Therapeutic Approaches:

The following are but a few descriptive techniques of many that your therapist may use in your treatment. All New Directions therapists are minimally Master level clinicians that come from accredited schools that teach evidenced based therapeutic techniques. All clinical staff are certified/licensed by the state and must maintain their licensure by attending yearly trainings. Our therapists have years of experience and have on-going peer supervision and consultation. The majority of our staff are full-time and dedicated to their field of study, honing their skill set over the years. Each has developed a “tool kit” of techniques and skills. New Directions encourage our clients to ask specific questions in regards to any treatment they receive. The following list is not exhaustive nor in any particular order.

Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) is a systematic method for eliminating emotional distress (anxiety, depression, hurt, fear, anger, guilt, shame etc.) In CBT the negative thoughts are identified that trigger distressing feelings. The client is then helped to discover an alternate set of positive thoughts or beliefs that can be used to replace the negative thoughts or beliefs. By substituting new, positive thoughts/beliefs for negative thoughts/beliefs a client can learn to change their feelings.

Marriage, Family, and Relationship Therapy (MFRT) is an effective approach to reducing emotional distress and enhancing relationship patterns. Usually but not always involving the significant other or others(s) MFRT helps the client (s) change ineffective interaction patterns by learning how to: 1) stay calm while their significant other is talking; 2) express themselves in a brief, clear, direct non-blaming way; 3) listen compassionately; 4) solve problems in mutually beneficial ways. (5) gain insight into the multigenerational origins of their interaction difficulties.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a comprehensive method for treating trauma and anxiety related disorders. EMDR combines imagery techniques, cognitive restructuring and self-control methods into specific structured procedures. EMDR treatment also involves having the client focus on the source of some emotional distress while making frequent back and forth eye movements.

Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a systematic method of treating psychological distress using the energy meridians of the body. The client is asked to think about (or get in touch with) the problem (e.g., anxiety, anger, guilt, phobia, trauma, depression, panic, etc.) and then tap several times in a precise sequence on specific acupuncture points at various places on the body. At times the client is also asked to hum a tune, count out loud, circle their eyes and repeat certain affirmations while tapping and thinking about the distressing emotion. While not for everybody, this technique can work remarkably well.

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is an extension of the work of Dr. Milton Erickson who felt that people have personal and social resources they can learn to use for their own benefit. The client is the expert in this model and the therapist acts as a personal coach to instill change. This is a very active and behavioral approach requiring great commitment from the client. The results are sometimes remarkable.

Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT) Imago Relationship Therapy is an integrated theory for working with couples, parents, and children, business colleagues, and others who seek to enhance the relationships they share. Based on the work of Harville Hendrix, Ph.D., author of Getting the Love You Want, Keeping the Love You Find, and Giving the Love That Heals, Imago therapy is an effective and safe approach to helping people to understanding each other more fully and relating more honestly.

New Directions is going through more exciting changes!
Over the next several months changes will occur and
with each enhancement, we hope even better service.
You will see it on our website, at our offices, and in the
services we provide. Stay tuned…

Recently we added 3 new therapists to our Hickory
office. They are Dr. Cindy Peters, PhD., Greg Shugar,
LPA, and Kay Bailey-Day, LPC. We are excited about
the knowledge and experience they each provide.

We are looking to hire either a full/part time PA or Nurse
Practitioner, experienced with psychotropic medications;
working in co-junction with our Psychiatrist. Please call
for details. Gary Meosky at (828) 267 - 1740

We are also considering adding a part or full time LPA or
PhD experienced in providing psychological evaluations,
primarily for children. If interested, please contact Gary
Meosky at (828) 267 - 1740 for more information.
Traveling may be necessary between three sites.

A part-time therapist position is available in our
Lincolnton office; please send in resume to our Hickory
office. This position could grow to a full time position.