Thea Vondracek LMFT

CBT has been identified as an evidenced-based approach to effectively treat mood disturbance such as anxiety, anger, and depression. The concept is that our thoughts, feelings, and actions are all connected. While we might not be able to totally control our initial emotional response to something, we can choose how we react to it (what we say or do). Changing how we think about things and view the world can impact the intensity of our emotional responses.

We live in relationships. Finding a way to have peaceful and supportive relationships is an important part of our overall well-being. One of the biggest challenges to successful relationships is communication. Communication is fraught with challenges because it isn't just about the words we speak. It's about intention and perception of what is being said and heard. For more information on communication, go to www.psychologicalgumdrops.com and read my communication ideas.

The Person-centered approach includes unconditional positive regard by the therapist of the client (no judgement). The solutions to the client's concerns are within the client and can be identified through talk therapy in a safe therapeutic relationship. When we talk things out loud, versus ruminating within our own head, we process our thoughts differently. The client determines the content of the session. An effective therapeutic relationship is necessary for successful therapy.

One of our biggest challenges in our relationships is how we communicate with ourselves (thinking processes) and others. Communication is not just about the words we use. Communication includes tone, body language, intention, and perception of what is said and heard. Being "heard" is not the same as being understood. Being understood is not the same as agreement. Using concepts from The Gottman Method can improve your understanding of your partner.

Excessive anxiety, depression, and anger contribute to feelings of distress within our relationships and our world. Learning how to manage our thought processes and our behaviors can reduce the intensity of our emotional responses to our experiences. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy interventions teach us how to stop-think-act so that we engage in relationships in a healthy and connected way.

Excessive anxiety, depression, and anger contribute to feelings of distress within our relationships and our world. Learning how to manage our thought processes and our behaviors can reduce the intensity of our emotional responses to our experiences. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy interventions teach us how to stop-think-act so that we engage in relationships in a healthy and connected way.

Excessive anxiety, depression, and anger contribute to feelings of distress within our relationships and our world. Learning how to manage our thought processes and our behaviors can reduce the intensity of our emotional responses to our experiences. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy interventions teach us how to stop-think-act so that we engage in relationships in a healthy and connected way.