Dr. Irfan Rajani

Mental Health

Our mental health services harness the power of both established and innovative therapies to address the complex landscape of mental well-being. With Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing, we focus on transforming negative thought patterns and fostering personal motivation for change. Embracing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS), we dive deeper into the realms of acceptance, emotional bonds, and internal harmony. Learn more about our therapeutic modalities below.

Mental health

Our approach is rooted in continuous learning and specialization, reflecting our commitment to providing nuanced, effective mental health care tailored to the individual needs and journeys of our patients.

Our Therapeutic Modalities

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of psychotherapy that uses acceptance and mindfulness strategies mixed in different ways with commitment and behavior-change strategies, to increase psychological flexibility. The core premise of ACT is that suffering comes not from the experience of emotional pain, but from our attempted avoidance of that pain. Thus, the goal of ACT is not to eliminate difficult feelings; rather, it is to be present with what life brings us and to “move toward valued behavior”.

Six Core Processes of ACT

  1. Cognitive Defusion: Learning methods to reduce the tendency to reify thoughts, images, emotions, and memories.
  2. Acceptance: Allowing thoughts to come and go without struggling with them.
  3. Contact with the Present Moment: Awareness of the here and now, experienced with openness, interest, and receptiveness.
  4. Observing the Self: Accessing a sense of self as a context or perspective from which to observe and accept all thoughts without attachment.
  5. Values: Discovering what is most important to one’s true self.
  6. Committed Action: Setting goals according to values and carrying them out responsibly, in the service of a meaningful life.

The aim of ACT is to create a rich and meaningful life, while accepting the pain that inevitably goes with it. It is a form of therapy that seeks to help individuals fully embrace their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting or feeling guilty for them. It may be used as a treatment for a wide range of psychological disorders, and is also beneficial for individuals facing a variety of life challenges.

References

Book: “Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: The Process and Practice of Mindful Change” by Steven C. Hayes, Kirk D. Strosahl, and Kelly G. Wilson. This book is considered a seminal text in the field of ACT, providing a comprehensive overview of the therapy’s theory, practice, and research.
Article: Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K. D., & Wilson, K. G. (1999). “Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: An experiential approach to behavior change”. This article in the journal “Psychological Science” outlines the core principles and techniques of ACT.

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a type of psychotherapy that identifies and addresses multiple sub-personalities or families within each person’s mental system. These sub-personalities consist of wounded parts and painful emotions such as anger and shame, as well as parts that try to protect the individual from the pain of the wounded parts. The IFS model promotes internal harmony and integration by encouraging a non-judgmental, welcoming, and accepting attitude toward all parts of oneself.

Key Components of IFS

  • Parts: The idea that the mind is made up of multiple sub-personalities, each with its distinct qualities and perspectives.
  • Self: A core aspect of an individual that is characterized by qualities such as compassion, curiosity, calmness, and clarity. IFS emphasizes accessing the Self to heal and integrate the parts.
  • Exiles, Managers, and Firefighters: Types of parts within the system. Exiles carry painful emotions from past traumas, managers work to keep the exiles at bay and maintain control, and firefighters try to extinguish emotional pain (often through impulsive behaviors) when it arises.
  • Healing: Involves the Self getting to know the parts, understanding their roles and burdens, and eventually healing them through acceptance and love.

References

Book: “Internal Family Systems Therapy” by Richard C. Schwartz. As the creator of IFS, Schwartz’s book is the definitive guide to the IFS model, detailing the conceptual framework and therapeutic techniques.
Article: Schwartz, R. C. (1995). “Internal Family Systems Therapy: New dimensions”. This article provides an overview of the IFS model and its application in psychotherapy, showcasing its effectiveness in treating a variety of psychological issues.

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is an evidence-based couple therapy that focuses on adult relationships and attachment/bonding. The therapy aims to improve emotional connection and strengthen attachment bonds in relationships by exploring patterns in the relationship and how they affect emotional attachment.

Key Aspects of EFT

  • Attachment Theory Foundation: EFT is based on the premise that emotional attachment is fundamental to human relationships and that problems in relationships can often be traced back to attachment insecurities.
  • Three Stages: EFT involves three stages: de-escalation of negative cycles of interaction, changing interaction patterns to create emotional engagement and attachment, and consolidation and integration.
  • Emotionally Focused: The therapy focuses on identifying, exploring, understanding, and changing emotional experiences that underlie relationship issues.
  • Creating Secure Bonds: The goal is to create a shift in partners’ interactional positions and initiate new cycles of bonding interactions that foster secure attachment and connection.

References

Book: “The Practice of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy: Creating Connection” by Susan M. Johnson. This book is essential reading for understanding EFT, written by one of its co-creators. It covers the theory behind EFT, the process of therapy, and its application to couples.
Article: Johnson, S. M., & Greenberg, L. S. (1988). “Relating process to outcome in marital therapy”. This article, published in the “Journal of Marital and Family Therapy”, discusses the theoretical foundations of EFT and its effectiveness in improving relationship satisfaction.