Therapeutic
Therapeutic Approaches
Therapeutic Approaches
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing. Every person is unique, and therapy should reflect that. We integrate a variety of evidence-based therapies while tailoring each session to your goals, strengths, and lived experiences. Below are some of the approaches you may hear about during your healing journey, either here at Rising Minds or with other counsellors.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Developed by: Dr. Steven Hayes, Kelly Wilson & Kirk Strosahl (1980s)
ACT (pronounced "act") helps people develop psychological flexibility—the ability to make room for difficult thoughts and emotions while continuing to live a life guided by personal values.
Rather than trying to eliminate anxiety, sadness or painful memories, ACT teaches us how to change our relationship with them. Clients learn mindfulness skills, acceptance, self-compassion, and strategies for taking meaningful action even during life's hardest moments.
Often used for:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trauma
- Chronic illness
- Grief
- Burnout
- Life transitions
- Chronic pain
Compassionate Inquiry®
Developed by: Dr. Gabor Maté & Sat Dharam Kaur
Compassionate Inquiry is a trauma-informed, relational approach that gently explores the unconscious beliefs, emotional wounds, and protective strategies that developed throughout our lives. Rather than asking "What's wrong with you?" it asks, "What happened to you?"
Clients learn to recognize how childhood experiences continue to shape present-day emotions, behaviours, relationships, and physical health. Through curiosity and compassion, old survival strategies can soften, allowing authentic healing to emerge.
Often used for:
- Trauma
- Attachment wounds
- Emotional regulation
- Shame
- Addiction
- Chronic stress
- Relationship difficulties
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Developed by: Dr. Richard Schwartz (1980s)
IFS is based on the idea that we all have different "parts" within us. For example, there may be an inner critic, a perfectionist, a protector, a fearful child, or a people-pleasing part. These parts are not flaws—they developed to help us survive difficult experiences.
The goal is not to eliminate these parts but to understand them with curiosity and compassion while strengthening our calm, wise, and compassionate core Self.
Often used for:
- Trauma
- Anxiety
- Shame
- Self-criticism
- Relationship challenges
- Emotional overwhelm
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Developed by: Dr. Aaron Beck (1960s)
CBT is one of the most researched psychological treatments available. It explores the connection between our thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and physical sensations.
Clients learn to identify thinking patterns that may contribute to emotional distress and develop healthier, more balanced ways of responding to life's challenges.
Often used for:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Panic attacks
- OCD
- Stress management
- Insomnia
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Developed by: Dr. Marsha Linehan (1980s)
Originally developed for individuals experiencing intense emotional distress, DBT combines acceptance with change. The word "dialectical" refers to balancing two seemingly opposite ideas—for example, accepting ourselves while also working toward growth.
DBT teaches practical skills in mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and healthy relationships.
Often used for:
- Emotional dysregulation
- Self-harm
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trauma
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
Developed by: Dr. Sue Johnson & Dr. Les Greenberg (1980s)
Emotionally Focused Therapy is grounded in attachment science. It helps couples and families understand the emotional patterns that keep them stuck and create new experiences of safety, trust, and connection.
Rather than focusing on who is right or wrong, EFT explores the unmet attachment needs underneath conflict.
Often used for:
- Couples counselling
- Family therapy
- Attachment injuries
- Communication difficulties
- Trust and intimacy
Gottman Method Couples Therapy
Developed by: Drs. John and Julie Gottman
Based on more than 40 years of relationship research involving thousands of couples, the Gottman Method identifies behaviours that strengthen or weaken relationships.
The approach emphasizes friendship, emotional connection, healthy conflict management, repair after disagreements, and shared meaning.
Often used for:
- Premarital counselling
- Couples therapy
- Conflict resolution
- Parenting partnerships
- Strengthening healthy relationships
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Developed by: Dr. Francine Shapiro (1987)
EMDR helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories that may feel "stuck" in the nervous system. Through guided bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements, tapping, or alternating sounds), distressing memories can gradually lose their emotional intensity.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR focuses less on repeatedly discussing traumatic events and more on helping the brain naturally process them.
