Narrative therapy is a therapeutic approach that is dedicated to help people feel empowered to construct their preferred lives, and meaning of life in the ways that most align with who you are. While leveraging dominant discourses- which include broad societal stories, sociocultural practices, assumptions, life-expectations, along with strengthening local discourses- which include the values and social constructs that you feel most connected to; therapist and client can collaboratively generate novel and preferred possibilities for interacting with life. Further details regarding this treatment method can be found here.

Family Systems theory is focused on how people are best understood through their interactions and attitudes between and among family members. The concerns of an individual are assessed and addressed through a lens that considers how their behavior and emotions may be reflective of a dysfunctional home environment. Although there may be someone in the family unit that is deemed “the problem,” they are seen as one of the most valuable sources that may exemplify why the concerns continue to persist. Problems are seen as interactional issues that therapists attempt to interrupt by acknowledging maladaptive interaction patterns, promoting preferred and adaptive ways to respond to one another, and allowing the family to practice their skills while using their newfound insight. Therapist also maintains a non-judgmental and non-blaming attitude throughout the exercise of treatment. Further details regarding this therapy model can be found here.

Emotion-Focused Therapy focuses on the emotional system of people to help encourage them to live within the means that reinforce their needs for secure attachment, or needs for safe connection, with others and within themselves. Attachment styles can be categorized into these main subsets: 1) Secure, 2) Anxious, 3) Avoidant, 4) Anxious-Avoidant. During therapy, Therapist identifies perceptions, emotions, and underlying attachment needs that contribute towards the therapeutic concerns; then helps Client(s) reform how they are meeting their attachment needs desirably; and then finally helps Client(s) solidify their preferred process of meeting their attachment needs. Further details regarding this treatment method can be found here.

Queer Theory rests on the premise of questioning traditional assumptions about identity and intersectionality,  power relations, social norms and practices, as well as desire. Queer Theory provides Therapist and Client(s) with a lens and a brave space to view and critique systems of oppression and control that are usually ignored, potentially internalized, and in turn, may engender agony and suffering that may go undetected. Queer Theory helps dismantle oppressive perceptions and prompts insight for recognizing ways that people, both those who are marginalized and within the majority, may best navigate society’s heteronormative and oppressive framework while maintaining and honoring their individuality, unique approaches to maintaining wellness, and imbuing an attitude of respect and appreciation towards diversity. Further details regarding this treatment model may be found here.