What is Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)?

"Cognitive behavior therapy is one of the few forms of psychotherapy that has been scientifically tested and found to be effective in hundreds of clinical trials for many different disorders. In contrast to other forms of psychotherapy, cognitive therapy is usually more focused on the present, more limited in duration, and more problem-solving oriented. In addition, patients learn specific skills that they can use for the rest of their lives. These skills involve identifying distorted thinking, modifying beliefs, relating to others in different ways, and changing behaviors." [Learn more: Beck Institute]

CBT doesn’t ignore the past, as the past is what facilitated in the creation of negative and irrational beliefs. The difference between CBT and other therapies, such as psychodynamic therapy, is that CBT is interested in more than just insight. The goal is to provide insight and support as well as different perspectives, challenges, strategies, and tools to CHANGE the irrational beliefs, which therefore changes how you feel.

Other modalities that fall under CBT include parent management training, executive functioning coaching, traditional exposure therapy with response prevention, social skills training, trauma-focused CBT, cognitive behavioral therapy- insomnia (CBTI) and rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT).

commonly treated with cbt: 

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders (including generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, and specific phobias), depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), learning disabilities, trichotillomania, reactive attachment disorder, enuresis, encopresis, selective mutism (SM), insomnia, generalized behavior disturbances, new adjustments, etc.

What you should know

Sessions: Standard CBT sessions last 45 minutes. The average patient comes in 1x per week, however more sessions are possible depending on the nature and severity of the problem. Sessions typically focus on reviewing cognitive, emotional and behavioral strategies related to the symptoms you are experiencing. Patients are expected to practice strategies outside of the office and come to their next session ready to review. Each patient will have individualized strategies and expectations. No treatment plan, individual session, or outside assignment is based off of a cookie-cutter approach.

Getting Started: All new patients will first complete the initial consultation, a 30 minute preliminary conversation between the patient or parent / guardian and Dr. Heather Davidson. 

About: Dr. Heather Davidson is a Licensed Psychologist and Board Certified Neurofeedback Provider in both New York State and Virginia. Although she is an expert in Child Psychology, Dr. Davidson works with patients of all ages.