THEORY

Aristotle (384-322 BC), student of Plato, a father of western philosophy, and the progenitor of rational thought. Study of the objective inevitably led to his conception of the scientific method. Aristotle’s investigations of the empirical, natural sciences and logic were essential to his contributions to the foundation of modern psychology. Aristotle Mental Health recognizes how powerfully thought can affect our emotional and behavioral health. That is why Cognitive Therapy and Mindfulness are fundamental theories of its practice. Ancillary theories informing practice include Brief Dynamic Therapy, Cognitive/Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Existential Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Socratic Questioning, Psychodynamic, Attachment,  Radical Acceptance; Resilience (Black, Queer,) Ecological/Family Systems, Behavioralism, Casework, and Psychoanalysis.

A Strengths-based, Recovery Model for Treatment

A Social Worker is trained to diagnose and provide treatment for mental disorders with talk therapy, the same as a Psychologist. Generally speaking, empirical psychology sees the person as ‘subject’ with deficits to overcome. This concept is known as the ‘Medical Model’ and is the model by which the US delivers most of its care. A Social Worker’s scope is larger. Firstly, they seek to recognize the unique human in front of them and honor the experiences that they bring. Then Social Workers seek to identify a client’s innate strengths and natural supports. They seek understand a client’s environment, including the structures of oppression, like poverty, racism, and inequality, and how they play a role in—ifnot the entire explanation for—a person’s mental disorders.

MASLOW

Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is the guiding principle of assessment and intervention at Aristotle Mental Health. Self-Actualization is the goal, to be the fulfilled person you were truly meant to be