Evidence-Based & Evidence-Informed Therapy

Blending Science, Experience, and the Human Heart

At the heart of therapy lies both art and science — the wisdom of human experience and the evidence that guides what truly works. My approach to counseling is both evidence-based and evidence-informed, meaning it draws upon decades of psychological research while remaining deeply attuned to your unique story, culture, and lived experience.

What Is Evidence-Based Therapy?

Evidence-Based Therapy (EBT) refers to therapeutic methods that have been rigorously studied and shown through research to be effective in helping people make meaningful changes. These are not trends or untested theories — they are approaches backed by data, clinical trials, and consistent positive outcomes.

Common evidence-based therapies include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – helps identify and reframe unhelpful thinking patterns to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – integrates mindfulness and emotional regulation skills, especially effective for intense emotions or trauma responses.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – encourages psychological flexibility and helps you live in alignment with your values, even amid discomfort.
Mindfulness-Based Therapies – cultivate present-moment awareness to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

These methods are grounded in the scientific understanding of how people heal, grow, and sustain change.

What Is Evidence-Informed Therapy?

While evidence-based methods rely on existing research, Evidence-Informed Therapy broadens the picture. It means integrating the best available evidence alongside clinical experience, cultural sensitivity, and client preferences.

This approach recognizes that you are not a diagnosis or a data point. Every person’s healing process is shaped by their history, identity, relationships, and values. Evidence-informed therapy allows space for creativity, intuition, and the integration of other modalities — such as Animal-Assisted Therapy, expressive arts, or somatic awareness — while still being anchored in evidence-supported principles.

In other words, evidence-informed therapy combines what the research says works with what works best for you.

How I Use Evidence-Based and Evidence-Informed Therapy in Practice

In my practice, I draw from both evidence-based and evidence-informed approaches to create a customized therapy plan that supports your goals.

Rather than applying a rigid formula, I begin by listening — to who you are, what brings you to therapy, and what outcomes you hope to achieve. Together, we identify methods that align with your needs and comfort level.

For example, therapy might include:

CBT tools to address negative thought patterns and build emotional resilience
Mindfulness and grounding techniques to manage stress and anxiety
Narrative Therapy to help you reframe your personal story
Trauma-informed interventions that prioritize safety and pacing
Animal-Assisted Therapy with Sophie, my certified therapy dog, to support emotional regulation, connection, and trust

Each session is guided by curiosity, compassion, and flexibility — allowing research and relationship to work together in service of your growth.

The Difference Between Evidence-Based and Evidence-Informed Care

Although these terms are often used interchangeably, the distinction matters.

Evidence-Based approaches rely directly on research and clinical data.
Evidence-Informed approaches consider evidence, but also include practitioner expertise, lived experience, and cultural context.

In short, evidence-based care tells us what’s been proven to help; evidence-informed care helps us decide how to use that knowledge with real people in real life.

Both are essential for ethical, effective, and compassionate therapy.

Why Evidence Matters in Therapy

When you choose a therapist who practices evidence-based and evidence-informed care, you’re choosing someone committed to quality, integrity, and accountability. It means your therapy is supported by approaches that have been shown to help others with similar concerns — while still being uniquely tailored to you.

This balance offers:

Effectiveness – grounded in research and measurable outcomes
Safety – methods that have been ethically tested and clinically validated
Personalization – therapy that adapts to your needs, pace, and background
Empowerment – tools you can use in daily life for lasting growth

Therapy becomes not just supportive, but strategic — rooted in empathy and guided by evidence.

The Human Side of Evidence

While science provides structure, healing happens in relationship. Research shows that the most important factor in therapy success is not the specific modality, but the quality of the therapeutic relationship — trust, empathy, and collaboration.

That’s why I hold the research lightly and keep the human connection central. Evidence-based tools are powerful, but they are always used in the context of compassion — attuned to your emotional world, not just your symptoms.

We’ll work together to create a pace that feels safe and manageable. You’ll always have choice and voice in how we proceed.

Integrating Mind, Body, and Heart

Evidence-based therapy does not exclude creativity, intuition, or spirituality — it simply ensures these elements are grounded in a framework of safety and effectiveness.

When appropriate, I may integrate:

Somatic awareness to help you reconnect with your body’s wisdom
Mindfulness and breathwork to support regulation and focus
Animal-Assisted Therapy for grounding, presence, and emotional connection
Humanistic, person-centered principles that affirm your inherent worth and capacity for growth

This integrative approach allows for both rigor and warmth, both structure and soul.

Who Can Benefit from Evidence-Based and Evidence-Informed Therapy

This approach is effective for a wide range of concerns, including:

Anxiety, depression, and stress
Trauma and complex PTSD
Relationship challenges
Life transitions and identity exploration
Grief and loss
Emotional regulation and self-esteem

It’s also a powerful framework for clients seeking therapy that balances empirical effectiveness with genuine human connection — especially those who appreciate both structure and flexibility in their healing process.

