Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy has been proven to be effective in treating a variety of mental health problems, including anxiety and depression.  It focuses on examining the connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.  The goal is to replace negative thinking with healthier thoughts.  As teens learn these skills they feel happier and behave more appropriately.     

Mindfulness

Mindfulness means living in the moment and developing a greater awareness of your thoughts, feelings, body sensations and the surrounding environment.  Scientific research has proven mindfulness to be effective in improving a person's physical and mental health. Mindfulness can improve a sense of well-being because it helps people appreciate the present moment without judgement. Engaging in the practice of mindfulness can also help relieve stress, lower blood pressure, improve sleep and alleviate pain. IGP provides opportunities to practice mindfulness through Christine Stevens' drumming program, progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, meditation, and visual imagery. 

Brain Plasticity

Over the last several decades neuroscientists have discovered that our brains have plasticity — meaning that our brains have the ability to change and adapt as a result of experience. Having knowledge about the structures and functions of our brain is important in psychological treatment because it allows clients to have a better understanding of the treatment approaches they are agreeing to participate in. IGP is based upon cutting edge brain research which indicates that if we engage the lower part of the brain (responsible for blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature) we can actually change neural networks in the brain which can decrease stress. Music, drumming, yoga, art, singing are all examples of activities, with enough repetitions, can modify neural networks in the brain.