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Types of Psychotherapy

There are several styles of psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and some work better with certain people, problems or challenges. Psychotherapy may be used in combination with medication or other therapies.

 

Psychotherapies commonly used at Dolphin Tribe include:

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Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
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A mindfulness-based therapy that helps children understand and accept their inner emotions.

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Attachment Based Family Therapy (ABFT)

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Attachment-based family therapy (ABFT) is a type of family therapy in which aims to help a parent and a child repair their relationship and work to develop or rebuild an emotionally secure relationship.

 

Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)

A task-based approach where patients identify negative thoughts and behaviours and replace them with healthy ones.

 

Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)
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A form of CBT used to treat older adolescents with chronic suicidal feelings or thoughts by teaching positive behavioural skills to manage stress and develop positive relationships.

 

Family therapy
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Enables family members to express and explore difficult thoughts and emotions safely and understand each other’s experiences. More on family therapy.

 

Group therapy
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Multiple patients led by a therapist, using the power of group dynamics and peer interactions to increase understanding of mental illness and improve social skills.

 

Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
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Helps patients find ways to deal with people and situations they find difficult. Used for depression and mood disorders, eating disorders, perinatal depression, addiction, dysthymia.

 

Mentalization Based Therapy (MBT)
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Working with children and teens struggling with who they are.

 

Parent-Child Therapy
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Increases positive parent and child behaviours and improves parent-child relationships.

 

Play Therapy
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Using toys, blocks, dolls, drawings and games to help young children recognise, identify and verbalise feelings. Through a combination of talk and play, it gives children the opportunity to understand and manage their conflicts, feelings and behaviours.

 

Psychodynamic psychotherapy

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Helps patients understand and become comfortable with underlying emotions that are distressing or confusing.

 

Supportive psychotherapy
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Identifies stressful events that affect a child’s mental health. Helps children make healthy decisions with a particular aim to reduce anxiety and discover resilience.

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Therapies specific to Children (4-12)

Non-directive/Directive Play and Art Therapy

 

Non-directive/Directive Play and Art Therapy is a holistic approach that supports academic, emotional, and social competence by engaging both intellect and emotion. It recognizes that children learn and grow through play and art, and that these activities can provide a safe and supportive space for self-expression, exploration, and healing.

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Sand Tray Therapy
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  • Sand tray therapy is a non-directive approach that uses sand, miniatures, and a tray to create a world that reflects the child's inner landscape.

  • The child is encouraged to explore the sand tray and arrange the miniatures in any way they choose.

  • The therapist observes the child's play and provides support and guidance as needed.
     

Art and Play Therapy

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  • Art and play therapy is a directive approach that uses art materials and play to help children express themselves and explore their thoughts and feelings.

  • The therapist provides a variety of art materials and play materials, and the child is encouraged to use them in any way they choose.

  • The therapist observes the child's art and play and provides support and guidance as needed.
     

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Visual Strategies
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  • Visual strategies are tools that can help children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disabilities process and understand information.

  • In play and art therapy, visual strategies can be used to help children understand the therapeutic process, develop social skills, and learn new concepts.
     

Social Skills Training

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  • Social skills training is a type of therapy that helps children with ASD and other developmental disabilities learn how to interact with others in a positive and appropriate way.

  • In play and art therapy, social skills training can be used to help children develop empathy, learn how to cooperate with others, and resolve conflicts peacefully.

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childplaytherapies
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