Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) targets the THOUGHTS and BEHAVIORS that affect our wellbeing and impact how well we cope with stress and difficult situations. The goal of CBT is to develop ways of thinking and behaving that promote better mood, stronger self-esteem and a richer quality of life.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy is:
BASED ON RESEARCH.
The techniques used are empirically tested and their efficacy demonstrated. Examples of these are cognitive re-structuring, relaxation training, skills training, and systematic desensitization.
GOAL ORIENTED.
In some cases, the goal may be a reduction in symptoms (intensity and/or frequency). In other cases, the objective may be to have the confidence to engage in activities previously avoided or to develop better skills or habits.
PRESENT ORIENTED.
The emphasis is on the factors that maintain a problem, with history being relevant only to the extent that it informs us about the current problem. For instance, social anxiety involves a thinking pattern that needs to be modified, regardless of how it originated. This way, treatment is not made more complex or longer than is needed to achieve the treatment goal(s).
Problem definition, prevalence, and treatment
Depression and other Mood Disorders
Specific phobia (e.g., flying, blood, insects, etc)
Procrastination and Other Unhealthy Habits
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Difficulties with Social Skills & Relationships
Please note that we do not treat Personality Disorders at our clinic.
Selected Book References
For information on Cognitive Behavior Therapy in general, please see:
Change your thinking: Overcome stress, anxiety and depression, and improve your life with CBT.
Sarah Edelman, Ph.D. (2007).
Marlowe & Company, Avalon Publishing, ISBN-13: 978-1-60094-052-1
Feeling Good.
David Burns, M.D. (1999).
Penguin Books Ltd., ISBN 0-452-28132-6
Mind over Mood: Change how you feel by changing the way you think.
Dennis Greenberger, Ph.D. & Christine Padesky, Ph.D. (1995).
The Guilford Press. ISBN 0-89862-128-3