Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy s a short-term, goal-oriented psychotherapeutic treatment that has a practical approach to problem solving. The goal is to change the patterns of thinking or behavior that are behind people’s difficulties, and thus change the way they feel. It is used to help treat a wide range of problems in a person’s life, from sleeping difficulties or relationship problems, to drug and alcohol abuse or anxiety and depression. An important advantage of cognitive-behavioral therapy is that it tends to be short, taking five to ten months for most emotional problems. During this time, we work together to understand what the problems are and develop new strategies to address them. CBT introduces patients to a set of principles they can apply whenever they need it, and it will last a lifetime.

This approach is Client-Centered because I believe that people have an actualizing tendency, or a desire to fulfill their potential and become the best people that they can be. My goal is to be as non-directive as possible, instead focusing on guiding clients in subtle ways.

Its important to use maximize time, and effort with a solution-focused approach to therapy. My aims is to develop realistic solutions as quickly as possible , since the issues originally bringing an individual to therapy often continue to have a negative impact.

There are many unique challenges in dealing with trauma. As a trauma-informed therapist, I am trained to recognize the signs and symptoms in clients, and the widespread impact it can have. This knowledge of trauma is integrated into all policies, procedures, and practices. For more information about trauma, read about the many sizes and shapes of trauma

Because each therapy client is in control of their journey, results will vary greatly from one person to another. Change can be very difficult and at times people find that they are not ready to change. As a therapist I will encourage healthy change but will not force it. Therapy can be like gardening in that “seeds are planted” that will later grow up to be a strong, beautiful garden.