Evidence-Based Treatment Modalities

CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours. CBT helps individuals understand how thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected, and teaches practical strategies to manage stress, improve coping mechanisms, and build healthier habits. It is commonly used to treat anxiety, depression, substance use

disorders, and mood‑related concerns. CBT is goal‑oriented, skills‑based, and focused on helping people make meaningful changes in their day‑to‑day lives.

Read our blog to learn more about Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

DBT is a specialized form of cognitive therapy that emphasizes emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. Originally developed to treat intense emotional dysregulation, DBT is now widely used for mood disorders, trauma‑related challenges, and substance use concerns. DBT helps individuals learn how to manage overwhelming emotions, reduce impulsive behaviours, and build healthier relationships while balancing acceptance and change.

Read our blog to learn more about Dialectical Behaviour Therapy.

Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, person‑centred approach designed to support changes in behaviour by strengthening internal motivation. MI helps individuals explore ambivalence, clarify goals, and identify personal reasons for change in a respectful, non-judgmental, and non-pushy way. It is widely used in substance use treatment, mental health care, and behavioural health settings. This approach respects autonomy and focuses on meeting individuals where they are in their readiness for change. MI is typically used alongside other therapeutic approaches to help individuals get the most benefit from treatment.

Motivational Interviewing is used widely across many EHN Canada programs to support early engagement and ongoing treatment motivation.

ACT helps individuals learn how to make space for difficult thoughts, emotions, and urges without letting them negatively control their behaviour. Instead of trying to eliminate distress, ACT focuses on accepting internal experiences while committing to actions that align with personal values. This approach can be especially helpful in addiction and mental health treatment, where avoidance or denial can interfere with progress. ACT supports long‑term change by helping individuals stay open, engaged, and willing to work toward recovery, even when challenges arise.

ACT is used within a range of EHN Canada mental health and addiction treatment programs.

BA is a therapeutic approach designed to increase engagement in meaningful and rewarding activities. By identifying patterns of avoidance and withdrawal, Behavioural Activation helps individuals take gradual, intentional steps toward activities that improve mood and functioning. This approach emphasizes action, routine, and reconnecting with personal values as a pathway to emotional improvement.

Behavioural Activation is commonly used in the treatment of depression and mood disorders and is popular in EHN Canada’s mental health treatment programs at our EHN Bellwood Toronto facility and in our Virtual Intensive Therapy Programs.

CPT is a trauma‑focused cognitive therapy designed to help individuals examine and change unhelpful beliefs related to traumatic experiences. CPT supports individuals in understanding how trauma has affected their thoughts about safety, trust, control, and self‑worth. It is commonly used in trauma and PTSD treatment and focuses on reducing distress by promoting more balanced and adaptive thinking patterns.

At EHN Canada, Cognitive Processing Therapy is commonly used within trauma‑informed programs at select EHN Guardians locations and the EHN Bellwood Toronto facility.

MDR is designed to help individuals process and resolve traumatic experiences. This modality uses bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, to help the brain reprocess memories that may be contributing to ongoing emotional distress. It is commonly used in trauma treatment and for individuals experiencing PTSD and anxiety. EMDR focuses on reducing the intensity of emotions tied to traumatic events and supporting long‑term healing.

At EHN Canada, EMDR is commonly used within trauma‑informed programs at select EHN Guardians locations.

ART is a trauma‑informed approach that uses eye movements and guided imagery to help modify the way individuals recall and emotionally respond to traumatic memories. ART allows individuals to visualize and process traumatic experiences without needing to describe them in detail, which can feel more manageable for some people. By reducing emotional intensity and supporting a sense of control, ART can be helpful in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression, and grief.

At EHN Canada, Accelerated Resolution Therapy is commonly used within trauma‑informed programs at select EHN Guardians locations, and in mental health focused programs at locations such as the EHN Bellwood Toronto facility.

PET is an evidence‑based treatment commonly used for trauma‑related conditions such as PTSD. This approach helps to gradually and safely confront traumatic memories that may otherwise be difficult to address. Through repeated and guided exposure, individuals can reduce emotional reactivity, build confidence, and regain a sense of control. Exposure may involve revisiting memories in a structured, therapeutic setting, gradually facing feared situations in real life, or a combination of both. The process is guided, collaborative, and paced to support emotional safety while reducing avoidance, emotional reactivity, and the long‑term impact of trauma.

At EHN Canada, Prolonged Exposure Therapy is commonly used within trauma‑informed programs at select EHN Guardians locations and the EHN Bellwood Toronto facility.

Most commonly used in treatment for substance use disorders, Medication‑Assisted Treatment combines the use of therapeutic support with medications to help reduce cravings, manage withdrawal symptoms, and support long‑term recovery. This approach is most effective when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes counselling, behavioural therapies, and ongoing clinical monitoring to address both the physical and psychological aspects of addiction.

Holistic approaches focus on treating the whole person by addressing mental, physical, emotional, and lifestyle factors that influence wellbeing. Holistic care is often integrated alongside evidence‑based clinical modalities to support balance, self‑awareness, and overall health as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

EHN Canada uses a variety of holistic approaches such as mindfulness practices, movement‑based therapies like yoga, Qi Gong and canoeing, nutritional support, and experiential therapies such as art and music therapy.