Laurel Oaks Counseling and Therapy
The Full Story
Approach Overview
As mentioned before, my approach is an integration of both Cognitive Behavioral and Dialectical Behavioral Theories. The two theories together provide a balanced out focus on both emotions and thoughts.
Dialectical Behavioral Theory
Everyone can tell you that emotions play a vital role in mental health. To feel is to be human. Even in the best of times, it is expected to get a little anxious about a project, a little annoyed with a significant other taking too long to get ready, or irritated at someone that cuts us off on the highway. It’s when these feelings fall outside the bell curve, when the emotions get too extreme and feel like they’re out of control that leads to issues. Intense and seemingly out of control emotions are unpredictable and unpleasant - they mess with our ability to have peaceful relationships, to fulfill responsibilities, or to experience any kind of joy.
Principles of the DBT approach address emotions in a way that gives you the power to manage them through insight and specialized tools, making emotions less scary and better equipping you for the future.
Cognitive Behavioral Theory
A brief historical perspective of CBT:
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Created in the 1960s by psychologist Aaron Beck.
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The theory stated that cognitive “distortions” (negative, automatic thoughts learned over a lifespan) would influence emotions and behaviors
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we carry central core beliefs (in the form of an “I” statements) that inform how we interact with the world.
CBT is considered one of the most recognized effective and well researched approaches.
Core beliefs are integral to successful and long lasting changes in therapy. Today, most therapists include some iteration of CBT.
​A large part of therapy sessions will be focusing on core beliefs and they do take some time to come to light.
