Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is one of the more commonly known about models. I enjoy using CBT because often times it is a natural fit for many. It works with our thoughts in a manner that sometimes can feel more natural to many. You can learn about unhealthy thinking patterns all while changing your patterns to be more helpful for you. Often times, when I engage in this model with clients, there's a level of insight people discover that can often create the "ah ha" moments that are amazing to witness as well.

I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy concepts, otherwise known as CBT, to explore connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to make shifts in how life is approached. Adlerian theoretical concepts, such as the importance of belonging, striving for purpose, and understanding patterns is my foundational approach to structuring treatment. And within these theories I use art, sand tray, play, and talk to navigate the course of therapy.

CBT focuses on challenging and changing cognitive distortions and behaviors, improving emotional regulation, and the development of personal coping strategies that target solving current problems.

This therapeutic technique helps take a closer look at beliefs or thoughts. When we can make small changes to our thoughts, we can have big changes in our feelings and actions.

One of my therapy approaches is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is an effective and evidence-based method that can help my clients achieve their goals. CBT is grounded in the principle that our thoughts, feelings, and actions are interconnected, and that by modifying one of them, we can influence the others. With less emphasis on the cognitive aspect of identifying and challenging negative thoughts, my integration of CBT places the focus on the behavioral aspect.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a skill-based treatment that focuses on the interconnection of one’s thoughts, behaviors, and emotional experiences. The therapist teaches techniques to examine and reduce unhelpful thoughts and implement new ways behaving outside of the sessions that result in desired emotional and behavioral outcomes.

I practice trauma-focused CBT. I utilize CBT to support clients in being more aware of the link between thoughts, feelings and behaviors to reach their treatment goals.

By using CBT, I help clients with exploring the connecting between their thoughts, emotions, and behavior. I like CBT because it allows clients to explore their thoughts and determine if they are distorted. The elements of CBT are easy to understand and can be applied in and outside of sessions.

When I took a certificate program in CBT, I realized that this it is how I automatically and already approached therapy.

CBT is a very effective therapy for many issues. It's a partnership between you and I and focuses on both the ways you act and belief you have which might may be unhelpful to you. For example, If we change a particular way of thinking (or acting), we can change our emotions and actions (or thinking). Sometimes we have assumptions (like the belief "I am unlovable") that can affect our lives without even being aware of it. When we can see the lies in those beliefs, our lives can completely change.

The impact of our thoughts and beliefs on our daily lives can often have an overlooked impact on the ways in which we function. Many of us have developed negative core beliefs over time in which there is not necessarily any evidence of a future struggle occurring. I have used Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with a variety of clients, in settings such as schools, assisted living facilities, and dialysis clinics when attempting to improve a patient's overall quality of life.

CBT is a model which I truly believe has the capacity to aid others in changing for good. I have been trained to administer it for children, up to senior adults. I believe that our thoughts, feelings and behaviors are intertwined and when one of them becomes unhealthy, the others suffer. My mission is to utilize this modality to ensure that you feel symmetry in your life and maintain a sense of balance while achieving your goals.

CBT is an evidence-based form of therapy that focuses on changing patterns of thinking (cognitions) and behaviors associated with anxiety. CBT is supported by research and considered to be the “gold standard” treatment for anxiety disorders. Research indicates that over 60% of those who undergo CBT experience a significant improvement in anxiety symptoms in 12 - 20 sessions. The tools and skills learned during CBT last a lifetime!

I have extensive training in both CBT, DBT and Trauma-focused CBT and am a Certified Trauma Professional Counselor. I have worked with trauma survivors and their families over the past 20 + years.

Often when we feel distressed, our thoughts can be our own worst enemies. Using CBT, you'll develop the skills to challenge and defeat those negative thoughts, as well as gaining control over the emotions that can feel so overwhelming.