Areas of Expertise
Evidence Based Treatment for Anxiety and OCD
Inference- Based Therapy (I-CBT)
This evidence-based treatment for OCD is a cognitive approach that tackles OCD by resolving the obsessional doubt that drives the disorder. I-CBT teaches clients to learn to trust their senses and themselves rather than the immersive and compelling OCD narrative. In this treatment, the reasoning process that draws someone into their obsessional doubt is shown to be distinctly different from non-OCD reasoning. I-CBT allows clients to begin to identify the faulty application of OCD logic in their daily lives and return to self trust. This treatment does not require use of exposures.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
This treatment approach is a behavioral intervention that works by “exposing” the individual to an element of their fear through a gradual, systematic, method while practicing resisting “safety” compulsions. For example, if you were afraid of door knobs we would practice first saying the word door knob, then imagining door knobs and finally touching door knobs (with increasing periods of time) while reducing the avoidance that is driving the fear. ERP works to help the individual learn to tolerate their fear so that they have the opportunity to learn that thoughts, images and feelings are safe and not proof that their fears are likely to happen. Returning to the door knob example, by practicing exposure, the individual has the opportunity to teach their mind new key learning: door knobs are safe even if the mind is screaming “run!”
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT is a treatment modality that uses acceptance, self-compassion and mindfulness based approaches that allows individuals to slow down and begin to practice noticing and opening up to their emotional experiences without falling into the trap of compulsions. This is used alongside exposure to practice moving through triggering incidents while staying present, increasing awareness of “what is” instead of “what if.” ACT can build motivation in treatment as clients are asked to identify and connect to their values as they commit to behaviors that allow them to move towards the things that matter most.
CBT is an evidence based treatment for anxiety that examines the impact thoughts have on our emotional states and the way we interpret ourselves, our world and the actions we take. Together, we increase empowerment by naming and identifying unhelpful internal dialogues to reduce entanglement in these painful narratives. In this practice we recognize how to develop a healthy relationship and partnership with our thoughts and feelings while establishing more helpful inner beliefs and narratives. This is not used to reassure OCD fears, but rather to challenge the idea that thoughts or feelings are facts. We will look at the distortions that are inherent in our thoughts and how they play into the function of OCD so we can outsmart this bully.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
We provide thorough assessment to aid in identifying specific presenting concerns and tailor therapeutic approaches to client needs. The initial phase of therapy includes mental health education so that a new understanding can be developed. Therapy is both self- awareness building and development of helpful client-tailored tools, which together, contributes to living a meaningful life. We work in partnership with our clients to build self-compassion and acceptance. Your story and experience are a privilege and at the foundation of our work is the building of trust and respect.
