Explore Approaches and Techniques

Sensorimotor psychotherapy is a body-centered approach that aims to treat the somatic symptoms of unresolved trauma. This type of therapy depends on the bodily experiences of the individual as a gateway to awareness and improved mental health. By using somatic interventions and strategies, sensorimotor psychotherapy creates a dynamic and effective body therapy that allows people to draw strength from their own internal resources.

For more information about sensorimotor psychotherapy, visit: https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/sensorimotor-psychology.

Learn more about Centered Practice therapists with expertise in this area:
Carrie Menk  |  Kathy Erb Caron  |  Carla Hill

Discernment Counseling is a short-term process for couples where one or both partners are considering a separation or divorce, or are ambivalent about the future of their relationship. It is different from couples counseling in that this process is only 3-6 sessions, and will assist couples to decide whether or not it will be possible to stay together and live well.

To learn more about Discernment Counseling, visit: http://www.cehd.umn.edu/fsos/research/mcb/couples.asp.

Learn more about Centered Practice therapists with expertise in this area:
Sarah Simpson

Prepare/Enrich is a relationship assessment that can help identify relationship growth areas, assess personality traits, reduce stress, and reduce conflict. This technique is designed for couples preparing to commit to a long-term relationship and for couples who have been committed for a long time and need a “tune-up.”

To learn more about Prepare/Enrich, visit https://www.prepare-enrich.com.

Learn more about Centered Practice therapists with expertise in this area:
Sarah Simpson

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a model of psychotherapy that offers a clear, non-pathologizing, and empowering method of understanding struggles and problems. Knowing that there are various roles that individuals play as part of a family, this form of therapy can project and identify how these voices/roles/ways of being can be internalized into an individual and how that individual can use these various voices to soothe one’s self, manage moods and anxiety, and cheerlead self. IFS works to give all voices/thoughts in a person a chance to be heard, be validated, and create the best “Self” a person can be with the assistance of a caring guide of the therapist present as a witness to the conversations and cooperation within a person.

For more information about IFS, visit https://selfleadership.org/about-internal-family-systems.html.

Learn more about Centered Practice therapists with expertise in this area:
Carrie Menk

Play therapy can help resolve stress, trauma, or behavioral issues. This therapy has been proven effective at treating the concerns of both children and adults. Toys used in therapy may include a sandbox with associated miniature figurines, art materials, Legos or other construction toys, costumes or other clothing, stuffed animals, dolls, a dollhouse with miniature furniture, puppets, indoor sports equipment, and other indoor games. The therapist may also incorporate the use of tools and techniques such as clay, therapeutic storytelling, music, dance and movement, drama/role play, and creative visualization.

At first children in therapy are generally allowed to play as they wish. As treatment progresses, the therapist may begin to introduce specific items or play activities which are related to the issues the child is facing. Play therapy may benefit the child in a variety of ways such as encouraging creativity, promoting healing from traumatic events, facilitating the expression of emotions, encouraging the development of positive decision-making skills, introducing new ways of thinking and behaving, learning problem-solving skills, developing better social skills, and facilitating the communication of personal problems or concerns.

More information about Play Therapy is available at https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/play-therapy.

Learn more about Centered Practice therapists who are experts in this area:
Kari Prestemon