Treatment Information
THERAPIES USED IN TREATMENT
I use cognitive and behavioral therapies (CBT) in my treatment of individuals addressing eating and health, anxiety and stress and depression and self-esteem. CBT is actually a combination of treatments and techniques that address various aspects of a person’s experience, including feelings, thoughts and behaviors. Many cognitive and behavioral therapies have been demonstrated through research to be effective in the treatment of a variety of disorders. One of the main tenets of cognitive therapy is that our thoughts influence the way we feel and by actually modifying the way we think or interpret events we can alter the way we feel. The behavioral components of CBT allow us to identify unhealthy patterns of behavior, examine why we repeat behaviors that affect us negatively and guide us toward healthier patterns.
Recently, mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT) has demonstrated effectiveness in treatment of depression, anxiety and disordered eating. I use these techniques in treatment to help increase an individual’s awareness for his/her current mind state and to obtain a healthier relationship with one’s thoughts and emotions.
OUR SESSION
►During the first one to three sessions, I assess the individual’s presentation of symptoms, current mood and mental state as well as acquire a history of the problem(s) and obtain background information including developmental, medical, social and family history.
►Upon completion of the assessment, I discuss with the individual whether my areas of expertise offer a suitable match to the person’s issues and goals of treatment.
►If it seems like an appropriate match, the client and I then prioritize goals for treatment and I explain how treatment would target these goals.
►Throughout treatment, I periodically assess the client’s progress and the client and I refine goals collaboratively, as the client’s status changes.
►Once goals are reached, we prepare for the end of therapy through a discussion of progress, skills acquired, and future signs of arising concerns that may warrant additional booster sessions with me or therapy with another provider.
►If after the initial assessment it appears that my areas of expertise are not suitable to treat the individual’s presenting issues, I work with the person to find a suitable provider whose areas of expertise would offer a better match for treatment.
APPROACHES TO TREATMENT
I work with the individual (or family) in a holistic sense, respectful of the individual's strengths, resources, as well as areas of need. Treatment addresses multiple aspects of a person's experience, including emotions, physiological responses, thoughts, and behaviors.
Using a compassionate, respectful approach, I listen to the client to hear his/her perspective on what is challenging in life and how s/he would like things to be different. I work in collaboration with the client who is an active agent of change in the treatment.
Therapies that have demonstrated effectiveness through research form the foundation of my practice. This means that researchers have studied these treatments and have shown that they are effective in helping people reduce symptoms and improve the quality of their life.
I view collaboration with other health professionals as integral to promoting continuity of care. If the client agrees, I coordinate treatment with the client's other health professionals including psychiatrists, primary care physicians, gynecologists and nutritionists.