Approaches
What is Acceptance & Commitment Therapy?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a behavioral therapy that helps people develop a healthier relationship with difficult thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Rather than trying to eliminate uncomfortable thoughts or feelings, ACT focuses on learning how to respond to them in ways that support a meaningful and fulfilling life.
ACT is based on the idea that difficult emotions and thoughts are a normal part of life. When we spend a great deal of energy avoiding, controlling, or fighting those experiences, we can sometimes become stuck. ACT helps people develop greater psychological flexibility—the ability to stay present, make room for difficult experiences, and take actions that are consistent with what matters most to them.
How Does ACT Work?
ACT combines mindfulness, acceptance, and behavioral strategies to help people notice unhelpful patterns and make intentional choices.
Treatment may help you:
- Identify thoughts and feelings that are getting in the way of daily life.
- Learn to observe difficult thoughts without automatically acting on them.
- Develop greater acceptance of uncomfortable emotions and experiences.
- Clarify your personal values and what is important to you.
- Set meaningful goals based on those values.
- Take practical steps toward the life you want, even when difficult thoughts or emotions are present.
The goal isn’t to make difficult thoughts or feelings disappear. Instead, ACT helps you build skills to
Who Can Benefit From ACT?
ACT may be helpful for individuals who feel stuck in patterns of avoidance, worry, self-criticism, or emotional distress. It can also be useful for people who want to better understand their values and make changes that support their relationships, work, personal goals, and overall well-being.
ACT can be adapted to many different concerns and can be used as a primary approach or alongside other therapeutic approaches.
What Can ACT Help With?
ACT may be used to address a variety of concerns, including:
- Anxiety and excessive worry
- Depression and low mood
- Stress and emotional distress
- Trauma-related concerns
- Self-criticism and low self-esteem
- Difficulty coping with difficult emotions
- Life transitions and adjustment
- Relationship and interpersonal concerns
- Avoidance and other unhelpful behavioral patterns
- Difficulty identifying or pursuing personal goals
Your clinician can help determine whether ACT is an appropriate approach based on your individual needs and goals.
ACT at Modern Me Psychology
At Modern Me Psychology, ACT is used to help clients develop greater flexibility in how they respond to thoughts, emotions, and life experiences. Therapy is collaborative and individualized, with the focus on helping you understand what is keeping you stuck and identify practical steps toward the life you want.
ACT may be incorporated with other evidence-based approaches when that combination is appropriate for your needs.
Our Clinicians Who Use ACT
The following Modern Me Psychology clinicians use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT):
- Nahrain D. Tavolacci, Psy.D.
- Michael Tavolacci, Ph.D., LCPC
- Amanda Worth, M.A.
- Kristen Beeck, M.A., LPC
If you’re interested in ACT but aren’t sure which clinician may be the right fit, our Client Care team can help you identify an appropriate provider based on your needs, preferences, and availability.
Related Approaches
ACT may be used alongside or complement other approaches, including:
Ready to Get Started?
Finding the right therapeutic approach—and the right clinician—can make the process of starting therapy feel easier. If you’re interested in learning whether ACT may be right for you, contact Modern Me Psychology to discuss your needs and available treatment options.
Services are available in person at our Roselle, Illinois office and through telehealth for clients located in Illinois.
We accept several insurance plans, and coverage varies by plan and clinician. Contact us to confirm your benefits and whether your preferred provider and service are covered.
What Is Client-Centered Therapy?
Client-Centered Therapy is a humanistic approach to therapy that emphasizes your experiences, needs, goals, and ability to make meaningful changes. Rather than having the therapist direct every part of treatment, the approach creates a supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace.
Client-Centered Therapy is built around the belief that people have the capacity for growth and change when they experience a therapeutic relationship characterized by empathy, respect, acceptance, and genuine understanding.
How Does Client-Centered Therapy Work?
Your therapist works collaboratively with you to create a space where you can openly explore what you’re experiencing without fear of judgment.
