There are numerous theories in psychology, but some of the main ones are:

Psychodynamic

The psychodynamic theory postulates that our early childhood experiences and events shape our adulthood. Sigmund Freud is considered to be the founder of this theory, with his work revolving around psychoanalytic concepts. Many of you may have heard his name before in popular media (it is also where the term “Freudian slip” comes from). Although much of Freud’s work (e.g., Oedipus complex) had been discredited over the years due to a lack of validity and justification for his findings, subsequent psychologists derived their work from his theories and honed their research methodologies in areas that Freud was unable to produce, which led to attachment theories below.

Attachment

Without diving into a lengthy history of the attachment theory, this theory states that our early relationships and bonds with primary caregivers lead to forming our “attachment style” and, consequently, the relationships we develop in adulthood. Please feel free to read more about the different attachment styles here.

Cognitive-behavioral

The cognitive-behavioral theory posits that our thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and physiology are all interconnected. As an example, think about the last time you felt distressed. You may have noticed yourself feeling irritable, having a short fuse with people, withdrawing from others, and experiencing physiological changes (e.g., muscle tension or elevated heart rate). You can now see how these different factors are related and influence one another.

Dialectical

Rooted in the Chinese philosophy of the “yin and yang,” dialectical theories arose with the idea that in life, we will face contradictions of negatives and positives. When faced with such oppositions, the dialectical theory states that we must learn to embrace this interdependence of life through techniques, such as radical acceptance, distress tolerance, and mindfulness. This theoretical approach is elaborated here.

So how do these theories affect you and therapy? Every therapist has his or her own approach, and typically draws from one or more modalities. At CogniThrive, we use a holistic approach and see each theory being just as relevant as the other when understanding the individual in his or her environment.

There are many different causes of mental health issues. Sometimes, they can stem from stressors (e.g., job loss, divorce, or trauma) or genetics (e.g., which can create chemical imbalances, such as low serotonin levels that can lead to depression). Other times, it can be an interaction of both. Consequently, you may benefit from having therapy in conjunction with medications. You can speak to your primary care provider or psychiatrist for a medication consultation, and they will determine if medication will be appropriate for you. We will then coordinate treatment with your physician so you can get the optimal care that you need.

If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, no worries! We understand that life happens, so we will do our best to accommodate your schedule. However, please keep us informed at least 48 hours in advance. If notified less than 48 hours, we will provide a waiver (up to three allowed), but you will incur a $100 cancellation fee thereafter. This is to ensure that we maintain accountability for everyone’s schedule.