BASICS Counseling & Testing
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Therapeutic Services - Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia

Mental Health Treatment for citizens of Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia

Therapeutic Services

INDIVIDUAL THERAPY

A trained therapist can help people make lifestyle changes. They can also help identify underlying causes of symptoms and provide strategies for changing unwanted thoughts and behaviors. Individual therapy serves the purpose of reducing internal suffering which occurs in the form of problematic behaviors, beliefs, feelings, and somatic responses (sensations in the body). It may encompass many different treatment styles including psychoanalysis and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

GROUP THERAPY

Largely due to the power of the group process, group therapy is one of the most powerful therapies for transforming individuals and their lives. Group therapy is a form of psychosocial treatment where a small group of patients meet regularly to talk, interact, and discuss problems with each other and the group leader (therapist).Group therapy attempts to give individuals a safe and comfortable place where they can work out problems and emotional issues. Patients gain insight into their own thoughts and behavior, and offer suggestions and support to others. In addition, patients who have a difficult time with interpersonal relationships can benefit from the social interactions that are a basic part of the group therapy experience.

COUPLES THERAPY

Arguing without resolution and feeling disconnected or resentful may weigh heavily on s relationship or affect individuals in other aspects of their lives. Couples can find relief and hope by working with expertly trained couples therapists.

FAMILY THERAPY

Family therapy is a type of psychological counseling (psychotherapy) done to help family members improve communication and resolve conflicts. It may include all family members or just those most able to participate. Family therapy sessions can teach skills to deepen family connections and get through stressful times, even after you're done going to therapy sessions. Family therapy is usually provided by a psychologist, clinical social worker or licensed therapist.

Family therapy views individuals’ problems in the context of the larger unit, the family. The assumption in this type of therapy is that problems cannot be successfully addressed or solved without understanding the dynamics of the group. The way the family operates influences how the client’s problems formed and how they are encouraged or enabled by the other members of the family.

Family therapy can employ techniques and exercises from cognitive therapy, behavior therapy, interpersonal therapy, or other types of individual therapy. Like with other types of treatment, the techniques employed will depend on the specific problems the client or clients present with.

Behavioral or emotional problems in children are common reasons to visit a family therapist. A child’s problems do not exist in a vacuum; they exist in the context of the family and will likely need to be addressed within the context of the family.

PLAY THERAPY 

Play Therapy uses a variety of play and creative arts techniques to alleviate chronic, mild and moderate psychological and emotional conditions in children that are causing behavioral problems and/or are preventing children from realizing their potential.  The therapist uses the child’s fantasies and the symbolic meaning of his or her play as a medium for understanding and communication with the child.