Often used for:
- PTSD
- Trauma
- Anxiety
- Phobias
- Grief
- Distressing memories
Somatic Experiencing®
Developed by: Dr. Peter Levine
Somatic Experiencing is based on the understanding that trauma is held not only in our memories but also in our nervous system and body.
Rather than focusing solely on the story, therapy gently helps clients notice body sensations, complete interrupted survival responses, and restore a sense of safety and regulation.
Often used for:
- Trauma
- Chronic stress
- Anxiety
- PTSD
- Chronic pain
- Nervous system dysregulation
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
Developed by: Dr. Pat Ogden
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy combines neuroscience, attachment theory, and body awareness to help clients process trauma.
Clients learn to notice posture, movement, muscle tension, breathing, and nervous system responses that often occur outside conscious awareness.
Often used for:
- Complex trauma
- Developmental trauma
- Dissociation
- Attachment wounds
- PTSD
Polyvagal Theory
Developed by: Dr. Stephen Porges
Polyvagal Theory explains how our autonomic nervous system continuously scans for cues of safety or danger—a process called neuroception. It describes how our bodies naturally shift between states of connection (ventral vagal), mobilization (fight or flight), and immobilization (shutdown or collapse).
Understanding these nervous system states can help clients recognize why they react the way they do under stress and learn practical strategies for returning to a greater sense of safety, regulation, and connection.
Often used for:
- Trauma
- Anxiety
- Chronic stress
- Emotional regulation
- Burnout
- Relationship difficulties
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
Developed by: Zindel Segal, Mark Williams & John Teasdale
MBCT combines traditional cognitive therapy with mindfulness meditation. It helps people observe thoughts without becoming caught up in them, reducing rumination and preventing relapse into depression.
Clients learn that thoughts are experiences—not facts—and develop greater awareness of emotional patterns.
Often used for:
- Depression relapse prevention
- Anxiety
- Stress
- Emotional regulation
Imago Relationship Therapy
Developed by: Dr. Harville Hendrix & Dr. Helen LaKelly Hunt
Imago Therapy suggests that many of our adult relationship struggles are rooted in childhood experiences. We are often unconsciously drawn to partners who reflect familiar emotional dynamics, offering opportunities to heal unmet attachment needs.
The approach emphasizes empathy, intentional dialogue, and mutual understanding.
Often used for:
- Couples counselling
- Communication
- Conflict resolution
- Attachment healing
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Developed by: Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn (1979)
Originally created in a hospital setting for people living with chronic pain and illness, MBSR teaches mindfulness meditation, gentle movement, and present-moment awareness to reduce stress and improve well-being.
Extensive research supports its effectiveness in improving both mental and physical health.
Often used for:
- Chronic illness
- Chronic pain
- Anxiety
- Burnout
- Stress
- Cancer recovery
- Sleep difficulties
Narrative Therapy
Developed by: Michael White & David Epston (1980s)
Narrative Therapy recognizes that the stories we tell about ourselves shape how we experience our lives. Sometimes difficult experiences become the dominant story, overshadowing our strengths, values, and resilience.
Through collaborative conversations, clients are supported in separating themselves from their problems and reclaiming richer, more empowering life stories.
Often used for:
- Trauma
- Identity concerns
- Grief
- Life transitions
- Self-esteem
- Family therapy
Motivational Interviewing (MI)
Developed by: Drs. William Miller & Stephen Rollnick
Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative, person-centred approach that helps people explore ambivalence about change. Rather than persuading or directing, the therapist uses empathy and thoughtful questions to help clients strengthen their own motivation and confidence.
It is grounded in the belief that lasting change is more likely when it comes from a person's own values and goals.
Often used for:
- Behaviour change
- Addiction
- Health coaching
- Lifestyle changes
- Treatment engagement
Attachment Theory
Developed by: John Bowlby and expanded by Mary Ainsworth
Attachment Theory explores how our earliest relationships with caregivers shape our expectations of ourselves, others, and relationships throughout life. Early experiences of safety, consistency, or unpredictability can influence how we connect with others as adults.
Understanding attachment patterns can help people develop healthier relationships, greater emotional security, and stronger self-awareness.
Often used for:
- Relationship difficulties
- Couples therapy
- Parenting
- Trauma
- Anxiety
- Childhood emotional wounds