An excellent question!
Many of my clients will ask what “type” of therapy I offer. Every therapist works a bit differently and brings their own unique style to the work, although most practice within a particular model of psychotherapy. We call these “theoretical orientations” or “treatment modalities,” that are then used in research to find scientific evidence for how therapy produces change.
I primarily practice Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, or MBCT, which is an evidence-based method for providing psychotherapy.
As the name suggests, MBCT uses techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness, which traces its roots to ancient Buddhist practices of self-awareness and control. MBCT focuses on your thoughts, feelings, and actions with the intention of providing awareness, knowledge, and practical skills that you can use outside the therapy session.
I love MBCT for several reasons, but one of the biggest is that it can bring early results and immediate symptom relief. Most clients will notice improvements in their mood, outlook, and capacity to handle life stressors within the first few sessions! MBCT can also help provide those “aha!” breakthrough moments, where the answer to life’s problems suddenly becomes clear. Plus, MBCT has been found to effectively treat a host of emotional and psychological issues, such as (see Segal & Teasdale, 2018):
- Stress
- Burnout
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Low self-worth
- Relationship problems
- Trauma
- And much more
If you or a loved one are struggling and interested in trying MBCT, contact me today. To learn more about how MBCT works, read on! My name is Betsy J. Harris, LCSW, and I provide therapy or adults and teens from all over the Nashville, Tennessee area such as Spring Hill, Cool Springs, Franklin, and beyond – people just like you.
How does MBCT work?
MBCT works in three main ways to provide healing and create change:
MBCT seeks to enhance your sense of awareness and insight. You can learn to recognize and understand your thoughts and emotions. You can discover unique aspects of your personality, including hidden strengths and untapped potential. And, you can gain new perspective regarding your obstacles. Some examples of this might include:
- Noticing emotional triggers
- Understanding where your beliefs come from
- Recognizing your true values
- Hearing a “second opinion” or outsider’s perspective regarding your situation
- Connecting your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
MBCT also provides crucial education and knowledge based on the latest research findings. You have the chance to understand what causes and contributes to emotional problems, like depression and anxiety. You can gain valuable insight regarding personal and relational issues, which you can then apply outside of therapy. Here’s what that might look like:
- Learning the neurological roots of depression and anxiety
- Discovering the mind-body connection
- Using evidence from the research to your life
- Understanding how therapy works
- Gaining insight from hot-off-the-press psychological science
Finally, and most importantly, MBCT equips you with effective skills for coping and dealing with real-world problems. You may have all the insight and knowledge in the world, but if you don’t take action and apply it, nothing will change. One of the most significant skills you will learn is the practice of mindfulness, which helps you think and act in a new and healthier way. Additionally, you can learn how to set boundaries with stressors, practice effective self-care, and utilize other tools learned in psychotherapy, such as:
- Mindfulness meditation
- Gratitude practices
- Mind relaxation techniques
- Diaphragmatic deep breathing
- Social and relational skills
The more you develop awareness, knowledge, and usable skills, the more things will improve. You can learn to change the way you relate with your thoughts and feelings. You can gain new levels of focus and concentration. And, you can find practical solutions to real-world problems.
I know that, with the right support, you can overcome whatever life has thrown your way. Sometimes it can be difficult to reach out and ask for help – but you don’t have to do this alone. Give therapy a try and contact me today to get started!
What does MBCT look like with Betsy?
I work hard to make the process straightforward and simple. MBCT is designed to help people be mindful, build insight and self-worth, and achieve their goals – and I believe it can work for you.
My sessions are entirely confidential and specifically designed to help you meet your goals quickly and efficiently. I provide a safe space where you can share without fear of judgment or criticism as you learn to be vulnerable and practice the skills learned in therapy.
Our first meeting is called the “intake interview, during which I will ask you questions about your story to get a sense of what might be contributing to the problem. This also gives us a chance to get to know each other and answer any questions you might have before moving forward with therapy.
You can learn to notice your thoughts and become aware of your inner experiences without letting them control your life. I work to boost your quality of life by bolstering inner strengths, shifting old and unhelpful patterns, and teaching useful skills that can help you achieve your goals.
I provide psychotherapy for teens and adults from all over the Columbia for Nashville, Tennessee area, such as Spring Hill, Cool Springs, Franklin, and beyond.
If you or a loved one are struggling and would like to make things different, let me help. You don’t have to live a life filled with stress and worry. You don’t have to suffer the pain of depression and loss alone.
Contact me today, and together, we can start to make things right.
Interested? Let’s Connect!
I would love to hear from you.
Click on the contact menu above to send me a message, ask a question, or get started on your wellness journey by signing up for your first session.
I provide individual therapy for teens and adults for issues such as:
- Anxiety
- Divorce
- Relationship problems
- Work stress
- Grief
- Trauma
- Depression
- Adjustment and major life transitions
- And much more
If you’d like to connect, click Contact in the menu above!
You can read more about me here on my Psychology Today profile.
Office address: 102 Point East Drive Nashville, TN 37216
Office phone: 931-954-2853