A client-centered approach may involve:
- Exploring your thoughts, emotions, and experiences at your own pace
- Developing greater self-awareness and understanding
- Identifying your own needs, values, and goals
- Recognizing patterns that may be affecting your well-being
- Building confidence in your ability to make choices and changes
- Developing a stronger sense of self-acceptance
Rather than simply telling you what to do, your therapist helps you explore your experiences and supports you as you identify the changes that are meaningful to you.
Who Can Benefit From Client-Centered Therapy?
Client-Centered Therapy may be helpful for individuals who want a supportive, collaborative therapeutic relationship where they can explore their experiences without feeling pressured or judged.
It may be particularly appropriate for people who are navigating life changes, relationship concerns, emotional distress, questions about identity or direction, or a desire for greater self-understanding.
The approach can also be incorporated with other therapeutic methods based on your individual needs.
What Can Client-Centered Therapy Help With?
Client-Centered Therapy may support individuals experiencing concerns such as:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression and low mood
- Life transitions and adjustment
- Relationship concerns
- Self-esteem and self-confidence
- Emotional distress
- Grief and loss
- Personal growth and self-understanding
- Difficulty identifying personal needs or goals
- Challenges related to major life changes
Your clinician can help determine whether a client-centered approach fits your needs and treatment goals.
Client-Centered Therapy at Modern Me Psychology
At Modern Me Psychology, we recognize that beginning therapy can feel vulnerable. A strong therapeutic relationship can provide a foundation for exploring difficult experiences and working toward meaningful change.
Our clinicians use a collaborative approach that respects each client’s individual experiences, goals, preferences, and pace. Client-Centered Therapy may be used on its own or integrated with other therapeutic approaches when appropriate.
Our Clinicians Who Use Client-Centered Therapy
The following Modern Me Psychology clinicians use Client-Centered Therapy:
- Nahrain D. Tavolacci, Psy.D.
- Michael Tavolacci, Ph.D., LCPC
- Kristen Beeck, M.A., LPC
- Danielle Giovannetti-O’Halloran, LCPC
- Michael S. Saraceno, M.A., LPC, NCC
If you’re interested in Client-Centered Therapy but aren’t sure which clinician may be the right fit, our Client Care team can help you explore your options.
Related Approaches
Client-Centered Therapy may complement or be integrated with other approaches, including:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Ready to Get Started?
We accept several insurance plans, and coverage varies by plan and clinician. Contact us to confirm your benefits and whether your preferred provider and service are covered.
Finding a therapist who listens, understands your goals, and provides a supportive environment can be an important part of starting therapy.
If you’re interested in Client-Centered Therapy, contact Modern Me Psychology to discuss your needs and available treatment options.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, practical approach that helps people understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. CBT can help you identify patterns that may be contributing to distress and develop healthier ways of responding to challenges.
What Is CBT?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a goal-oriented form of psychotherapy that focuses on the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Rather than focusing only on what is happening, CBT helps you explore how you interpret situations and how those interpretations may affect the way you feel and respond.
CBT is often practical and skills-based. In therapy, you may learn to recognize patterns of thinking, examine whether those patterns are helpful or accurate, and practice new strategies for responding to difficult situations.
How Does CBT Work?
CBT typically begins by identifying the concerns you want to address and the patterns that may be maintaining them. Your therapist works with you to develop goals and identify strategies that can be practiced both during sessions and in everyday life.
Depending on your needs, CBT may include:
- Identifying unhelpful thought patterns
- Challenging thoughts that may be inaccurate or unproductive
- Developing healthier ways of responding to difficult situations
- Building coping and problem-solving skills
- Practicing new behaviors
- Learning strategies for managing emotions and stress
The specific techniques used in CBT are tailored to your concerns, goals, and circumstances.
Who Can Benefit From CBT?
CBT can be used with children, adolescents, and adults and may be helpful for people experiencing a variety of emotional, behavioral, and life challenges.
It may be especially useful for people who want to better understand patterns that contribute to distress and develop practical tools they can use outside of therapy.
What Can CBT Help With?
