What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
CBT is a research-based intervention that has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety, depression and supporting children and adults with ADHD and self-regulation issues. In CBT, one’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are examined to understand how they contribute to their symptoms. Interventions focus on changing one’s beliefs or interpretation of events so they are less distorted and more realistic, coping with anxiety through relaxation and mindfulness exercises, and confronting one’s fears and anxieties through exposure therapy. In some cases, medication may help in the treatment of an anxiety disorder in combination with CBT. When appropriate, we will discuss the role of medication and make referrals to psychiatrists. Our psychologists work closely with psychiatrists to ensure that medication and CBT work in conjunction to help reduce your symptoms.
What We Treat:
Social Anxiety (Social Phobia)
Separation Anxiety
Generalized Anxiety
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Selective Mutism
School Refusal
Panic Disorder
Specific Phobias
Depression
Trichotillomania
Tic Disorders
The first step is a detailed assessment of the behavior. Our psychologists are skilled in the diagnostic assessment process and utilize clinical interviews, rating scales, and information obtained from other relevant sources (parents, teachers, and partners) to clarify the issues and to develop treatment recommendations.
Therapy sessions are scheduled on a weekly basis for 45-60 minutes. When symptoms are severe, more frequent sessions may be needed. Treatment is designed to be short term and ranges anywhere from 10-32 sessions depending on an individual’s specific needs.