Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
for depression and anxiety disorders.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a therapeutic approach that focuses on our perceptions and behaviors. CBT helps us understand how our emotional state influences the way we think, and how our thoughts influence the way we behave. While EVERYONE experiences distorted thoughts and occasionally focuses on only the negative aspects of life, CBT allows YOU to think and feel differently. To learn how to change your thinking and utilize tools to help you feel empowered
Depression
Depression should not be treated like a minor nuisance in your life. In fact, depression can range from a low negative mood to a life-threatening condition. When we are depressed we tend to think that there is something wrong with us, with others, or with the world. With a collaborative effort and the use of CBT, you can overcome your depression and begin to feel happy, confident, and in control of your own emotional state. At times, combining CBT and Medication treatment is recommended (prescribed by an MD). Learning tools to change the way you feel can be life-changing and lead to a more positive holistic life.
Click here now to discover how we can work together to treat depression.
Anxiety
Anxiety disorders are triggered by fear and stress; the source of fear can be real or imagined. It begins with the thought "what if ..." and ends with a catastrophe that we created in our minds.
Anxiety-based disorders include panic attacks, phobias, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Trichotillomania (hair-pulling), social anxiety, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Tic disorder, and more. When anxiety symptoms interfere with daily functions, it is important to get help and build the skills that will help you manage the disruption anxiety has brought to your life.
Trauma
Trauma is an emotional and psychological response to a distressing event that is life-threatening or could cause serious injury. This includes exposure to violence that is physical, emotional, or sexual. We can further experience trauma by witnessing such occurrences happening to others. Trauma can be experienced immediately or can have a delayed onset. CBT for trauma includes exposure treatment called Prolonged Exposure. The elimination of the negative thoughts caused by feelings like guilt, shame, and regret is also important.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety-related disorder. Individuals with OCD experience intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that are rather distressing and uncomfortable.
Attempting to mange the discomfort caused by the intrusive thought, individuals with OCD develop behaviors known as rituals (compulsions). When the rituals do not work, the individual with OCD tries harder and repeats the rituals over and over. OCD affects both adults and children and can be debilitating and time-consuming, affecting multiple aspects of life.
Treatment includes Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Serotonin Selective Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI), and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) is a treatment of choice for a variety of anxiety-related disorders and is the most effective method in the treatment of OCD. The exposure is usually done gradually, to prevent a state of overwhelm and build confidence and tolerance to the discomfort.
With the support of the ERP therapist, clients learn to expand their ability to cope with the distress. During Response Prevention we learn to respond differently to anxiety. We learn to face it and tolerate it instead of avoiding it until we see its powerlessness.
Child and Adolescent Therapy
Child and Adolescent therapy provide children with tools needed to alleviate depression, sadness, irritability, and anxiety. Depending on the child's age and level of maturity, parents coaching, skill training, and psychoeducation about the child's condition is an essential part of the treatment plan. I have powerful tools that will help you and your child cope with challenges, emotional issues (like sadness and irritability), and relationship difficulties. Together we can work through barriers in communication, conflicting parenting styles, restlessness, and daily stress in balancing all of life’s roles. By utilizing an integrated approach, along with CBT principles, my goal is to enhance treatment efficiency that aligns with YOUR goals. Contact me to discuss potential options for you and your child's unique situation.