Starting therapy is a brave step — and finding a therapist whose approach fits your needs is just as important. At Cedar Counseling & Wellness, we believe therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. Each person who walks through our doors brings a unique story, personality, and set of needs. That’s why our therapists are trained in a wide variety of modalities — or treatment approaches — to support healing in ways that feel authentic and effective for you.
Below, we’ve broken down some of the key modalities our therapists use, along with a short description of what each one is and who it might be especially helpful for.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is one of the most well-known therapy approaches. It helps you recognize and shift unhelpful thought patterns that may be contributing to anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem. CBT is structured, goal-oriented, and great for developing practical tools to manage your mental health.
Helpful for: Anxiety, depression, self-esteem, perfectionism
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT combines mindfulness and behavior change strategies to help you take action in the direction of your values, even when discomfort or self-doubt show up. It’s especially useful for people who want to build flexibility in how they relate to their thoughts and emotions.
Helpful for: Anxiety, life transitions, chronic illness, perfectionism
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT teaches tools for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. It’s a skills-based approach that offers practical support when emotions feel overwhelming or relationships are difficult to navigate.
Helpful for: Intense emotions, relationship struggles, impulsivity, anxiety
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
IFS is a compassionate, evidence-based model that helps you explore the different “parts” of yourself — including the inner critic, the protector, or the wounded child. It creates space for deeper understanding and healing by helping these parts work together instead of against each other.
Helpful for: Trauma, anxiety, self-criticism, inner conflict
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR helps the brain reprocess traumatic or distressing memories so they no longer feel overwhelming in the present. It uses bilateral stimulation (like eye movements or tapping) to support this process and help you move forward with more freedom and ease.
Helpful for: PTSD, trauma, anxiety, negative self-beliefs
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy
Sensorimotor therapy integrates talk therapy with body awareness, helping clients process trauma and regulate their nervous systems. It’s especially helpful for people who feel disconnected from their bodies or who have experienced trauma that words alone can’t fully express.
Helpful for: Complex trauma, dissociation, somatic symptoms, nervous system dysregulation
Trauma-Informed Therapy
Trauma-informed therapy is not a specific technique — it’s a lens. It means we recognize how trauma can shape the way people think, feel, and relate to others. At Cedar, our trauma-informed approach emphasizes safety, collaboration, and choice in every step of the therapy process. You’re in control of your story, and we’re here to support you with care and clarity.
Helpful for: Clients with trauma histories, chronic stress, or who have had negative past experiences in therapy
Neurodiversity-Affirming Therapy
We embrace and support neurological differences, including ADHD, autism, and sensory sensitivities. Rather than focusing on “fixing” traits, this approach celebrates strengths, affirms identity, and supports skill-building without shame.
Within this approach, our therapists often incorporate:
- Strengths-Based Therapy – building on what’s already working
- Attachment-Based Therapy – exploring how early relationships shape current ones
- Relational Therapy – emphasizing the healing power of connection
Helpful for: ADHD, autism, sensory sensitivity, identity work, relationship challenges
Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT)
I-CBT is a specialized form of CBT that targets obsessive doubts and intrusive thoughts — especially those driven by uncertainty or imagined possibilities. It focuses on how you reason, not just what you believe.
Helpful for: OCD, intrusive thoughts, health anxiety
Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)
SFT is a short-term, goal-oriented approach that helps you focus on your strengths and what’s already working. It’s practical, empowering, and especially useful when you’re feeling stuck or need support making a change.
Helpful for: Life stress, decision-making, short-term goals
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
IPT centers around your relationships — past and present. It focuses on improving communication, navigating role changes, and processing grief or conflict in your relational world.
Helpful for: Grief, life transitions, relationship strain, depression
Person-Centered Therapy (PCT)
PCT is rooted in empathy, acceptance, and unconditional positive regard. Your therapist offers a warm, non-judgmental space for you to explore emotions, values, and identity at your own pace.
Helpful for: Self-esteem, identity, emotional healing
Play Therapy
For children, play is their most natural form of expression. Play therapy helps kids process emotions, build resilience, and develop coping skills — all through creative, developmentally-appropriate ways.
Helpful for: Children navigating anxiety, trauma, or behavioral challenges
Gottman Method Couples Therapy
Based on decades of research, the Gottman Method helps couples improve communication, deepen emotional connection, and manage conflict more effectively. It includes structured tools and exercises to strengthen the relationship over time.
Helpful for: Couples in distress, communication issues, emotional disconnection
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
EFT is a deeply compassionate, attachment-based approach to couples therapy. It helps partners identify their emotional needs, reduce conflict cycles, and build more secure, responsive bonds.
Helpful for: Couples struggling with intimacy, recurring arguments, or emotional distance
Relational Life Therapy (RLT)
RLT blends direct feedback with deep emotional insight. It helps couples and individuals move beyond blame, take ownership of their part in relational patterns, and create new dynamics rooted in honesty, respect, and connection.
Helpful for: Couples in crisis, high-conflict dynamics, power struggles, emotional disconnection
Your Journey, Your Fit
No matter where you’re starting from, therapy should feel like a collaborative, empowering process. Our team is here to help you find the right therapist and the right approach for you. If you’re curious about one of these modalities or want help figuring out where to begin, we’re happy to guide you through the process.
Ready to get started? Reach out here to schedule a consultation — we’re here when you’re ready.
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