Therapeutic Techniques

Evidence-based therapeutic approaches including CBT, mindfulness, grounding techniques, and trauma-informed care principles.

CBT Techniques

Cognitive Restructuring

Identify unhelpful thoughts, examine evidence, generate alternatives, develop balanced thoughts

Behavioral Activation

Identify enjoyable activities, schedule them, complete and monitor, gradually increase engagement

Exposure Therapy

Create anxiety hierarchy, start with least anxiety-provoking, gradually progress, prevent avoidance

5-4-3-2-1 Technique

Name 5 things you see, 4 you can touch, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, 1 you taste

Box Breathing

Inhale 4 counts, hold 4 counts, exhale 4 counts, hold 4 counts, repeat 5-10 cycles

Body Scan Meditation

Settle in comfortable position, scan head to toe, notice sensations, release tension

Safety Principle

Create physical, psychological, and emotional safety through clear communication and predictability

Trustworthiness Principle

Build trust through honest communication, transparency, consistency, and honoring commitments

Collaboration Principle

Work collaboratively, ask what user needs, respect expertise, share decision-making

Empowerment Principle

Recognize strengths, offer choices, support goals, avoid re-traumatization