Therapeutic Approaches
A holistic and integrative approach to therapy.
We take a holistic and integrative approach to therapy, recognizing that every person is unique and may benefit from different therapeutic perspectives and tools. Our work draws from a variety of evidence-informed approaches, and we thoughtfully integrate elements of these approaches when they are appropriate to your individual needs, goals, and therapeutic process. Therapists at Holding Moments have specialized training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), SPT (Synergetic Play Therapy), IFS (Internal Family Systems), and EFT (Emotion Focused Therapy).
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
EMDR is a structured therapeutic approach that helps the brain process and integrate distressing or traumatic experiences that may continue to affect thoughts, emotions, body sensations, or behaviours.
What can this can be supportive for: It can be helpful for trauma, complex trauma, anxiety, distressing memories, emotional triggers, and experiences that feel difficult to move beyond. You can find more information on EMDR by visit the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)
Synergetic Play Therapy® (SPT)
Synergetic Play Therapy is an experiential, attachment-based approach that blends traditional play with neuroscience, interpersonal neurobiology, and nervous system regulation to help children safely explore and process emotions, experiences, and patterns of behaviour. It recognizes the importance of the therapeutic relationship and the body’s emotional responses in healing.
What can this can be supportive for: It can be helpful for children experiencing anxiety, behavioural challenges, trauma, grief, transitions, or difficulties with relationships and emotional regulation.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Internal Family Systems is an approach that understands our inner world as made up of different “parts,” each with its own feelings, needs, and protective intentions. Therapy supports greater understanding and compassion toward these parts while helping individuals develop a stronger sense of self and internal balance.
What can this can be supportive for: It can be helpful for anxiety, self-criticism, emotional overwhelm, trauma, relationship difficulties, and recurring patterns that may feel difficult to change.
Play Therapy
Play therapy uses children’s natural language of play to support communication, emotional expression, exploration, and healing. Through play, children can work through experiences and feelings that they may not yet have the words to describe.
What can this can be supportive for: It can be helpful for anxiety, emotional regulation, behavioural concerns, trauma, grief, family changes, social difficulties, and challenges with self-esteem.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy explores the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. It helps individuals identify unhelpful patterns and develop more balanced ways of thinking and responding.
What can this can be supportive for: CBT can be helpful for anxiety, depression, stress, low self-esteem, negative thinking patterns, and difficulties coping with everyday challenges.
Somatic Therapy
Somatic therapy recognizes the connection between the mind and body and explores how emotions, stress, and life experiences can be reflected in our physical sensations and nervous system responses. Therapy may incorporate awareness of body sensations, grounding, movement, and other body-based practices.
What can this can be supportive for: It can be helpful for stress, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, trauma-related experiences, and developing greater awareness of and connection with the body.
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
Emotion-Focused Therapy views emotions as an important sources of information and the key to human experiences, growth, and a pathway toward meaningful change. Therapy supports individuals in understanding, experiencing, and working through emotions in a safe and supportive environment.
What can this can be supportive for: It can be helpful for relationship difficulties, emotional distress, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and challenges with identifying or expressing emotions.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps individuals develop a more flexible relationship with difficult thoughts and emotions while identifying what matters most to them. Rather than trying to eliminate uncomfortable experiences, ACT supports acceptance, mindfulness, and meaningful action guided by personal values.
What can this can be supportive for: It can be helpful for anxiety, stress, self-criticism, emotional avoidance, life transitions, and feeling stuck in unhelpful patterns.
Attachment-Based Therapy
Attachment-based therapy explores how our early relationships and experiences can influence the ways we understand ourselves, connect with others, and experience safety and trust. Therapy focuses on creating a secure, supportive therapeutic relationship while developing greater awareness of relational patterns and needs.
What can this can be supportive for: It can be helpful for relationship difficulties, emotional regulation, trust, self-worth, family concerns, and the eAects of disrupted or challenging early relationships.
Art Therapy
Art therapy uses creative expression as a way to explore emotions, experiences, thoughts, and aspects of ourselves that may be difficult to communicate through words alone. Artistic ability or experience is not required; the focus is on the process rather than creating something “good.”
What can this can be supportive for: It can be helpful for emotional expression, self-exploration, anxiety, stress, grief, trauma, self-esteem, and supporting children, youth, and adults, who may find verbal communication challenging.
Therapy can help explore the full picture rather than focusing on one symptom in isolation.