Therapy Modalities
What distinguishes counseling for children and adolescents from adults? Which techniques are most suitable for each group? What can you anticipate from both approaches? Here, you’ll explore these distinct counseling modalities in depth.
Counseling Children & Adolescents
At VIVA Psychotherapy, counseling for children and adolescents is thoughtfully tailored to address their unique developmental needs and challenges. We incorporate Play techniques, using toys, games, and costumes to encourage self-expression; Art techniques, where creative activities help clients explore their emotions and experiences; and Sandplay, which involves using miniature figures in a sandtray to depict and process feelings. These approaches create a safe, supportive therapeutic environment. By working closely with parents and caregivers, we take a holistic approach to promote the child’s overall well-being and growth.
Counseling Adults
At VIVA Psychotherapy, therapy for adults focuses on deeper cognitive and emotional processing, often exploring personal history, relationships, and life goals. Techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) are frequently used to help adults manage symptoms and enhance their overall quality of life. Adult counseling emphasizes developing coping strategies, increasing self-awareness, and fostering personal growth. The therapeutic process is tailored to each client’s unique needs, offering support and guidance through a wide range of life challenges.
Online & In Person Counseling
At VIVA Psychotherapy, we offer both in-person and virtual therapy sessions exclusively for residents of Florida. In-person sessions provide face-to-face interaction, enhancing rapport and communication through non-verbal cues, fostering a more immediate sense of connection and support. Virtual sessions offer convenience and accessibility, allowing clients to participate from home, which is advantageous for those with mobility issues or busy schedules. We assess each client’s suitability for virtual sessions to ensure effective therapy delivery. Both formats uphold strict standards of confidentiality and professionalism. In-person sessions require travel to our office in East Boca Raton, while virtual sessions require a stable internet connection and a private, quiet environment. The choice between formats depends on individual preferences and therapeutic needs.
Because you are unique
Each client is unique, and their therapeutic needs can vary widely. By blending different therapeutic modalities, we can tailor our approach to fit the specific needs of each individual. This integrative method ensures that clients receive the most effective and comprehensive care possible, addressing their mental, emotional, and behavioral health from multiple angles. Below is an overview of the evidence-based therapeutic techniques we utilize at VIVA Psychotherapy:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a structured, goal-oriented approach that helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. CBT is effective in treating a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, and trauma-related disorders. By focusing on the present and developing practical skills, clients learn to manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.
Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT)
TF-CBT is specifically designed to help children, adolescents, and their families overcome the effects of traumatic experiences. TF-CBT combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with trauma-sensitive principles to address the unique needs of trauma survivors. The therapy helps clients process their trauma, develop coping strategies, and build resilience.
Play Therapy, Art Therapy and Sandplay
Play Therapy, Art Therapy, and Sandplay are therapeutic approaches designed for children to express their emotions and experiences through creative means. These techniques provide a safe and supportive environment for children to explore their feelings, resolve conflicts, and develop problem-solving skills. Each of these modalities offers a unique way for children to communicate and process their emotions, fostering growth and healing in a nurturing setting.
Neurosequential Model for Trauma Therapy
The Neurosequential Model, developed by Dr. Bruce Perry, is a therapeutic approach that integrates principles of neuroscience and child development to address the impact of trauma on brain development. This model emphasizes the importance of understanding how traumatic experiences affect the developing brain and tailors interventions to match the specific developmental stage of each individual.
ARC FRAMEWORK – Trauma Treatment for Children and Adolescents
The ARC Framework is a trauma-informed treatment model for children and adolescents. ARC focuses on three core areas: building healthy attachments, improving emotional regulation, and enhancing competencies. This approach helps young clients develop the skills they need to navigate their trauma and build a foundation for healthy development.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
MBSR is a program that incorporates mindfulness meditation and yoga to help individuals manage stress, anxiety, and chronic pain. MBSR teaches clients to become more aware of their thoughts and feelings in the present moment, promoting relaxation and reducing the impact of stress on their mental and physical health.
Multicultural Competence
At VIVA Psychotherapy, we emphasize the importance of a multicultural competent curriculum in our methodological approach with clients. recognizing and respecting the diverse cultural backgrounds of our clients is fundamental to providing effective and empathetic mental health care. By integrating multicultural competence into our practice, we ensure that our therapeutic interventions are culturally sensitive and tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
DBT is a comprehensive therapy that combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices. Originally developed for individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder, DBT is now used to treat a variety of conditions, such as emotional dysregulation, self-harm, and substance use disorders. DBT focuses on building skills in four key areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Imago Therapy for Couples
Imago Therapy is a relationship therapy that helps couples understand and transform their conflicts into opportunities for healing and growth. By exploring the unconscious dynamics that influence their interactions, couples learn to communicate more effectively and deepen their connection. Imago Therapy emphasizes empathy, understanding, and mutual respect.
