning blame. It’s not about fixing one person or focusing only on one issue; rather, it’s about improving the overall functioning of the family as a unit.

How SHIFT Works:
SHIFT takes a systems approach to family therapy, understanding that the behaviors and emotions of one family member affect the entire system. Our therapists work to create open, non-judgmental spaces where each member can voice their concerns, leading to healthier communication and stronger family relationships.

What it is:
Couples therapy focuses on improving the relationship between partners by addressing conflicts, enhancing communication, and resolving issues that impact the connection.

Setting:
Couples therapy is conducted in a private, safe environment, where both partners can express their concerns freely. Sessions are often in person or online.

Common Issues Addressed:

• Communication problems

• Trust issues (e.g., infidelity)

• Intimacy and emotional connection

• Conflict resolution

• Parenting issues

• Pre-marital counseling

• Navigating life transitions (e.g., moving, having children)

Approaches Used:

• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): Identifying and addressing emotional needs to strengthen bonds.

• Gottman Method: Based on research into what makes relationships succeed, focusing on enhancing communication and emotional understanding.

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helping couples understand their behaviors and thought patterns and how these affect the relationship.

• Imago Relationship Therapy: Focusing on improving communication and understanding the unconscious patterns that affect the relationship.

What it is NOT:
Couples therapy is not about taking sides or assigning blame. It’s a collaborative approach where both partners work to improve their relationship with the help of a trained professional.

How SHIFT Works:
At SHIFT, we use evidence-based methods like EFT and Gottman to help couples identify patterns that harm their relationship and replace them with healthier ways of interacting. Our therapists provide practical tools for improving communication and understanding, focusing on creating stronger, more supportive partnerships.