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Quick Reference Tip Sheet for CBT, DBT, ACT and IFS

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

  1. CBT focuses on the present: Unlike other forms of therapy, CBT focuses on current issues and concerns, rather than past experiences.

  2. CBT aims to change negative patterns of thought and behavior: The goal of CBT is to help individuals identify and challenge negative or inaccurate thoughts, and to replace them with more realistic and positive ones.

  3. CBT is goal-oriented: CBT sessions are structured, with specific goals and objectives that are reviewed and discussed throughout the course of therapy.

  4. CBT emphasizes the importance of homework: Individuals in CBT therapy are often asked to complete homework assignments, such as keeping a thought diary or practicing specific exercises, in order to reinforce the skills learned in therapy.

  5. CBT is often used to treat a wide range of mental health conditions: Some of the most common conditions that CBT is used to treat include depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a form of therapy that emphasizes the dialectic between acceptance and change. It is developed by Marsha Linehan . Here are some basic aspects of DBT:

  1. DBT is heavily focused on acceptance: DBT focuses on acceptance of one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors without judgment, as a necessary step for making changes.

  2. DBT is a skill-based therapy: DBT teaches individuals a set of skills, including mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, which can be used to manage difficult emotions and improve relationships.

  3. DBT includes individual and group therapy: DBT typically includes both individual therapy sessions with a therapist and group therapy sessions, where individuals can practice the skills they have learned with others.

  4. DBT is often used to treat individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and other disorders involving intense emotions and impulsive behaviors: DBT is also used for other mental health condition that involve unstable emotions, such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of psychological treatment that uses acceptance and mindfulness strategies, together with commitment and behavior-change strategies, to increase psychological flexibility. Here are some basic aspects of ACT:

  1. ACT focuses on accepting thoughts and feelings without judgment: ACT encourages individuals to accept difficult thoughts and feelings without trying to control or change them, in order to reduce distress and improve overall well-being.

  2. ACT emphasizes being present in the moment: ACT teaches individuals to focus on the present moment, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

  3. ACT promotes taking action: ACT encourages individuals to set specific goals and take action towards their values, in order to create a meaningful and fulfilling life.

  4. ACT is a relatively newer form of therapy: ACT was first developed in the 1980s, and has been found to be effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and chronic pain.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a form of psychotherapy developed by Richard Schwartz in the 1980s. It is a type of psychotherapy that helps individuals access and work with different parts of themselves. Here are some basic aspects of IFS:

  1. IFS focuses on self-leadership: IFS views each person as consisting of many different parts or subpersonalities, and encourages individuals to take a leadership role in managing these parts.

  2. IFS emphasizes inner healing: IFS aims to help individuals understand and heal the inner conflicts and emotional wounds that are causing them distress.

  3. IFS uses a non-pathologizing approach: IFS views "difficult" parts or subpersonalities as having positive intentions and desires, rather than as symptoms of a disorder.

  4. IFS promotes self-compassion: IFS encourages individuals to be compassionate and understanding towards all parts of themselves, including difficult parts, in order to build inner harmony and well-being.

  5. IFS is often used to treat a variety of mental health conditions including, depression, anxiety, addiction, and PTSD. It is also effective as a method for personal growth, self-development and increased self-awareness. It can also be useful in treating relationship issues, where inner conflicts may manifest as external conflicts with others.