Individual Psychotherapy:The process of meeting with a therapist to address and resolve behaviors, beliefs, and feelings that are troubling or causing problems for us. The most important aspect of psychotherapy, and what is most predictive of its success, is the quality of the connection between the client and the therapist.
Outdoor-Based Therapy/Ecotherapy/Walk and Talk Therapy: Offers us the same benefits of in-the-office therapy with the additional advantages of connecting with nature, breathing fresh air, getting gentle exercise, and loosening up the thought process through movement. Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, outdoor therapies allow us to meet safely and with fewer contagion precautions than we would need if we were conducting office-based therapy. We meet in a public park or on nearby trails, and many find that the movement of walking also seems to propel people forward in their progress in therapy.
Family Therapy: During therapy sessions, the family’s strengths are used to help them handle the difficulties they are experiencing. All members take some responsibility. Family therapy is a very active type of therapy, and family members are often given assignments. For example, parents may be asked to delegate more responsibilities to their children.
Group Therapy: Most humans exist and function in groups, whether it is in a family, at school, at work, or at play. It is critical to know how to function well in a group. In a therapeutic peer group, children can obtain feedback from the peer group members, become more aware of behaviors that could be interfering with their interactions, and adopt more appropriate behaviors—all in a safe and supportive environment.
Telehealth: Telehealth, also known as online therapy, e-therapy, or video therapy, is therapy delivered through a virtual platform via a computer. If you’ve ever used FaceTime or Skype, it’s essentially the same thing—except more secure and with a qualified therapist or counselor at the other end instead of a distant friend or relative. Research on telehealth suggests that it is a highly effective method for therapy delivery. For more information on how to do telehealth with Dr. Valdes, see hertelehealth/online therapy prep page.
