Effective Therapeutic Strategies
for Youth Wellness
The therapy models listed below are stand-alone approaches. However, they are often used in combination with one another. For example, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) may be used with Motivational Interviewing (MI), Family Systems, and Attachment Theory all within one session.
This creates a comprehensive therapy session that meets the varying needs of our at-risk youth and their families.
Integrated Therapeutic Approaches for Comprehensive Healing
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a powerful therapeutic approach aimed at understanding the intricate relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
In essence, CBT enables individuals to recognize and address detrimental thought patterns that contribute to negative emotions and harmful behaviors. By pinpointing these unhealthy beliefs, CBT equips individuals with techniques to challenge and reframe toxic thoughts, ultimately fostering healthier cognitive processes and behavioral responses.
​
Moreover, our skilled CBT therapists have the ability to delve into uncovering underlying core wounds and their roots, laying the groundwork for profound healing and transformative growth.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is a specialized form of CBT that is tailored to treat traumatic experiences with compassion and sensitivity. Our therapists have enhanced certifications in trauma-focused interventions, allowing them to provide the most therapeutic approaches to healing, which happens within a safe and secure therapeutic environment.
TF-CBT assists individuals in recognizing toxic patterns of thoughts, unhealthy emotions, and maladaptive coping behaviors that are associated with the trauma. Our providers equip individuals with critical therapeutic skills to navigate distressing thoughts and dysregulated emotions. They also use TF-CBT interventions to help teens heal from the impact of the trauma, which empowers them to embark on a journey towards freedom and reclaiming their lives.
​
Depending on the nature and context of the trauma, families may also experience tremendous benefit from this comprehensive approach to healing.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a specialized form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that is tailored to individuals who are struggling with intense emotions and maladaptive behaviors that disrupt their lives and relationships. DBT employs a range of specialized skills and techniques to enhance emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.
​
MINDFULNESS practices in DBT aim to cultivate present-moment awareness, allowing individuals to manage racing thoughts and and promote internal peace.
​
DISTRESS TOLERANCE equips individuals with the skills to cope with negative thoughts and distressing emotions in healthy and constructive ways. It also builds resilience, so the impact is not so great.
​
EMOTIONAL REGULATION skills help individuals recognize and manage intense emotions, thereby reducing their impact on daily functioning and relationships.
​
INTERPERSONAL EFFECTIVENESS focuses on improving communication skills and assertiveness, which fosters healthier and more fulfilling relationships.
​
Moreover, DBT (like CBT) targets unhealthy thought patterns that fuel negative emotions and maladaptive behaviors. By addressing core wounds and dysfunctional patterns of thought, individuals can experience profound healing and improved interpersonal relationships.
Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI)
TBRI® (Trust-Based Relational Intervention) is an attachment-based, trauma-informed intervention that focuses on meeting the complex needs of vulnerable individuals.
TBRI employs EMPOWERING PRINCIPLES to teach important skills like self-regulation to meet physical needs, CONNECTING PRINCIPLES to foster healthy relationships and attachment, and CORRECTING PRINCIPLES to teach and redirect fear-driven behaviors to healthy behaviors.
Based on research in relational attachment, sensory processing, and neuroscience, TBRI® emphasizes the importance of nurturing security through healthy connection.
​
This intervention is implemented globally, across various settings, including homes, schools, residential facilities, group treatment programs, youth camps, juvenile justice facilities, and with survivors of sex trafficking. Additionally, TBRI® finds application in church and faith communities, law enforcement, clinical practices, and more.
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a therapeutic method aimed at reducing ambivalence, fears, and insecurities that hinder behavioral change. Through MI, individuals explore the barriers that impede their desired transformation. MI ignites the necessary internal motivation and courage for positive change. This empathetic, yet direct approach acknowledges the challenges of change, while instilling hope in attainable change and transformation.
​
Characterized by its client-centered approach, MI tailors interventions to each individual, by facilitating self-discovery and instilling the benefits of change. By employing open-ended questions, reflecting, affirming, and encouraging, MI empowers individuals to recognize and address independent struggles, increasing the likelihood of embracing and taking courageous steps towards positive change.
Family Systems therapy (FST)
Family Systems Therapy is designed to foster healthy connections and interactions between family members. By examining the environment and collective dynamics within the family unit, emphasis is then placed on understanding how negative behavioral patterns and interactions develop, as well as how to correct them.
​
FST facilitates a deeper understanding of how individual actions impact oneself and other family members. By analyzing family roles, communication patterns, and other dynamics, FST aims to enhance perspective, resolve conflict, strengthen support systems, establish healthy boundaries, and foster effective connection.
​
Our skilled providers help family members identify and work through resentment and deeper wounds for optimal healing and growth. Practical skills will be taught to assist in reducing dysfunctional interactions, which rebuilds trust and fosters healthy connection. Ultimately, the goal is to promote healthy interactions and communication within the family, which lends to forgiveness, healing, and growth.
​
Family Systems Therapy plays a pivotal role in fostering a safe familial environment, nurturing secure attachments, and cultivating robust family interactions. These secure attachments and healthy connections form the bedrock for familial trust, love, and respect.
Equine Therapy
Equine-assisted therapy is an evidence-based treatment that offers an immersive approach to fostering trust, confidence, responsibility, and character development. It is a primary treatment approach that is used for trauma, challenges with emotional regulation, depression, anxiety, addictions, and various mental health disorders.
​
This therapeutic modality involves collaboration between an equine specialist and a licensed mental health professional within an arena setting. Participants receive tailored instructions for engaging with the horse. Then, individual and group counseling follows, where individuals unpack their experience.
​
For instance, trying to navigate a large horse through a gate without the use of physical or verbal cues can evoke strong thoughts and feelings of powerlessness and lack of control. Through counseling, participants explore these thoughts and emotions and examine where they have experienced them before, which helps them gain valuable insight and experience personal growth. These profound experiences often lead to favorable outcomes that resonate throughout ones life.