Therapeutic interventions for improved mental health and strengthening family bonds

We offer a variety of behavioral and mental health services for families here at Big Sky Therapeutic Services.

If you or someone you know is struggling to adjust with a mental or behavioral health issue, you're certainly not alone. The rates of mental illness in the country are on the rise, and families, schools, and community institutions are all struggling to find the means for adjusting and providing adequate support for those in need. When a child is suffering from a behavioral or mental health disorder it can affect the entire family. This calls for a system of support for individuals and families alike who would like some assistance in adjusting to life and strengthening the bond between parent and child. This can be done through a variety of methods, and since every family and individual is different—requiring a unique approach to meeting these needs, each therapeutic model should be custom designed to address each client.

One great method for helping families adjust and strengthen bonds together is through parent-child interaction training (PCIT). This is an evidence-based approach with 20 years of research to back it up. The goal of this method of training is to increase positive behaviors in children while improving their relationship with parents. This method is most effective when working with children who have experienced trauma or abuse, as well as children who are strong-willed, disruptive, having behavioral issues or mood fluctuations. This method of behavioral therapy uses a variety of therapeutic interventions to help strengthen family bonds and improve behavior such as:

• Solution-focused therapy

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy

• Behavior analytic interventions

Solution-focused therapy

This form of therapy (sometimes referred to as solution-focused brief therapy or SFBT) is a form of therapeutic intervention that looks at the present and future of an individual rather than the past. This is a very goal-oriented form of therapy that works great in the home, at school, and in work settings where there are goals that need to be met and interpersonal relationships that could be improved upon. The premise of this modality focuses on helping individuals identify the tools they already possess within themselves for managing conflict, symptoms of mental health or discord, and reaching their goals. Those who participate in this form of therapy are asked to describe the type of life they want for the future. This is then broken down into smaller goals over time that the person is helped to achieve. The strengths an weaknesses of an individual are examined in order to help them better achieve these goals, and stay on track.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a very popular form of behavioral therapy that's been used longer than any other therapeutic intervention with research to back it up. This form of therapy focuses on the interconnection we have between our thoughts, our behaviors and our emotions. If we can learn to train our thoughts, it will have a profound impact on our emotions and behaviors. This is a very problem-oriented strategy that helps individuals focus on the here and now, the problems or problematic thought patterns that are present, and learn new ways for resolution—either by changing the thoughts, or finding solutions for the problems at hand. This type of intervention is a great method for teaching people how to solve their own problems and struggles that arise in life, and self-manage any symptoms of mental illness that arise. This method of therapy is highly effective in treating symptoms of depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and substance abuse or addictive behaviors.

Behavior analytic interventions

Behavior analysis is an important element of behavioral chance. The most common behavior analytic intervention today is applied behavioral analysis (ABA) this form of therapeutic treatment is most effective at helping those with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to adjust and form behaviors that promote learning and forward movement in life. This method of therapy is evidence-based with 40 years of research to back it up. Therapists, teachers, parents, and guardians alike are able to administer this form of therapy. The main goal is to reward positive behaviors and help increase their likelihood over time while making problematic behaviors extinct. This method of therapy has been so effective at treating autism that many times the behavioral symptoms are no longer identifiable.

If you're struggling to find a cohesive flow to your day-to-day life due to behavioral or mental health issues within yourself or someone in your family, there are a variety of therapeutic interventions available to help both you and your family strengthen bonds and adjust. There is no need to struggle alone in this, and help is just a phone call away. If you'd like to learn more about these services, and how to get the help you need in the Great Falls, Montana area, we are here for you. Please give us a call to discuss your case and we will provide you with more information about the treatment options available for you. If we cannot provide the adequate care that you need to help your unique situation, we're happy to set you up with the best possible support with someone who can. Your needs are important to us.