EMDR

In child and teen therapy:
EMDR therapy can be used to help children process upsetting events and memories (single-incident and complex trauma, nightmares, or any events that they are distressed about). In EMDR, children learn coping and relaxation skills and then recall targeted events/ memories while a therapist guides them through a series of left-right movements (e.g., hand tapping or marching). This helps their brain reprocess the memories and reduce the distress associated with them. Child-friendly techniques, like play, storytelling, sand-tray and drawing, are incorporated to make the process more comfortable and engaging for children.

CBT

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that is focused on helping individuals identify and manage the underlying causes of their emotional struggles. CBT is a highly effective treatment method used to reduce symptoms associated with a range of concerns, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, panic attacks, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive behaviours. By examining the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, CBT can help individuals gain insight into how their thoughts create their feelings and behaviours, thereby empowering them to make lasting changes in their lives.

In child and teen therapy, 
CBT helps them understand the link between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. It encourages them to identify and challenge negative thought patterns and replace them with healthier, more positive ones. CBT can be especially effective in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and ADHD in children and teens. For younger children, we often use cognitive-behavioural play therapy

ACT

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a therapeutic approach that blends acceptance and mindfulness techniques with commitment and behaviour-change strategies. It focuses on helping people embrace their thoughts, feelings, and emotions rather than suppressing, avoiding, or controlling them. Rather than focusing on what is outside of your control, you’ll instead focus on what you can personally control. ACT is beneficial for a variety of difficulties, including anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, disordered eating, and OCD. It’s also a fundamental tool to improve overall well-being. At J. Gordon Psychology Group, we often integrate ACT components into therapy sessions, even when other therapeutic approaches are primarily used.

In child and teen therapy:
This form of therapy teaches children to accept their feelings and thoughts without judgement and to take action based on their values rather than their fears. ACT helps children develop psychological flexibility and can be particularly useful for children who are struggling with anxiety or depression. The focus is less on reducing symptoms and more on promoting positive behaviours and experiences.

DBT

DBT (Dialectical Behavioural Therapy) is a type of therapy that has been shown to be very effective in helping individuals who struggle with emotional regulation difficulties such as anxiety, emotional distress, depression, self-harm, difficulties with self-worth, and disordered eating. Core components of DBT include teaching mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness skills. These skills help individuals manage their emotions and develop healthier relationships with themselves and others. DBT can be an incredibly powerful tool for those who are looking to gain control over their mental health and live a more fulfilling life.

In child and teen therapy, DBT focuses on helping manage emotions and cope with stress. DBT teaches skills in four areas: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. It’s often used for adolescents who have difficulties with emotion regulation or are exhibiting self-harming behaviours.