Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is one of the only empirically validated therapies and I use some part of this with all of my clients. It is a form of psychotherapy that emphasizes the important role of thinking in how we feel and what we do.

It is based on the idea that our thoughts cause our feelings and behaviors, not external things, like people, situations, and events. This means that we can change the way we think to feel and act better, even if the situation does not change. Clients get to take back control of their lives.

CBT works by looking at how where our negative thoughts and feelings come from and how we can react differently and how changing the way we behave can help us feel better. CBT is based on scientific methods with clearly structured sessions. We focus on current problems and practical solutions.

CBT is considered shorter-term therapy and can help with a wide range of problems including depression, anxiety, OCD, managing long-term illnesses, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress and schizophrenia.

With CBT we learn what clients want out of life (your goals) and then help you achieve those goals. The therapist’s role is to listen, teach, and encourage, while the client’s roles is to express concerns, learn, and implement that learning. CBT works well for clients who want a therapy that works towards solutions, with clear goals and using practical techniques.

While you read these remember that I do not use any one therapy for any one client, but an accumulation of therapies to best suit the individual’s needs. I am always expanding my knowledge as well and may incorporate different techniques as well.