The TEAM-CBT Approach:
Tools for Active Healing and Lasting Change
TEAM-CBT is an advanced, data-driven evolution of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy developed by Dr. David Burns at the Stanford University School of Medicine. This highly structured, fast-acting framework addresses the common barriers that frequently delay therapeutic progress. Dr. Keren Shemesh, Ph.D., utilizes this specialized modality in Mountain View and online across California to treat depression, anxiety, and interpersonal communication challenges. By systematically integrating continuous symptom testing, deep clinical empathy, proactive resistance assessment, and over one hundred customized behavioral methods, the TEAM model provides a rigorous, collaborative pathway toward clinical resilience and measurable symptom relief.
T – Testing Similar to a physician who takes vitals and x-rays, I take measures of emotional state. I use short a succinct psychological measure assessing depression, anxiety and your level of satisfaction with your loved ones. Our relationship with others can be a source of happiness or grief, and is therefore essential to count for when evaluating one's mood.
E – Empathy Everyone deserves to be seen and understood. Empathy is a key for therapeutic success. True empathy takes place when someone gets what it’s like to be you, with no judgments. Then your inner thoughts and shameful feelings are met with understanding and compassion. Empathy is the foundation for successful treatment, it is a part of treatment, but is not to be mistaken as the only tool in my belt.
A – Assessment of Resistance. Many of us want to change, but when it comes to it, we reconsider, we ask ourselves how bad do I want it and whether it's worth the effort. Sometimes we innocently fall into old patterns and promise to start again tomorrow. We are hardwired to gravitate toward the familiar and changing patterns and habits do not come easy. Assessment of Resistance helps us understand if you are ready and willing to learn new tools and most importantly employ them or they would not work.
M – Methods CBT comprises of many methods tailored to help specific problems. CBT offers over a hundred methods of treatment. Different methods are used for different problems and different personalities. In TEAM-CBT Methods are the last part in the treatment plan (second to last, due to relapse prevention). Executing methods in treatment leads to symptoms relief and insight development, leaving you empowered, aware, and resilient.
Practice Policies
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I normally see clients once a week. Sessions are 50 minutes long.
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Bi-weekly sessions are also called booster sessions. They are limited to 4-8 weeks and meant to boost your skills and confidence.
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Intensives - You can save yourself the hassle of going to therapy for weeks by attending a weekend intensive. Intensives consolidate several hours of therapy into a day or two over a weekend. Click here to schedule an intensive.
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Accepted forms of payment - checks, credit cards, FSA, HSA.
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Out-of-network! I do not take insurance! Please consult with your insurance about out-of-network provider eligibility.
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Missed appointments and late cancellations delay treatment progress. I have a 48 hour cancellation policy. Late cancellation may entail a payment of a full session fee,
