Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

“We would rather be ruined than changed, we would rather die in our dread, than climb the cross of the moment, and let our illusions die.” W. H. AUDEN

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) uses a variety of cognitive and behavioral techniques, with problem-solving approaches borrowed from many psychotherapeutic modalities. These include dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), gestalt therapy, mindfulness, solution-focused therapy, and motivational interviewing.

Often, we take one kernel of truth about a problem or situation, and CBT helps with seeing more of the whole story.

CBT helps clients change unhelpful thinking and behavior, and this may lead to enduring improvement in mood, anxiety, and overall functioning.

CBT concepts include:

Cognitive formulation – the beliefs and behavioral problems that characterize a specific problem or issue.
Conceptualization – understanding individual clients and their specific beliefs or patterns of behavior Cognitive model – the way that individuals perceive a situation is more closely connected to their reaction than the situation itself.
Automatic thoughts – ideas that seem to pop up in your mind.

How does CBT work?

Collaborative: You will work together with your therapist to understand the problem, define your goals and develop the best treatment plan.
Active: During and between sessions you will practice skills and gain mastery over your problem(s).
Objective: We will use questionnaires on a regular basis to monitor the improvement of your symptoms.
Effective: Clients usually experience meaningful and lasting change in a relatively few numbers of sessions.

How CBT is different?

Pragmatic – it helps identify specific problems and tries to solve them.
Highly structured – rather than talking freely about your life, you and your therapist discuss specific problems and set goals for you to achieve.
Focused on current problems – it’s mainly concerned with how you think and act now rather than attempting to resolve past issues.
Collaborative – your therapist won’t tell you what to do; you’ll work with your therapist to find solutions to your current difficulties.

Experience

Practicing psychotherapy since 1992.
Post-graduate training Beck Institute.
Certified Cognitive behavior Therapy by the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies.

Many times, taking a step forward toward change is unsettling and involves an element of uncertainty. We will start with an initial phone consultation or email to answer any questions you may have prior to the meeting. If this conversation or later encounters reveal that I am not the right person to help you, there is a good chance I could refer you to someone more appropriate.