Approaches to Therapy — Elliot Helt Therapy Queer & Neurodivergent Affirming Therapy

My Approach to Therapy

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, therapy is a psychotherapeutic approach primarily used to address symptoms of trauma and PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). It is also effective for a variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, and relationship dynamics.
EMDR therapy typically follows an eight-phase protocol, rather than eight discrete steps. These phases are designed to systematically address the client's traumatic experiences and associated symptoms while ensuring their safety and stability throughout the process.
Overall, the theory of change in EMDR therapy suggests that by facilitating the reprocessing of traumatic memories and promoting cognitive restructuring, clients can experience symptom reduction, increased emotional resilience, and improved overall functioning. This process is collaborative and client-centered, with the therapist guiding the client through the stages of processing while respecting their individual pace and needs.
The Eight Steps of EMDR include:
History Taking and Treatment Planning
Preparation
Assessment
Desensitization
Installation
Body Scan
Closure
Reevaluation

Somatic Therapy

The theory of change in somatic therapy is grounded in the belief that psychological issues are not solely confined to cognitive and emotional aspects but are also manifested in the body. This therapeutic approach aims to address and integrate the physical experiences and sensations associated with emotional and psychological challenges.
This process recognizes and addresses the interconnectedness of the body and mind, promoting awareness of bodily experiences, using techniques to release tension and regulate the nervous system, and integrating cognitive and emotional processing within a supportive therapeutic relationship. Somatic Therapy aims to foster holistic well-being, authentic embodiment, and transformation.
Body-Mind Connection
Embodiment and Awareness
Release and Regulation
Mindful Presence
Expressive Movement and Gestures
Integration of Cognitive and Emotional Processing
Collaborative Therapeutic Relationship

Affirming & Anti-Oppressive Therapy

The theory of change in affirmative therapy is grounded in creating a safe and affirming environment for clients to explore their identities, experiences, and challenges.
The theory of change in anti-oppressive therapy is rooted in challenging and dismantling oppressive structures, empowering individuals, and fostering social justice.
Affirmation of Identity
Exploring Intersectionality
Cultural Competence
Naming and Conceptualizing Oppression
Fostering Empowerment and Agency
Social Justice Advocacy
Systemic Analysis
Fostering Resilience
Strength-based Approach
Therapist Reflexivity
Collaborative Therapeutic Relationship

Narrative Therapy

The theory of change in narrative therapy is based on the idea that people construct meaning and understanding of their lives through the stories they tell about themselves and their experiences. Narrative therapy is a collaborative and non-pathologizing approach to therapy.
This approach involves understanding and transforming stories and meaning-making, externalizing problems, challenging dominant narratives, and collaboratively reauthoring more empowering and preferred narratives to ultimately support a more dynamic, expansive, authentic, and connected experience of your life, self, and relationships. In my practice, this conceptualization acknowledges interpersonal power dynamics and systemic oppression especially as related to your mental health and well-being.
Story-telling and Meaning-making
Externalization
Deconstruction of Dominant Narratives
Reauthoring Stories and Empowerment
Identifying Unique Outcomes and Expectations
Acknowledging Relevance of Language
Collaborative Therapeutic Relationship

Emotionally Focused Therapy

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a therapeutic approach primarily used in couples therapy, but it has also been adapted for individual therapy. EFT is based on attachment theory and focuses on emotions as a key driver of behavior and interpersonal dynamics.
This approach revolves around recognizing and transforming negative interaction cycles, accessing and expressing vulnerable emotions, fostering secure attachment bonds, promoting emotional regulation, and integrating new, positive interaction patterns within relationships. This approach seeks to create lasting changes that enhance emotional intimacy and connection in relationships.
A Basis in Attachment Theory
Identification of Negative Cycles
Assessing and Expressing Emotions
Exploring and Restructuring Attachment Bonds
Promotion of Secure Attachment
Emotional Regulation and Co-regulation
Integration of New Interactional Patterns
Working with Emotional Experiences in Session

Solution-focused Therapy

Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) is a brief and goal-oriented therapeutic approach that focuses on solutions rather than focusing on concerns.
This approach is oriented toward shifting the focus from problems to solutions, envisioning a preferred future, identifying exceptions and strengths, using scaling and coping questions, and fostering a collaborative and empowering therapeutic relationship. The emphasis is on practical, goal-oriented strategies that lead to positive change in a relatively short period.
Present and Future Focus
Exception Seeking
The Miracle Question
Scaling Questions
Focus on Solutions
Identifying Coping
Small Steps and Incremental Change
Positive Reinforcement
Collaborative Therapeutic Relationship