Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - What is it?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for many anxiety, depressive and obsessive-compulsive disorders. It is different than other therapy approaches in that it is a short-term, active and collaborative approach. CBT focuses on utilizing specific strategies to reduce interfering symptoms and distress.

CBT is based on the concept that persistent patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors contribute to the development and maintenance of anxiety and mood conditions. Treatment relies on the individual developing an increased awareness of these patterns and a willingness to learn new ways of responding to these symptoms or triggers. Through this goal-focused and action-oriented process, the individual is able to successfully face situations that once led to struggle and/or avoidance and gain confidence to create sustainable change.

The CBT approach includes a number of treatment techniques and interventions including Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Habit Reversal Therapy (HRT) and behavioral activation. Through a CBT lens, a specific treatment plan is developed for each client.

Home, School & Community-based sessions

As an out-of-network provider, I have the flexibility to do whatever is indicated to address current challenges, barriers and face symptoms where they live. This may include sessions at home, school, or other community locations. This allows us to better translate therapy strategies into your daily life.

Therapy Process

Your treatment plan will be individualized and dependent on your goals. The therapy process begins with a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation. This 90-120 minute session involves clinical interview and diagnostic assessment that will provide a thorough understanding of your symptoms and an accurate diagnosis. This information is used to develop an individualized treatment plan designed to reduce your symptoms and achieve your overall goals. We will review the diagnosis and treatment plan in the session following the evaluation appointment called the feedback session.

Following the feedback session, active therapy begins. The course of therapy usually starts with education to help you build awareness of your symptoms and interfering patterns of thinking and behavior. This phase is followed by learning skills to manage symptoms and identifying helpful changes.

Most people need weekly sessions for a period of time (most CBT treatments average 12-20 sessions, though that number may vary depending on factors like symptom severity, life stressors, and motivation). Sessions are usually 45-50 minutes, but some people may need extended sessions, which are 80-100 minutes, depending on treatment goals and techniques being used. Once active treatment wraps up, some people benefit from periodic booster sessions or “check ups.”

Child/Adolescent Treatment

Children and teens can absolutely benefit from the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approach!

When anxiety, depression or other mental health concerns are present for children/teens, families are often drawn into cycles of avoidance or distress. These concerns can often take over a family system. This is why, in working with children/teens, I incorporate parents and potentially other family members to develop an effective treatment plan that reflects the family’s needs and brings relief to the whole system. In working with parents, the goal is to establish skills that enhance the parent-child relationship and remove unhelpful accommodations. For very young children or those experiencing significant emotional outbursts and other behavioral issues, treatment often begins with parent-only sessions to teach these skills, including effective limit setting and emotion coaching. For older children and adolescents, treatment will likely begin without a parent present to build their comfort with me and awareness of their thoughts and feelings. However, regularly schedule parent check-ins will be incorporated to collaborate on how parents can best support their teen’s progress and reduce conflict within the parent-teen relationship.