Common Questions
What is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)?
CBT is a structured, relatively short-term type of therapy aimed at producing cognitive change—modifications in your thoughts and beliefs—to bring about enduring emotional and behavioral change.
What can I expect from therapy?
People seek therapy for many different reasons, so the therapy will vary according to individual needs. Common issues that may be addressed in therapy include depression, anxiety, trauma-related problems, marital/relationship problems, unresolved childhood issues, work issues and problems with self-esteem. In a typical CBT session, we start with a mood check, briefly discuss the important events that happened during the week and set an agenda for the session. Most of the session is spent on discussing the items on the agenda (the agenda is determined jointly by the client and me). At the end of the session we agree on homework for the coming week and summarize what we went over in that session. Lastly, the client has the opportunity to give feedback on how the session went. During the week, clients work on homework assignments that we have designed together to help them lift their mood; work on stress and anxiety management; collect data on their thoughts, feelings and behaviors; and experiment with new, more healthy behaviors. Clients who are committed to doing homework and coming to all of their sessions will experience the most rapid and rewarding progress.
How often will I have therapy sessions?
Although it can vary, most clients start out with weekly sessions. Thereafter, as the clients improve, we typically decrease the frequency of sessions. After therapy has concluded I am available for further sessions if needed.
How long are therapy sessions?
A typical session lasts 50-60 minutes.
How long will I be in therapy?
Although this varies with the needs of the individual client, most people are in therapy for a period of a few months to a year.
What about confidentiality?
I will not discuss your case with anyone without your prior written consent except in the following situations (as mandated by state law and by professional ethics):
- If I have reason to suspect that you are in serious danger or harming yourself or others.
- If I suspect abuse or neglect of children, adults or elders, based on information provided by you or by collateral sources, in which case I am legally required to report the situation to the proper authorities (including child protection and law enforcement agencies).