is a method designed to prepare a client for changing a behavior. Rather than directly telling the person “You have a huge problem here and you must change ASAP”, MI builds on an open and trusting therapeutic relationship with the client to order to explore the client’s own internal reasons for change as well as the resistance to change. Readiness for change becomes the central theme in this therapy method. MI and MET have been thoroughly researched with positive outcomes. For more information on MI and MET, please check the following websites; motivationalinterviewing.org, nrepp.samsha.gov and alcoholrehab.com/alcohol-rehab/motivational-enhancement-therapy.

is probably the most researched and well accepted brand of psychotherapy. Its central focus is on changing negative self-statements (“I’m a no good loser”) to self-statements which are realistic, specific and positive (“I have challenges like everyone else. I’ve made some good decisions like helping my next door neighbor organize his tool cabinet. I’m really knowledgeable about tools.”)  CBT also works on strategies to manage feeling more effectively and practicing constructive behaviors instead of self-defeating behaviors. Please go to these websites for more information; psychology.about.com/od/psychotherapy/a/cbt. Mayoclinic.com/health/cognitive-behavior-therapy.

 is the next generation of CBT. ACT can be adapted to an acronym where A stands for acceptance, C stands for choose and T stands for take action. Where many clients get stuck initially is in truly accepting they have a problem. They say to themselves “I can still drink, but I need to learn to cut down.” Once the person has accepted their problem, the next step is choosing their change goal and developing an action plan. The commitment portion of ACT is actively working on the change goal even though it becomes difficult and you want to give up. ACT employs many helpful strategies including; mindfulness, values identification and development of self compassion rather than self rejection. ACTs main goal is to enhance psychological flexibility. For more information on ACT, please visit the following websites; contextualpsychology.org/act, nrepp.samhsa.gov/viewIntervention, goodtherapy.org/Acceptance Commitment_Therapy .

is a strengths based approach developed at the Brief Family Therapy Center in my hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. As opposed to focusing on the symptoms or issues which the client brings to the therapy session, Solution-Focused Therapy targets the desired outcome. In collaboration with the therapist, the client envisions a future where their problem is no longer there and maps out how to make this happen. This method does not delve deeply into the client’s past, but into the here and now. For more information about Solution-Focused Therapy, please view; solutionfocused.net.