EPA clinicians offer a range of treatment approaches, tailored to the individual needs and wishes of their clients. Evidence Based Treatments are emphasized. Evidence-based treatments are treatment models that have undergone scientific evaluation and research, and have been shown to be effective in the treatment of specific disorders. Evidence-based practice emphasizes the values and input of each client, high levels of clinical expertise, and strong research-driven evidence of effectiveness. EPA clinicians try to tailor treatment to the needs of each client, and to be responsive and flexible so that treatment of client and family emphasizes what is most important to them, vs a “one size fits all” approach.
Some commonly used evidence-based practices used by EPA clinicians include the following:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT addresses thoughts, behaviors and emotional responses which interfere with healthy functioning. It teaches skills on managing negative thinking patterns, learning alternative ways to respond to stressors, and building healthier ways of relating to others and managing difficult emotions.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is a variant of CBT. It has been found to be particularly effective in helping people learn to regulate strong negative emotions such as anger and anxiety, deal with suicidal and self-harming behaviors, and change patterns of behavior which interfere with relationships.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy uses mindfulness skills to help develop better capacity for emotional and behavioral flexibility. Individuals learn by analysis and observation of internal emotional states, to change what can be changed and accept what cannot for the time being.
In addition to CBT, DBT, and ACT, other evidence-based treatments offered at EPA include:
Emotion Focused Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Integrated Couples Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Therapy, Trauma Focused CBT, & Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT).