Clinical Approach

Medically Reviewed by Bill Brown, LCMHC

Our Approach

At Confluence, every aspect across the continuum of care is designed to provide effective, evidence-based interventions to treat young adults experiencing mental health, relational and life development challenges.

Confluence’s clinical approach is built around third-wave cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT). These treatment approaches are the most-researched, current and empirically-validated modalities for treating a wide range of mental health disorders. They also provide a framework for encouraging motivation and engagement in life’s responsibilities. Third-wave CBT builds from and incorporates earlier CBT approaches. However, an emphasis is placed on building behaviors that support action towards realizing one’s goals and living in accordance with one’s values.

Third-Wave CBT

This most recent development in CBT research and practice explains emotional suffering as the result of the interplay between language (how we interpret experience) and our desire to impact and control our environment. As we attempt to control experience we may work to avoid undesirable or uncomfortable experiences. This experiential avoidance imbues the uncomfortable experience with a gripping power that further captures one’s experience. It also leads to a decrease in response flexibility.

In other words, in order to reduce our suffering we restrict the ways we think, feel and act. As we restrict our range we become increasingly committed to behaviors simply designed to avoid suffering. This avoidance creates more suffering. And as we all know, suffering (or discomfort, displeasure, rejection, loneliness, sadness) are part and parcel to the human experience. We can’t avoid them. They are a real part of life and choosing not to feel and experience these difficult aspects of life only leads to more discomfort and suffering. We have to engage these aspects of our experience in order to be well adapted, resilient, healthy and motivated.

This engagement is the heart of third-wave CBT. Third wave CBT interventions focus on learning how to observe and accept the process of thinking and feeling. Our treatment emphasizes commitments to change, the articulation of personal values, a focus on the here and now, and learning how to think about our thoughts.

Interventions

Experiential

Treatment doesn’t have to be boring and dull. It can be full of positive experiences, meaningful adventure and supportive relationships. It should spark curiosity and invite fun to the table too. Confluence provides transformational experiences that encourage and support introspection, development and change. Read more about Confluence experiences here.

Relational

We believe healing and true change happens in the context of relationships built on honesty, trust and a commitment to emotional safety. This supports a discovery and development of the self that leads to lasting change. Confluence is founded on a recognition that every person has the potential to improve the quality of their experience, but our belief is every young adult has the potential to move beyond that. We believe every person has the capacity to thrive.

Psychoeducational

Better understanding and knowledge of one’s experience lies at the foundation of our work with participants. Learning about mental health and how it effects our thoughts, emotions, relationships and actions is key to recovery and wellness. Our participant handbook and curriculum supports this educational model so participants not only can heal from mental health challenges, but so they can develop prevention and self-care strategies for long-term health. Read more about the River Model here.

The team at Confluence helped our son immensely. We couldn't be happier with the results and would highly recommend the program for young adults that are ready and willing to actively engage in making significant progress toward a healthier life.

Quite frankly, our daughter’s transformation at Confluence saved her life. The experience was the most challenging of her life but it has changed her profoundly - she is learning to communicate, know herself and deal with her inner mental self.

Explore Your Health Insurance Benefits

Confluence admissions staff are available to help families navigate and better understand the insurance landscape as it relates to mental healthcare services. Our Residential and Outpatient programs work with insurances, however our coaching and transitional housing services do not accept insurance at this time. Confluence can bill insurance directly and private pay options are available as well.