CBT is commonly used to address a range of concerns, including:
- Anxiety and excessive worry
- Depression and low mood
- Stress and difficulty coping
- Panic and fear
- Obsessive thoughts and behaviors
- Trauma-related concerns
- Relationship and interpersonal difficulties
- Low self-esteem and negative self-talk
- Behavioral and emotional challenges
The right therapeutic approach depends on your individual needs. Your clinician can help determine whether CBT, another approach, or a combination of approaches may be appropriate for you.
CBT at Modern Me Psychology
At Modern Me Psychology, our clinicians use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as one of the approaches available to clients. CBT may be used as a primary therapeutic approach or combined with other evidence-based techniques based on your concerns, goals, and individual needs.
Our clinicians provide therapy in person at our Roselle office and through telehealth for clients located in Illinois, making it possible to choose the format that works best for you.
Our Clinicians Use CBT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is used by clinicians throughout Modern Me Psychology. Our team brings different areas of experience, specialties, and therapeutic perspectives to the work, allowing treatment to be tailored to each client’s needs.
To learn more about our clinicians and their areas of focus, visit our Meet the Team page.
Related Approaches
CBT may be used alongside other therapeutic approaches depending on your goals and concerns. Related approaches offered at Modern Me Psychology include Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and other evidence-based approaches.
Explore Our Therapy Approaches
Ready to Get Started?
Finding the right therapist and approach can be an important first step. If you’re interested in learning whether CBT may be a good fit for your needs, our Client Care Coordinator can help answer your questions and connect you with a clinician.
Services are available in person at our Roselle, Illinois office and through telehealth for clients located in Illinois.
We accept several insurance plans, and coverage varies by plan and clinician. Contact us to confirm your benefits and whether your preferred provider and service are covered.
What are Cognitive Processing Therapy & Prolonged Exposure?
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE) are evidence-based approaches commonly used to treat trauma-related symptoms and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Both approaches are designed to help people process the effects of traumatic experiences, but they use different therapeutic strategies.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) focuses on identifying and addressing unhelpful thoughts and beliefs that may develop following trauma. CPT can help clients examine how trauma has affected the way they think about themselves, other people, and the world.
Prolonged Exposure (PE) focuses on gradually and safely approaching trauma-related memories, situations, and reminders that have been avoided. Through repeated, supported exposure, clients can learn that trauma reminders may be uncomfortable without being dangerous and develop greater confidence in managing their responses.
How Do CPT and PE Work?
CPT and PE are structured treatments that involve active participation between sessions as well as during therapy.
CPT may help you:
- Identify thoughts and beliefs that developed or changed after a traumatic experience
- Examine whether those thoughts are accurate or helpful
- Develop more balanced ways of thinking about the trauma and its effects
- Reduce feelings such as guilt, shame, fear, or self-blame
- Develop new perspectives that support recovery
PE may help you:
- Understand how avoidance can maintain trauma-related distress
- Gradually approach trauma memories and reminders in a safe, structured environment
- Reduce avoidance of situations or activities that have become associated with trauma
- Learn that trauma reminders can be experienced without automatically responding with fear or avoidance
- Build confidence in your ability to manage difficult emotions and memories
Your clinician will work with you to determine which approach is appropriate based on your symptoms, history, goals, and readiness for treatment.
Who Can Benefit From CPT or PE?
CPT and PE may be appropriate for individuals experiencing symptoms related to trauma or PTSD, including people whose lives have been significantly affected by a traumatic experience.
These approaches may be considered when trauma-related thoughts, memories, avoidance, or emotional responses are interfering with relationships, work, daily activities, or overall quality of life.
Because trauma treatment is highly individualized, your clinician will assess your needs and discuss treatment options with you.What Can CPT and PE Help With?
CPT and PE are commonly used to address trauma-related concerns, including:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Trauma-related anxiety
- Intrusive memories or unwanted thoughts about a traumatic event
- Avoidance of trauma reminders
- Feelings of guilt or self-blame related to trauma
- Fear and heightened emotional responses
- Difficulty feeling safe following a traumatic experience
- Trauma-related changes in beliefs about yourself, other people, or the world
What Can CPT and PE Help With?
