Evidence-Based Treatments
Depending on your therapeutic needs, we’ll use one or more of the following treatments during our time together. These treatments are well-researched and have been shown through various clinical studies to be effective. We’ll be happy to discuss any treatment with you and develop a plan with you that makes you feel most comfortable about the care that you are receiving. We tailor our approach to each client to best suit their needs.
Couple Therapy
Whichever concern you may be having in your relationship, couple therapy can help couples to find deeper connection and shared meaning. Dr. Hughes has expertise in the following evidence-based psychotherapies for relationship distress:
- Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples: Our attachment or bond to others is central to our sense of belonging. EFT believes that feeling connected to and loved by our partner is a primary need that we all share. EFT for couples helps each partner identify their emotions and express their important feelings and needs that remain under the surface. Learn more about EFT.
- Integrative Behavioral Couple Therapy (IBCT): IBCT focuses on the integration of the goals of change and acceptance. With the help of your clinician, you will work towards acceptance of underlying major differences and emotions that may not be able to be changed, and learning change strategies for problematic patterns of interaction and improvement in overall communication. Partners will gain a better understanding of each other and reconcile their differences. Learn more about IBCT.
I will work with you to build a collaborative environment that feels trusting, warm, and safe so you can make the changes you’re looking for in your life.
Evidence-Based Treatments for Anxiety, Self-Improvement, and Other Issues
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a short-term, evidence-based treatment approach that’s useful and effective for a variety of conditions, including anxiety, depression, and trauma. This method can help you build skills to manage your symptoms more effectively and improve overall quality of life and functioning. CBT will help you to build insight and awareness into your symptoms by aiding your understanding of how your emotions, thoughts, and actions influence each other. You will learn how to identify inaccurate or unhelpful thought patterns and then challenge negative or inaccurate thinking. For anxiety disorders in particular, there will be a strong emphasis on exposure therapy, which involves gradual exposure to your fears in a safe, systematic manner. CBT is highly effective at treating a variety of conditions.
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT): ACT is an evidence-based treatment that uses acceptance, mindfulness, and commitment strategies to help you to live a meaningful live. Within the ACT framework, we’ll focus on accepting that which bothers or pains us—rather than avoiding or denying it, which can only make those emotions more painful—and committing to activities and behaviors that make our lives better. This form of psychotherapy can be particularly effective for patients suffering from anxiety, depression, and trauma. Learn more about ACT.
I’m here to help you find meaning and purpose—to do the things you want to do in life.
Trauma Focused Treatments
Prolonged Exposure Therapy
When an individual experiences a traumatic event, they often avoid anything that reminds them of their trauma, often prolonging PTSD. Prolonged exposure is a specific type of cognitive behavioral therapy that lasts 12-15 sessions, and teaches individuals to gradually approach trauma-related memories, feelings and situations to recover from trauma. Learn more about prolonged exposure therapy.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
When an individual experiences a traumatic event, beliefs they once had may be brought into question. They may blame themselves or others for their trauma, often leading to guilt and shame, and they often become stuck in their trauma due to their beliefs. CPT is an evidence based treatment that typically lasts 12 sessions and helps individuals recover by providing a framework for modifying the beliefs associated with their trauma. Learn more about cognitive processing therapy.
Cognitive Behavioral Conjoint Therapy (CBCT)
Often when an individual experiences a traumatic event, not only are they personally impacted and affected, but their most important romantic relationships can suffer. CBCT is an evidence based treatment lasting 15 sessions that helps target both individual and relationship functioning to help individuals recover from trauma while improving their romantic relationships. Learn more about CBCT here.
Now accepting new patients!
Book a free introductory consultation today. I’ll be happy to answer any questions you have and determine if it’s a good fit. To ensure patient safety and adhere to public health protocols, all appointments are currently conducted via secure video chat. We look forward to welcoming you back in person as soon as it is safe to do so.