BFT is dedicated to treating the family as a system. We believe individuals are interconnected (with their families, friends, and the larger community). A change in one part affects the other.
We integrate evidence-based practice, theory, and cutting-edge research, constantly striving to improve outcomes for clients dealing with emotional, behavioral, and mental health issues.
We have office-based settings in New Hampshire (Bedford and Exeter) & North Carolina (Charlotte) and offer telehealth services in NH, MA, VT, NC, SC and LA.
Our clinicians meet the highest standards of the profession for education and clinical experience.
The overall therapeutic goal is to help you develop healthier and more satisfying relationships with others as well as yourself.
Some of Our Clinical Services...
Gottman Method
. The Gottman Method for Healthy Relationships is a form of couples-based therapy and education that derives from the relationship research of psychologist John Gottman. One of the major tenets of the Gottman Method is that couples require five times more positive interactions than negative, as negative emotions, like defensiveness and contempt, hurt a relationship more than positive ones heal. As a result, the therapy focuses on developing the skills and understanding necessary for partners to maintain fondness and admiration, turn toward each other to get their needs met, and manage conflict. It also focuses on how couples can react and repair relations when they hurt each other. The method can be applied to many relationship problems but may be particularly useful for couples who are: Stuck in chronic conflict. Coping with infidelity Struggling with communication In a stagnant relationship or emotionally distanced Facing difficulties over specific issues, such as money, parenting, or sex All Gottman Method therapy is based on a couple’s patterns of interacting. Partners learn and implement relationship-building and problem-solving skills together. This method focuses not only on providing practical skills for managing relationships, but on delivering deeper insight into how the relationship dynamics developed and thus resolved.
EMDR, CBT & DBT
. EMDR is an acronym for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is an innovative form of therapy that links many successful elements of a variety of therapeutic approaches in combination with eye movements. The eye movements help to effectively stimulate the brain’s information processing system in order to access and process traumatic memories thus bringing them to an adaptive resolution. This therapy can help with both the healing of psychological pain and physical discomfort related to trauma, depression, anxiety and self-esteem issues. It is used to accelerate the treatment of both upsetting past events and present life conditions. Controlled studies of victims of combat, accidents, catastrophic loss, natural disasters and abuse indicate that this innovative method is capable of rapid desensitization of traumatic memories and a significant reduction of painful symptoms including emotional distress, uncomfortable thoughts, flashbacks and nightmares. For more information about EMDR feel free to visit the EMDR Institute website at http://www.emdr.com Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) The goal of DBT is to live a life worth living. We think of DBT as skills we should all have learned as children but didn’t. We can all benefit from learning these skills and incorporating them into our lives. DBT teaches four sets of behavioral skills: Mindfulness: Mindfulness is the act of consciously focusing on the present moment without judgment and without attachment. It is a way of living with our eyes wide open that helps us focus and be present in the very moment we are in. Distress Tolerance: It can be difficult to sit with uncomfortable feelings. Employing DBT skills can help us survive a crisis and accept life as it is in the moment. These skills can also be useful to manage addiction. Interpersonal Effectiveness: These skills help us ask for what we need, say no, and manage conflicts, all while maintaining our relationships and self-respect. Emotion Regulation: DBT can help us understand what we are feeling, change unwanted emotions, and become less vulnerable toward negative feelings. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Everyone has negative thoughts, but when these thoughts get reinforced over time they can affect your mood, causing anxiety, depression, relationship problems and other problems. For example, if you believe “no one likes me,” you may feel lonely and depressed, and this might result in your avoiding becoming close to others. CBT teaches you identify, challenge and replace these negative thoughts. This gives you more control over how you feel, helps you see situations more clearly and allows you to react in a more effective way.
