OCD
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) for OCD focuses on reducing the frequency and intensity of intrusive irrational thoughts. This treatment is very homework oriented based on a treatment plan formulated with the patient after establishing a hierarchy of fears.
Exposure and Response Prevention treatment focuses on teaching the anxiety tolerating and thought dismissal techniques that can allow the patient to dismiss the irrational thoughts while not engaging in the response/ritual.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a unique empirically-based psychological intervention that uses acceptance and mindfulness processes, and commitment and behavior change to produce psychological flexibility. ACT is different from traditional CBT in that it teaches you how to accept and embrace unpleasant thoughts, feelings and sensations rather than trying to control or eliminate them.
Mindfulness-Based CBT teaches “dismissal” of unwanted thoughts, feelings, and urges, by making no effort to avoid or control them. With the paradoxical approach of mindfulness, the goal is to accept the presence of these unwanted experiences, rather than fighting them. Mindfulness-Based CBT teaches how to ignore the intrusive irrational thought while also learning how to tolerate and subsequently reduce the painful anxiety that comes from not engaging in the ritual.
Anxiety & Depression
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) focuses on reducing the frequency and intensity of intrusive irrational thoughts. This treatment is very homework oriented, based on a treatment plan formulated with the patient. Treatment focuses on teaching the anxiety tolerating and thought dismissal techniques that can allow the patient to ignore the irrational thoughts while not engaging in avoidance behaviors. For depression, we utilize cognitive restructuring to recognize and significantly alter thought patterns, as a way of reacting differently to our thoughts changing the course of depression. Behavioral Activation encourages the depressed patient to participate in meaningful activities to ward off the isolation and withdrawal common in depression.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a unique empirically-based psychological intervention that uses acceptance and mindfulness processes, and commitment and behavior change to produce psychological flexibility. ACT is different from traditional CBT in that it teaches you how to accept and embrace unpleasant thoughts, feelings and sensations rather than trying to control or eliminate them.
Mindfulness-Based CBT teaches you how to “dismiss” unwanted thoughts, feelings, and urges, by making no effort to avoid or control them. With the paradoxical approach of mindfulness, the goal is to accept the presence of these unwanted experiences, rather than fighting them. Mindfulness-Based CBT allows you learn how to ignore the intrusive irrational thought while also learning how to tolerate and subsequently reduce painful anxiety.
& Other Disorders
Maladaptive Perfectionism
There are three types of perfectionism: Self-oriented, Other-Oriented, and Socially Prescribed. Maladaptive Perfectionism or Malignant Perfectionism refers to a maladaptive response to stressors such as analysis paralysis or excessive extreme procrastination. These rigid and exacting standards can lead to task avoidance, which often leads to self-sabotage. ACT teaches perfectionists how to accept and embrace imperfection, teaching cognitive flexibility which actually results in more effective and efficient cognitive processing.
ADD & ADHD
Mindfulness-Based CBT teaches increased focus and attention to improve performance with homework, testing, and at work. Redirecting errant thoughts and focusing on the present is thought to rebalance neural networks and has been shown to improve executive function, visuospatial processing and working memory. Mindfulness increases concentration and reduces distractibility.
Coping Skills & Social Skills Training
Sometimes we reach adolescence without knowing how to effectively cope with having a rough day. The following skills and techniques are taught: Assertiveness Training, Social Skills Training and Emotional Regulation & Distress Tolerance Training.
Weight Loss
Utilizing ACT and mindfulness for weight loss means learning to accept not only your current weight but learning to embrace and love your current body, whereby you learn to take better care of it and make healthier choices in eating and activities. When we teach ourselves that self-love/esteem is conditional to weight loss, the subsequent weight loss is less likely to be long-term and sustainable. Mindfulness helps reduce stress which decreases impulsive, bored or anxious eating habits. Mindfulness eating encourages being more present while eating, slowing down our food intake, and most importantly enjoying our meals.
Insomnia
ACT for insomnia teaches you to stop trying to control your sleep. By increasing your psychological flexibility, you allow thoughts and feelings to arrive without trying to block them. Learning to restructure your fears regarding your next day’s performance will help you embrace your possible less-than-perfect performance with grace and paradoxically improve your sleep hygiene.
Parenting Anxious Children
Parenting an anxious child is extremely stressful and normal parenting techniques such as reassurance can actually increase a child’s anxiety. Parents are taught behavioral techniques to learn how not to reinforce irrational fears, discourage avoidance and learn how to maintain empathy in spite of increased stress.
