Thoughts from a Therapist: A Home for Depth-Oriented Psychology, Mindful Insight, and Practical Growth

At Thoughts from a Therapist, we explore the intersection of emotional intelligence, psychological theory, and human experience. This space serves as a resource for clinicians, seekers, and reflective minds drawn to insights that are both practical and profound.

Each post is grounded in lived experience, trauma-informed practice, and a dialectical approach to personal and collective growth. Below is an index of the therapeutic frameworks we regularly explore—each defined succinctly and linked to in-depth discussions.

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At Thoughts from a Therapist, we delve into various psychotherapy theories, offering insights grounded in both professional practice and personal reflection. Below is an index of therapeutic frameworks we explore, each accompanied by a succinct definition and a link to a related blog post for deeper exploration:

Emotional and Social Intelligence

Explores the foundations of empathy, attunement, and interpersonal skillfulness as core components of psychological growth.
→ The Building Blocks of Social and Emotional Intelligence

Relational Therapy

Focuses on the therapeutic relationship as a vehicle for transformation, emphasizing mutuality, authenticity, and emotional presence.
→ Interventions in Relational Counseling

Attachment Theory

Explores how early relational experiences shape emotional bonds and self-regulation in adulthood.
→ When Attachment Theory and Existentialism Compete

Polyvagal Theory

Examines how the autonomic nervous system influences emotional regulation and social connection.
→ Nervous System Literacy and the Language of Safety

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Identifies and harmonizes sub-personalities or “parts” within the individual to achieve internal balance.
→ Selfishness is also Selfless

Somatic Experiencing

Focuses on bodily sensations to process and heal trauma.
→ Solutions and Causes of Anxiety

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Addresses the interplay between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to modify patterns that contribute to distress.
→ The Thoughts, Emotions, And Behaviors Triangle

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Combines acceptance and change strategies to enhance emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.
→ Harmful Interaction Patterns – which do you do and what can help?

Narrative Therapy

Focuses on the stories we tell about ourselves and how reframing those narratives can foster agency and meaning.
→ Narrative Therapy Summary

Psychodynamic Therapy

Explores unconscious processes and past experiences to understand current behavior.
→ Pathologizing, Labels, Dichotomies, Existentialism And Acceptance

Existential Psychotherapy

Engages with core human concerns such as freedom, mortality, responsibility, and authenticity.
→ Pathologizing, Labels, Dichotomies, Existentialism And Acceptance

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

Centers on the importance of emotional bonds and attachment in relationships, aiming to create secure connections.
→ Attachment – Why We Say and Emote One Way When We Truly Feel and Think a Different Way

Compassion-Focused Therapy

Encourages self-kindness and addresses shame and self-criticism to promote mental well-being.
→ Compassionately Assertive – Maintaining Boundaries without Violating Others

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

Utilizes mindfulness meditation to reduce stress and enhance well-being.
→ The Evolution of CBT = Mindfulness

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Encourages accepting thoughts and feelings rather than fighting them, and committing to actions aligned with personal values.
→ Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy

Integrates body-centered interventions into psychotherapy to address trauma and attachment issues.
→ Attunement Exercise

Transpersonal Psychology

Explores the spiritual aspects of human experience and the potential for transcendent states of consciousness.
→ Empathy Building Exercise – Learning To Be Empathetic

Interpersonal Neurobiology (IPNB)

Examines how relationships and the brain interact to shape our experiences.
→ Attunement Exercise

Humanistic Therapy

Emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization, focusing on the individual’s inherent potential.
→ Selfishness is also Selfless

Solution-Focused Therapy

Concentrates on finding solutions in the present time and exploring hope for the future.
→ Solution Focused Therapy Simplified

These models are presented as avenues for exploration—perspectives that expand our understanding of the human experience. Some discussions are theoretical, while others are more applied, collectively contributing to a deeper comprehension of personal growth and healing.