Alcohol & Drug Counseling
. ALCOHOL AND DRUG COUNSELING An alcohol and drug abuse counselor works with individuals struggling with substance- misuse as well as family members in which alcohol or substances has been a part of their lives. When individuals struggling with substance or alcohol abuse or addiction seek out therapy, the main purpose is to find the root of the addiction and help progress into sobriety through counseling. To help patients work past the addiction, counselors educate clients about addiction and teach them how to move on through life without substance abuse. They help identify addiction-related behavior patterns and help confront behavioral and emotional issues that may be hindering progress. Through treatment, our licensed alcohol and drug counselors will recommend a way to help lead clients into a sober living lifestyle, fine-tuning the plan for recovery along the way. Drug abuse counselors also help arrange additional mental health treatment and healthcare that may be needed. Some may recommend inpatient care at a substance abuse residential center if they believe it is best for the patient.
Medical Family Therapy
. MEDICAL FAMILY THERAPY As mental health professionals, who have worked in medical settings and have collaborated closely with health care professionals, we have learned that not only does the mind influence the body’s functioning, but the opposite is true as well. There are a variety of conditions in which the body influences the mind in ways that are very significant. It is useful to be aware of how one’s body influences emotional, psychological, and interpersonal functioning. Biological or physical illnesses are often powerful “family members” that shape the life course of families as much as other factors. By inquiring about what illnesses the individual or their family member has had; what their style of coping is; how they make sense of the experiences and who was most/least involved with the person who is ill; we not only gain an understanding of how the family deals with illness but an understanding of how the family may deal with other forms of adversity as well.
Integrative Services
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Psychotherapy
We provide individual, couples and family therapy in a comfortable outpatient, office-based setting. We also offer telehealth services. Our clinicians meet the highest standards of the profession for education and clinical experience. The therapeutic goal is to help you develop healthier and more satisfying relationships with others as well as yourself. We are committed to a treatment approach in which growth and development are best understood and promoted within the context of family and community relationships. Through the use of a collaborative approach, goals are established, solutions are generated, and problems are solved. We will also help you gain skills in order to better manage and solve problems more effectively in the future.
INTEGRATE
Care Management
What is a Care Manager? Care managers work collaboratively with physicians, nurses, social workers, therapists, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care coordination. They may also serve as advocates for clients helping them to navigate the healthcare system and access necessary services and resources. Care Managers arrange services so that our clients receive appropriate, timely, and efficient care. The main goal of care management is to ensure that clients receive high-quality care and that their needs are met. Care managers assess clients' physical, psychological, and social needs, develop care plans, coordinate services and resources, monitor client’s progress, and provide education and support to clients and their families. A care manager serves as the main point of contact between the patient and practice, and they are essential to the program’s success with their clients. There are a variety of roles a care manager may be responsible for, including: Coordinating treatment, administering assessments, developing care plans, monitoring compliance, and more Relationship building with patients Serving as advocates for and champions of the patients' integrated health needs Connecting patients with resources as well as social and community support systems for the continuation of care
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Life Coaching
Life coaching is different than counseling. Coaches may not be licensed in order to provide services. Services for life coaching are not reimbursed by insurance, so they are often private pay. Coaching does not focus heavily on the past, analysis or diagnosing a person with a mental health disorder. It is typically for high-functioning clients who are goal-focused and future-oriented, looking to improve themselves, their relationships and their emotional intelligence. Coaching can take place at the pace of the client and with varied frequency. Creating a time and space to focus on self-development can lead to general improvement and a more satisfying life experience.
