FAQ's

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The first appointment is an evaluation.  This is not a commitment on my part and not a commitment on the patient's part.  I'll ask many questions to try to figure out what the problem is and I'll describe how we might solve the problem together.  The patient has to decide if this makes sense to them and if it's something they would like to do at this time in their life.  If so, then we go on to schedule the first treatment session.

Cognitive-behavioral treatment or therapy (CBT) is not traditional talk therapy.  It is a scientifically tested treatment that involves the therapist making very specific recommendations and teaching specific techniques for improving behaviors, thoughts, and feelings.  Think of it more like a coach and an athlete.  It's the coach's job to think of exercises that are not too difficult and likely to make the athlete's abilities improve and it's the athlete's job to be willing and able to work hard.

No, I do not take insurance at my practice.  However, I do have the software to submit claims electronically on your behalf so no paperwork is typically needed.  

CBT has been demonstrated to be the most effective treatment for anxiety disorders, such as OCD, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, and phobias.  It has also been demonstrated to be highly effective in managing behavioral disturbances in childhood, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), and Conduct Disorder.  Mood disorders, such as Major Depression and Bipolar Depression have been found to respond to cognitive-behavioral interventions as well.  Repetitive conditions, such as tics, hair-pulling, and skin-picking also respond to CBT. 

This question implies that the problems we treat are caused by subconscious factors and that insight into these factors solves the problems.  This has not been demonstrated to be true.  It's been demonstrated that genetic, behavioral, and cognitive factors better predict things like anxiety and depression.  CBT typically involves making changes to behaviors and thoughts that result in long-lasting, measurable changes in emotions, thinking, behavior, and even brain activity.  Remember, though, that the idea that the "root cause" has to be some unresolved conflict from childhood is only one way of looking at a problem and not necessarily the most scientific way.