Empowering change through thought, behavior, and action
Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies (CBT) are evidence-based approaches designed to help clients identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors. By learning to recognize and challenge distorted thinking, clients can reduce anxiety, depression, and other emotional distress. Behavioral techniques further support clients in developing new, healthier coping strategies, making lasting changes in how they relate to themselves, others, and the world around them.
At Our Healing Ground, we use CBT and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) techniques to help clients build resilience, improve emotional regulation, and develop healthier coping strategies. We also integrate CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia) for sleep disturbances and the Unified Protocol to support emotional regulation for clients with a history of trauma and anxiety. Additionally, CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy) is available for clients needing support with trauma-related beliefs and emotional processing.
How it works
CBT focuses on helping clients recognize and change unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to emotional distress. It provides practical tools to challenge cognitive distortions and develop healthier, more balanced ways of thinking. CBT-I, specifically designed for those struggling with sleep, works by identifying and changing thought patterns that prevent restful sleep, providing structure and techniques to improve sleep hygiene and reduce insomnia.
DBT, helps clients struggling with emotional regulation and interpersonal challenges. It teaches mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy) is used to help clients process and reframe trauma-related beliefs, reducing the emotional impact of traumatic memories.
The Unified Protocol is a comprehensive treatment framework that targets emotional dysregulation and helps clients develop adaptive coping skills to manage both trauma and anxiety. It is particularly helpful for preparing clients for more in-depth trauma work, helping them develop emotional flexibility and the ability to experience and regulate difficult emotions.
How it fits within EMDR
These therapies serve as strong complements to EMDR, particularly when working with clients who are processing trauma, managing anxiety, or working on emotional regulation. For instance, CBT-I may be used alongside EMDR to address sleep disruptions that often accompany trauma, while CBT and DBT work to reframe maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors that may hinder the reprocessing work done in EMDR.
The Unified Protocol may help clients build emotional stability and resilience before diving into trauma processing in EMDR or Parts Work. By fostering emotional regulation, the Unified Protocol ensures that clients are more prepared to face emotional and somatic material with resilience and self-compassion.
What clients may experience
Clients working with Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies often notice:
• Reduced anxiety and improved emotional regulation
• More balanced, positive thinking patterns and a reduction in cognitive distortions
• Improved sleep quality and deeper rest with CBT-I
• Greater awareness of emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, leading to healthier responses and coping strategies
• More effective communication and emotional skills through DBT
These therapies create tangible changes in the way clients think, feel, and act — supporting healing, empowerment, and lasting change.
Integrated Care Support
In addition to Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies, I also prioritize holistic support for clients. This includes assisting with medical and psychiatric appointments, financial planning, and connecting clients to other resources that can help them maintain a healthy, balanced life outside of therapy.
I believe that healing is not just a mental or emotional process, but an integrated journey that includes care for the body, mind, and practical needs. By providing these supports, clients can better engage in therapy, apply what they learn, and see positive changes across multiple areas of life.