INTEGRATE
ADHD & Executive Function Coach
Executive Function Coaching teaches people how to successfully navigate the challenges of school and adult life. Our Certified EF Specialists create individualized action plans that guide middle, high school, college-aged and young adults to overcome procrastination and disorganization. This generally has a secondary impact on decreasing anxiety that can often result from a lack of customized support and success in this area. Our trained specialists identify strengths and weaknesses and focus on teaching time management, prioritization and effective communication skills. Students and young adults with this level of teaching and support feel more motivated, prepared and empowered. We provide a client-centered approach to skill development, strategy planning and a focus on increasing self-advocacy skills. Coaches provide the tools for stress management/reduction and emotional regulation, fostering resilience and confidence. They assist in establishing daily routine/structure which helps contribute to a child’s ability to self-regulate over time. Our professionals have invested years of their lives working with students in school settings. This adds immeasurably to their specialized training and experience here at our practice. We take a systemic and collaborative application with treatment. This means our EF Coaches may work with stakeholders facilitating a team approach to ensure that the individual is getting the proper and transferable tools to succeed . This may include joining IEP meetings and 504 planning with the school, collaborating with family at their home or in our clinic and coordinating with other collaterals. For parents who have children experiencing ADHD, EF coaches can provide insights to help parents understand ADHD better. Our coaches can also provide transitional guidance during critical times of change, to ensure students and young adults feel equipped and capable. Let us help you or your child to begin navigating school more successfully and better prepare for their adult life today!
INTEGRATE
Speech & Language Pathology (SLP)
Our Speech - Language Pathology services are built on evidence - based practices that are catered to your or your child’s individual needs. At BFT, we provide assessment, treatment, and consultation in: Articulation / phonology skills, expressive, receptive, fluency (stuttering) and social language skills. We also provide unique and helpful consultation between our Speech & Language Pathology division and our Psychotherapy division when applicable to ensure our clients are meeting their goals in a multi - disciplinary fashion. If you suspect you or your child are experiencing speech - language difficulties, please reach out to begin our referral process. Once referred, you will have the opportunity to complete an intake session with our Speech & Language Pathologist. From there, an evaluation may be completed, and a treatment plan will be developed thereafter. Already receive services at BFT, but have a need for speech - language services as well? Talk with your current provider to find out how to set up a speech - language appointment today!
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INTEGRATE
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA)
Our ABA Program is a scientific approach to understanding behavior used to improve social, emotional and life skills. We provide a competative private pay rate so that you do not need to go through insurance (and therefore do not require an Autism diagnosis in order to access this service) since this type of therapy also helps with behavior problems, impulse control, emotional regulation and so much more! Broad application: Applied behavior analysis is designed to help with many concerns, including. Depression Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD) Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) Fears and phobia Issues with anger management Severe anxiety Your pediatrician may have recommended ABA therapy. However, ABA services can also be helpful for adults with Autism. It also has applications for behavioral disorders which may present with patterns of disruptive behaviors that result in problems at school, home or in social situations. Our Approach: We take a collaborative approach to behavior therapy, working closely with our clients, their families, and other members of their clinical team to develop individualized treatment plans. We believe that communication is a group effort, and we strive to empower our clients to take an active role in their own care. This is an interpersonal type of therapy in which the individual often works with a practitioner one-on-one. The goal of applied behavior analysis is to improve skills by using interventions that are based on principles of learning theory. ABA therapy helps individuals on the autism spectrum by. Increasing their social abilities like completing tasks, communicating, and learning new skills Implementing maintenance behaviors like self-control and self-regulation Teaching them to transfer learned behaviors to new environments. Modifying the learning environment to challenge them in certain scenarios. Reducing negative behaviors like self-harm Our team of board-certified behavior analysts (BCBA’s) and techs specialize in a variety of areas, including early childhood intervention, children with multiple diagnoses and parent and caregiver training. Individualized Support. At BFT-ABA, we build upon the uniqueness of your child / adolescent / young adult by determining their motivations. We value the individual interests, strengths, and motivators of each client, and we individualize all services based on those important factors. Our primary focus is on supporting safety awareness and decreasing tantrums as well as other challenging or dangerous behaviors, increasing social and play, communication, and daily living skills. Clinical programming begins with a comprehensive evaluation that determines the level of need and recommended number of hours. After the treatment plan has been reviewed with the family, a schedule is determined, and implementation of the plan begins!
