Counseling Services

Cognitive-behavioral therapy stresses the role of thinking in how we feel and what we do. It is based on the belief that thoughts, rather than people or events, cause our negative feelings. The therapist assists the client in identifying, testing the reality of, and correcting dysfunctional beliefs underlying his or her thinking. The therapist then helps the client modify those thoughts and the behaviors that flow from them. CBT is a structured collaboration between therapist and client and often calls for homework assignments. CBT has been clinically proven to help clients in a relatively short amount of time with a wide range of disorders, including depression and anxiety.

This is a body-mind integrated therapy that has been proven to be highly effective for those who have experienced trauma. At Ocean Mist Counseling and Wellness, we believe that all people have experienced trauma to varying degrees. EMDR is founded on the basis that trauma interferes with our brain’s processing. The theoretical basis for EMDR is called Adaptive Information Processing (AIP). AIP posits that during trauma our brain processes and stores memories incorrectly. This incorrect storage can lead to past memories feeling very present. It is important to understand that EMDR is a comprehensive psychotherapy, with 8 phases and 3 prongs. The technique utilized, called Bilateral Stimulation, is only one component of EMDR.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is the treatment most closely associated with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Therapists practice DBT in both individual and group sessions. The therapy combines elements of CBT to help with regulating emotion through distress tolerance and mindfulness. The goal of Dialectical Behavior Therapy is to alleviate the intense emotional pain associated with BPD.

Here's where the definition for skill building will go...

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Expressive arts therapy is the use of the creative arts as a form of therapy on the basis that people can heal through use of imagination and creativity. Expressive arts therapy would include art therapy, dance therapy, drama therapy, music therapy and writing therapy.

We understand that things come up and people forget about appointments, which is why our cancellation policy allows for 1 late-cancellation or no-show. After your 2nd late cancellation or no-show, we will make same-day appointments with you.

For clients with chronic pain, hypertension, heart disease, cancer, and other health issues such as anxiety and depression, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, or MBCT, is a two-part therapy that aims to reduce stress, manage pain, and embrace the freedom to respond to situations by choice. MCBT blends two disciplines–cognitive therapy and mindfulness. Mindfulness helps by reflecting on moments and thoughts without passing judgment. MBCT clients pay close attention to their feelings to reach an objective mindset, thus viewing and combating life’s unpleasant occurrences.

Narrative Therapy uses the client’s storytelling to indicate the way they construct meaning in their lives, rather than focusing on how they communicate their problem behaviors. Narrative Therapy embraces the idea that stories actually shape our behaviors and our lives and that we become the stories we tell about ourselves. There are helpful narratives we can choose to embrace as well as unhelpful ones. Although it may sound obvious, the power of storytelling is to elevate the client–who is the authority of their narrative–rather than the therapist, as expert.

Solution-focused therapy, sometimes called “brief therapy,” focuses on what clients would like to achieve through therapy rather than on their troubles or mental health issues. The therapist will help the client envision a desirable future, and then map out the small and large changes necessary for the client to undergo to realize their vision. The therapist will seize on any successent experiences, to encourage them to build on their strengths rather than dwell on their problems or limitations.

You may discontinue therapy at any time. If you or your therapist determines that you are not benefiting from treatment, either you or your therapist may discuss your treatment alternatives. Treatment alternatives may include referral, changing your treatment plan, or terminating your therapy.

Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) is a method of clearing emotionally charged issues and obstacles from the body-mind. Tapping on endpoints (Parma points) of the body’s meridians while holding difficult issues in the mind actually releases the hold of emotional triggers that cause suffering. EFT (aka “Tapping”) is easy and beneficial for people of all ages and will amaze you with its potential to clear emotional blockages.

You may discontinue therapy at any time. If you or your therapist determines that you are not benefiting from treatment, either you or your therapist may discuss your treatment alternatives. Treatment alternatives may include referral, changing your treatment plan, or terminating your therapy.