Integrative Therapy: From CBT to Z | Redefine Your Journey Toward Emotional Resilience

Let's explore why Dena Bradford uses integrative therapy in practice.

First, I want to say -- there are a lot of letters in this blog in the form of acronyms. There is a virtual alphabet soup going on, but I'll do my best to break this down in a way that is both easy to grasp, and doesn't make you want to sleep.

I am a big proponent of holistic healthcare from my days as a healthcare executive. We don't do a good enough job in America at addressing the whole person, and this philosophy has carried over and informs my own private practice patterns.

When it comes to mental health, one size rarely fits all. Every individual’s journey is unique, and so should be their therapy. This is where integrative psychotherapy shines. By weaving together the best elements of various therapeutic modalities, integrative psychotherapy offers a tailored approach to healing that can address both the mind and body.

The heart of this approach lies Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a well-researched and highly effective framework. But integrative psychotherapy doesn’t stop there—it pulls in powerful tools from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), somatic therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and attachment theory.

By combining these modalities, therapists can create a dynamic and responsive process that fosters lasting growth, resilience, and well-being. Let’s explore why integrative psychotherapy is gaining traction and how each of these components works together to maximize outcomes.

CBT as the Foundation of Integrative Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is often called the gold standard in psychotherapy, and for good reason. It’s rooted in the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. When we learn to identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns, we can create meaningful changes in how we feel and act. CBT equips people with practical skills—like cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and problem-solving—that help them manage challenges and develop healthier ways of coping.

What makes CBT so foundational to integrative psychotherapy is its structured, evidence-based nature. It provides a solid framework that other modalities can build upon. For example, CBT’s emphasis on examining thought patterns complements the mindfulness and acceptance strategies of ACT. Its focus on behavior change dovetails beautifully with DBT’s skills training in areas like emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness. CBT’s adaptability makes it an excellent starting point, but integrating it with other approaches takes therapy to the next level.

ACT and DBT in Integrative Psychotherapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy bring unique strengths to integrative psychotherapy. ACT emphasizes the importance of psychological flexibility—learning to accept difficult emotions rather than trying to suppress or avoid them, while also committing to actions aligned with personal values. By helping clients focus on what truly matters, ACT fosters a sense of meaning and purpose even in the face of life’s challenges.

DBT, originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder, has proven to be highly effective for a wide range of emotional and interpersonal difficulties. Its hallmark is the combination of acceptance and change. Clients are taught to validate their experiences while also learning skills for regulating emotions, tolerating distress, and improving relationships.

Together, ACT and DBT add depth to CBT’s foundation. ACT helps clients develop mindfulness and a greater connection to their values, while DBT provides practical tools for managing intense emotions and navigating relationships. Integrating these approaches allows therapists to offer clients a rich set of strategies to support their unique needs.

Somatic Therapy and Internal Family Systems

While CBT, ACT, and DBT focus on thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, somatic therapy brings the body into the equation.

Trauma, stress, and emotional pain often leave their mark on the body, creating tension, discomfort, or a sense of being stuck. Somatic therapy helps clients tune into physical sensations and release stored trauma through practices like grounding, breathwork, and movement. This mind-body connection is a critical piece of the healing puzzle, especially for individuals who feel disconnected from their bodies or overwhelmed by their emotions.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) adds another layer to integrative psychotherapy by addressing the complex dynamics within our internal world. IFS views the mind as being made up of different parts, each with its own role and perspective. Some parts may protect us from pain, while others may carry burdens from past experiences. IFS helps clients develop a compassionate relationship with all parts of themselves, fostering healing and harmony within their internal system.

When somatic therapy and IFS are integrated into psychotherapy, they create a holistic approach that addresses not just thoughts and feelings but also the body and internal dynamics. This comprehensive focus can lead to profound healing and a deeper sense of self-awareness.

EMDR and Attachment Theory

Trauma has a way of lingering in our minds and bodies, often shaping how we see ourselves and relate to others. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful tool for processing trauma and reducing its emotional impact.

By engaging both hemispheres of the brain through guided eye movements or other bilateral stimulation, EMDR helps clients reprocess distressing memories in a way that reduces their hold on the present.

Attachment theory, on the other hand, focuses on the connections we form with others, starting in childhood. Secure attachments are vital for emotional well-being, while insecure or disrupted attachments can contribute to difficulties in relationships and self-esteem. By understanding attachment styles and working to create healthier relational patterns, therapy can help clients build stronger, more secure connections with themselves and others.

Incorporating EMDR and attachment theory into integrative psychotherapy is especially valuable for clients dealing with trauma or relational wounds. These approaches complement the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral work of CBT, ACT, and DBT by addressing deeper layers of experience and promoting both healing and connection.

Well. There you have it.

Whether it’s calming the mind, regulating emotions, reconnecting with the body, or healing relationships, integrative psychotherapy has the tools to meet clients where they are and guide them toward where they want to be.

I hope this helped.

Dena B