Evidence-Based Therapy & Clinical Approaches in Arvada
At 70 West Counseling, we recognize that every healing journey requires a unique path. We actively provide accessible, evidence-based therapy in Arvada and the Front Range to meet your specific needs. Our clinicians utilize specialized modalities to treat the whole person.
For instance, we use EMDR to process trauma, while applying Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to reshape unhelpful thought patterns. Furthermore, we offer Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to improve emotional regulation.
Beyond traditional talk therapy, we also integrate cutting-edge neuroscience through Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) and Neurofeedback to support brain health. Ultimately, whether you seek the structural support of Family Systems Therapy or the compassionate connection of a Person-Centered approach, we help you find the right method for lasting change.
EMDR Therapy for Trauma & PTSD
EMDR is a structured therapy used to reprocess disturbing and painful memories, often used for treating PTSD. It is empirically validated and recognized as one of the most effective treatments for trauma.
- BLS: Uses side-to-side eye movements, tones, or taps to facilitate memory processing in the brain.
- Distress Reduction: Proven to significantly reduce the emotional distress related to traumatic memories.
- Eight-Phase Approach: A therapist guides you through a specific 8-phase process for safety and efficacy.
- Adaptive Resolution: The goal is to move the brain toward a healthy, adaptive resolution of past events.
Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) for Relational Health
Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) examines how the mind, brain, and relationships interact to shape human development, well-being, and therapeutic change.
- Multidisciplinary: Unifies neuroscience, psychology, and systems theory.
- The Mind: Viewed as an embodied and relational flow of energy and information.
- Emotional Integration: Linking logic and emotion is core to mental health.
- Mindsight: Developing the capacity to see the internal mind of self and others.
- Goal: To promote neural and relational integration through safe therapeutic connection.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Psychological Flexibility
ACT is a modern form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on increasing psychological flexibility. Rather than fighting difficult thoughts, ACT helps you change your relationship with them so they no longer hold you back.
- Acceptance: Openly embracing unwanted private experiences rather than struggling against them.
- Cognitive Defusion: Learning to separate from unhelpful thoughts so they carry less weight.
- Present Moment: Staying psychologically present and engaged with your current experience.
- Values & Commitment: Identifying what deeply matters to you and taking concrete action toward those goals.
- The Goal: To build a rich, full, and meaningful life through increased psychological flexibility.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for Emotional Regulation
DBT provides highly practical skills to help you manage intense, unstable emotions and break free from destructive behaviors. It is widely recognized for helping individuals find stability and balance in their daily lives.
- Dialectical: A unique approach that balances acceptance of who you are with the change needed to move forward.
- Mindfulness: Learning to focus your attention non-judgmentally on the present moment.
- Distress Tolerance: Developing the capacity to cope with crises without making the situation worse.
- Emotion Regulation: Gaining the tools to identify, understand, and manage strong feelings effectively.
- Interpersonal Effectiveness: Building the skills to maintain relationships and assert your needs respectfully.
- The Goal: To empower you to build a “life worth living” through the consistent application of these core skills.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Anxiety & Depression
CBT is a goal-oriented, short-term therapy focused on the idea that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. By changing how we think and act, we can significantly alleviate emotional distress.
- Cognitive Restructuring: Identify and challenge unhelpful or distorted thought patterns.
- Behavioral Experiments: Testing the validity of your beliefs by trying out new actions.
- Core Beliefs: Addressing the deep, fundamental views you hold about yourself and the world.
- Skills-Based: Focusing on teaching specific, practical coping skills you can use daily.
- Present-Focused: Targeting current problems and symptoms to provide immediate relief.
- The Goal: To replace maladaptive thinking and behaviors with healthy, constructive patterns.
Family and Structural Systems Therapy
Family Systems Theory views the family as a single emotional unit. It is a complex, interconnected system where the behavior of one member affects all others, and healing happens by addressing the dynamics of the whole group.
- Systemic Health: Viewing the family as an interconnected emotional unit rather than isolated individuals.
- Boundaries: Establishing clear rules that define healthy contact within and outside the family system.
- Triangles: Identifying three-person relationship patterns used to reduce tension between two people.
- Differentiation: Helping members maintain their sense of self while staying emotionally connected.
- Fusion: Addressing emotional blurring to ensure everyone has their own “voice” and identity.
- The Goal: To increase individual differentiation and improve the overall flexibility and balance of the family system.
Person-Centered Therapy
Person-Centered Therapy is a humanistic, non-directive approach where a supportive and accepting therapist nurtures the client’s inherent capacity for personal growth. It focuses on creating a safe environment where you feel truly seen and heard.
- Client-Centered: You direct the pace and focus of each session based on your unique needs.
- Actualizing Tendency: Honoring your innate drive toward self-fulfillment and reaching your full potential.
- Congruence: Your therapist remains genuine, transparent, and “real” throughout the process.
- Unconditional Positive Regard: Receiving full, non-judgmental acceptance regardless of what you share.
- Empathy: A deep, lived understanding of your specific internal experience.
- Therapeutic Alliance: We believe the relationship between therapist and client is the primary agent of change.
- The Goal: To facilitate your own self-discovery and growth in a safe, compassionate space.