THERAPY APPROACHES USED AT NEW DIRECTIONS
These approaches listed are not exhaustive and are in no 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. "Imago" is the Latin word for image and refers to the composite image in our unconscious of our caretakers – mom and dad, or whoever raised us. This composite image includes the positive and negative character traits of our caretakers, our experiences with them, our best memories and our most painful ones, and most importantly, our unmet childhood needs. We take this composite image into adulthood where we find ourselves attracted to and attractive to an "Imago match." The problem lies in that the person we pair with is uniquely INCAPABLE of meeting our needs. We therefore create in relationship an environment where the old issues can get triggered with the intention of having a different outcome. Unfortunately, without becoming conscious of this process and learning some key skills to resolve the frustrations, many relationships seemed destined to be painful.One of the main skills learned with Imago Relationship Therapy is - The Intentional Dialogue – which allows you to hear and be heard, and restore the connection that gets lost during moments of conflict. This skill can be used to improve communication with anyone in a person’s life.

NDCS