What is CBT?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an umbrella term for a group of therapies that share a common approach to understanding people and their behaviors. It focuses on actively changing thoughts and behaviors to drive emotional change and improve one’s quality of life and is adaptable to different therapeutic needs.

There are many types of CBT approaches. Some are overall theoretical frameworks, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT); others are diagnosis or symptom-specific, such as Exposure therapy (ErP), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions). Each of these therapies incorporates distinct CBT skills, and we tailor our approach using a combination of these skills to meet the unique needs of each individual case.

CBT differs from traditional psychotherapy in several ways that make it more effective in treating many disorders and problems.

  • Symptom Focused 
    CBT's main focus is on reducing current symptoms and attaining goals. 

  • Short Term 
    Since CBT focuses on alleviating specific symptoms and reaching defined goals, treatment typically takes months, not years.

  • Scientifically Validated 
    CBT has been researched and proven as an effective treatment for many disorders and problems. In fact, for several disorders CBT has been shown to work as well as or better than medication.

What To Expect From CBT

All patients will begin with an initial session designed to help the therapist gather information and establish rapport. This foundational step ensures a comfortable and collaborative start to the therapeutic process. The next two to three sessions involve a comprehensive assessment to identify the most appropriate treatment approach. Throughout this process, we prioritize establishing a strong therapeutic relationship and setting a comfortable pace to ensure your unique needs are addressed in a thoughtful and methodical manner.