Dave Buettner MFT

Treatment Approach

DaveMFT.com Terms of UseTreatment Approach

In my clinical practice, I integrate elements from different schools of psychotherapy. Each perspective offers valuable ideas and techniques to add to the therapeutic process. The following are examples of approaches I use followed by a complete list.

Existential Perspective

I explore with my clients the root causes of emptiness and unhappiness in their lives. We examine what is possible to change and what is not. We weigh the pros and cons of leaving things as they are versus changing them. Together, we search for missing parts – for what can bring joy and meaning to their lives.

Psychodynamic Perspective

To help me to understand my clients’ experiences, I incorporate ideas from psychodynamic perspectives that place a strong emphasis on self-reflection and examination of relationship patterns in a person’s life. I explore with my clients how their earlier life experiences shape their current perceptions and contribute to the present challenges. Together, we look for recurrent patterns and work on developing a deeper understanding of the driving forces that motivate them to make choices in their lives.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

During psychotherapy sessions, I explore with my clients the interaction between their beliefs, thoughts, feelings and behaviors. We examine and evaluate their habitual perceptions and responses to different situations. Together, we work on changing unhelpful patterns and developing more adaptive modes of thinking and behaving.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBCT)

Sometimes people try to push negative thoughts and experiences out of their awareness. However, they may find that their attempts are often unsuccessful. Dostoevsky made an observation in one of his books that trying not to think of something may have the opposite effect. This wise observation of human nature made in the mid-19th century was confirmed by research in 1980s. Mindfulness-Based Therapy can help people learn an alternative way of relating to their experiences.

Types of Therapy I Use

  • Art Therapy
  • Attachment-based
  • Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
  • Culturally Sensitive
  • Dialectical (DBT)
  • Eclectic
  • Existential
  • Family / Marital
  • Family Systems
  • Gestalt
  • Humanistic
  • Hypnotherapy
  • Integrative
  • Interpersonal
  • Mindfulness-based (MBCT)
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Multicultural
  • Narrative
  • Relational
  • Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
  • Somatic
  • Transpersonal
  • Trauma Focused