CPT and PE are commonly used to address trauma-related concerns, including:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Trauma-related anxiety
- Intrusive memories or unwanted thoughts about a traumatic event
- Avoidance of trauma reminders
- Feelings of guilt or self-blame related to trauma
- Fear and heightened emotional responses
- Difficulty feeling safe following a traumatic experience
Trauma-related changes in beliefs about yourself, other people, or the world
CPT/PE at Modern Me Psychology
At Modern Me Psychology, our clinicians use evidence-based trauma-focused approaches to help clients work through the effects of traumatic experiences.
CPT and PE are structured treatments, and your clinician will explain what treatment involves, answer your questions, and work with you to determine whether one of these approaches fits your needs.
Trauma treatment is individualized. Your clinician will consider your history, current symptoms, treatment goals, and circumstances when developing a treatment plan.
Our Clinicians Who Use CPT/PE
The following Modern Me Psychology clinicians use Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and/or Prolonged Exposure (PE):
If you’re interested in trauma-focused therapy but aren’t sure which approach or clinician is right for you, our Client Care team can help you explore your options.
Related Approaches
CPT and PE may be considered alongside other approaches depending on your individual needs, including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT)
Ready to Get Started?
You don’t have to figure out which trauma treatment approach is right for you on your own. If you’re experiencing trauma-related concerns or symptoms of PTSD, contact Modern Me Psychology to discuss your needs and available treatment options.
Services are available in person at our Roselle, Illinois office and through telehealth for clients located in Illinois.
We accept several insurance plans, and coverage varies by plan and clinician. Contact us to confirm your benefits and whether your preferred provider and service are covered.
What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy?
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a structured, skills-based approach that helps people manage intense emotions, cope with distress, improve relationships, and develop more effective ways of responding to challenging situations.
DBT combines acceptance and change. It helps clients learn to accept themselves and their experiences while also developing practical skills to make meaningful changes in their thoughts, behaviors, and relationships.
How Does DBT Work?
DBT teaches practical skills that can be applied both inside and outside of therapy. Treatment commonly focuses on four core areas:
Mindfulness
Learning to stay present and become more aware of thoughts, emotions, and experiences without automatically reacting to them.
Distress Tolerance
Developing skills for coping with difficult situations and intense emotions without relying on behaviors that may create additional problems.
Emotion Regulation
Learning to understand emotions, reduce emotional vulnerability, and respond to emotions more effectively.
Interpersonal Effectiveness
Developing communication and relationship skills that can help you express your needs, set boundaries, and navigate interpersonal challenges.
Your clinician will work with you to identify the skills most relevant to your individual needs and goals.
Who Can Benefit From DBT?
DBT may be helpful for individuals who experience intense or difficult-to-manage emotions, relationship challenges, impulsive behaviors, or difficulty coping with distress.
It can also be useful for people who want to develop stronger emotional regulation and communication skills, even when they are not experiencing a specific mental health diagnosis.
What Can DBT Help With?
DBT may be used to address concerns such as:
- Difficulty regulating emotions
- Intense emotional reactions
- Anxiety and depression
- Relationship and interpersonal difficulties
- Difficulty coping with stress or distress
- Impulsive or reactive behaviors
- Low distress tolerance
- Difficulty setting or maintaining boundaries
- Self-esteem and self-acceptance concerns
- Patterns of behavior that interfere with personal or relationship goals
Your clinician can help determine whether DBT skills or a DBT-informed approach may be appropriate for you.
DBT at Modern Me Psychology
At Modern Me Psychology, DBT skills may be incorporated into individualized treatment based on a client’s needs and goals.
Your clinician may use DBT strategies alongside other therapeutic approaches to help you develop practical skills for managing emotions, navigating relationships, coping with stress, and responding more intentionally to difficult situations.
The specific structure of treatment will depend on your individual treatment plan.
Our Clinicians Who Use DBT
The following Modern Me Psychology clinicians use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT):
If you’re interested in DBT but aren’t sure which clinician may be the right fit, our Client Care team can help you explore your options.
