Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is based on several core principles: Psychological problems are based, in part, on faulty or unhelpful ways of thinking. Psychological problems are based, in part, on learned patterns of unhelpful behavior. People suffering from psychological problems can learn better ways of coping with them, thereby relieving their symptoms and becoming more effective in their lives. CBT treatment usually involves efforts to change thinking patterns.

CBT is often an approach to therapy that is structured and skills-based. You will learn practical tools and strategies for shifting your thoughts, feelings, and actions to create change in your life. CBT teaches cognitive awareness and restructuring to impact how you feel and act. CBT takes a snapshot of your life, gives you opportunities to practice managing stress/change, and offers the effective tools you need to apply it generally in various areas of your life.

I have advanced training in CBT and other CBT-based treatments, including Acceptance Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Because of my years of experience and training in these and other effective methods, I am very comfortable adapting these approaches to each unique person's needs and beliefs about healing.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a type of top down therapy that examines how someone thinks and how that thinking may impact their feelings, and then their actions. CBT is great for folks who spend a lot of time in their heads, experiencing negative, repetitive thoughts. It is also helpful for those who see repetitive patterns of behavior or relationships in their lives. We'll use tools from CBT to create an awareness of where these patterns are coming from and to learn how we can shift them.

Concrete tools to increase awareness of the relationship between thoughts, feelings and behavioral patterns, to create beneficial changes.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a treatment approach primarily used for individuals with anxiety and depression although it is effective for other mental health issues as well. This treatment approach helps individuals break down cognitive distortions and mistaken or false beliefs so they can transform their thinking patterns and find relief in their symptoms.

CBT and changing behaviors is how I measure change with my clients. I believe in being proactive instead of reactive when it comes to managing a client's behavior in adults and children. Our behavior is what makes or breaks relationships.

I have extensive training and experience utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in counseling and use it as my primary approach to treatment.

During my post-doctoral fellowship at the San Diego Veterans Affairs hospital, I gained significant experience in integrating cognitive behavioral techniques into my work with clients. Depending on the particular needs and goals of each client, CBT skills in our sessions can include gaining awareness of particular thought patterns that might be getting in your way, as well as practicing how to challenge those thoughts/beliefs and how to reframe them to be more helpful or self-compassionate.

The STORY we tell ourselves about our life, events that happen, and those around us, is much more powerful than you may think. It is your locus of control in life. I use CBT to help clients "flip the script" to one that is more accurate and more helpful, allowing them to get "unstuck", lean into joy and start living the life they want today.

My principle training was in addictions, pain management and rehabilitation psychology. I was trained in this modality as a principle intervention with these populations.

What you think as you go through your day affects how you feel. When you feel better, you act better. The way you behave contributes to how you feel. CBT is empowering. We'll look at the interaction of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. When we examine your Core Beliefs- about yourself, your life, and your future, you will gain the power to change how you think about every situation you are in, and you can think, feel, and act more effectively.

I have specific training in CBT , specialized training as a lawyer and undergraduate degree in Philosophy that makes me particularly adept at helping clients identify and process self-defeating behaviors and distorted cognitions. Facilitating the understanding of the connection between thoughts, behaviors and emotions empowers clients to change unhealthy habits and attain relief from their distress.

Cognitive behavioral therapy, Trauma systems therapy, Solutions-focused therapy, Eclectic therapy, and Person-centered and CCTP to explore healthy coping strategies.

CBT treatment usually involves efforts to change thinking patterns. These strategies might include: • Learning to recognize one’s distortions in thinking that are creating problems, and then to reevaluate them in light of reality. • Gaining a better understanding of the behavior and motivation of others. • Using problem-solving skills to cope with difficult situations. • Learning to develop a greater sense of confidence in one’s own abilities.

I love CBT because it allows you, the client, to continue what we do in session in your everyday life. While you may not enjoy the homework that comes with CBT, it can often support you in feeling better faster. So many people come into therapy and want tools and CBT provides the tools that will allow you to create change.