Our Methods
Our therapeutic approaches are grounded in evidence-based practices that honor the complexity of human experiences. By integrating various methodologies, we aim to provide holistic care that resonates with each individual's needs.
Therapeutic Approaches & Methodologies
At White Peaks Therapy, we believe in tailoring the therapeutic process to each individual, couple, or family. We integrate a variety of evidence-based approaches to ensure that the support you receive is grounded in clinical excellence and deep compassion. Each method below is informed by research and applied with sensitivity to your personal experiences, goals, and values.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT, EFIT & EFFT)
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a well-established, attachment-based model used with couples, individuals (EFIT), and families (EFFT). It focuses on helping people access and express core emotions in a safe, connected way—reshaping interaction patterns, building trust, and strengthening emotional bonds.
Outcomes: Studies show EFT improves relationship satisfaction, emotional regulation, and attachment security. It's effective across diverse populations and presenting concerns, including relational conflict, disconnection, and emotional overwhelm.
Evidence Base:
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Up to 90% of couples experience significant improvement
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Builds emotional safety, reduces conflict, and enhances self-awareness and resilience
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
IFS is a non-pathologizing, strengths-based approach that helps individuals access their "core Self"—a wise, calm, and compassionate part of the psyche—and heal the wounded or protective “parts” within. It’s effective in treating emotional overwhelm, relational struggles, trauma, and self-esteem issues.
Outcomes: IFS has been shown to reduce symptoms of trauma, anxiety, and depression. It encourages long-term healing by creating internal harmony rather than simply managing symptoms.
Evidence Base:
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Validated by clinical trials as effective for trauma and complex emotional challenges
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Promotes internal balance, self-leadership, and compassion
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a structured therapy that uses bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements) to help people reprocess distressing memories. It allows the brain to integrate past experiences in a more adaptive way, reducing emotional reactivity and intrusive symptoms.
Outcomes: EMDR is highly effective for trauma-related symptoms, phobias, anxiety, grief, and more. Many people experience significant relief in a relatively short number of sessions.
Evidence Base:
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Endorsed by APA and WHO as a front-line trauma treatment
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Proven to help people regain emotional balance and reduce distress
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
ART is a brief, solution-focused therapy that uses visualization and eye movements to help clients quickly reduce the emotional charge of difficult memories or experiences. It’s especially helpful for trauma, anxiety, and grief.
Outcomes: Many clients report feeling better in 1–5 sessions, making ART one of the most time-efficient treatments available for certain concerns.
Evidence Base:
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Rapid symptom relief without extensive re-telling of traumatic events
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Backed by growing research for trauma, anxiety, and depression
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps individuals recognize and change unhelpful thought patterns that influence feelings and behaviors. It offers structured, practical tools to build emotional resilience, increase problem-solving skills, and shift limiting beliefs.
Outcomes: CBT is one of the most widely researched therapies, with proven effectiveness for anxiety, depression, stress, and more.
Evidence Base:
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Long-standing first-line treatment for many mental health conditions
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Focuses on skill-building, insight, and behavioral change
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT blends acceptance and change strategies to help individuals manage intense emotions, build healthier relationships, and make mindful decisions. It includes structured skills training in four key areas: mindfulness, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance.
Outcomes: DBT is especially helpful for emotion dysregulation, relational instability, and impulsivity. It's also used with adolescents, trauma survivors, and individuals facing suicidal thoughts.
Evidence Base:
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Supported by decades of research for improving emotional and relational functioning
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Emphasizes practical tools and structured support
Gottman Method Couples Therapy
The Gottman Method is a research-based approach designed to improve relationship satisfaction, conflict resolution, emotional connection, and shared meaning. It draws from over 40 years of research with thousands of couples.
Outcomes: This method is known for its structured approach and measurable results. It helps couples improve communication, reduce defensiveness, increase fondness, and build shared goals.
Evidence Base:
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Based on longitudinal studies with predictive validity for relationship success
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Proven effective in increasing emotional closeness and reducing conflict
LifeSpan Integration (LI)
LifeSpan Integration is a gentle, body-based therapy that uses visual timelines and memory reconsolidation to help integrate past experiences into the present. It's especially useful for healing attachment wounds and trauma stored in the body and nervous system.
Outcomes: Clients often report increased emotional regulation, healthier boundaries, and greater self-trust. It's particularly helpful for trauma, anxiety, and identity development.
Evidence Base:
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Emerging clinical studies show strong promise for trauma and attachment repair
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Strengthens a coherent sense of self across life experiences
Polyvagal-Informed Therapy
Polyvagal Theory provides a framework for understanding how our autonomic nervous system impacts safety, connection, and emotional regulation. Therapy informed by this model helps clients track and regulate their physiological responses to stress and trauma.
Outcomes: Polyvagal work is especially effective for trauma, chronic anxiety, and dissociation. Clients learn to recognize when they’re in states of fight, flight, or shutdown—and how to return to safety and connection.
Evidence Base:
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Informed by neuroscience and physiology
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Increasingly integrated into trauma-focused therapy approaches
