Psychotherapy- Traditionally known as "talk therapy" and focused on both conscious and unconscious processes, this model can be used in short term and long term time frames, and can be utilized for multiple types of problems.
Play Therapy- Generally used for those who have difficulty expressing themselves verbally. For this reason, it is often used with children. There are two types of play therapy: directive and non-directive. In directive play, the therapist is the guide and actively seeks to impact the play. In non-directive play, the person is allowed to use the various play mediums to come to a solution/mastery of their problems.
Theraplay ®- often used in families and in groups, it is based on attachment theory and on repair of relationships due to previous trauma, abuse, etc. It is active and uses simple games (directed by the therapist) to practice emotion, regulation, accepting and performing challenges, decreasing impulsivity, and building social skills. Theraplay ® is a good example of directive play therapy. My training in Theraplay ® has been provided by the Theraplay Institute in Evanstown, Illinois. I contunie to participate in a Theraplay ® practicum/certification program.
Sand Tray Therapy- An example of non-directive play therapy, it allows the unconscious to express itself through the use of the objects one uses in the tray. Much of my training in this model has been with Estelle Weinrib (author of Images of the Self) and Dr. Agnes "Nessie" Bayley (author of Floor Games).
DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)- this type of therapy focuses on skills to help one become more aware of ones thoughts, feelings, and actions, and how they impact the ability to solve problems, be in relationships, communicate, identify feelings, and regulate emotions. This model typically uses a group format to teach skills in addition to individual therapy sessions. Therapeutic targets are prioritized around safety, therapy interfering behavior, and quality of life. Commitment to therapy is a hallmark of this model, i.e, it works best with those who WANT change, but often find it difficult to stay focused on their goals. It draws heavily on CBT (cognitive behavior therapy), which tends to stress the relationship between thinking errors and feelings/actions. I have been intensively trained in DBT therapy by Marsha Linehan, Shari Manning, and other trainers at Behavioral Tech.