Counseling Practice Theories

People often ask how counseling works, so here is an overview of key aspects of a variety of counseling methods. Please let me know if you have any questions. 
Psychodynamic 

• Becoming aware of repeating attachment patterns, and changing them as needed.
• "Your feelings are not my feelings, and vise versa." People are connected but separate.
• Using the alliance with the counselor to learn new ways of relating.
• Improving the relationship with oneself.

Cognitive Therapy

• Increasing awareness of automatic thoughts and core beliefs, and changing them.
• “Is what I’m thinking fair, accurate and kind to myself (and others)?”

Behavioral Therapy

• How is what I'm doing affecting my wellbeing? What practical changes can I make?
• Using tools and skills to change and stop behaviors, addictions and negative patterns.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Identifying, and living by, my values.
• Accepting all parts of myself and my experience, which allows for healing.

Narrative Therapy

• In telling my story, I understand the external circumstances which impacted me.

• As I tell and work through my story, the intensity becomes less. It becomes the past. 

 Mindfulness 

• Present moment awareness of the external and internal environments allows me to slow down, find acceptance and peace (physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually).

Existential / Humanistic

• Through guided and intentional self-searching, I discover and make meaning of my life.