Provider Classification Glossary

Objectives/Methodology

A method based on acceptance that negative thoughts, feelings, emotions, memories, and behaviors are a part of life. The six principles are: contacting the present moment, diffusion, acceptance, self-as-context, values, and committed action.

Usage

Generally good for treating depression, mixed anxiety disorders, psychosis, chronic pain, and obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD).


ACT is NOT safe for individuals currently in abusive relationships/situations, or for those with behavioral issues that may stifle their cognitive processes and lead to potentially risky scenarios.

Objectives/Methodology

Developed specifically for individuals who have experienced complex trauma, AIR is based on the premise that traumas remain stored in the nervous system; therapy model is aimed to create neural network associations outside of the trauma-induced fear and terror. Clients are then able to manage automatic fear and numbing trigger responses, which developed as survival techniques but are also barriers to normal functioning.

AIR network consists of three phases:

1. Creating Context and Resource Stabilization
2. Developing Networks and Advanced Resourcing
3. Future Resilience and/or Memory Reprocessing

Usage

Specifically developed for individuals who have suffered trauma; primarily used to treat:

PTSD and c-PTSD
Severe Depression
Anxiety Disorder
OCD
Panic Disorder
Dissociative Disorder

Objectives/Methodology

ART incorporates elements of several treatment modalities, including EMDR and CBT, employing techniques such as rapid eye movement, exposure, memory rescripting, and guided imagery. The intent is to help change how traumatic memories and related images are stored in the brain, anbd thus reduce their psychological, emotionl and physical effects. ART relies on voluntary memory/image replacement: the aim is not to eliminate or rewrite facts but to eliminate negative feelings that come with remembering. After succesful treatment, the client will be able to remember the traumatic circumstance but will not be re-traumatized by the exposure.

Usage

Can be used in combination with another therapy method; ART is generally used for treatment and management of:

PTSD and c-PTSD
Depression
Anxiety
Phobias
Substance abuse
Panic attacks
Issues arising from abuse, including sexual abuse

Objectives/Methodology

A mode of alternative therapy rooted in the theory that trauma remains stuck in the body and trapped inside the subcortical brain (part of the brain that controls motion, emotion, learning and consciousness); Braisnpotting relies on locating spots in a person’s visual field to help them locate, neutralize and process trauma.

Usage

Differs from EMDR in that the latter uses eye movement whereas Brainspotting works with localized eye focus; EMDR is also an older, more researched form of tratment, though the two have shown similar effects and successs rates. Brainspotting is used for treating:

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or complex trauma;
Attachment issues;
Dissociative disorders;
Emotion dysregulation;
Acute depression;
Anxiety disorders and phobias;
Eating disorders;
Addictions.

Objectives/Methodology

A method of cognitive restructuring, CBT is based upon the premise that our thoughts, feelings and actions are interconnected and learned patterns; through talk, CBT seeks to change these patterns by stopping unproductive/negative ways of thinking and intercepting/rejecting our learned negative patterns. Strategies include goal-setting, breathing techniques, visualization, and mindfulness.

Usage

CBT is suitable for treatment of:
anxiety disorders (including OCD);
depression;
substance abuse and addiction;
eating disorders;
bipolar disorder;
personality disorders;
chronic pain and illness.

CBT may not be best for those with PTSD and c-PTSD.

Objectives/Methodology

A method based on psychoeducation: the client will write, talk and engage with the traumatic event/circumstance, which tends to reveal disruptions in beliefs/thoughts preceding the trauma. Processing the trauma will "unclench" the heavy emotions tied in with the event and also address the thoughts preventing recovery. CPT aims to re-center and realign the post-traumatic beliefs on safety, trust, control, self-esteem, and intimacy.

Usage

NOT recommended for individuals without diagnosed PTSD.

Suitable for those still in abusive relationships.

