PSYCHOTHERAPIES

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based therapy for several disorders. It can help to reduce distress and improve your ability to function. CBT can be used with school-aged children and youth.If it is modified to have a stronger focus on behaviour, CBT can be used with children as young as 4.

CBT teaches you to examine and change the way you:

• think (cognitive)

• act (behaviour) and

• feel (emotionally and physically)

The concept behind CBT is that our thoughts about a situation, how we feel, and how we behave are all inter-related. CBT helps children and youth become more aware of their thoughts, actions and feelings so they can view difficult situations more clearly and respond more effectively.

CBT also encourages a child or youth to practice more helpful behaviours in their day-to-day lives. They learn how to gradually face situations they fear rather than avoid them (in the case of anxiety) or to be more active (in the case of depression).

Types of challenges best suited for CBT

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CBT is an effective treatment for a wide range of challenges, including:

• depression

• anxiety

• chronic pain

• Eating disorders

• low self-esteem

• anger problems

• Substance use problems

• Obsessive compulsive disorder

• post-traumatic stress disorder and symptoms

CBT is especially effective in managing mild to moderate anxiety and depression. It is as effective (if not more) as treatment with medication alone. Children and youth experiencing anxiety and depression are less likely to relapse when treated with CBT.

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) is a short-term treatment for youth with depression and interpersonal problems. It focuses on relationships, life transitions and how to improve the way your youth communicates and relates to others. IPT helps youth learn to identify emotions and the links between events and feelings. It shows those who are dealing with a loss or major life change like starting high school or losing a good friend how to build new skills and supports. With IPT, youth begin to see how the way they communicate can cause problems. They learn how to think through issues and express themselves more effectively.

IPT is an evidence-based treatment. It can be delivered in either individual or group format (see section on group therapy for more information). IPT can be combined with family therapy for younger teens.

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Types of challenges best suited for IPT

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IPT is used mainly as a treatment for depression. It can also help youth deal with specific issues, including grief, conflict, and with major changes at home, school, work and in their social life.

IPT can be modified for the treatment of:

• problems with substance use

• eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia nervosa

• bipolar disorder

• dysthymia

This type of therapy focuses on how early childhood and relations with others can affect our development. It is based on the idea that the unconscious holds onto painful feelings and memories that are too difficult for the conscious mind to process. Many children develop defences such as denial to hide these memories and experiences from themselves. The aim of psychodynamic therapy is to bring the unconscious mind into consciousness. It helps a child or youth to experience and begin to understand their true, deep-rooted feelings in order to deal with them.

Psychodynamic therapy focuses on:

• increasing self awareness

• examining thoughts and feelings

• becoming more resilient

• being adaptable

The goal of therapy is to lessen the most obvious symptoms and help children and youth lead healthier lives.

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Types of challenges best suited for Psychodynamic therapy

This therapy is effective for a wide range of mental health symptoms, including:

• depression

• anxiety

• panic

• physical symptoms that are caused by stress

With therapy, children and parents begin to understand and become comfortable with underlying feelings that can be confusing. The therapist talks to both the parents and their child to gain more understanding about the issues, and then adapts the treatment to the individual. Play is often part of the therapy sessions for younger children. Sometimes the therapist will combine individual therapy with group or family therapy.

Emotion-focused Therapy (EFT) focuses on emotions and the way we deal with them. It also puts emphasis on the self and the importance of past relationships. EFT is based on the idea that many mental and physical health concerns are caused by avoiding emotions and pretending that everything is okay, or by not getting our emotional needs met. EFT helps individuals resolve unpleasant emotions by working with these emotions ition. EFT focuses on how you experience problems and what they trigger you to do as a way of coping with your emotions.

EFT is offered in individual, couples or family format. Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT) was first developed for eating disorders. Recently the use of EFFT has expanded to involve other treatment areas.

In EFFT, parents learn how to be the emotion coach and recovery coach for their child. EFFT sees a child as a child, no matter the age. The bond between parent and child is a key part of the therapy. EFFT explores any fears or blocks that stop parents from supporting their child. It helps the whole family to believe they can reach their goal.

Types of challenges best suited for EFT

EFT is especially effective for the following types of challenges and disorders:

• moderate depression

• the effects of childhood deprivation or abuse

• interpersonal problems

• eating disorders

• couples and relationship difficulties