Related Approaches
DBT may complement other therapeutic approaches, including:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT)
Ready to Get Started?
Learning practical skills for managing emotions, coping with distress, and improving relationships can be an important part of therapy. If you’re interested in DBT, contact us to discuss your needs and available treatment options.
Services are available in person at our Roselle, Illinois office and through telehealth for clients located in Illinois.
We accept several insurance plans, and coverage varies by plan and clinician. Contact us to confirm your benefits and whether your preferred provider and service are covered.
What Is Emotionally Focused Therapy?
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a therapeutic approach that focuses on understanding emotions, emotional patterns, and the ways people connect with others. EFT helps individuals identify underlying emotional needs and develop healthier ways of responding to themselves and their relationships.
Rather than focusing only on thoughts or behaviors, EFT explores the emotions and relationship patterns that may contribute to distress. Therapy provides a supportive space to better understand these patterns and work toward meaningful change.
How Does Emotionally Focused Therapy Work?
EFT helps clients explore emotional experiences and recognize patterns that may be contributing to difficulties in their relationships or emotional well-being.
Depending on your needs and treatment goals, therapy may help you:
- Identify and understand underlying emotions
- Recognize patterns in relationships and emotional responses
- Explore unmet emotional needs
- Develop greater emotional awareness
- Communicate emotions and needs more effectively
- Respond to difficult emotions in healthier ways
- Strengthen emotional connection and relationships
- Develop more flexible and effective ways of coping
The goal is not simply to experience emotions, but to develop a greater understanding of them and use that awareness to create meaningful change.
Who Can Benefit From Emotionally Focused Therapy?
EFT may be helpful for individuals experiencing emotional or relationship difficulties, including those who:
- Struggle to understand or express their emotions
- Experience recurring relationship conflicts
- Have difficulty communicating their needs
- Feel disconnected from others
- Experience anxiety, sadness, or emotional distress
- Want to better understand their emotional responses
- Are navigating changes or challenges in important relationships
- Want to develop healthier patterns of connection
Treatment is individualized based on your experiences, concerns, and goals.
What Can Emotionally Focused Therapy Help With?
Emotionally Focused Therapy may provide support for:
- Relationship and attachment concerns
- Communication difficulties
- Emotional distress
- Anxiety and depression
- Relationship conflict
- Life transitions
- Grief and loss
- Family and interpersonal concerns
- Difficulties identifying or expressing emotions
- Patterns that may be affecting relationships
Emotionally Focused Therapy at Modern Me Psychology
At Modern Me Psychology, our clinicians use Emotionally Focused Therapy to help clients better understand their emotions and relationship patterns.
Therapy provides a supportive, nonjudgmental environment to explore emotional experiences, identify underlying needs, and develop healthier ways of responding to yourself and others.
Because EFT is an individualized approach, your clinician will tailor treatment to your concerns and goals.
Our Clinicians Who Use Emotionally Focused Therapy
All of our practicing clinicians incorporate Emotionally Focused Therapy into their work, including:
- Nahrain D. Tavolacci, Psy.D.
- Michael Tavolacci, Ph.D., LCPC
- Kristen Beeck, M.A., LPC
- Danielle Giovannetti-O’Halloran, LCPC
- Michael Saraceno, M.A., LPC, NCC
- Amanda Worth, M.A.
Related Approaches
Depending on your needs and treatment goals, Emotionally Focused Therapy may be integrated with other approaches, including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Strengths-Based Therapy
Explore our Attachment/Relational Problems, Anxiety, Depression, and Life Transitions & Grief pages for additional information.
Ready to Get Started?
Understanding your emotions and relationships can be an important part of creating meaningful change. Therapy can provide a supportive place to explore what you’re experiencing and develop healthier patterns of connection and emotional well-being.
Services are available in person at our Roselle, Illinois office and through telehealth for clients located in Illinois.
We accept several insurance plans, and coverage varies by plan and clinician. Contact us to confirm your benefits and whether your preferred provider and service are covered.