top of page

About the Therapy Approaches We Use

Approach

Description

ACT

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on helping individuals accept and manage their emotions and thoughts, rather than trying to change or avoid them. ACT aims to increase psychological flexibility by teaching individuals to:

  • Accept their thoughts and emotions without judgment

  • Practice mindfulness and presence in the moment

  • Identify and align with personal values and goals

  • Take committed action towards positive change

CBT

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychological treatment effective for depression, anxiety disorders, and other mental health issues.  CBT leads to significant improvement in functioning and quality of life.CBT focuses on changing thinking and behavioral patterns to promote positive change.

  • Emphasizes self-therapy skills, helping individuals develop coping skills and learn to change their own thinking and behavior.

  • Focuses on current life issues rather than past history.

  • Collaborative approach, with the therapist and patient working together to develop a treatment strategy.

Somatic Therapy/ Somatic Experiencing (SE)
 

Somatic Experiencing (SE) Therapy is a form of somatic therapy that helps individuals process and release physical tension associated with traumatic experiences.  Developed by Peter Levine, is an approach which can lead to a reduction in symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and can be used in conjunction with other forms of therapy.  SE therapy focuses on:

  • Becoming aware of internal mind and body / thoughts and sensations

  • Developing awareness of physical sensations and patterns of tension

  • Grounding in the present moment and physical surroundings

  • Using specific techniques to release and process physical tension

​

NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM)

The NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM) is a therapeutic approach that helps individuals heal from complex trauma. Developed by Dr. Laurence Heller, NARM addresses the unique challenges of Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) by combining "top-down" (mind/thoughts) and "bottom-up"(body/felt sense) methods.

Focuses on

  • Improve relationships and overall well-being

  • Reconnecting with oneself and improving relationships

  • Identifies & resolves core dilemmas and reconnect with authenticity

Strength Based

Strength-based therapy is an approach to mental health treatment that focuses on a person's positive qualities and strengths. This approach can be used to help with a variety of mental health conditions and is often used in combination with other therapies.

Focus on:

  • Helping individuals focus on their positive strengths and what's going well in their life

  • Can help make positive change feel more achievable

  • Acknowledges challenges while emphasizing positive aspects of life

  • Can be used with various treatment modalities and in talk therapy sessions 

Family Systems

Family Systems Therapy is a form of therapy that helps families resolve problems and improve relationships.

Focuses on:

understanding family dynamics and interactions
supporting individuals in distress and strengthening family relationships

Prepareand Enrich

Family Systems Therapy is a form of therapy that helps families resolve problems and improve relationships.

Focuses on:

understanding family dynamics and interactions
supporting individuals in distress and strengthening family relationships

Sand Tray Therapy

Sand tray therapy is a therapeutic approach that helps individuals of all ages work through painful memories and emotions through an expressive and creative process. It's often used with individuals to help them express themselves and process their emotions in a safe and non-verbal way, promoting healing and growth.  The individual is able to make sense and connection of the underlying issues which the client may not be aware of. 

BrainSpotting

Brainspotting Therapy is type of therapy that helps process trauma by accessing the subcortical brain. Developed by David Grand, PhD, (who advanced his work as EMDR practitioner). Branspotting uses a somatic approach to processing the experiences.  It is different from EMDR as it does not require reliving the trauma and can lead to faster results.  The therapy is based on the idea that trauma can become "stuck" in the body, leading to physical and mental ailments.

Focus on:

Reducing symptoms of various symptoms and issues including C-PTSD/PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief and attachment related issues

Processing without reliving the traumatic experiences to facilitate its release

​

Gottman Method 

The Gottman Method is an approach to couples therapy that helps build a strong foundation for a healthy and fulfilling relationship. Developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, this method focuses on improving communication, intimacy, and conflict resolution.

Focus on:

  • Improving communication and intimacy

  • Managing conflict in a healthy way

  • Building a stronger and more resilient relationship

  • Creating a shared vision and purpose for their relationship

Plainfield Office (815) 714-8620 /Sandra Henderson
24050 W. Main St.  Plainfield, IL 60544
Naperville Office (815) 219-4996 / Marshelle Hood
3380 LaCrosse Lane, Naperville, IL 60564

©2025 by Hope Joy Peace Counseling, PLLC

bottom of page