Specialties
CBT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment which addresses the connection between thoughts, feelings and behaviors. The goal of therapy is to identify thought patterns and behaviors that disrupt daily living and implement changes to improve functioning.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of CBT focused on living a meaningful, value-filled life, even if doing so may sometimes involve tolerating unwanted thoughts and feelings. ACT integrates mindfulness and thought defusion to tolerate and move through discomfort. ACT can be used as an adjunct to CBT. The name of this therapy references “accepting” unwanted feelings, while concurrently “committing” to valued action.
ACT
ERP
ACT-informed Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) encompasses the integration ACT and ERP (a form of CBT) which is the gold-standard of treatment for OCD.
In ERP, individuals create a fear hierarchy, gradually moving through increasingly anxiety provoking stimuli while resisting compulsions. ACT-informed ERP is a combined approach enhancing traditional ERP by teaching clients to accept uncomfortable thoughts and feelings while resisting compulsions in order to live life according to their goals and values.
ERP works most effectively when practiced regularly in and outside of therapy sessions.
Habit Reversal Therapy (HRT) and the Comprehensive Behavioral Model (ComB) are both evidence-based treatments for body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRB) including trichotillomania, skin-picking, lip biting, or cheek chewing.
HRT involves awareness training and developing competing responses which are incompatible with the BFRB. ComB expands on HRT by focusing on functional assessment, seeking to identify the thoughts, feelings, circumstances, and triggers that drive an individual's BFRB. Interventions are tailored to fit the array of factors contributing to the maintenance of the BFRB. ACT strategies are integrated to helps individuals manage urges rather than trying to suppress or eliminate them.