How We Treat Mental Health

At Gooden, we believe healing comes from combining evidence-based therapies with compassion and creativity. Our programs are designed to help you process the past, strengthen coping skills, and build meaningful connections.

Here’s how we support your journey:

EMDR Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) helps people who have gone through trauma or repeated stress. Using eye movements or gentle taps, your therapist guides you in processing painful memories so they feel less overwhelming. EMDR can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and many people begin noticing improvements within 6–12 sessions.

 

DBT Therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a highly effective, research-backed therapy originally developed to help individuals struggling with intense emotions, self-destructive behaviors, or difficulties in relationships. At its core, DBT is about balancing acceptance and change—learning to accept yourself as you are, while also developing new skills to improve your quality of life.

DBT teaches skills in four main areas:

  • Mindfulness – the foundation of DBT, mindfulness helps you become more aware of your thoughts, feelings, and actions without judgment. This awareness creates space to make healthier choices rather than reacting automatically.

  • Distress Tolerance – life inevitably includes painful situations. Distress tolerance teaches you practical tools to cope with crises without resorting to harmful behaviors, such as grounding techniques, self-soothing, and radical acceptance.

  • Emotion Regulation – emotions can feel overwhelming and unpredictable. This skill set helps you identify, understand, and manage your feelings, so you can respond in ways that align with your values rather than being driven by impulses.

  • Interpersonal Effectiveness – relationships are central to well-being. This area of DBT focuses on improving communication, setting boundaries, asking for what you need, and maintaining self-respect while strengthening connections with others.

DBT is structured and skill-based, which means you’ll practice and apply these tools both in and outside of therapy sessions. Over time, DBT can help reduce self-destructive patterns, ease emotional suffering, and empower you to live with greater balance and stability.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT helps you build psychological flexibility and resilience. You’ll practice mindfulness, acceptance, and values-based strategies to navigate difficult thoughts and emotions. Instead of avoiding discomfort, ACT empowers you to live more fully and intentionally.

Attachment Groups

Attachment patterns form in childhood and shape how we connect with others. When early bonds are disrupted, it can affect how we see ourselves and our relationships. In these groups, you’ll explore attachment styles, work through past wounds, and practice building healthier, more secure connections.

Self-Identity Group

This group focuses on exploring and reflecting on your sense of self—your values, beliefs, cultural influences, and identity formation. Using a depth psychological approach, you’ll uncover how the unconscious mind impacts behavior and symptoms, promoting healing through insight and symbolism.

Relationship Dynamics

Healthy relationships are essential to well-being. In this group, you’ll explore patterns of communication, attachment, conflict resolution, and intimacy. The goal is to help you create stronger, more fulfilling connections in your personal and social life.

Somatic Groups

Trauma often lives in the body, leading to anxiety and physical stress responses. Somatic therapy helps you identify triggers and calm your nervous system through practices like breathing exercises, yoga, and vocal work. By reconnecting with the body, you’ll learn to regulate emotions during difficult moments.

Art Therapy

Art therapy provides a creative outlet to explore emotions, express yourself, and promote healing. Through drawing, painting, or other mediums, you can externalize inner experiences, gain deeper insight into thoughts and feelings, and discover new coping strategies—all without needing to be an “artist.”

Community Integration

Healing doesn’t happen in isolation. While therapy provides tools for growth, true recovery also comes from practicing these skills in everyday life and connecting with others. Our Community Integration groups bridge the gap between treatment and real-world living by encouraging confidence, independence, and joy outside of therapy.

Activities may include recreational outings, volunteer opportunities, life skills practice, and peer connection events. These experiences help you apply what you’ve learned in therapy, reduce isolation, and rediscover purpose.

Community integration reminds us that healing is not just about overcoming challenges—it’s also about building community and enjoying life again.

At Gooden, we don’t just treat symptoms—we help you build a foundation for lasting growth, resilience, and connection.

SEEKING SAFETY

The Seeking Safety program is an evidence-based, present-focused treatment designed to help individuals struggling with trauma, substance use, and related mental health issues. Instead of delving into past traumatic experiences, it emphasizes building coping skills and fostering a sense of safety in daily life. Through structured sessions that blend psychoeducation, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and grounding techniques, participants learn practical tools to manage overwhelming emotions, reduce harmful behaviors, and strengthen resilience.