My Approach
I integrate evidence-based practices from cognitive-behavioral, somatic, and process-based approaches to create a personalized pathway for each person I serve. Compassion, authenticity, and connection are the heart of my practice.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT is part of a "third wave" of cognitive-behavioral approaches that supports the development of psychological flexibility. In our sessions, we use ACT-based exercises rooted in mindfulness, acceptance, and values. This evidence-based practice can help you to learn how to see thoughts as just thoughts, identify and root your life in your personal values, and embrace all your emotions rather than try to push them away or hide from them.
Focusing
Focusing is an approach that emphasizes deep listening to bodily sensations, allowing individuals to access inner wisdom and personal growth (learn more). During our sessions, we practice paying attention to the "felt sense" of a particular concern. Through this process of gentle exploration and inquiry, you can learn to listen to the inherent wisdom of your body. This process is a person-centered approach to emotional healing, self-acceptance, and wellbeing.
Yoga
Yoga is more than just a physical practice. There are seven other limbs of yoga that are often ignored in the West (learn more). I've found that movement and breathwork are great tools for helping us get unstuck, keeping a meditation practice and developing self-discipline sustain the changes we make, and exploring values, ethics, and our deep connection to world around us can help us navigate ourselves towards a life of meaning. In my practice, we utilize the eight limbs of yoga as a holistic approach to help you enhance your capacity for self-regulation, emotional resilience, and social engagement.
Fogg Behavioral Model
This simple formula is an evidence-based framework for behavior change. The formula B=MAP (Behavior = Motivation, Ability, Prompt) can be summed up as, 'behavior occurs because an individual has the motivation and ability to do take action when they encounter a prompt (i.e., trigger) in the environment'. We use this model as a roadmap for developing adaptive (i.e. desirable) behavior patterns, as well as interrupting behaviors that aren't helping us achieve our goals. We don't do this by making big changes to our routines that we end up struggling to maintain. Instead, we make small changes in basic areas of our lives that blossom into new lifestyles over time (learn more).
Education
Degree
Master of Social Work – University of Minnesota, 2023
License
Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) – Minnesota
Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) – Minnesota
Certifications
Trauma Conscious Yoga Method™ (TCYM) – Level 1 Certificate of Completion
Felt Sense Polyvagal Model: Treating Trauma and Addiction – Certificate of Completion
Psychedelic Somatic Interactional Psychotherapy – Level 2 Certificate of Completion
ACT Immersion – Certificate of Completion
Please Note: If you are contemplating suicide, believe that you are a danger to yourself or others, or are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, please call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room. If you are experiencing a crisis, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.
Information provided on this website DOES NOT create a therapist-client relationship between you and Cliff Dahlberg. Please note that requesting an appointment does not guarantee you will receive mental health services.