Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapy treatment that helps clients change the patterns of thinking or behavior that contribute to mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression or PTSD. By learning to modify dysfunctional thought patterns that lead to negative behaviors and emotions, IAFF members can become better equipped to deal with present and future traumatic experiences.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
DBT is a four-part, skill-based treatment that promotes mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. Individuals learn to validate their internal experiences, while addressing unhelpful behaviors and thoughts that create unnecessary suffering. This treatment method has demonstrated efficacy for those struggling with suicidal thoughts, self-mutilation, compulsive behaviors and co-occurring addiction.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a method of psychotherapy that helps people process traumatic life experiences. This technique is based on the theory that, similar to physical wounds, the body naturally works to heal mental wounds. With the support of a trained therapist, clients recall distressing images while using bilateral eye movements or other sensory input to fully process a disturbing or difficult event. Once the event is processed, the client can adapt more functional beliefs about the event and move forward from the experience.
Group and Family Therapy
Building bonds between peers and strengthening connections with family members ensures IAFF members have a strong support network during and after treatment. Held multiple times a week, group therapy sessions help clients understand that they’re not alone in their struggle. Weekly family sessions (in person or over the phone) allow members to stay close to the people they care about most, and allow spouses and children to better understand what their loved one is going through.
Pharmaceutical Therapy
When necessary, our doctors and clinicians can provide medications that help mitigate severe symptoms of mental health conditions like anxiety, depression and PTSD. At the IAFF Center of Excellence, medication is always used as part of a larger, therapy-based treatment program.
