treatment MODALITIES Offered at Blue Ocean Counseling

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Cognitive Behavioral Treatment (CBT) is a goal-oriented, evidence-based approach that focuses on helping individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to emotional and psychological difficulties.  It is based on the theory that your thoughts, feelings and behaviors all impact each other.   Individuals and their families will learn how to incorporate CBT techniques into daily life, such as utilizing a journal to notice, name, and change negative thought patterns, gradually confronting feared situations, and testing beliefs in real-life situations. 

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of Cognitive Behavioral Treatment that focuses on the concept of psychological flexibility.  To achieve psychological flexibility, one must learn to be present in the moment, open to experiencing difficult thoughts and emotions, and willing to commit to actions that align with one's values and goals.  ACT techniques encourage people to stop struggling with and avoiding negative thoughts and feelings, and instead, accept them as natural and unavoidable aspects of the human experience. 

Mindfulness Based Therapy (MBT) is type of treatment that teaches individuals how to be fully present and aware of one's thoughts, emotions, and sensations without judgment. The breath is used as an anchor.  MBT techniques, such as the body scan technique, guide individuals to attend to the presence of muscle tension in various body parts, to increase bodily awareness and to learn how to relax on a deeper level.

Exposure Therapy is a type of Cognitive Behavioral Treatment that is used to treat many anxiety disorders, including Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Social Phobia, Specific Phobias, and Panic Disorder.  Exposure Therapy is based on the theory that repeatedly exposing oneself to anxiety-provoking situations or triggers can lead to a long-term reduction in anxiety over time.  Similarly, Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP) is used to treat OCD.  It requires that a person refrain from engaging in compulsive or avoidance behaviors that they typically use to reduce anxiety.

Social skill development refers to sharpening skills required to initiate and maintain healthy relationships.  Psychoeducation and skills practice is offered regarding social skills, emotional regulation, grounding techniques, perspective taking, and communication skills.