What is it?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment that has been proven effective for depression, anxiety disorders and eating disorders. By identifying and changing distorted beliefs and maladaptive behaviors and habits, clients can reduce their distress and improve their quality of life. CBT is a present-focused therapy that addresses a client’s most pressing problems. There are many variations of cognitive behavioral therapies, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and mindfulness-based therapies.

Who can benefit?
CBT can be an effective treatment for individuals of all ages with a variety of presenting problems. While therapy is always a process, clients who commit to actively engaging in session and completing homework will benefit the most. For those who have engaged in more process-oriented therapy, CBT may offer a hopeful alternative to making concrete changes in the present.

What can I expect?
CBT therapists work collaboratively with clients to set treatment targets and take an active approach in working towards these goals. Through curiosity and questioning, therapists help clients identify patterns of thinking that are maladaptive and lead to problematic behaviors or high levels of distress. CBT therapists teach skills in session for clients to practice between
sessions in their real life. With these newly acquired skills, clients are prepared to act as their own therapist and are better equipped to cope with future stressors long after therapy is complete. A typical course of therapy is approximately 20 sessions over 6-9 months, but may vary based on the severity and duration of the presenting problem, presence of comorbid conditions, and individual need.