Life is challenging. Many times we develop coping mechanisms that can bring temporary relief. Sometimes, however, such coping mechanisms create more problems. Our passions, our tools for distraction and entertainment, and even the way we fulfill naturally-occurring biological drives can become excessive and unhealthy.
Even normally healthy behaviors, when taken to an extreme level, can become disruptors in our lives. This can occur with behaviors like problematic pornography use, out-of-control sexual behavior, excessive gaming or screen time, gambling, excessive exercise, unhealthy eating, etc. Some may choose to call such behaviors an addiction. Many people eventually feel a great deal of shame about these behavior patterns.
At Igniting Change Counseling, we view behaviors that our clients feel are disruptive in their lives simply as unwanted behavior patterns that can be changed and managed as a person learns about what has led them to the unhealthy behavior, what keeps them stuck in it, and how they can manage the behavior in a healthier, happier way.
Some of the elements and modalities that we find are most helpful for effective behavioral change include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
- Research-based psychoeducation about emotional, neurological, relational, and environmental factors
- Attachment work and spouse/partner support work
- Accountability plans
- Being compassion-focused
- Motivational Interviewing
- Trauma-related therapy (EMDR, ART, CPT)
- Group therapy (not currently offered at Igniting Change but will resume soon)
We have a passion for helping individuals and their supporting loved ones to implement healthy behavioral change in a non-shaming, compassionate, and empowering way.