Next Step

If you’re seeking evidence-based or evidence-informed therapy in Santa Barbara, I would be honored to support you.

Together, we’ll combine the best of research, experience, and empathy to help you move toward greater clarity, confidence, and emotional well-being.

You don’t have to choose between science and soul — your healing deserves both.

JAMIE FORTINSeptember 1, 2025

Evidence-Based & Evidence-Informed Therapy

Evidence-Based & Evidence-Informed Therapy

Blending Science, Experience, and the Human Heart

What Is Evidence-Based Therapy?

Common evidence-based therapies include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – helps identify and reframe unhelpful thinking patterns to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) – integrates mindfulness and emotional regulation skills, especially effective for intense emotions or trauma responses.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – encourages psychological flexibility and helps you live in alignment with your values, even amid discomfort.

Mindfulness-Based Therapies – cultivate present-moment awareness to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

These methods are grounded in the scientific understanding of how people heal, grow, and sustain change.

What Is Evidence-Informed Therapy?

While evidence-based methods rely on existing research, Evidence-Informed Therapy broadens the picture. It means integrating the best available evidence alongside clinical experience, cultural sensitivity, and client preferences.

In other words, evidence-informed therapy combines what the research says works with what works best for you.

How I Use Evidence-Based and Evidence-Informed Therapy in Practice

In my practice, I draw from both evidence-based and evidence-informed approaches to create a customized therapy plan that supports your goals.

Rather than applying a rigid formula, I begin by listening — to who you are, what brings you to therapy, and what outcomes you hope to achieve. Together, we identify methods that align with your needs and comfort level.

For example, therapy might include:

CBT tools to address negative thought patterns and build emotional resilience

Mindfulness and grounding techniques to manage stress and anxiety

Narrative Therapy to help you reframe your personal story

Trauma-informed interventions that prioritize safety and pacing

Animal-Assisted Therapy with Sophie, my certified therapy dog, to support emotional regulation, connection, and trust

Each session is guided by curiosity, compassion, and flexibility — allowing research and relationship to work together in service of your growth.

The Difference Between Evidence-Based and Evidence-Informed Care

Although these terms are often used interchangeably, the distinction matters.

Evidence-Based approaches rely directly on research and clinical data.

Evidence-Informed approaches consider evidence, but also include practitioner expertise, lived experience, and cultural context.

In short, evidence-based care tells us what’s been proven to help; evidence-informed care helps us decide how to use that knowledge with real people in real life.

Both are essential for ethical, effective, and compassionate therapy.

Why Evidence Matters in Therapy

This balance offers:

Effectiveness – grounded in research and measurable outcomes

Safety – methods that have been ethically tested and clinically validated

Personalization – therapy that adapts to your needs, pace, and background

Empowerment – tools you can use in daily life for lasting growth

Therapy becomes not just supportive, but strategic — rooted in empathy and guided by evidence.

The Human Side of Evidence

While science provides structure, healing happens in relationship. Research shows that the most important factor in therapy success is not the specific modality, but the quality of the therapeutic relationship — trust, empathy, and collaboration.

That’s why I hold the research lightly and keep the human connection central. Evidence-based tools are powerful, but they are always used in the context of compassion — attuned to your emotional world, not just your symptoms.

We’ll work together to create a pace that feels safe and manageable. You’ll always have choice and voice in how we proceed.

Integrating Mind, Body, and Heart

Evidence-based therapy does not exclude creativity, intuition, or spirituality — it simply ensures these elements are grounded in a framework of safety and effectiveness.

When appropriate, I may integrate:

Somatic awareness to help you reconnect with your body’s wisdom

Mindfulness and breathwork to support regulation and focus

Animal-Assisted Therapy for grounding, presence, and emotional connection

Humanistic, person-centered principles that affirm your inherent worth and capacity for growth

This integrative approach allows for both rigor and warmth, both structure and soul.

Who Can Benefit from Evidence-Based and Evidence-Informed Therapy

This approach is effective for a wide range of concerns, including:

Anxiety, depression, and stress

Trauma and complex PTSD

Relationship challenges

Life transitions and identity exploration

Grief and loss

Emotional regulation and self-esteem

It’s also a powerful framework for clients seeking therapy that balances empirical effectiveness with genuine human connection — especially those who appreciate both structure and flexibility in their healing process.

Next Step

If you’re seeking evidence-based or evidence-informed therapy in Santa Barbara, I would be honored to support you.

Together, we’ll combine the best of research, experience, and empathy to help you move toward greater clarity, confidence, and emotional well-being.

You don’t have to choose between science and soul — your healing deserves both.