Psychotherapy Modalities
All the modalities of psychotherapy utilized at Alloy are evidence-based. This means that when treated with these modalities in clinical studies, on average, participants experienced significant relief from symptoms.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
(CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely used form of psychotherapy that emerged in the 1960s and was founded by Aaron Beck.
CBT emphasizes the interconnectedness of thoughts and behaviors on emotional well-being. For example, maladaptive patterns of thinking can lead to painful feelings and problematic behaviors. CBT suggests that by identifying and changing these maladaptive thoughts and behaviors, clients can improve their emotional state. CBT is often structured, time-limited, and goal-oriented.
A key component of CBT is the identification of unhelpful thought patterns, such as black-and-white thinking, catastrophizing, and overgeneralization. Therapists use techniques like cognitive restructuring, exposure therapy, and behavioral experiments to help clients challenge these patterns and develop healthier ways of coping.
CBT has been extensively researched and is effective for a variety of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, autism, and eating disorders.
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Psychodynamic psychotherapy is less structured than its CBT counterpart and involves a distinct set of assumptions regarding human beings and mental health. First and foremost, psychodynamic psychotherapy assumes that human beings are far more complicated than they appear on the surface. This leads to the assertion that much of human perception, judgment, memory, motivation, and desire exists outside of our conscious awareness.
The psychodynamic therapist aims to help clients develop greater insight and awareness, thereby allowing them greater freedom to make choices in their lives. For example, when feelings of hurt, fear, and shame exist unconsciously, people tend to act on these feelings without understanding why or how they did. By exploring and processing these emotions, the client acquires greater control over how these emotions find expression.
Another important principle of psychodynamic therapy is the understanding that humans often experience ambivalence and conflict. For example, a young adult might feel great love for their parents, as well as feelings of frustration due to their parents' overbearing behavior. This internal conflict can contribute to feelings of guilt and unintended expressions of anger.
Psychodynamic therapy often involves in-depth discussions of childhood experiences and past relationships. This material becomes an important part of the therapy process, as these past experiences offer a window into understanding present-day patterns, choices, and feelings.
Research demonstrates that psychodynamic psychotherapy is effective for treating a range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and complex trauma. Its emphasis on self-awareness and understanding the root causes of psychological distress makes it a powerful tool for fostering long-term emotional growth and healing.