Objectives/Methodology

A mode of talk therapy structured around managing intense emotion regulation, DBT utilizes a balancing method, where it is acknowledged that everything is complex and that situations require adjustment; with that, this mode of therapy allows individuals to experience feelings without getting caught up or paralyzed by them. it was originally developed to treat Borderline Personality Disorder and address the self-destructive impulses of suicidal individuals, but has since been adaopted to address a plethora of other challenges and conditions.

Usage

DBT has proven to be effective for treating/managing mostly:

Borderline personality disorder (BPD);
Self-harm;
Suicidal behavior;
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD);
Substance use disorder;
Eating disorders, specifically binge eating disorder and bulimia;
Depression;
Anxiety.

Note that DBT requires a significant time commitment, and includes "homework" that may not work for everyone. It is not suitable for those with schizophrenia and intellectual challenges.

Objectives/Methodology

Structured therapy encouraging the client to focus on the trauma memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements), which reduces the impact of and emotion associated with the trauma memories, neautralizing the triggers and facilitating long-term healing. The idea isn't to talk through trauma, but to allow the brain to foster its own healing.

Usage

EMDR is most widely used to address PTSD and c-PTSD.

It may also aid with:

Anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias;
Bipolar disorder;
Dissociative disorders;
Eating disorders;
Complex grief.

EMDR is highly suitable for treating victims/survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault.

Objectives/Methodology

A mode of therapy geared towards treating anxiety that feeds obsession and compulsion. The exposure component involves gradually exposing the client to that which causes anxiety, fear, and obsessive/compulsive behaviours. Response prevention signifies the process of becoming accustomed to the trigger, and preventing the maladaptive response, i.e. disengagement with obsessive behaviours and compulsive patterns.

Usage

ERP is primarily used to treat OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder).

OCD is common in trauma victims, and Relationship OCD implies the presence of obsessions and intrusive thoughts about a relationship/partner. While OCD is not caused by trauma, it correlates to and may be affected by PTSD, especially via behaviours related to safety-seeking and avoidance. OCD may make it more difficult to seek help or leave an abusive situation.

Objectives/Methodology

Identifies and addresses multiple sub-personalities ("a family") within each person’s mental system.

These sub-personalities consist of wounded parts such that carry anger and shame, the inner Critic, and protective parts as well. IFS regards all parts as good and accepts each person as a set of multiples and fragmented: IFS seeks to achieve healing by mending these parts and restoring balance between them so as to ensure the wellbeing of the self as a whole.

Usage

IFS aids in treating:

Depression
Anxiety
Panic
Phobias
PTSD / c-PTSD
Addiction

IFS is NOT applicable to treatment nor safe for individuals whose mental health challenges involve psychosis and paranoia (such as in schizophrenia), because suggesting the presence of multiple parts may act as a trigger.

Objectives/Methodology

NET encourages the client to construct a chronological narrative of their life and in doing so reconstruct fragmented memories of traumatic experiences; traumas are then localized withi specific temporal and spatial contexts (trauma focus), which allows the patient to process, understand and mend the shattered sense of self/experience.

Usage

NET is the de-facto treatment for PTSD and c-PTSD, and is particularly suitable when assisting victim/survivors of DA. It is also a helpful therapy method for the advocates to familiarize themselves with.

Please note: NOT to be confused with NET - Neuro Emotional Technique, a mind-body approach to relieving stress via various chiropractic techniques: a separate concept altogether.

Objectives/Methodology

A mode of therapy structured as an in-depth conversation between the provider and client; aims to illuminate the client’s emotional life
and current relationships, affirming that mental disorders have complex biological and environmental causes and that, in turn, moods inform relationships.

Usage

PIT is used for the management of:

Addiction issues
Chronic depression
Perinatal and postpartum depression
Anxiety disorders
Eating disorders
Bipolar disorder

Note: PIT is not used to address personality traits, rather it targets specific areas of the client's functioning in their environment and relationships. Foci are symptomatic recovery, interpersonal sensitivity and targeted modes of attachment. Especially suited to working with the elderly.