Cognitive, Behavioral & Relational Approaches

Our thoughts, emotions, behaviors, relationships, and past experiences can all influence one another. I draw from several therapeutic approaches, including Post Induction Therapy (PIT), Restoration Therapy (RT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills to help us understand what may be contributing to the patterns or challenges you are experiencing and identify meaningful ways to create change.

Each approach offers a different perspective. At times, we may explore how earlier experiences have shaped patterns that continue into the present. At other times, we may examine a thought or belief more closely, learn to make room for a difficult emotion, develop practical skills for managing emotions or relationships, or work toward choices that are more aligned with what matters to you.

Counseling is not a one size fits all process. I integrate these approaches based on your individual needs, experiences, and goals, and we can adjust how we work together as those needs evolve.

Post Induction Therapy, developed by Pia Mellody, explores how early experiences and relationships can influence the way we see ourselves, relate to others, and respond to life in adulthood.

PIT focuses on five core areas of development that can be affected by our early experiences: self esteem, boundaries, understanding our own reality, identifying and expressing our needs and wants, and experiencing ourselves with moderation rather than in extremes.

When difficulties develop in these areas, they can show up later as shame, difficulty setting boundaries, putting others’ needs ahead of our own, struggling to trust our thoughts or feelings, emotional extremes, or repeating painful relationship patterns.

The goal is not to remain focused on the past or assign blame, but to understand where these patterns began, address them at their roots, and develop healthier ways of relating to yourself and others in the present.

To learn more, please visit The Meadows Overview on Post Induction Therapy.

Post Induction Therapy (PIT)

Restoration Therapy (RT)

Restoration Therapy is an approach that helps identify and change the patterns that can develop when we experience pain, conflict, or disconnection in relationships. It focuses on understanding the connection between what we believe about ourselves, how we respond emotionally, and the ways we cope or react when we feel hurt, threatened, or disconnected.

Often, these patterns developed for a reason. Ways of responding that may have helped us cope at one point can begin creating difficulties in our relationships, emotional well-being, or the way we see ourselves.

Through Restoration Therapy, we can identify the underlying beliefs and emotional patterns that may be driving these responses and develop healthier ways of responding. The goal is not simply to change a behavior, but to better understand what is happening beneath it and practice new responses that are more consistent with who you want to be and how you want to relate to others.

Restoration Therapy can be especially helpful for exploring relationship patterns, conflict, boundaries, shame, self-worth, emotional reactions, and recurring cycles that can leave you feeling stuck. It can be used with individuals and couples and may be integrated with other therapeutic approaches based on your needs and goals.

To learn more about Restoration Therapy, please visit the site for Restoration Therapy.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on the connection between our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. The way we interpret an experience can influence how we feel and how we respond, and over time certain patterns of thinking or behavior can become difficult to recognize or change.

CBT can help you identify patterns that may be contributing to distress, examine whether those patterns are helpful or accurate, and practice new ways of thinking and responding.

Rather than simply trying to “think positively,” the goal is to develop a more balanced understanding of what you are experiencing and build practical skills that can support meaningful change.

To learn more about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, please visit the Beck Institute.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy focuses on changing our relationship with difficult thoughts and emotions rather than trying to eliminate or control every uncomfortable internal experience.

ACT can help you learn to notice thoughts and emotions without automatically allowing them to determine what you do next. We may also explore what matters most to you and identify ways to make choices that are more consistent with your values, even when uncomfortable thoughts or feelings are present.

The goal is not to never experience difficult emotions. Instead, ACT can help create more flexibility in how you respond to them while continuing to move toward the life and relationships that are important to you.

Please visit the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science to learn more about Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

I also incorporate skills and strategies informed by Dialectical Behavior Therapy. DBT emphasizes both acceptance and change, recognizing that we can acknowledge what we are experiencing while also learning new ways to respond.

Depending on your needs, we may work with skills related to emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, communication, boundaries, and navigating relationships more effectively.

These skills can be especially helpful when emotions feel intense, reactions happen quickly, or you find yourself repeating responses that you later wish had gone differently.

To learn more about Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, please visit An Overview of DBT.